How to Import/Export SSE Nifs using Blender

[Rawtoast13]

I wanted to start by saying that I'm very new to modding and want to get better so please tell me if I'm doing something wrong and being a big dumb, thanks.

 

So I'm trying to mod Skyrim Special Edition and want to make an armor mod for a custom follower using the CBBE body. I've looked up the issue of Importing NIF files into Blender on YouTube and found that I need to use a third party program to convert the NIF files from SSE into OBJs before Importing them. (Which pretty much makes the Niftools addon useless as far as I know). I looked up some programs and found that Outfit Studio is able to do this so I tested it out and found that it does work. However exporting as OBJ in Outfit Studio doesn't export the skeleton with it and when I export as FBX and open in Blender the mesh as well as the skeleton are distorted. So what I did instead was use the Niftools addon to Import the skeleton into Blender which somehow works with SSE and parented my edited mesh to it. (I also did weight painting to ensure the bones move the mesh properly). Then I exported as FBX and opened in Outfit Studio, but found that the mesh was tilted roughly 90 degrees to the side and twisted a little. I also messed around with posing the bones but it wasn't working properly. I went back to check the export settings and found they were all correct, at least as far as I know. At that point I pretty much gave up trying to figure it out on my own.

 

I guess what I'm trying to find out is how exactly people edit SSE NIF files in Blender, or if there is another program that's better at Importing/Exporting SSE NIF files. I've watched videos on YT but they're all of Oldrim or Fallout 3/NV modding. Like I said above, I'm a dumby and want to get better so it would be cool if someone could point out a tutorial or share their knowledge with me, it would be well appreciated.

Edited June 4, 2021 by Rawtoast13

[cupcakeninja64]

A couple questions first. What kind of armor mod is this? Did you build it from scratch or is it an edited version? If you're just editing it a bit (moving meshes, cutting off pieces, etc.) then you should try and stick with Outfit Studio. If you're trying something more fancy, then what you can try is finding the Oldrim version of the file and importing that into blender. Outfit Studio will auto-optimize Oldrim files for you when you import them!

 

It's a pain in the ass that the nif addon doesn't apply to SSE yet (like seriously?). Would you mind telling us what armor it is, or if you're making it from scratch? Also, try this link on how to export https://wiki.beyondskyrim.org/wiki/Arcane_University:Blender_2.7x_Export

[Perraine]

Don't bother with the skeleton when exporting the .nif file, you don't need it. Outfit Studio will export the .obj file into the precise location on the x,y,z, axis that is designed for Skyrim SSE (If you have the latest version of BS/OS and have the correct game selected). It can be a pain to wok on in that position, but I wouldn't recommend moving the entire mesh (**). Once you have finished editing the .obj file in Blender, just export it back out as a .obj and import THAT file into Outfit Studio. OS will add the skeleton, and then just copy the bone weights from whatever "reference" file you've set.

 

(**) If you are worried about lining up the outfit, just import a "reference" .obj file into Blender (I use a copy of the CBBE "nude" body exported as an .obj) Just make sure to delete it before you import back into Outfit Studio, as that can confuse the program.

 

 

I haven't looked in a while, but I think most of the "tutorials" on Youtube are incredibly out of date, and should only be used as a VERY basic starting point.