Working with Files

Terrain Files

This is the simplest file type in Terragen; This stores only the heightfield data for the terrain itself. They are uncompressed and can have one of two extensions: .ter or .terrain.

In the future, other sizes of terrain will be supported.

World Files

World files save all settings, with the exception of the terrain itself. Although you can save your atmospheres and surface maps separately, saving a world file automatically includes these settings.

Surface Map Files

These save the surface map. You can also save parts of the surface map (the subtrees) individually, if you wish. To do this, click "Save Layer" when in the Layer Properties window.

Atmosphere Files

These files contain information about the atmospheric settings, as well as lighting and cloud information.

Script Files

To use existing Script files, select "Execute Script" from the "Terragen" menu or use the Animation button on the Rendering Control.

For a list of utilities which will create scripts for use with Terragen, see the Resources page.

Structure of Script Files

Script files consist of lists of commands, which are run in order, either to batch-process many renders or to create animations. See the Script Specification page for more details.

Plugins

These files contain extensions to Terragen, and always have the file extension ".tgp". There are several general classes of plugin:

  • Accessories: Generally used to edit Terragen's data - for instance, a Terrain Accessory could be used to apply erosion to a terrain, or to import another file type.
  • Effects: Applies render-time effects to Terragen's data - for instance, an Image Effect plugin could add a lens-flare after rendering, and a Water Effect plugin could make the waves animate over an animation.
  • Textures: Used to alter the colour of surfaces or water.

A plugin file can contain many plugins of different types.



render controls

landscape

water

clouds

atmosphere

lighting

image
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©December, 2002 John McLusky