EXP 01 - Week 01

Getting Started and Folder Structure

Five things I've learned about the Sandbox folder structure:

1. Since my laptop has a 64bitOS it would be better suited to use the Bin64 Editor
2. This doesn't mean I have to use the Bin64 Editor, I could just as easily use the Bin32 Editor instead
3. The Engine folder is where the various Shaders are stored
4. The pak files in the GameSDK folder is basically where the whole game is stored i.e. animations, data, sounds etc
5. You shouldn't make any changes to the System Config file, if you need to make changes create a new config file

Overview of the CryENGINE 3 Sandbox User Interface

Ten tips and tricks related to the Sandbox User Interface are:

1. The top right side of the viewport is where the stats are
2. Right click on 'Perspective' in the top left side of the viewport to access other modes e.g. wireframe
3. Typing the name of an entity in the search box isolates any/all entity throughout the level that contain that name whilst hiding all other entities
4. The speed button at the bottom of the interface allows you to adjust the speed of the view port camera.
5. The click with terrain button at the bottom toggles the ability to move through the terrain with the view port camera.
6. The XY, X, Y and Z buttons can limit you to the chosen axis.
7. Layers can be used to effectively group objects together in cryengine.
8. You can import and export object files from other levels into you own.
9. The snap to grid option allows you to move or rotate an object with increased accuracy.
10. In the Files tab in the Preferences menu you can choose to enable the program to save at a regular interval that you select.

Customising the Editor

Five different ways I can customise my Sandbox editor setup:

1. You can drag and drop editors to better organise your work space environment.
2. The tool-bars can be edited/customised to the users personal preferences.
3. You can setup your own custom hot-keys or modify existing ones.
4. In preferences you are able to edit the amount of 'undo' commands.
5. You can select whether to show shortcut keys (i.e. hot-keys) in screen tips. 

Viewports

Three different ways of moving around in my level:

1. Keyboard - WASD
2. Arrow Keys
3. Mouse - middle and right buttons

User Interface Panels - Overview

Five shortcuts/buttons and their functions are:

1. M - opens the Material Editor panel
2. CTRL+G - enters the game
3. F3 - toggle wireframe mode when not in game mode
4. CTRL+T - opens the Select Objects panel
5. CTRL+C - clones objects