RED Brushes - Revision history

Goober at 13:04, 26 November 2025

2025-11-26T13:04:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:04, 26 November 2025
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	{{BubbleNav\|RF1Modding}}		{{BubbleNav\|RF1Modding}}
	~~BSP~~ brushes make up the geometry of each [[Red Faction]] level. Generally, level designers will create at least the basic layout of their map with brushes before moving on to placing [[RED Objects\|objects]] or developing scripted sequences. Level design in [[RED]] is somewhat unique in the arena FPS genre due to [[GeoMod]] technology. Because [[GeoMod]] uses the boolean [[RED Functionality Overview#Carve\|carve]] operation, it is only possible to blow craters in level geometry - this leads to Red Faction levels generally relying far more on BSP brush geometry for tasks that other engines may turn to [[RED Objects#Clutter\|static meshes]] for. Because of this, brushwork in RED tends to be much more flexible and reliable than in some other engines, which also enables level designers to create the majority of their level in the editor itself, rather than relying on 3d editing software for much of their custom geometry as is the case in many other engines.		CSG brushes make up the geometry of each [[Red Faction]] level. Generally, level designers will create at least the basic layout of their map with brushes before moving on to placing [[RED Objects\|objects]] or developing scripted sequences. Level design in [[RED]] is somewhat unique in the arena FPS genre due to [[GeoMod]] technology. Because [[GeoMod]] uses the boolean [[RED Functionality Overview#Carve\|carve]] operation, it is only possible to blow craters in level geometry - this leads to Red Faction levels generally relying far more on BSP brush geometry for tasks that other engines may turn to [[RED Objects#Clutter\|static meshes]] for. Because of this, brushwork in RED tends to be much more flexible and reliable than in some other engines, which also enables level designers to create the majority of their level in the editor itself, rather than relying on 3d editing software for much of their custom geometry as is the case in many other engines.

	In short, the [[GeoMod]] engine was designed for BSP brushes to be the primary tool in creating environments.		In short, the [[GeoMod]] engine was designed for BSP brushes to be the primary tool in creating environments.

Goober at 14:22, 28 January 2024

2024-01-28T14:22:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:22, 28 January 2024
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	{{~~Template:RF1Editing~~}}		{{BubbleNav\|RF1Modding}}

	BSP brushes make up the geometry of each [[Red Faction]] level. Generally, level designers will create at least the basic layout of their map with brushes before moving on to placing [[RED Objects\|objects]] or developing scripted sequences. Level design in [[RED]] is somewhat unique in the arena FPS genre due to [[GeoMod]] technology. Because [[GeoMod]] uses the boolean [[RED Functionality Overview#Carve\|carve]] operation, it is only possible to blow craters in level geometry - this leads to Red Faction levels generally relying far more on BSP brush geometry for tasks that other engines may turn to [[RED Objects#Clutter\|static meshes]] for. Because of this, brushwork in RED tends to be much more flexible and reliable than in some other engines, which also enables level designers to create the majority of their level in the editor itself, rather than relying on 3d editing software for much of their custom geometry as is the case in many other engines.		BSP brushes make up the geometry of each [[Red Faction]] level. Generally, level designers will create at least the basic layout of their map with brushes before moving on to placing [[RED Objects\|objects]] or developing scripted sequences. Level design in [[RED]] is somewhat unique in the arena FPS genre due to [[GeoMod]] technology. Because [[GeoMod]] uses the boolean [[RED Functionality Overview#Carve\|carve]] operation, it is only possible to blow craters in level geometry - this leads to Red Faction levels generally relying far more on BSP brush geometry for tasks that other engines may turn to [[RED Objects#Clutter\|static meshes]] for. Because of this, brushwork in RED tends to be much more flexible and reliable than in some other engines, which also enables level designers to create the majority of their level in the editor itself, rather than relying on 3d editing software for much of their custom geometry as is the case in many other engines.

