Source Filmmaker (SFM) is a free tool created by Valve. It lets users make 3D animated videos using models and assets from games like Team Fortress 2, Half-Life, and other Valve titles.
To make any kind of video—such as a short meme, cinematic trailer, or machinima—you first need to compile your animation. This step turns your project into a video file that can be shared or uploaded online.
For beginners, this part of the process can be difficult. Many people find it slow, confusing, and prone to errors. Learning how to compile properly is an important skill when working with SFM.
This guide gives all the important steps to help you complete your first SFM compile. It explains how to set up your project, adjust basic settings, export your animation into a video file, and solve common problems that may come up during the process.
Whether you are making a short clip or a longer video, understanding these steps will help you complete your work faster and with fewer errors.
What Is an SFM Compilation?
An SFM compile is the process of turning your animated sequence into a video file. This is the final step in creating a video using Source Filmmaker.
When you compile, all parts of your timeline such as character poses, lighting, camera movements, and facial animations are processed together. The result is a usable file, usually in formats like AVI or a series of images, which you can then edit further or share online.
Step 1: Prepare Your Scene for Rendering
Start the compile process only after your animation is fully finished.
- Go through the timeline by scrubbing from start to end. Make sure everything looks correct and no assets are missing.
- Use Shift + F5 to preview your scene with lighting. This helps you see how your scene will appear when rendered.
- Check your camera framing. Make sure the depth of field looks balanced and is not too strong or too weak.
- Finally, review all post-processing effects—such as bloom, motion blur, and color correction—using the work camera. This ensures that all visual effects appear as expected before rendering.
Step 2: Open the Export Menu
After your scene is ready:
- Go to the File menu at the top of the screen, then choose Export > Movie…
- This will open the Export Movie dialog box. Here, you will see all the settings needed to compile your animation into a video file.
Step 3: Choose the Right Settings
This step is often confusing for beginners, but it becomes easier by following a few simple actions.
First, give your output file a clear and easy-to-remember name.
Then, select the folder where you want the final video to be saved. Make sure you can easily find this folder later.
Output Format and Settings
Choose the right output format based on your goal:
- Use AVI for quick previews and fast renders.
- For high-quality results, select Image Sequence using TGA or PNG formats.
These can be converted into a video using tools like Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, or the free tool VirtualDub.
Framerate:
- Use 30 FPS for standard animations.
- Choose 24 FPS for a cinematic look.
- Select 60 FPS if you want smoother motion.
Resolution:
- 1920×1080 (HD) is recommended for general use.
- Lower resolutions render faster.
- Higher resolutions give better quality if your system can handle it.
Sampling:
- Sampling controls how smooth lighting and shadows appear.
- New users should keep the default setting.
- Once you gain experience, you can raise the sampling value for better visual quality.
Step 4: Render and Wait
After setting everything up, click Export Movie to start the compile process.
Source Filmmaker will begin rendering your animation one frame at a time. The total time depends on how complex your scene is and how powerful your computer is.
Tips for a Smooth Render
- Avoid using Alt + Tab or switching to other programs while SFM is rendering. This can slow down the process or cause errors.
- Keep your computer plugged in during rendering. Make sure it does not enter sleep mode to avoid interruptions.
- For longer projects, consider rendering overnight. This gives the program enough time to finish without needing active supervision.
Step 5: Review and Polish
Once rendering is complete, open the exported file and carefully check the final output. Look for:
- Lighting glitches
- Camera jitter
- Missing frames or visual errors
Common SFM Compile Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Using the Work Camera:
Do not compile from the Work Camera. Instead, create and use a separate shot camera for animation. Compiling from the work camera can cause unexpected visual results. - Using AVI for Final Output:
The AVI format is useful for quick previews but creates large uncompressed files. For better quality and more control, use image sequences like TGA or PNG. - Grainy Lighting:
If your lighting looks grainy, try the following fixes:- Increase the sampling value.
- Turn on motion blur, ambient occlusion, and anti-aliasing in the render settings.
These changes can improve the overall quality of your output.
Bonus: Recommended Tools for Post-Production
After compiling your animation, many creators perform post-production editing to improve the final result. Here are some useful tools:
- Audacity – Use this for editing and adjusting audio. It is free and easy to use.
- HitFilm Express or DaVinci Resolve – Both are free video editing programs that support timeline editing, effects, and color correction.
- VirtualDub – This tool helps combine image sequences into a single AVI video file.
These tools support tasks like adding sound, cutting scenes, applying effects, and exporting for platforms like YouTube or social media.
Final Thoughts
Compiling your first SFM project can seem difficult at first, but it becomes easier with practice. After going through the process a few times, the steps will start to feel automatic.
Take your time, learn from any mistakes, and don’t hesitate to try new techniques. Every skilled SFM compile club creator started as a beginner curious, excited, and sometimes unsure.
The key to getting better is consistent practice and patience. With time, you will gain the skills needed to create smooth, cinematic animations using Source Filmmaker.
