The SFM Compile blog
Step-by-step Source Filmmaker tutorials, compile fixes and tool guides. New articles appear here as soon as they are published.
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SFM Lip Sync Tutorial: Phoneme Extraction and Mouth Cleanup
How to lip sync in Source Filmmaker: prepare a WAV dialog clip, run Extract Phonemes, set up phoneme presets on custom models,…
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SFM Animation Basics: Motion Editor and Graph Editor Explained
Learn how SFM’s Motion Editor and Graph Editor differ, then build your first animation with time selections, falloffs and keyframes.
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How to Render SFM to MP4: Image Sequences to Video With FFmpeg
Export an SFM image sequence, then turn it into a clean, YouTube-ready MP4 with one FFmpeg command on Windows.
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Best SFM Render Settings for Maximum Quality
The best Source Filmmaker render settings for maximum quality: resolution, image sequences, frame rate, depth of field and motion blur samples, and…
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SFM Camera Tips: Depth of Field, Motion Blur and Cinematic Shots
SFM camera tips for cinematic shots: scene vs work camera, field of view, framing, depth of field, rack focus, motion blur and…
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SFM Lighting Guide: Shadows, Volumetrics and Three-Point Setups
Learn how Source Filmmaker lights work, which sliders matter, how to beat the eight shadowed light limit, smooth volumetric god rays and…
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Blender to SFM: How to Port Models With Blender Source Tools
Port a Blender model to Source Filmmaker: install Blender Source Tools, prepare the mesh and armature, export SMD or DMX, write the…
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Steam Workshop SFM Models: How to Import Them Step by Step
Learn how to import Steam Workshop models into SFM: subscribe, sync, add with Create Animation Set, fix ERROR and purple textures, and…
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Crowbar Tutorial: How to Decompile and Recompile SFM Models Step by Step
Crowbar decompile SFM guide: set up studiomdl, turn MDL into QC and SMD, edit, recompile to usermod, and fix purple textures.