Goober: /* Portal Brushes */

2020-11-16T13:18:09Z

Portal Brushes

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:18, 16 November 2020
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	*Only solid brushes should be added to [[RED Groups#Moving Groups\|moving groups]] - air brushes technically can be added, but they will behave very strangely		*Only solid brushes should be added to [[RED Groups#Moving Groups\|moving groups]] - air brushes technically can be added, but they will behave very strangely
	===Portal Brushes===		===Portal Brushes===
	Literally portals are used in the editor to subdivide levels into [[RED Brushes#Rooms\|rooms]]. Functionally though, portals are used for a few different things in the editor - they are used to control or block visibility and create water, but controlling/blocking visibility is their primary and most important function. Almost every level you create in [[RED]] is going to need to have portals. The rare exception could be very small multiplayer levels. Doors used in conjunction with portals can block visibility when they are closed. There are two types of portals - face portals and brush portals. Face portals are always solid and brush portals are always air. Face portals are most commonly used for portaling a level. Air brush portals are most commonly used for doors.		*See [[RED Portals and Rooms]]
			<!--Literally portals are used in the editor to subdivide levels into [[RED Brushes#Rooms\|rooms]]. Functionally though, portals are used for a few different things in the editor - they are used to control or block visibility and create water, but controlling/blocking visibility is their primary and most important function. Almost every level you create in [[RED]] is going to need to have portals. The rare exception could be very small multiplayer levels. Doors used in conjunction with portals can block visibility when they are closed. There are two types of portals - face portals and brush portals. Face portals are always solid and brush portals are always air. Face portals are most commonly used for portaling a level. Air brush portals are most commonly used for doors.

	Think of portals as faces. If a portal is rendered, everything past that portal is rendered. Only portals block portals, never the faces in a level. Only three things can cause a portal not to render:		Think of portals as faces. If a portal is rendered, everything past that portal is rendered. Only portals block portals, never the faces in a level. Only three things can cause a portal not to render:
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	File:redhelp_portal3.jpg\|Good portal placement. P3 can’t be seen through P1 from most spots in Room A, so when you’re in room A, not much draws. See next figure. Room A and the section of the hallway to P3 renders when looking through P1 from Room A		File:redhelp_portal3.jpg\|Good portal placement. P3 can’t be seen through P1 from most spots in Room A, so when you’re in room A, not much draws. See next figure. Room A and the section of the hallway to P3 renders when looking through P1 from Room A
	File:redhelp_portal4.jpg\|Excellent portal placement. When you’re in room A, room B will never draw. With the nice tight bend in the hallway between P1 and P3, the hallway beyond P3 will never render from Room A side of P1.		File:redhelp_portal4.jpg\|Excellent portal placement. When you’re in room A, room B will never draw. With the nice tight bend in the hallway between P1 and P3, the hallway beyond P3 will never render from Room A side of P1.
	</gallery>		</gallery>-->

	===Detail Brushes===		===Detail Brushes===

Goober: /* Rooms */

2020-11-16T06:09:46Z

Rooms

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:09, 16 November 2020
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	===Rooms===		===Rooms===
	[[RED ~~Brushes#Portal Brushes\|~~Portals]] and ~~physical gaps in geometry (ie. 2 air brushes that are not attached to eachother in any way) are both used to separate levels into~~ Rooms. Rooms are used to help the engine determine what it needs to render at any given time for a client, so are very valuable for framerate optimization. Additionally, room definition determines the boundaries of [[RED Objects#Room Effect\|Room Effects]], [[RED Objects#EAX Effect\|EAX Effects]]~~, and airlocks.~~		*See [[RED Portals and Rooms]]

	~~You can use the [[RED Functionality Overview#View Menu\|View Menu]] option '''Show Rooms in Different Colors''' to easily see the individual rooms in your level.~~

	==Brush Shapes==		==Brush Shapes==

Goober at 18:39, 6 November 2020

2020-11-06T18:39:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:39, 6 November 2020
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			{{Template:RF1Editing}}

