Creation Start-Up Center (All new creators please start here)
 

This thread is to try and help the new folks who wish to create but do not know where to begin. It is also for the folks who want to learn a new area of creating but do not know where to start. I will try and direct new and old creators looking for tools or information regarding the very basics of creating anything for the Sims2.

I will list basic things that can be created and list the free and/or cheap software I am aware of to get you started.
I will also provide you with links to guides and tutorials to assist you in your “creation” endeavors.

Note: I will not answer creation questions in this thread so please do not ask them. I will not support or answer questions as to downloading or using the software for the link’s I have provided, please read the information provided by the software homepages.

If anyone has something they think would be valuable to add to the thread then I would be happy to except your idea's and add them if I feel they are helpful and in line with my efforts in this thread.

Basic things that can be created for the Sims2 game:smash:

New Objects

Recolours for existing Objects

Paintings and Posters

Sims

New Clothing, Accessories, Genetics

Recolours for existing Clothing, Accessories and Genetics

Walls and Floors

Buildings

What we need to create

Tools (you need ALL of the following)

SimPE (free)
CEP (Colour Enable Package) (free)

3D Creation Software (choose ONE of the following)

Wing's 3D (free)

Blender 3D (free)

Anim8tor 3D (free)

MilkShape 3D (trial)

UV Mapping Software (choose ONE of the following)

UVMapper Classic (free)

UVMapper Pro (trial)

LithUnwarp (Free)

Ultimate Unwrap (trial, the more advanced version of LithUnwarp)

NOTE: Most 3D programs have built in UV mapping tools.

Paint Programs (choose ONE of the following)

MS Paint (free with Windows)

Gimp (free)

ImageForge (free)

Jasc Paint Shop Pro (trial)

Adobe Photoshop CS2 (trial)

Maxis Tools

Homecrafter (free)

The Sims 2 Body Shop (free, released along with the game)

Other

Tutorials

Object Creation

Clothing Mesh Tutorial

Hair Mesh Tutorial

All MTS2 Tutorials

Advanced Techniques

Help

A final word of advice

:read: Read, Reading is the key to knowledge.

:comp: Practice: Repetition embeds procedures.

.

What's Sims 2 Poster Importer, exactly?

Umm... it imports posters, ie helps make wall hangings for the game. Really - you should click on the links to find out.

Any good links for making new careers?

Taking a moment to click the link "All MTS2 Tutorials" reveals the answer to your question. 3rd tutorial down " Custom Career Tutorials".

A much helpful thread. Thanks *adds to "favourites"*

Actually I've seen those, and though very helpful for getting started, they've led me to a dead end I can't seem to get past. I was hoping there were other resources out there, though I haven't been able to find any.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Good idea to have all these links in one place.

I wanted to add a UVmapping tool you didn't include:

LithUnwarp (Free) - http://files.seriouszone.com/download.php?fileid=198
Ultimate Unwrap (trial, the more advanced version of LithUnwarp) - http://www.unwrap3d.com/

Thanks "Dr Pixel", I have added them to the first post...

Awesome thread! Thanks much as I would like to try some things aside from recoloring. You Rock as usual!

Greets,

Okay just a curiousity, as I have seen a lot of hacked objects...
In your list you mention that objects can be created...

Is there a specificaly different process for this?
Say for instance I want to make a 4 person couch (so it lines up (centers) better with the TV) Or perhaps a double curtain that will/can be placed into corners.

I understand that it would need to get catagorized with a particular grouping (I.E. Comfort/couches or Decoration/curtains)

What I am wondering is that as a completely new object (no reference within the current game objects,) how do you get these new objects into the game?

Thanks
V

Making an actual 4-person couch might be quite difficult, but you could "cheat" and make, for example, two 2-person couches that line up like a 4-person couch when put side by side.

There are some two-tile curtains in the game, aren't there? In that case, you'd have to clone one of those, and to make them work on diagonal walls you can follow Numenor's tutorial in the Modding Info Center.

First I'd like to say thanks for the many fine objects you have created, however I find the SimPE site is suspended is there any other way to obtain the program?

