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How to Install ArmorPaint (Build ArmorPaint from source) 2023

3 min read 1 year ago
Published on Aug 06, 2024 This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.

Table of Contents

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of installing ArmorPaint from source code for free. ArmorPaint is a powerful open-source texture painting tool that offers a great alternative to costly software like Substance Painter. Follow these steps to build and install ArmorPaint on your Windows system.

Chapter 1: Required Software

Before starting the installation, ensure you have the following software installed on your computer:

  • Node.js: Download the latest version from the official website.
  • Git: Install Git from the official Git website.
  • Visual Studio 2022: Install Visual Studio, making sure to include the Desktop Development with C++ workload. If you need to modify an existing installation:
    • Open the Visual Studio Installer.
    • Click on Modify.
    • Check the Desktop Development with C++ option.
  • 7-Zip: Download and install 7-Zip or any other file extraction tool.

Chapter 2: Cloning the Repository

You will now clone the ArmorPaint GitHub repository. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt (CMD) on your Windows machine.

  2. Navigate to the desired directory where you want to clone ArmorPaint.

  3. Run the following command to clone the repository:

    git clone https://github.com/armory3d/armorpaint.git

  4. Wait for the cloning process to complete, which usually takes about 1 to 3 minutes.

Chapter 3: Unpacking V8 File

Next, you need to unpack a specific zip file included in the project.

  1. Change the directory to the cloned ArmorPaint repository:

    cd armorpaint

  2. Locate the V8 file zip within the directory:

    • Navigate to armor/tools/armor_core/V8_libraries/Windows32 (or relevant path for your OS).

  3. Use 7-Zip to extract the contents of the V8 zip file to the same directory.

Chapter 4: Creating Shaders

After unpacking the V8 file, create the necessary shader files.

  1. In the command prompt, execute the following command to extract shaders:

    cd armor/tools/armor_core/V8_libraries

  2. Wait for the shader extraction process to complete.

Chapter 5: Building and Installing the Program

Now, you will build the ArmorPaint application using Visual Studio.

  1. Open Visual Studio 2022.

  2. Open the ArmorPaint solution file located at:

    armor/tools/armor_paint/armor_paint.sln

  3. Change the build configuration from Debug to Release.

  4. Click on Build and then select Build Solution.

  5. Wait for the build process to complete. You should see a message indicating that the build succeeded.

Chapter 6: Running ArmorPaint

To run ArmorPaint:

  1. Navigate to the output folder:

    armor/tools/armor_paint/x64/Release

  2. Find the executable file (usually named armor_paint.exe).

  3. Copy this executable file to a convenient location, such as your Desktop or another folder.

  4. Optionally, create a shortcut to the executable for easy access.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully built and installed ArmorPaint from source. This open-source tool allows for comprehensive texture painting without the associated costs of proprietary software. You can now start experimenting with ArmorPaint for your 3D projects. If you're interested in learning more about using ArmorPaint, consider looking for tutorials or requesting specific topics for future videos. Happy painting!

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