Many creators love using Planet Coaster for building custom theme parks, but running into technical issues can be frustrating. One common problem is the Blender Flexicolor feature not working as expected. If you’ve spent hours designing a custom 3D model, only to find that your color options don’t show up in-game, you’re not alone. This guide explains why this happens, how to fix it, and what steps you can take to avoid the issue in future projects.
What Is Blender Flexicolor In Planet Coaster?
Flexicolor is a feature that lets players recolor custom objects inside Planet Coaster after importing them. Instead of being stuck with the original model colors, you can pick new ones in the game’s building menu. This is especially useful for creators who want to give players more flexibility with their blueprints.
When you use blender to make models for Planet Coaster, you can assign special materials, known as Flexicolor slots. These tell the game which parts of your model can be recolored. If Flexicolor stops working, it usually means these materials aren’t set up or exported correctly.
Why Flexicolor Might Not Work
There are several reasons why Flexicolor doesn’t function as expected after you import your object:
- Incorrect Material Naming: Blender materials must be named exactly as the game expects (e.g., “flexicolor1,” “flexicolor2,” etc. ).
- Export Settings Errors: Using the wrong FBX export settings can strip out material information.
- Unsupported Blender Versions: Some Blender versions may not work well with Planet Coaster modding tools.
- Missing UV Maps: Flexicolor relies on UV mapping; if your model lacks proper UVs, the color won’t apply.
- Conflicting Materials: Having more materials than the game supports can cause issues.
Understanding these causes is key to solving the problem.
Credit: www.planetcoaster.com
Common Fixes For Flexicolor Problems
Most Flexicolor issues can be solved by adjusting your Blender workflow. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
1. Name Materials Correctly
Planet Coaster recognizes Flexicolor materials only if you use the right names. For example:
- Flexicolor1
- Flexicolor2
- Flexicolor3
Make sure your material slots use these exact names. Even a small typo can break the feature.
2. Set Up Uv Maps
Check that each part of your model has a UV map. In Blender, go to the UV Editing workspace and unwrap each mesh. Without UVs, Flexicolor won’t know where to apply the color.
3. Use Supported Export Settings
When exporting your model from Blender, use these settings:
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Format | FBX (.fbx) |
| Forward | -Z Forward |
| Up | Y Up |
| Apply Transform | Checked |
| Path Mode | Copy |
| Include | Selected Objects |
Wrong export settings are a leading cause of Flexicolor not working.
4. Limit Number Of Materials
Planet Coaster supports only a limited number of Flexicolor slots per object (usually three). If you assign more, the extra ones may not work.
5. Check Blender Version Compatibility
Some Blender updates may change how materials or FBX files are handled. Most users find Blender 2.79 or 2.80 to be most reliable for Planet Coaster modding.
Step-by-step Example: Fixing A Flexicolor Issue
Imagine you import a custom bench into Planet Coaster, but the color options are missing. Here’s how to fix it:
- Open your Blender file.
- Select the mesh and check the material slots. Rename them to flexicolor1, flexicolor2, etc.
- In the UV Editing tab, select all faces and click “Unwrap.”
- Export the model using the recommended FBX settings.
- Import the FBX into Planet Coaster. You should now see color options.
| Step | What to Check |
|---|---|
| 1 | Material slot names match “flexicolor1,” etc. |
| 2 | All meshes have UV maps |
| 3 | FBX export settings as recommended |
| 4 | No extra unused materials |
Credit: www.planetcoaster.com
Two Insights Beginners Often Miss
First, material order matters. Planet Coaster sometimes reads materials in the order they appear in Blender. If your Flexicolor slot isn’t the first material, try moving it up.
Second, vertex painting can affect Flexicolor. If you have vertex colors assigned, these can override Flexicolor in some cases. Remove any unwanted vertex paint data before exporting.
Tips For Avoiding Future Problems
- Test Small Models First: Before making a complex object, test Flexicolor with a simple cube to check your workflow.
- Keep Materials Simple: Use only the materials you need. Extra materials can cause confusion.
- Save Export Presets: In Blender, save your FBX export settings as a preset to prevent mistakes.
- Stay Updated: Check Planet Coaster creator forums for the latest compatibility tips and plugin updates. The Frontier Developments Forum is a good place to start.
Credit: www.youtube.com
When Flexicolor Still Doesn’t Work
If you’ve tried everything above and Flexicolor still fails, consider these steps:
- Reinstall Blender or try a different version.
- Try exporting and importing on a different computer to rule out software conflicts.
- Ask for help on Planet Coaster creator forums; someone may spot a small issue you missed.
Remember, Flexicolor problems are usually due to small errors. Taking a careful, step-by-step approach often solves them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Flexicolor Option Not Showing In Planet Coaster?
This usually happens because the material slots in Blender aren’t named correctly, or you didn’t set up UV maps. Double-check both before exporting.
How Many Flexicolor Slots Can I Use Per Object?
You can use up to three Flexicolor slots per object. If you add more, the game will ignore the extras.
Does The Blender Version Matter For Flexicolor?
Yes, some Blender versions handle FBX files differently. Blender 2.79 and 2.80 are most reliable for Planet Coaster.
Can I Add Flexicolor To An Object After Importing It Into Planet Coaster?
No, you must set up Flexicolor materials in Blender before exporting. The game cannot add them after import.
Why Do Some Parts Of My Model Change Color, But Others Don’t?
Parts that don’t change color likely don’t have the Flexicolor material assigned or lack a UV map. Check your Blender file for missed areas.
Flexicolor is a powerful tool for Planet Coaster creators, but it requires careful setup in Blender. By following these tips and steps, you can ensure your custom models are flexible, colorful, and ready for any park design. With practice, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a smoother creative process.
Dorothy Addeo is a senior product reviewer at Safefins.com with years of experience testing kitchen, furniture, backpacks, and everyday lifestyle products. She focuses on comfort, durability, usability, and long-term value through hands-on research and real-world testing. Her goal is to help readers find reliable products with honest, easy-to-understand recommendations they can trust.