MyLevel
MyLevel is a special package name in UnrealEd. If an [Unreal resource]? such as a texture or static mesh is listed as being in the package "MyLevel", that means it is embedded in the map, and not in a package file on your hard drive. The MyLevel file doesn't actually exist: the word "MyLevel" is a magic keyword that works as an alias for your map file itself. "MyLevel" is often called a pseudopackage.
It is in the MyLevel pseudo-package that you must import the level screenshot that the game displays in the map browser.
Overview
Pros
- Easier to distribute a map as a single file. Reduces confusion and makes your map easy to install
- Reduces clutter in the separate folders: this is by far the best solution if you just want one or two new textures for a map, instead of adding new files with each map with the increased possibility of errors.
- Reduces File Size:
- Zip file with a 255,0,0 color (pure red) 64x64 texture Mylevel package on the default cube builder
- 1.85 K
- Zip file with a 255,0,0 color (pure red) 64x64 texture in a separate package on the default cube builder
- 2.06 K
Cons
- Can't distribute the files seprately
that's an advantage: its easier for users to install maps. Of course, if one is using a whole custom texture pack such as RichRig, the pack should be included in the zipfile. Maybe if it's a very common pack a lighter download could be given too. On the other hand, there's that very neat site (url?) that can display the contents of zipfiles and packs without download.
- This does not work for sounds in Ravenshield. It will just create a file in /sounds named MyLevel.sbo. This might work for 22khz mono and lower, but seriously 22khz? This isn't Duke Nukem 3D.
Instructions
Embedding new resources
- create or import a new resource in UnrealEd, like a sound, a texture, or a class. When you are asked to give a package name, put "MyLevel". The case doesn't matter, so "mylevel", "MYLEVEL", "mYlEvEl", etc are all the same thing.
- use the new resource somewhere in the current map. If this is not done, UnrealEd will discard it when the map is saved
- save the map
- DON'T save the MyLevel package. If you save it, bad things happen!
If you have a resource already used in a map, but residing in an existing package, moving it to MyLevel is somewhat harder. You generally need to export it and re-import it.
Embedding resources from existing packages
See Embedding Code. The same also works with .utx, .uax, or, .umx files.
For textures which are already used in a map:
- export each one to PCX
- reimport
- use the Texture Replace tool, or SHIFT+T to select all surfaces of the same texture
- reapply the MyLevel version of the same texture
Related Topics
- See Package for more on resources and packages in general.
- Import The Texture
- Screenshot