I wanted to make my own map so I downloaded Valve Hammer Editor and found it very confusing. No mater how many tutorials I read I couldnt make anying greater then a box. I have been using 3dmax and Maya to make 3d models and some animation. Is there a way I could make a map in one of these programs then import it for all the spawn points and such?

In 3DSMAx, you work on 1 solid at a time. It's like sculpting.

In Valve Hammer Editor, you can't work on 1 solid. You have to pile up a bunch of solids (ie. primitives) to get the shape you want. It's like LEGO.

So, it's a different approach.

[worthless post] whee. LEGOs. [/worthless post]

... ahem. Anyway, actually... uhh, VHE was pretty confusing for me at first, but it really isn't all that complicated...

once you get down a few basic concepts, it all starts to fall into place... making the actual map isn't that tough (though, requires alot of thought and time), it's all that durn entity relaying junk that gets to me.. heh

You can always use Notepad...

Thanks that realy help me. I will now look at it like LEGOs :)
The one thing that realy confused me about VHE was the clipping tool, how to I slice a chunk off? All I can do is draw one line cross the object.

... then press enter ;) This is probably explained in the VHE help files.

i always enjoyed playing with legos when i was a kid. no wonder i like to map in hammer :P

Don't use the clip tool. It doesn't work that great. Just use the vertex manipulation tool.

Also, memorize the common hotkey commands.

shift+s = select tool
shift+b = brush making tool
shift+a = texture tool
shift+v = vertex manipulation

LEGO is danish !!!! yeehahaaaa

well ..... hrmmm.... sry ....
just give VHE some time
and start on simple things
like a house ...
well a house it self is kinda hard to make
and try to use vertex manipulation as often as u can
insted of clipping tool
and try find ur own style, because then ull get happy with the map
u are making, because of the way it looks.
insted of copying styles from other maps.

- mXed

i'd say make it like lego and dont use vetex manip or clipping yet, practise with the basics first.

1) if you want to map for DoD or HL1 mod, learn Hammer. Don't buy into mapping with Max or Maya. Trust me. I know. Just suck it up. If you can't suck it up, don't bother mapping, especially if you got talent in Max or Maya.

2) if you want to make money in gaming (just saying) become a god in Max/Maya. That stuff pays way more than level design.

You could try QRadiant or Quark, their style of designing is more similar to typical 3D app. But you get very little help and support from community because 99% people use Hammer. Overall it is easier to use IMO and better suited for HL1-style engine.