SuperBMD

A library to import and export various 3D model formats into the Binary Model (BMD) format.

This API uses the Open Asset Import Library (AssImp). A list of supported model formats can be found here.

Usage

SuperBMD.exe can be used to convert models to the BMD/BDL formats, or to convert BMD/BDL models to the DAE format.

The program must be run via the command line. Some example commands are below:

SuperBMD.exe -i <in BMD path> -o <out DAE path>

SuperBMD.exe -i <in model path> -o <out BDL path> -x <path to tex_headers.json> -m <path to materials.json> --tristrip all --bdl

Notes

Modeling

• When exporting a model for conversion to BMD, rotate the model about the X axis by -90 degrees. Most modeling programs define the Z axis as the up axis, but Nintendo games use the Y axis instead. Rotating the model ensures that the model is not sideways when imported into a game.

Skinning

• SuperBMD supports both skinned and unskinned models.
• For skinned meshes, make the root of the model's skeleton the child of a dummy object called skeleton_root. SuperBMD uses the name of this dummy object to find the root of the skeleton so that it can process it.
• If a skeleton_root object is not found, then the model will be imported with a single root bone. This is recommended for models intended for maps.

Vertex Colors

• SuperBMD supports vertex colors.

Textures

• SuperBMD supports models that have no textures. These models will appear white when imported into a game.
• It is recommended that the model's textures be in the same directory as the model being converted. If SuperBMD cannot find the model's textures, it will use a black and white checkerboard image instead.
• Textures must be in either BMP, JPG, or PNG format. TGA is currently not supported.