	BSP brushes make up the geometry of each [[Red Faction]] level. Generally, level designers will create at least the basic layout of their map with brushes before moving on to placing [[RED Objects\|objects]] or developing scripted sequences. Level design in [[RED]] is somewhat unique in the arena FPS genre due to [[GeoMod]] technology. Because [[GeoMod]] uses the boolean [[RED Functionality Overview#Carve\|carve]] operation, it is only possible to blow craters in level geometry - this leads to Red Faction levels generally relying far more on BSP brush geometry for tasks that other engines may turn to [[RED Objects#Clutter\|static meshes]] for. Because of this, brushwork in RED tends to be much more flexible and reliable than in some other engines, which also enables level designers to create the majority of their level in the editor itself, rather than relying on 3d editing software for much of their custom geometry as is the case in many other engines.		BSP brushes make up the geometry of each [[Red Faction]] level. Generally, level designers will create at least the basic layout of their map with brushes before moving on to placing [[RED Objects\|objects]] or developing scripted sequences. Level design in [[RED]] is somewhat unique in the arena FPS genre due to [[GeoMod]] technology. Because [[GeoMod]] uses the boolean [[RED Functionality Overview#Carve\|carve]] operation, it is only possible to blow craters in level geometry - this leads to Red Faction levels generally relying far more on BSP brush geometry for tasks that other engines may turn to [[RED Objects#Clutter\|static meshes]] for. Because of this, brushwork in RED tends to be much more flexible and reliable than in some other engines, which also enables level designers to create the majority of their level in the editor itself, rather than relying on 3d editing software for much of their custom geometry as is the case in many other engines.

Goober: /* Brush Shapes */

2020-11-03T23:01:50Z

Brush Shapes

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:01, 3 November 2020
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	===Mesh===		===Mesh===
			*'''Mesh Name:''' Mesh to load.
			*'''Browse:''' Browse for a .v3m mesh to load as a brush.

	===Sphere===		===Sphere===

Goober: /* Detail Brushes */

2020-10-31T15:23:38Z

Detail Brushes

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:23, 31 October 2020
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	===Detail Brushes===		===Detail Brushes===
	Detail Brushes are solid brushes that no longer ~~interacts~~ with other brushes in the level through boolean operations. This means that when the level is compiled, the detail brush will not be changed by brushes that are later in time. This also means that the brush will not be changed through geomods in the course of game play. Detail brushes are typically used for things like substructures (such as reinforcement beams) that are buried within a solid portion of a level, only to be revealed with a Geomod.		Detail Brushes are solid brushes that no longer interact with other brushes in the level through boolean operations. This means that when the level is compiled, the detail brush will not be changed by brushes that are later in time. This also means that the brush will not be changed through geomods in the course of game play. Detail brushes are typically used for things like substructures (such as reinforcement beams) that are buried within a solid portion of a level, only to be revealed with a Geomod.

	Detail brushes must be solid. If an air brush is designated as a detail brush, it will have no effect.		Detail brushes must be solid. If an air brush is designated as a detail brush, it will have no effect.
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	Detail brushes can also be used to keep a player from geomodding through an area. The detail brush in this instance can be visible to the player, or can be inside another brush. When the player geomods that area, the detail brush will be visible within.		Detail brushes can also be used to keep a player from geomodding through an area. The detail brush in this instance can be visible to the player, or can be inside another brush. When the player geomods that area, the detail brush will be visible within.

	One thing to take note of is that all of the faces of a detail brush are ~~renders~~, meaning they will impact framerate unless textured with an Invisible Texture. Therefore, if you have faces on detail brushes that the player will never see, it is a good idea to texture them with an Invisible Texture. Some examples of this would be detail brushes that meet together at a seam, detail brushes that the player can never get to one side of, and so forth. Read the section below for more information on invisible geometry.		One thing to take note of is that all of the faces of a detail brush are rendered, meaning they will impact framerate unless textured with an Invisible Texture. Therefore, if you have faces on detail brushes that the player will never see, it is a good idea to texture them with an Invisible Texture. Some examples of this would be detail brushes that meet together at a seam, detail brushes that the player can never get to one side of, and so forth. Read the section below for more information on invisible geometry.

