PRT Files?

carduchi · Post by **carduchi** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 1:37 pm

Do you really need the PRT file and what is it for.

tltrude · Post by **tltrude** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 7:31 pm

It is a file used by the compiler. You don't need it, but the compiler does. If it is not making it, you probaly have a .lin file which, means you have a leak into the void. Hit files > pointfile in the editor and it will show you where the leak in your skybox/room is.

omniscient · Post by **omniscient** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 9:32 pm

along the same lines, do u need vis, if so, what does it do? also what does the compiler need the prt for if u get a bsp anyway?

crunch · Post by **crunch** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 12:00 am

The compile process uses the .prt file to create the .vis file, which is then incorporated into the final .bsp file.

The .prt is the "portal" file....this file contains the locations of individual portals in your map.

The vis compile then uses this file to calculate portal view chains (which portals can "see" which other portals). The result of these calculations is then written into the .vis file.

After lighting is complete, the .vis file is incorporated into the final .bsp file.
Without the .prt file, vis cannot be calculated.

Kill Ya Later!

omniscient · Post by **omniscient** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 2:02 am

so u would only nee a prt and a vis if u were using vis groups? when i test compile a map i leave a leak so it doesnt go through the prt and vis. does this effect fps?

carduchi · Post by **carduchi** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 2:23 am

Thanks for the info.

I knew it was because of the leaks I just didnt know what the abreviation stood for and didnt see it in any of the topic's.So a prt is a "portal" file....OK COOL

bdbodger · Post by **bdbodger** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 5:49 am

Without vis your whole map draws . That lowers your fps . Play a map in single player you may need developer set in your mohaa shortcut . Then type r_showtris 1 I think or r_showtris 2 into the console that will show you what is being drawn in wireframe . With good vis you should not be able to see what is on the other side of a wall . That depends on how the vis was done but the less you see the better your vis is set up . r_showtris 0 turns it off , I think valid numers for r_showtris are 0 , 1 , 2 , 3

omniscient · Post by **omniscient** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 6:28 am

so that could be why my fps is like 20 when im staring at a corner. thanks.

crunch · Post by **crunch** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 1:36 pm

omniscient wrote:so u would only nee a prt and a vis if u were using vis groups? when i test compile a map i leave a leak so it doesnt go through the prt and vis. does this effect fps?

No, the .prt and .vis files are needed whether or not you use leafgroups.
When you use leafgroups you are manipulating the portal chains by saying "any portal in leafgroup A cannot see any portal in targeted leafgroups." By doing this, you are telling the compiler that no calculations are needed between these 2 groups ( or any targeted leafgroups). It will, however, still calculate portal view within the leafgroup. But it still needs to reference the .prt file during the compile to create the .vis file.

What I would suggest, instead of leaving a leak, is that for your tests you set the -fast option in the vis compile. By doing this, you will still get portal calculations, but to a lesser degree than a full vis. And it will take a minute or less before it moves on to the light phase.

Kill Ya Later!

omniscient · Post by **omniscient** » Sat Jan 10, 2004 8:20 pm

lesser degree of a full vis, what does that mean?