Basics
Welcome to the basics. This section is for those of you who have never used Build before. Keep in mind that I've been using this program for years, and a lot of the keypresses are just instinct to me. I'll do my best, but I may accidentally forget to mention some keys here and there. E-mail me if you notice something missing. If you want, you can print these pages for reference while doing this activity.
What the heck is Build?
Build is a level editor. It is used to create the maps for Duke Nukem 3D. It saves them with the extension [.MAP].
I first learned how to use Build through two methods, FAQs and experiments. The FAQs were text-only, and with many effects it was hard to understand what the author was trying to explain (sliding doors come to mind). I remember the old method of drawing out an example using a mess of symbols. What great fun that was to pull apart. Anyway, a long while afterward I (excitedly) discovered some tutorials with images, all of which were missing loads of effects. After a couple of years, I started to document Build myself using HTML. It served as my own personal quick reference. It's grown enormous since then, and I'm constantly expanding and perfecting it.
There's no better way to learn than by diving in, so let's get started. Boot up a DOS prompt and type CD C:\DUKE3D (CD means "Change Directory"). Now the prompt should say C:\DUKE3D. Right now you are in the game directory. Type BUILD. The license information for Build will come on the screen. Read it, and press Y if you agree. You are now in the Build program. Remember while doing these activities to test out all of the mentioned keys as you read through them. You'll gain a much clearer understanding of things if you try them yourself.