Compile Options

When you create an option list then hit save, q3map2build will use the same settings for any further map compilation. Using defaults will simply use whatever is in the .bdf file set as default under NormalCmd(), so you can open it up and take a peek with notepad. It basically won't do anything but it's respective stage switch if there is nothing between the parenthesis.

 

BSP

The first thing that you are going to see, if you choose custom on the BSP menu is allot of switches that probably won't make sense. Don't be daunted, as most of this is unnecessary for the normal mapper. The one thing that you should select to play around with is -meta. What meta does is explained further in the q3map2.exe manual, but it basically does some pretty cool stuff with surfaces. To see the difference, compile with it for bsp and vis, walk around the map with r_showtris 1, then try it without it.  Then do the same thing with a light compile and note the difference. ONE NOTE: You have to use the bspc switch -forcesidesvisible when you do this, otherwise you will notice that you are always within a 'solid' area because of how bspc decimates brush surfaces during .aas file creation.

Lots of Options, but just wait till you see light!

VIS

Visibility is pretty much straight forward. It has to be the most evil stage, as it is also the most important one but there is only so much the compiler can do with it. If you want to use one of the portal viewer plugins, or just want to keep an eye on your portal file choose -saveprt. Remember that most of these options have tool tips to explain them better, and are also described in detail in the Radiant compile manual.

-vis options

Light

First thing most people say is 'holy mother of god' when they look at this. That's fine, just keep in mind its not really that bad, there are tool tips as well as allot of documentation on this. For the best, speediest compile just choose -fast and -patchshadows and be done with it. If you are going to play with switches, read the manual first (or look at the tool tips) to get an idea of what they can do, like possibly melting your computer into a pile of worthless slag.

The -light options
 

Example of tool tips

BSPC

Those pesky bots like to have their settings, and since bspc doesn't autodetect threads you have to specify it here. You also must use -forcesidesvisible if you are using -meta in bsp phase. The rest of the options are for those that know what they are doing with em. All this stuff, btw, is documented somewhere in your radiant installation.