difference between .mdl and .mdx?

[Kazeon]

guys, I have a plan to start learning about modeling
what can I do is just changing model's textures..

nah, now I have a simple question, sometimes I confused, to save my model with .mdl or .mdx (I use magos model editor). My question is, what's the difference between them both?

answer

About MDL vs. MDX. MDL is a human-readable format for models, and it is a text format. MDX is binary. You can easily convert between MDL and MDX using tools on the site. As such, there can be two models: one mdl and one mdx, that look exactly the same, but they will be written differently.

The MDL is always a higher file size--it is uncompressed, and suffers several extra bytes in order to be human-readable. MDX is binary and takes up only a certain amount of bytes per field. As such, those two models usually have drastically different file sizes.

Just use the MDX format for your models. The MDL format is useful for some programs--such as Oinkerwinkle's--which require you to input an MDL rather than an MDX. Apart from that, you'll usually just use MDX.
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[Adiktuz]

1 thing that I know of is that .mdl can be opened in notepad

 

[Kazeon]

hmm.. I have tried to change the texture of this model, but it won't be loaded in WE and in-game.. can someone tell me WHY?

@adiktuz: how about the quality? is the both the same?

 

[Adiktuz]

maybe you used a wrong texture?

Also, when importing things with a custom texture:

1) Import model
2) Import texture and set to correct path
3) Save

Never ever save in between importing the model and texture, as WE is kind of silly with these things... it doesn't update correctly

 

[Kazeon]

I have imported the texture inside the model editor? am I still need to import the texture in the WE?
God, it's working now... thnks!!

 

[Adiktuz]

You don't really import a texture in model editor, you simply put a reference to the texture file itself... textures in wc3 (IDK about others) are always external, remember that

 

[Kazeon]

oh, now I understand thnks again!

 

[PurgeandFire]

About MDL vs. MDX. MDL is a human-readable format for models, and it is a text format. MDX is binary. You can easily convert between MDL and MDX using tools on the site. As such, there can be two models: one mdl and one mdx, that look exactly the same, but they will be written differently.

The MDL is always a higher file size--it is uncompressed, and suffers several extra bytes in order to be human-readable. MDX is binary and takes up only a certain amount of bytes per field. As such, those two models usually have drastically different file sizes.

Just use the MDX format for your models. The MDL format is useful for some programs--such as Oinkerwinkle's--which require you to input an MDL rather than an MDX. Apart from that, you'll usually just use MDX.

 

[Kazeon]

thnks a lot! I have another question, the model I have attached above is a border model with alpha channel in the middle, why I can't select it except if I click at very middle? I mean, how I can edit the selection area of the model?

 

[Adiktuz]

I think there's a selection/collision box option on magos

 

[Kazeon]

I can't find it.. :/ or anything similiar with it.. btw, what is extents?

lol.. I used calculate extents and now the model can be clicked correctly..
solved

 

[IamFootman061]

I didn't realize that they have difference :/

 

[JesusHipster]

what is extents?

Model's physical and clickeable borders.