SSE Custom Objects, a couple simple questions (I hope)

[NaylinMi]

Hey all,

 

Like many others on here, I'm pretty new to modding and have learned a lot from reading this forum and many others as well as watching several YouTube vids. I'm currently working on a building set (walls and such to create buildings with.) I've already figured out how to export my meshes from Blender, add collisions and such, but a couple things are stumping me.

 

First, how/when should I add normal maps? In NifSkope, Blender?

 

Second, how do I get my folder structure into the object window of the Creation Kit? For instance: World Objects --> Static --> Architecture --> MyBuildingSet

 

Oh, I'm modding SSE since I don't have LE in case this helps. Oh, and if I have to add normal maps in NifSkope, should I do it before or after I optimize it for SSE?

 

Thanks, in advance, for any help you guys can give me!

 

~Naylin

 

[Algabar]

Not an expert on buildings, but I'll try:

 

Normal maps should be applied in Nifskope - like any textures. At least that's what I do. You can OFC use Blender to create normal maps or at least the base for them (e.g. a projection from a high poly mesh), but what you're exporting is just the plain mesh, nothing else. So you'll have to "reassemble" it in Nifskope.

 

Not sure, if it is possible at all to add new categories to the creation kit. You can - and should - create your own folders in the game's data folder and link the objects you create in the CK to your own meshes folder.

 

If you apply textures before or after converting a nif to SSE format, shouldn't matter. It's just textures connected with the mesh. You can also change them later on, if you wish.