Quote from spongylover123 on January 16, 2012, 1:27 pm

I predict that you're under 13.
But anyways, an instance is an entity that contains a vmf with unfilled parameters, such as the color, speed, disabled or enabled, outputs.
To make an instance, start with a vmf you want to make an instance, then make a proxy for the instance, name the proxy and put the proxy in a parameter of the entity, save as a vmf, and done, you have an instance.

Quote from andyb on January 16, 2012, 2:02 pm

Works for making other instances besides what is done here.Just the basics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK12GRu5EFU

Quote from GLaDOS CUBE on January 16, 2012, 2:51 pm

well first your prediction is wrong and im fairly new to map making, but thank you any way for the help.

Quote from Lpfreaky90 on January 16, 2012, 3:14 pm

I'd suggest to save all your instance-vmf files in portal 2/sdk_contents/maps/instances/-yourname- that way it's always easy to find your own instances

Quote from Mr. P. Kiwi on January 17, 2012, 10:52 am

I suggest you'd first read every article on this page. Then if you don't understand something, try to Google it, and if all else fails - ask here. It's some basic guidelines of forums all across the inter-webs...

P.S. - You can reach the wiki from the "Portal 2 Mapping Wiki" link on the top of the page (the grey bar)

Quote from beecake on January 17, 2012, 11:48 am

Just to say it a little bit simpler: an instance is a pre-made "map" you put in your map. An instance is made so complicate elements in your map is ready, and all you have to do is paste it.

I make an instance by pressing "new map" and when I'm done I just save it at the instance folder. What makes it an instance is that I use func_instance to have it in my map, isn't that right?

Quote from Spam Nugget on January 17, 2012, 6:02 pm

yup, thats the gist of it. you can also send it inpits and outputs and change parameters if you set it up to do so.