Difference between revisions of "Good Building Practices"

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== Good building practices verified by Linden Lab ==
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This guide is a collection of officially verified building practices for moderate to advanced creators that result in efficient, high performance creations in Second Life. If you are new to building in Second Life, please check out the [http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Build-Tools/ta-p/700039 Knowledge Base].
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<h2 style="background-color: #FFFFAA;"> Getting Started </h2>
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<p align="center">Topics from the [http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/tkb-p/English_KB%40tkb Second Life Knowledge Base] for new builders who want to learn how to create content in Second Life.</p>
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* '''[http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Build-Tools/ta-p/700039 Using the Build Tools]''' - How to create simple objects using the 3D modeling tools provided in the Second Life Viewer.
* '''[http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Building-tips/ta-p/700041 Building tips]''' - General tips that may help new content creators.
* '''[http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Uploading-assets/ta-p/700165 Uploading assets]''' - How to upload textures, sounds, animations and more.
* '''[http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Object-permissions/ta-p/700129 Object permissions]''' - An overview of the object permissions system and how to set next-owner permissions on your creations.
* '''[http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/How-to-move-a-build/ta-p/919109 How to move a build]''' - Tips on how to move a large, multi-object build from one place to another.
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<h2 style="background-color: #FFFFAA;"> Featured Article </h2>
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=== [http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Build-Tools/ta-p/700039 Build Tools] ===
Get started with building in Second Life by learning the basic Build Tools described in this article.  Even if you don't plan to become a master builder, these tools are essential for placing, moving, and rotating objects in the Second Life world.
<div style="text-align:right;"> [http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Build-Tools/ta-p/700039 Learn more...] </div>
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== Animation ==
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<h2 style="background-color: #dbe7e4;"> Animation [[File:InvIcon_Animation.png|20px|right|link=]] </h2>
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Tips on how to animate your avatar and other objects.
<hr>
* '''[http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/How-to-create-animations/ta-p/700027 How to create animations]''' - An introduction to avatar animation in Second Life.
* '''[[Animation Streamlined]]''' - Make your creations move without dragging Second Life to a crawl!
* '''[[Animation Streamlined]]''' - Make your creations move without dragging Second Life to a crawl!
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== Mesh ==
<h2 style="background-color: #dbe7e4;"> Mesh [[File:InvIcon_Mesh.png|20px|right|link=]] </h2>
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Complex objects can be modeled using third-party 3D modeling software and then uploaded to Second Life.  These objects require special logistical considerations to manage the amount of land impact they consume.
<hr>
* '''[http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Uploading-a-mesh-model/ta-p/974185 Uploading a mesh model]''' - How to upload a mesh model to Second Life
* '''[http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Calculating-land-impact/ta-p/974163 Calculating land impact]''' - How to determine the impact your creations have on your land usage limits.
* '''[[Mesh and LOD]]'''{{New|expiry=20130104}}- Mesh objects that don't crash your friends' old computer.
* '''[[Making Mesh Physics]]''' - Why and How.