Not actually interested in making the curtains go on diagonal walls... (Although...Hmmm) I'm talking more about right angles for those corners where two (or one) window is on each wall... curtains wont overlap at the very inside corner.
Or even better...how about a three window curtain... or four...

See the concept being that these objects are not in game, so a "clone" isn't really the correct terminology.
Or is it... Do all curtains, angular or otherwise HAVE to be a clone of a curtain that exists in game?
Or can a create a curtain obj and import it as its very own in game object type.

Thanks for replying
V

You can get it directly from SourceForge. At least that's what Quaxi said.

I'm wondering how to get GUID numbers. I have several new meshes ready to go, but his site is currently out of commission.

I'm not sure if it's possible to create completely original objects instead of cloning, but I can't imagine all the work it takes to actually make the object work in game. There are so many parts to an object file that it just makes sense to clone an existing one and modify it to fit your needs. What makes a lot more sense to me is to make a one- or two-tile curtain and make it in such a way that you can put many of them side by side and make it look like a 3- or 4-tile object. For corners, you'd have to create a separate curtain, but if you make it shorter than the regular ones, I'm not sure if it would actually cover the window.

I've actually already seen a lot of couches that have been made of different parts, and they look like long couches. Take a look at 4 Ever Simfantasy for example.

I guess that you are already registered on the GUID service, right?

Then, you can manually edit the GUID field, trying to keep a progressive numbering (e.g.: if the latest GUID you've registered was 0xEC12341E, continue assigning manual GUIDs using 0xEC12341F, 0xEC123420, 0xEC123421 and so on).

Write down the GUIDs you use, and when the service will be ready again, register them officially using either the SimPE interface or the web service.

Okay, I've tried downloading that Poster Importer twice now, & each time I try to activate the installer, I get this pop-up saying that the file contains invalid data.

The only suggestion I can give you is: if you use a download manager, deactivate it; if you don't use a download manager, get one. Especially on dial-up connections, downloads can get corrupted, and this trick may help you.

Thanks for this!!! I'm looking to start creating things for the sims besides wall hangings & custom sims, this helps out loads!!!

I don't know if this is the right place to ask this question but here it is, I am a 3D designer using ZBrush,3D Studio Max and Poser 6. I am new to the Sims creation stuff but I have a lot of .OBJ files like cars, statues ect. and I am wanting to create them for upload here and so I can use them in my game. I am wanting to make some maniquines for clothing and lingerie shops, as well as some statues to use in other buildings however even though I have the files created in my modeling software and saved as .obj files how dose a novice go about transfering them to a workable game object. Mind you I am NOT trying to create Sims only objects to place on lots and in shops. I have read alot of tutorials but I am confused can someone please explain in simple terms how I can do this? I would be ever so greatful for all you talented modders help and would gladly upload all my creations here for everyone to use and recolor. Thank you in advance.
Alphamale115516

alphamale,
a good place to start would be the 'Start to finish object tutorial'
that's the first link under 'Tutorials' in the first post, called 'Object creation'.
if you already have the 3d models, just skip that part of the tut and go straight to 'uv-mapping' and beyond
there's a 3ds max tutorial here
and a little help thread on 3ds max here

Thanks Lethe
 

Like I said I am fairly new at all this and I will try the tutorials you sugested and let you know how things go. I appreciate your help.
Sincerly,
Alphamale :wave:

File Not Found
 

Great Index you got going there JWoods
I may not be a newbie completely but it still comes in handy for even myself.
Thank you!

xts

Edit: Sims 2 Poster Importer stated an error.. "ERROR: FILE NOT FOUND Not Found. Please contact webmaster@socceraccess.com so that we can remove/fix this link"

at
http://downloads.gamingaccess.com/i...hp?file_id=3138

Just so ya know. I couldn't get it. (Firefox browser) I also tried with IE.

same here... *shrug* meh... I'm not really into making posters and paintings anyway At least I tried!!!!!

I have corrected the URL for the "Poster Importer"...

appreciation in progress
 

Thank you JWoods I shall give that poster importer a try now :D

Hope all is going well with you and yours!!
I'm here if ya need anything...

xts

I can't get it to work for me..
 

