TinyChan

Idk I figured I write this down in the even 10+ years down some poor sap searching through the bowels of the internet is looking for some answers can rejoice in this bit of niche info.

So the CSM software is alright. after meddling with it for a few hours and trying to figure why my textures weren't showing up properly.

The program doesn't support PBR texture maps. However it can accept color and diffuse maps(makes sense given that whenever I look at the asset store the models seem very basic and flat).

The color map has to be baked before you import your model into CSM. Also CSM can only read .fbx and .obj files.

although I recommend .fbx in the event you're exporting characters with armatures. plus you can embed the paths in your textures and what not.

CSM is pretty much just used for laying out your 3D objects then export it as a material for use in CSP. However they need to update the CSM program because it's severely lacking in basic functionality(no way to set up hotkeys, no intuitive workflow pipeline 3D programs of choice with CSM mainly)

So in short: use a program like blender, give your shader a simple color map and put on your mesh. slap whatever texture you want to add(no metallic,rough, sheen, etc. gotta keep it simple.) and you're good to import.