	====Invisible Geometry====		====Invisible Geometry====
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	*Breakable glass brushes must ''always'' be 4-sided [[RED Brushes#Face\|face]] shape solid detail brushes		*Breakable glass brushes must ''always'' be 4-sided [[RED Brushes#Face\|face]] shape solid detail brushes
	*Each breakable glass brush must not intersect another breakable glass brush - if they do, when one breaks, the other will disappear instantly		*Each breakable glass brush must not intersect another breakable glass brush - if they do, when one breaks, the other will disappear instantly
	*You should always use glass [[RF1 Materials\|material]] textures for breakable glass to maintain a realistic appearance - breakable glass textures use the prefix '''gls''' whereas unbreakable glass textures use '''sgl'''		*You should always use glass [[RF1 Materials\|material]] textures for breakable glass to maintain a realistic appearance - breakable glass textures use the prefix '''gls''' whereas unbreakable glass textures use '''sgl'''

	===Steam Emitting Brushes===		===Steam Emitting Brushes===

Goober at 15:15, 31 October 2020

2020-10-31T15:15:32Z

@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 *Only solid brushes should be added to [[RED Groups#Moving Groups|moving groups]] - air brushes technically can be added, but they will behave very strangely
 ===Portal Brushes===
 ===Detail Brushes===
 Detail Brushes are solid brushes that no longer interacts with other brushes in the level through boolean operations. This means that when the level is compiled, the detail brush will not be changed by brushes that are later in time. This also means that the brush will not be changed through geomods in the course of game play. Detail brushes are typically used for things like substructures (such as reinforcement beams) that are buried within a solid portion of a level, only to be revealed with a Geomod.

Goober: /* Steam Emitting Brushes */

2020-10-31T15:07:01Z

Steam Emitting Brushes

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:07, 31 October 2020
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	===Steam Emitting Brushes===		===Steam Emitting Brushes===
	If you tick the '''Emits Steam''' flag, a small steam particle emitter and ambient sound will be created when the brush is penetrated by a bullet or projectile from a weapon with a penetration value (like the [[Rail Driver]]). Only detail brushes should use this flag.		If you tick the '''Emits Steam''' flag, a small steam [[RED Objects#Particle Emitter\|particle emitter]] and [[RED Objects#Ambient Sound\|ambient sound]] will be created when the brush is penetrated by a bullet or projectile from a weapon with a penetration value (like the [[Rail Driver]]). Only detail brushes should use this flag.

	Steam emitting brushes are typically used to add a subtle but noticeable element of immersion to your levels. The standard use for steam emitting brushes is pipes, but they can also be used for other purposes. A single brush will only emit 3 steam jets at once - once the 4th is created, the 1st will be removed.		Steam emitting brushes are typically used to add a subtle but noticeable element of immersion to your levels. The standard use for steam emitting brushes is pipes, but they can also be used for other purposes. A single brush will only emit 3 steam jets at once - once the 4th is created, the 1st will be removed.

Goober at 15:02, 31 October 2020

2020-10-31T15:02:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:02, 31 October 2020
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	Additionally, you should use invisible geometry to smooth out collision whenever possible. If you make stairs, you should definitely use invisible face brushes as a "ramp" so the player doesn't "bump" as they go up each step. The images below are examples of Invisible Faces being used to smooth out collision in levels.		Additionally, you should use invisible geometry to smooth out collision whenever possible. If you make stairs, you should definitely use invisible face brushes as a "ramp" so the player doesn't "bump" as they go up each step. The images below are examples of Invisible Faces being used to smooth out collision in levels.

	[[File:redhelp_invisface1.jpg~~]] [[~~File:redhelp_invisface2.jpg]]		<gallery>
			File:redhelp_invisface1.jpg\|Invisible face to smooth out a ramp
			File:redhelp_invisface2.jpg\|Invisible face to smooth out collision with detail on a wall
			</gallery>

	====Breakable Glass====		====Breakable Glass====