Eh, it may be on their end or my end. I still can't get it working. It goes to their site, I click, authenticating me, can't verify me, error. :o

I enabled cookies and java but I did have a java based virus recently. Well, it was in my java folder and IE likes to be a pain! I dont' think I have it anymore but it may have messed up something.. My ie is already messed up. I just don't feel like reinstalling it (again).

Starts off:
"Download it from gaming access" (button)


I can't verify that you're an authentic user, upgrading permissions... [OK]


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You have Popups/Popunders enabled for GamingAccess, downloads will continue working for you
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your download will automatically start in:
(countdown)
When I reach 1, it says:

ERROR: FILE NOT FOUND Not Found. Please contact webmaster@socceraccess.com so that we can remove/fix this link


That's what I get JWoods. This was with IE.

Firefox gives me this:

You're an authentic user: [OK]
You have Popups/Popunders enabled for GamingAccess, downloads will continue working for you
Your download will automatically start in:

(countdown)

When it gets to 1, I get this:
ERROR: FILE NOT FOUND Not Found. Please contact webmaster@socceraccess.com so that we can remove/fix this link


Hope that helps..

xts

Im not sure if this is the right thread to post this question and Im unsure what thread to post it in so I thought I would post here but im curious to know because Ive been seeing it a lot these past few weeks if cloning things from the EP's making it avaible for non EP games has copyright issues with EA GAMES and Maxis I started wondering it when I saw windkeeper had done it with that single rose nightlife?? if this isnt the right thread please tell me which one to post on?
Thanks for you guys time
Dee

I don't know if it's the right thread, but the problem is extremely interesting.

In any case, we must consider that by default an object cloned from an EP object will not appear in the catalog in base games.
Editing the OBJD files in the clone can force the object to appear in the base games, but nevertheless, the new EP objects have some new functions (new global BHAVs) that don't exist in the base game; therefore, the clone won't work in the base game.
In some rare cases, it would be possible to import in the clone all the global BHAVs, but most of the new BHAVs in the EP are coded with a different system than the base game.

Summing up, I think that this "porting" problem may apply only to few purely decorative EP objects, and only if the "creator" clones them without even editing the mesh.
Windkeeper's rose may be included in this category, though without NL it's just a decorative object (it won't "remind" you of a special date you had with a sim).

In my opinion, the real problem would exist if someone "converts" a fully functional EP object, by editing the OBJD and importing/editing the global BHAVs (for instance, making available to base gamers the Resurrect-O-Nomicron or something similar, or redistribuiting a special object created by Maxis for the users that pre-order the EP...).

XTS: if downloading the Poster Importer is so difficult, then just give up and use the (much better) Photo Studio function of SimPE

thanks for answering everything I have seen was change to deco items and after I posted the question I thought about it but it was an itch that had to be scratched lol
Thanks again
Dee

To answer one part of your question, I didn't clone the rose from Nightlife. I cloned regular flower in a vase that comes with the original game, then used the rose mesh that I extracted from EP. In other words, I made it look like Nightlife rose, no hacking was involved.

for all people want make car i recommend u a free 3D software that i have use for create car for "Grand Theft Auto : Vice City"

downloads---->HERE the version 1.07 its totally free and easy to use (can import 3DS)

i begin to convert some car from "Grand Theft auto : San Andreas" i use 3DSmax7 and the plugins for the dff (3D file for the car models of the game)
in this game have like more 100 vehicles i have lot of work if i want convert all lol but easy for me all part are already separated ( wheels, body, glass, etc...)
take a look on car of the game---->lot of vehicles

and only vehicles for land i can make for sea, air, bike, weapons and more

my first car its not far to coming on this site i try to got texture and let's go !