* '''[[Making Mesh Physics]]''' - Why and How.
* '''[[Making Mesh for Pathfinding]]''' - Pathfinding friendly mesh.
* '''[[Making Mesh for Pathfinding]]''' - Pathfinding friendly mesh.
* '''[[Mesh and LOD]]''' - Mesh objects that don't crash your friends' old computer.
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== Pathfinding ==
<h2 style="background-color: #dbe7e4;"> Pathfinding [[File:InvIcon_Shoe.png|20px|right|link=]] </h2>
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*'''[[Pathfinding_Overview]]''' - Pathfinding explained.
Pathfinding allows scripted objects to intelligently move from one place to another while avoiding obstacles.
*'''[[Pathfinding_Tools_in_the_Second_Life_Viewer]]''' - The Pathfinding tools.
<hr>
*'''[[Pathfinding_Quick_Start_Guide]]''' - The best way to get up and running with Pathfinding.
*'''[[Pathfinding Overview]]''' - Pathfinding explained.
*'''[[Visual_Guide_to_Pathfinding|A Visual Guide]]''' - Watch how easy it is!
*'''[[Pathfinding Tools in the Second Life Viewer]]''' - The Pathfinding tools.
*'''[[Walkability_Coefficients]]''' - Control the speed of your Walkable areas.
*'''[[Pathfinding Quick Start Guide]]''' - The best way to get up and running with Pathfinding.
*'''[[Material_Volumes]]''' - Control the speed of your characters.
*'''[[Visual_Guide to Pathfinding|A Visual Guide]]''' - Watch how easy it is!
*'''[[Universal_Attribute_Changes_for_Pathfinding]]''' Configure objects for pathfinding in bulk
*'''[[Walkability Coefficients]]''' - Control the speed of your Walkable areas.
*'''[[Material Volumes]]''' - Control the speed of your characters.
*'''[[Universal Attribute Changes for Pathfinding]]''' Configure objects for pathfinding in bulk
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== Physics ==
<h2 style="background-color: #dbe7e4;"> Physics [[File:InvIcon_Physics.png|20px|right|link=]] </h2>
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Use these tips to find a balance between physics accuracy and performance in order to minimize the amount of land impact generated by your objects.
<hr>
* '''[[Physics Optimization]]''' - Not everything needs physics, learn how to add the least load necessary to the physics engine.
* '''[[Physics Optimization]]''' - Not everything needs physics, learn how to add the least load necessary to the physics engine.
* '''[[PRIM_PHYSICS_SHAPE_NONE]]''' - Additional information on this important attribute.
* '''[[PRIM_PHYSICS_SHAPE_NONE]]''' - Additional information on this important attribute.
* '''[http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Best-practices-for-creating-efficient-collision-volumes/ta-p/984115 Best practices for creating efficient collision volumes]''' - Tips from the creators of the Havok physics engine that can help optimize the physics of your creations.
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<h2 style="background-color: #dbe7e4;"> Sound [[File:InvIcon_Sound.png|20px|right|link=]] </h2>
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Tips on how to best use sounds in your creations.
<hr>
* '''[[Environment Sounds]]''' - Ways to generate sounds without input from an avatar
* '''[[Event Driven Sounds]]''' - Ways to generate sounds in response to a specific event
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== Scripting ==
<h2 style="background-color: #dbe7e4;"> Scripting [[File:InvIcon_Script.png|20px|right|link=]] </h2>
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Linden Scripting Language allows you to program your objects with interactive, scripted behaviors.
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* '''[http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Scripting-object-behavior/ta-p/700139 Scripting object behavior]''' - A brief overview of Linden Scripting Language, which can be used to bring your creations to life.
* '''[[LSL_Portal|The LSL Portal]]''' - An API reference, tutorials and examples for the Linden Scripting Language
* '''[[Debugging Tips]]''' - how to work out what your code is doing without a conventional development toolkit
* '''[[Debugging Tips]]''' - how to work out what your code is doing without a conventional development toolkit
* '''[[Resetting Scripts in a Large Build]]''' - strategies for resetting scripts in a large coordinated build


