Possible to change formats? Hexen -> UDMF

[Burgish]

Hi all,

 

I've been working on my first map for a few weeks now, and once I was about 90% done I realized that, not having touched UDB in a couple years, and having watched old tuts at the time, I had created a map in Hexen format instead of UDMF.

 

I don't really mind building Hexen, I'm just learning so having to make a few extra barrel/zombie logic gates to make stuff work is actually just a bit of extra fun.  I'm more worried about compatibility and who will be able to play the map once its posted.

 

What are the consequences of posting a map built in Hexen format nowadays? Is there any way to convert it to UDMF after the fact?

[Stabbey]

ZDoom based ports should detect and run Hexen format maps, not sure about other ports.

 

You can convert maps. The F2 key should allow you to change the game configuration (and if nothing else, you can copy and paste the geometry/things into a new map), but you likely will need to reassign actions, so keep a backup of your old map to use as a reference for what actions you meant to use. It'll probably be a pain to fix everything, though.

[Burgish]

Thanks, good to know.  Probably won't bother converting, I'm right at the finish line and Zdoom port compatibility is just fine by me.

Edited September 30, 2023 by Burgish

[Captain Mobius]

I hope I am not too late to help with this problem?

 

Best way to solve this is to copy your entire map and save it as a prefab.

 

Then start a new blank map in UDMF format and load the prefab.

 

I have done this, myself.

 

Good luck 👍

[boris]

9 hours ago, Captain Mobius said:

Best way to solve this is to copy your entire map and save it as a prefab.

 

Then start a new blank map in UDMF format and load the prefab.

 

Why would that be better than simply changing the map's format in the map options dialog?

[Stabbey]

4 hours ago, boris said:

 

Why would that be better than simply changing the map's format in the map options dialog?

 

Well, because I just tried that by taking a map created in GZDoom: Doom 2 format, and after changing the map format every single line action I had defined was completely wrong. I don't know if making it a prefab actually helps (I'm guessing it doesn't do any better), but changing the map format in the manner you suggest is going to require fixing all the line actions and generally be a giant pain.

[boris]

2 hours ago, Stabbey said:

but changing the map format in the manner you suggest is going to require fixing all the line actions and generally be a giant pain.

 

It doesn't when going from Hexen to UDMF. But going through a prefab or copying everything into a new map are just useless extra steps.

[Kappes Buur]

7 hours ago, Stabbey said:

 

Well, because I just tried that by taking a map created in GZDoom: Doom 2 format, and after changing the map format every single line action I had defined was completely wrong.

 

In many posts asking for help to convert a map\wad from doom format (vanilla, boom, g\zdoom) to udmf it was explained that one has to convert first to hexen format using zwadconv.exe, to convert the map properties and action specials without loss of functionality.

 

Then it is a simple process to use UDB F2 from hexen format to udmf.