I never meant to imply you hacked anything it was just a question about what I have noticed a lot in the past few weeks and I clearly understand now and my question wasnt that you had clone from the EP and I may have misspoken or maybe misunderstood but it was in reference to things that were from the EP were being made available for non EP games, but I understand now and definitly not complaning I actually have downloaded it alljust was curious
Thanks again
Dee

and Im almost positive now that this question was posted in the wrong thread for this discussion lol:D..sorry

Hello, XTS
I was having the same problem with the poster importer so I ran a google search and found another link. This is the one I used:http://videogames.yahoo.com/gamefil...s&page=0&eid=-1 Scroll down to the bottom under "others" and it will be the 1st download.
Hope I helped,
Walt

Every time I go to download poster importer it says "ERROR: FILE NOT FOUND Not Found. Please contact webmaster@socceraccess.com so that we can remove/fix this link" Is there another way I can get it?

I have removed the poster importer link due to all the broken link problems..

For Career Making there is a tut at my site froum (follow links)

www.freewebs.com/sukisims2

Great
 

great info and links

i read a few of your tutorial and they're great but could you maby do one for each thing please adn make them to do with the whole thing not just how to create on thing please

The tutorials need to describe the creation of a particular object: they can't explain how to create any object; and obviously we can't create a tutorial for each object

The tutorials are a way to explain how things work, and their final scope is to give people the logic instruments to create on their own: you start following a tutorial and create a boombox radio; then you follow a second tutorial, creating a table; and soon you'll know how to create any object by yourself, and you don't need our help any more! :D

The other important thing is that a tutorial can't possibly explain every single detail of the creation process; some aspects (the creation of a suitable texture, the advanced tecniques of 3D modeling or UV-mapping...) are to be learned separately.

Simmygurl: I must have missed your post, Thank you for the additional link as it will be helpful for folks looking to create "career's"...

Dashi: Numenor has adequetly answered your post but I would like to mention one other thing in regards to your request. The amount of time it takes to create a 90-100 page tutorial I think is not really understood. If I work on it 6-8 hours a day, I may finish one in 3-4 days. If we counted all the different object types you can imagine that we would most likely be playing the Sims 6 by the time I had finished...

As Numenor mentioned working through a few tutorials will enhance your skills to a point that will send you on your way to creating what your imagination desires...

i have anim8or but what do i save the file as after i made the objects

*hugs* thank you sooooo much! i was truly lost,
but now i found the help i need !!!! :mag:

Cragwag - I've used Anim8or only a couble of times, but I think you have to choose the menu Object/Export, and export the mesh in .obj format.
You can then import the .obj into the GMDC using SimPE (NOTE: not all the .obj formats are compatible with SimPE: if you get an error, use the free UVmapper Classic to load and save the .obj file).

i just wanna know, which 3D program is best (and the easiest) out of the ones you chosen for the simPE? i DL Blender but it looks hard to understand... maybe its just me... :confused:

thanks

I use Wings3D, and its very intuitive. But it has a serious limitation: it can't handle joints, so you can't use it to edit animated objects (nor skins/clothing).

so im guessing its cool to run more than one 3D program?

Yes, I run Milkshape, too, when I have to deal with joints. And use UVmapper to adjust/create the mapping.

thanks sooooo much
its the only program i can get the hang of, i got simpe but ill have to get uvmapper
thanks Jwoods too, until now i did not know i could use it

kk it still doesn't work.
I load it into uvmapper and it all goes into a confusion of lines and then won't load to simpe
it says
'exception of type 'System.OutOfMemoryException' was thrown'
(if i should not be posting this here then i am sorry)

also what is the gmdc?

GMDC = Geometric Data Container

thanx, soz 4 being such a noob

I know there is probably somwhere else I'm supossed to post but I can't find it. I've made some wallpaper using HomeCrafter plus and I was trying to figure out how to upload them here. I can't figure out where to find my wallpapers.

As far as I know, Homecrafter puts the wallpapers directly in the Downloads folder. Sorting the downloads by file creation date may help.

Ok well I found the files but still have no idea how to upload.

Zeehorse,
on the top right of your screen is a 'User tools' button
click the little arrow next to it and go to 'upload items'
just follow the instructions on there

The link to the object creation tutorial doesn't work. Can someone please update with a new link or post in this thread where I can find it - I tried searching.