* '''Pathfinding'''
* '''Pathfinding'''
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** '''[[Modular Pathfinding Kit]]''' - code snippets designed to be plugged together to quickly build unique behaviors.
** '''[[Modular Pathfinding Kit]]''' - code snippets designed to be plugged together to quickly build unique behaviors.
** '''[[Pathfinding Cookbook]]''' - ready made solutions for some critters.
** '''[[Pathfinding Cookbook]]''' - ready made solutions for some critters.
** '''[[Holistic Pathfinding Management]]''' - Strategies for managing large numbers of pathfinding objects.


* '''Vehicles'''
* '''Vehicles'''
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== Sound ==
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Tips for adding sound effects to your builds.
* [[Environment_Sounds|Environment Sounds]]
* [[Event_Driven_Sounds|Event Driven Sounds]]
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== Sculpted Prims ==
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*'''[[Sculpted Prim Usage]]''' - What you need to know about how sculpted prims effect Second Life.
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== Textures ==
<h2 style="background-color: #dbe7e4;"> Textures [[File:InvIcon_Texture.png|20px|right|link=]] </h2>
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Tips on using textures in Second Life, including the use of specular and normal mapping to give a tactile 3D look to your objects.
<hr>
* '''[http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Textures-overview/ta-p/700157 Textures overview] - '''An overview of how textures and alpha channels work in Second Life.
* '''[http://community.secondlife.com/t5/English-Knowledge-Base/Creating-clothing-and-tattoos/ta-p/700055 Creating clothing and tattoos]''' - How to create classic avatar clothing and tattoos using textures.
* '''[[Texture Usage]]''' - What size to use, and what to avoid.
* '''[[Texture Usage]]''' - What size to use, and what to avoid.
* '''[[Case Study - Katana using normal and specular maps]]'''{{New|expiry=20130728}} - See how June Dion created a detailed sword by using LightWave and Second Life's normal and specular mapping features.
* '''[[Alpha Modes Do's and Don'ts]]'''{{New|expiry=20130728}} - Learn all about alpha modes for textures in Second Life.
* '''[[Second Life's light model for materials]]'''{{New|expiry=20130728}} - Learn how Second Life displays reflective surfaces, with some tips and tricks for common material types.
* '''[[Case_Study_-_Example_wood_crate_using_materials]]'''{{New|expiry=20130806}} - Learn how to create and apply simple specular and normal maps using free tools.
* '''[[Case_Study_-_Sequined_bear_using_materials]]'''{{New|expiry=20130818}} - See how Brooke Linden added shiny, bumpy sequins to her [[Linden_Bear|Linden Bear]].
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__NOTOC__
__NOTOC__
= Coming Soon =
We'll be highlighting examples of great builds and answer the questions: "What next? What do I do with what I've built?" Keep checking back for more information!


= Resident contributions awaiting official approval =
= Resident contributions awaiting official approval =
If you'd like to contribute some of your own best practices for efficient content creation, please link to them in this section so that Linden Lab subject matter experts can verify them before they are added to the official guide.
If you'd like to contribute some of your own best practices for efficient content creation, please link to them in this section so that Linden Lab subject matter experts can verify them before they are added to the official guide.

Latest revision as of 09:56, 4 August 2014

Getting Started

Topics from the Second Life Knowledge Base for new builders who want to learn how to create content in Second Life.

  • Using the Build Tools - How to create simple objects using the 3D modeling tools provided in the Second Life Viewer.
  • Building tips - General tips that may help new content creators.
  • Uploading assets - How to upload textures, sounds, animations and more.
  • Object permissions - An overview of the object permissions system and how to set next-owner permissions on your creations.
  • How to move a build - Tips on how to move a large, multi-object build from one place to another.

Featured Article

Build tools featured.png

Build Tools

Get started with building in Second Life by learning the basic Build Tools described in this article. Even if you don't plan to become a master builder, these tools are essential for placing, moving, and rotating objects in the Second Life world.

Animation
InvIcon Animation.png

Tips on how to animate your avatar and other objects.

Mesh
InvIcon Mesh.png

Complex objects can be modeled using third-party 3D modeling software and then uploaded to Second Life. These objects require special logistical considerations to manage the amount of land impact they consume.

Pathfinding
InvIcon Shoe.png

Pathfinding allows scripted objects to intelligently move from one place to another while avoiding obstacles.

Physics
InvIcon Physics.png

Use these tips to find a balance between physics accuracy and performance in order to minimize the amount of land impact generated by your objects.

Sound
InvIcon Sound.png

Tips on how to best use sounds in your creations.

Scripting
InvIcon Script.png

Linden Scripting Language allows you to program your objects with interactive, scripted behaviors.

Textures
InvIcon Texture.png

Tips on using textures in Second Life, including the use of specular and normal mapping to give a tactile 3D look to your objects.


Resident contributions awaiting official approval

If you'd like to contribute some of your own best practices for efficient content creation, please link to them in this section so that Linden Lab subject matter experts can verify them before they are added to the official guide.

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