Cutting out of brushes?

[Shady]

I'm thinking of this in terms of subtracting one brush from another. Lets say i have a square brush and I want a kinda strange shape hole in the middle. Whats the best way to do this?

If you cant subtract in any way, do I just have to build around and create the hole in the center using multiple brushes?

BTW this is being used for water.... I know how to make it but want to mesh it into the ground so its flush and looks realistic and deep...

 

[Kyorisu]

If you cant subtract in any way, do I just have to build around and create the hole in the center using multiple brushes?

That would be called Carving and as every experienced veteran mapper can tell you me included Carving is bad.

In cases oh holes from cubes it was fine then a n00bie would go carve a cylander from something else and all hell would follow on the HL Mapper List.

Bottom line just make each brush individually. It helps if you want to modify things at a later date without being confused as to why this brush is that shape.

 

[JFry]

You are describing the carve tool, which is generally referred to as evil. I haven't tried it in hammer 4, but I can't imagine it is any better, not sure if they even included it actually. It tends to seperate the brushes in an innefficiant manner, thus increasing render times. I would suggest building it brush by brush. It seems (and is) tedious, but your level will be better for it.

I'm not sure what you mean by using it for water tho... water is normally flat (yes I know in reality it is curved).

 

[Shady]

Thanks a lot for your answers. By water I meant the 2d shape from the top. I was placing the water into the ground so I needed a strange shape cutout of the ground (since water curves and such along the bankline). Guess I just have to do a lot of Vertex work.

Thanks again