I'm not able to edit the main post, but here is the new link:

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=104795

Thanks for reporting, Roxy. The link has been fixed.

I thought it was my computer! YAY!

Is this true?
 

Do u have to download ALL OF THAT to b able to create an object?! Like ALL OF THE THINGS on the list??

RoxyHearts :valentine

Do you mean the things listed in the first post? No, you generally only need one of each: one mesh editing program, one uv-mapper, one graphics program and so on. Sometimes one program can't do everything for you, so you may need to use another, but you do not need all of the mesh editors or all uv-mappers, no.

i have simPE and am completely new at this so do i need one of them UV Mapping Software or 3D Creation Software please help

It depends on what you want to make. If you want to make new meshes (objects with a new shape), then yes. If you want to recolor existing meshes, then no .

Usefulness of different 3-D modelling programs
 

I have (yet another) 3-D modelling program (gmax), and have found that I can't import Sims 2 meshes into it to modify. that is, it reads a limited number of mesh types. My question is whether each of the 3-D programs you list can read the Sims 2 meshes. I know there is a plug in for Milkshape (which program just crashes and crashes for me) that reads the bodyshop exports, but how about the other programs?

fudgeart,
all the programs in that list can read obj. files, or have plugins that do so
there is still some discussion, though, whether they're all good for making body meshes, so it depends on what you want to do

Thanks, Lethe S. Here is a follow up question (you'll be able to tell I'm a creations newbie!). I was following Neptune Suzie's tutorial, and got to the point that I had extracted 8 files. She then says to open Milkshape and go to TS2 Body Chop Importer to bring the 5gd file into Mildshape. That's where I'm stuck--this isn't an obj. file. Is there something that one of the other programs have that will let me import 5gd files?

I'm afraid not. Both the BodyChop and the GMDC importer has been created as Milkshape plugins and can't be used with other software.
The problem is that such plugins are only interesting for (and used by) TS2 users, and therfore is very hard to find a TS2 user as skilled as Wes_h (the creator of both Milkshape plugins) that creates a specific plugin for other programs.
Unless my information are inaccurate, the only program you can use to edit body meshes is Milkshape.

EDIT: But... Did the MeshTool have an exporting feature specifically designed for clothing? I don't remember, I've never used that feature, but I think I'm right.

You can use the Mesh Tool for body meshes instead of the wes_h plugin, although I don't know if it's specifically been designed for that. The clothing mesh tutorial by Brianna uses the Mesh Tool.

plugin question
 

Thanks to both of you who answered me. I'll download the MeshTool and play with that a while. I so appreciate you more experienced folk helping rookies like me! :nod:

Meshtool definitely can edit body meshes! :D
If you can edit an obj file and you do NOT delete or add any vertices to the mesh and do not move them past joints (no above knee skirts dragged to below knee, it won't animate right) you can use meshtool.

You can also do full edits with full bone support with meshtool using either modtool (which is free, but complicated, must get my mini-tutorial thing up for it) or using 3DS Max with the 3ds studio cannonfodder exporter.

There's a ton o data associated with body meshes, and thus those are your options. And Wes' plugins, which you must use with Milkshape.

You guys are so wonderful! So I'm going to ask another question. I got Milkshape, and the Bodychop plug in, and it runs (maybe because I registered it?) , but when I import the GMDC file I created following NeptuneSuzy's tutorial, there appears to be a set of blue lines and vertices surrounding the full-figure white mesh. It makes it hard to see the actual mesh, which, of course, makes it hard to manipulate it. Any clues what that's about, and how I get rid of this overlayer of blue lines (they look like a big blue mesh of the area between the chest and the neck).

Those blue lines are probably the joints: they are only over-sized.
In Milkshape, go to File -> Preferences -> Misc and set the "Joint Size" to 0.0075

Numenor--thank you so much. I NEVER would have figured that out. You guys are real life savers!

Can anybody tell me the difference between hacked and not hacked objects? I mean, what's the difference? Does it mean that if an object is hacked, then it's stolen?

