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Tuck Box / Card Box—A Custom Bag for Modders To Use In Their Stuff

This is a tuck box; a custom bag model. This is intended as a modder's resource. A tuck box is typically used to store playing cards. It is named such because it has an opening tab that "tucks" inside the box to close it. Included is a template box and a demonstration box which features the lawyer-friendly "Unicycle"—*coughcough*—brand playing cards. It also has some playing cards on the table, for scale.



Can I use this in my workshop mod? Can I edit the object file, retexture it completely, and reupload it?
Yes. Just give credit someplace. Preferably, credit me with a link to this workshop item.

It's not the right size for my cards; how do I resize it?
The new gizmo tool allows you to resize it without any hassle. Formerly, you'd need to edit the JSON file.

Where do I download the PSD file and how do I use it?
http://sta.sh/0w55wo6k1bw is the link to the PSD file.

It includes annotations about things you might want to know. All of the sides of the box are seperated into smart objects, so you should be able to just toss artwork into the smart object and scale it appropriately.

Why does the example box look great, but mine looks flat and therefore rubbish?
Normal maps. You'll need to generate a normal map for each image you make. You can use normal maps to give lettering an embossed effect, too. If you need help creating a normal map for a box you've made, let me know in the comments or something.

You can also play with the material settings. For example, higher specular intensity will make it look shrink-wrapped. The demonstration model uses a light specular intensity with a very high specular sharpness and high fresnel strength. This gives it a mirror-like appearance which only becomes noticeable when viewed from a sharp angle, making it look like the glossy sort of cardboard that is typically used for tuckboxes.

How would I add my own artwork?
There are two ways. I've uploaded an annotated PSD file which will help you through the process.
There's also a PNG file which you can edit, if you can't use PSD files. Ensure that you keep transparency the same.
Some experience with object making is required. This is intended as a modder's resource.

You can find the PNG file at http://i.imgur.com/NhwE0Vf.png
The PSD file is located at: http://sta.sh/0w55wo6k1bw

What all do I need to make a box?
You'll need images of the front, back, sides, top, and bottom of the box you want to create.
If you have a physical box, it may help to take it apart and scan it. Choose around 75–100 DPI for the scanner.

I have a weird line of white going up the side of the box on the back of it!
Make sure that the artwork for the left side of the box extends fully past the line and bleeds to the edge of the image. The left side is also used for a portion of the back. The PSD file has smart objects which will help. This is a stylistic choice I made to give the box a more distressed look. I'll be uploading a cleaner box for those that prefer it.

Can you help me make an existing box?
Possibly. I'll need images of the front, back, sides, top and bottom of what you want it to look like. I'll send back a chest JSON file with the completed object. I may also include it in the workshop set, if it's something which might have a general appeal. You can also send a scanned file from a physical box.

Can you design me a completely new box for my workshop mod?
Possibly. I'll need a description on how the box should look, at all sides. If you have particular artwork you want included, I'll need that. I'll also need to know your typeface preferences for any text you might want to include.

I found an error in the model or textures.
Let me know where, and I'll see if I can fix it. I only dabble in 3D object creation, so a model glitch may have slipped through the cracks.

If you can, use the template box and send a screenshot, with the error highlighted. That will make it easier to fix.

Note that the box is somewhat banged up, and looks as though it has been used a bit. That is an intentional design decision on my part.

How did you make this? Can you give me more technical details?
Instead of merely doing a straightforward cube primitive and then using normal/bump maps to give the illusion of a proper tuck box, I chose to start with a textured plane. I then folded that plane into the shape of the box. Since this emulates the means used to create physical tuck boxes, it gives it a better appearance. That improvement comes at the price of 5000+ polygons. It's also vastly more time consuming.