Blender: Source Filmmaker to Blender

Table of Contents

This tutorial goes over how to import SFM model into Blender and common issues that I have run into. Note: This tutorial does not cover animation.

Get your model
- Using Crowbar to download the model
  - Install Crowbar
  - Get the URL of the model from the Steam Workshop. The one used in the tutorial: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2400485702
  - Go to the download tab in crowbar, select the folder you want to download into, and press "Download"
- Using Steam Workshop Downloader
  - Paste and download the link to the workshop item.
- Downloading the model from a third-party site like SFM Lab. Note: SFM Lab has NSFW content and ads so be aware. It is a good resource but I just wanted to give you a fair warning.
Import your model
1. Install the SourceIO Addon by REDxEYE
2. To install addons: Go to Edit > Preferences > Add-ons > Install > Find your addon and select it. Make sure to enable the addon.
3. Import your model: Go to File > Import > Source Engine Assets > Source model (.mdl) > Find your model (you may have to dig through the directory a bit) and select the appropriate .mdl file or files.
  - Note: It may take some time for the model to be imported.
Adjust your model
- Each author creates their models in a particular way (though generally similar). Some have options that may cause issues when you are looking at them in the viewport.

Textures appear missing: They may just be clipping with other meshes so look at the collection and turn of visibility for meshes both in the viewport and in the render. Note: If you only hide in the viewport, the final render will still have the material if you do not hide the value in the render as well.

The rigs (if they exist) will likely be only FK so you will need to modify them to IK for animation. This isn’t a big deal for taking pictures as you only need basic posing.