NifSkope - 3D Mesh Editor
A powerful tool for viewing and editing 3D meshes and models used in Fallout 4.
Table of Contents
What is NifSkope?
NifSkope is a 3D mesh viewer and editor specifically designed for working with NetImmerse/Gamebryo NIF files used in Bethesda games like Fallout 4.
NifSkope's 3D mesh viewing and editing interface
Installation
Get NifSkope up and running on your system with these simple steps.
- Download NifSkope - Visit the NifSkope GitHub releases page and download the latest version for Windows
- Extract Files - Extract the files to a folder (e.g., C:\NifSkope)
- Run NifSkope - Double-click NifSkope.exe to launch the application
System Requirements
- Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit recommended)
- OpenGL 2.1 compatible graphics card
- 4GB RAM minimum
- DirectX 9.0c or later
Interface Overview
Understanding NifSkope's interface is key to effective 3D model editing.
Main Windows
- 3D View: Main window showing the 3D model
- Block List: Hierarchical view of NIF file structure
- Block Details: Properties of selected objects
- Texture List: Textures used by the model
Navigation Controls
- Left Mouse: Rotate view
- Right Mouse: Pan view
- Mouse Wheel: Zoom in/out
- Middle Mouse: Orbit around selection
Basic Operations
Learn the fundamental operations for working with 3D models in NifSkope.
- Opening Files - File > Open, navigate to your Fallout 4 Data folder, select a .nif file (meshes are in Data\Meshes), and click Open
- Viewing Models - Use mouse controls to navigate around the model, select objects in the Block List to highlight them, use the Block Details panel to view properties, and check the Texture List to see used textures
Common Tasks
Essential operations for working with 3D models in NifSkope.
Extracting Meshes
To extract a mesh for modification:
- Open the .nif file in NifSkope
- Select the mesh you want to extract
- File > Export > Export Selected
- Choose OBJ or FBX format
- Save to your working directory
Replacing Textures
- Open the .nif file
- Go to the Texture List
- Right-click on a texture entry
- Select "Browse" to change the texture path
- Navigate to your new texture file
- Save the .nif file
Modifying Materials
- Select a NiMaterialProperty in the Block List
- In Block Details, modify properties like:
- Ambient Color
- Diffuse Color
- Specular Color
- Glossiness
- Alpha
- Save your changes
Advanced Editing
Advanced techniques for working with complex 3D models and animations.
Working with Bones
For animated meshes (characters, creatures):
- Bones are shown in the Block List as NiNode objects
- Select bones to see their hierarchy
- Modify bone positions and rotations carefully
- Always test in-game after bone modifications
Collision Meshes
Collision meshes control physics interactions:
- Look for bhkCollisionObject blocks
- These define how objects interact with physics
- Modify carefully to avoid game crashes
- Test thoroughly in-game
Shader Properties
Modern Fallout 4 meshes use BSLightingShaderProperty:
- Controls how the mesh is rendered
- Includes material settings and texture assignments
- Modify shader flags carefully
- Test different shader types for compatibility
File Formats
Supported file formats and workflow for NifSkope.
Supported Formats
- .nif: Native NetImmerse format
- .obj: Wavefront OBJ (export only)
- .fbx: Autodesk FBX (export only)
- .3ds: 3D Studio (limited support)
Import/Export Workflow
- Export mesh from NifSkope to OBJ/FBX
- Edit in 3D modeling software (Blender, 3ds Max)
- Import back into NifSkope
- Reassign textures and materials
- Save as .nif file
Best Practices
Follow these guidelines for professional-quality 3D model editing.
Important Tips
- Always backup original files before editing
- Test changes in-game before distributing
- Keep polygon counts reasonable for performance
- Use proper texture paths and formats
- Follow Fallout 4 naming conventions
Performance Considerations
- Keep polygon counts under 10,000 for most objects
- Use LOD (Level of Detail) meshes for complex objects
- Optimize texture sizes (512x512, 1024x1024, 2048x2048)
- Use appropriate shader types for your needs
Common Issues
Troubleshooting common problems when working with NifSkope.
Model Not Displaying
If a model doesn't show up:
- Check if textures are properly assigned
- Verify the mesh has proper material properties
- Ensure the model isn't positioned outside the view
- Check for missing or corrupted data blocks
Game Crashes
If the game crashes with your modified mesh:
- Check for invalid bone assignments
- Verify collision mesh integrity
- Ensure proper shader properties
- Test with a minimal version first
Integration with Other Tools
How NifSkope works with other modding tools and software.
3D Modeling Software
- Blender: Free, powerful modeling software
- 3ds Max: Professional modeling tool
- Maya: Industry-standard 3D software
Texture Tools
- Photoshop: Professional image editing
- GIMP: Free alternative to Photoshop
- Substance Painter: Advanced texturing tool
Video Tutorials
Step-by-step video guides for learning NifSkope through practical examples.
NifSkope 101 - Basics and Snap Points
Great beginner tutorial covering interface and snap points from Bethesda Mod School
Fallout 4 Weapon Modding - NifSkope Method
Get custom meshes into the game using NifSkope techniques.
Watch TutorialNext Steps
Continue your modding journey with these related topics:
Ready to Edit!
You now have the knowledge to start working with 3D models in NifSkope. Practice with simple models and gradually work your way up to more complex projects.