No, "hacked" has nothing to do with stolen or illegal. A hacked object is something where its functions have been altered. A simple "hack" could be to make a cheap bed or couch with very high energy and comfort values, for example. Or a hacked door could have some special functions, like being lockable. Or a hacked mirror or painting that you can use to view sims' needs and change them. As an emaple, see simlogical, a website that offers various useful hacked objects.

I have had The Sims 2 Body Shop but the things I did there never come to the game plus it was hard to use for me so I would be very happy if someone can say a pogram easy to use..

Have you followed any tutorials for Body Shop? To put your file into the game, there is a button called "Import To Game" you need to select when you're done with it.

I still don't really get how to do this, and what I need to do it. Could some plz help?

Actually, the purpose of this thread is not to explain how to do something, but rather to point out that there are many different things that can be created: object recolours, brand new objects, clothing recolours and new clothings, hacked objects, and so on...

So, you should first ask yourself: what do I feel inclined to create?
If you have never created anything, I suggest to start with recolours (either for objects or clothings): in the "Create" forum, you can find many useful (and easy) tutorials for beginners. My personal suggestions are:

Recolouring objects

Basic clothing recolours.

Hi, maybe it will b funny, but is there other way to read ur guid?? cz, i dnt have adobe reader!!

dhara,
in here, there's a big difference between a GUID and a guide
if the guide is only in pdf format, try foxisoft reader, it's very small and very free

Do I need to install ALL of those things to be able to create objects and stuff? PLEASE HELP ME I'M SO CONFUSED AND FRUSTRATED!!!!!! >
:**********(

I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL simlvr236!! IT IS SOOOOO ANNOYING!!!!!!

No, you don't need them all. Generally you need one of each: one mesh editor, one paint program, and so on. Go back to the first post of this thread and follow the link to the object creation tutorial. It'll tell you everything you need to have to go through the tutorial.

And, please, try to avoid typing in all caps, it makes it seem like you're shouting. There are people around to help you, no need to get upset, just give people time to reply .

Do you have to install ALL of those things above to be able to create your own things or just one out each category: and if you only have to install one out of eahc category could you PLEASE tell me which one(s) would be the best!!!

Ohh Sorry Don't Reply To The Last One I Didn't Realise You Haf Already Answered! Sorry Sorry Sorry!!!!

if i download one of each or whatever will I be able to create people and objects and stuff????

and also, is it easy or hard or medium to create things?

It depends on what you want to create.

For recoloring objects, you'll need SimPE and a paint program. The technical side of recoloring is easy, although getting nice-looking results might be harder.

For making custom objects with new mesh, you'll need SimPE, a paint program, a 3D program, and probably a uv-mapper, as well. This is definitely harder than recoloring objects.

For recoloring clothing/hair make-up etc. you'll only need Bodyshop that comes with the game, plus a paint program.

For meshing clothing, hair or accessories, you'll need Bodyshop, SimPE, a paint program and a 3D program. This is also considerably more difficult technically that recoloring clothing etc.

I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to be a teacher, to all of us who would get lost without your guidance. I'm a Newbie in all of this so I guess that would make me a freshmen. Thanks a million. Wolf

Possibility...?
 

Hey

Ages ago in the sims1 I downloaded this 'sculpture' of a sim. I downloaded a family as well and it turned out that the sculpture was of a female sim in the family. I'm not sure if the object was modelled to look like the sim, or if somehow the sim's geometry was exported.

Does anyone think that it would be possible to export a specific sim from the sims 2 as a model, be it rigged for animation or not?

Rinoa_Lewis

When you open the character file of a sim in SimPE, you will find the 3D information of their faces for each age in there. You should be able to export the mesh into a mesh program. But it's only the face, the rest of the sim is not included.

Shazaa! I have at last found the mysterious vault that contains the MESh creator! WWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Finally! Thank you by the way!

Thanks IgnorantBliss.

I could just export the face mesh, then join it to the mesh of whatever clothing I use I suppose. Is this done the same way that you would export clothing for editing? Which section should I be looking in?

Have a good day now
Rinoa_Lewis

Thx this rocks

men I downloaded all the software now what do I have to do?