Tutorial: Object creation for absolute beginners

[moune999]

Object creation for absolute beginners


An easy-to-follow tutorial on how to make your own Sims 2 objects, written for those who have never cloned an object before – or those who have already tried and have run into problems along the way. ;)

It contains:

* Screenshots that match the latest version of SimPE (April 2010)


* Detailed instructions and explanations for the entire object creation process:
How to clone an object
How to make a mesh in MilkShape and ensure it has the right dimensions
How to map your mesh with UV Mapper
How to register in the GUID database and get a GUID for your object (and why)
How to make a texture map for your object
How to pull it all together in SimPE to a working object


* Additional advice on:
What object to use as base for your clone
What objects are good to start out with and what objects should not be attempted until you have more experience
What EP to clone from and why basegame objects may be the best bases
How to use your GUID’s wisely
What size texture map to use
When to get a cup of coffee before moving on to the next bit

The tutorial is provided in PDF format.

I hope it will be of help to all those who want to try their hand at creating their own Sims 2 objects. It isn't all that daunting once you get started. Good luck with your endeavours and never hesitate to ask questions! :)

[yese24]

"To me it has always been important to know not only WHAT to do, but also to understand WHY I have to do it."
-this is from your tutorial

I agree! Thanks for such a wonderful and easy to follow tutorial.

[strawberrieflavored]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much!! =D Finally, an EASY to understand tutorial!! Most other tutorials I've looked at just tell you what to do to make whatever object they're making in the tutorial... It's all "now click this and this and this" without really explaining WHAT they're doing! This one made so much more sense to me! And I feel like I could take what I learned in this tutorial and use it to create a multitude of objects =) Thanks again!

[tepo99]

Hello
I've little problem. I want try to work with your tutorial. It's my first try to make a mesh. But...
Now let’s move on to the actual mesh. You will find that in the ‘Geometric Data Container’ (GMDC) in the Resource Tree.
I don't have GMDC there:
http://i42.tinypic.com/2yl9w77.jpg
:help: please.

[mustluvcatz]

You also don't have the SHPE, MMAT, TXMT, TXTR, CRES..and I don't know what else is missing. What object did you clone? And are you sure you had all the appropriate boxes checked before you clicked start? (Did you click "set defaults"? Although I usually UNcheck change description and save that part until the end.)

[tepo99]

I've cloned The Talking Table. I did it as it is in tutorial:
SimPE will ask you what you want to do with the selected object. In the top drop-down menu chose ‘Clone’. In the options below UNcheck ‘Change Description’. Leave the rest else as it is. Click ‘Start’.
(page 8)

EDIT//
I have checked this:
http://i44.tinypic.com/29qfn2c.jpg

[moune999]

That looks weird. I'd throw the package out and start again from the bottom.

[mustluvcatz]

I was going to say that having "reference original mesh" checked would cause the GMDC to be missing. That was before you added the screenshot though. I agree with Moune- throw it away and start over. Out of curiosity, what version of SimPE do you have?

[tepo99]

http://sourceforge.net/project/downloading.php?group_id=133134&filename=SimPe_0_73_44-QA.7z
I just came to that page and downloaded the first version :) .

[sorryarisim]

I'm encountering the exact same problem. I've tried a few times and it's still not showing up. I have window's 7 do you think that might be a factor?

[HugeLunatic]

Is that version an install version or unpack yourself? Is your game installed in the default location? Does the game pick up the games files in preferences?

Windows 7 is not an issue, it's just an OS. No different than Vista or XP.

If you have the install version try uninstalling and reinstalling. Go to preferences and make the the game settings have the folders in there, which they should if your game is installed in the default location. If you have installed it elsewhere you may need to point SimPE to your install location.

[sorryarisim]

I have the game installed in the default location. I've been having other programs install strangely since I've upgraded to 7 glad that's not the issue. I down loaded the install but then I saw that there was a newer version on SimPE site. I thought it was odd that it just ran out of the unzipped folder so think didn't install it properly or just go back to the install version. I have to figure how to do the manual install at some point. Thanks for the help HugeLunatic, I very much appreciate it.

[Nors]

Great tutorial! :) I also had that problem with SimPe, a bunch of stuffs didn't show up. But I just re-installed the program and everything works fine!

[sergiojunior]

Thank you for this tutorial!! I've create the table mesh,
on Milkshape but I can't export it because I must be
subscribed and pay for exporting meshs....But you've said in this tutorial
that it working with the 30 days free trial period...Is
there another solution?Help! :(

[moune999]

Not that I know of. If your trial version has run out, you'll have to register it. Otherwise you can switch to Blender which I think is free, but I'm not familiar with that programme, so I can't help you there.

[sergiojunior]

okay,thank you, so if I understood, we can't export with the trial version...

[moune999]

As far as I remember you should be able to export with the trial version - until it expires of course. You could check on the MilkShape site if that's still the case or look in their forum to see if others have had the same problem.

[sergiojunior]

Okay, because I've downloaded the trial version yesterday....I'll try to search more.Thanks again for the help! :)

[lientebollemeis]

Is it possible to do this without UV Mapper. It looks rather complicated to me.
I want to make a Berliners Ball as deco and then as custom food.
http://www.unipage.be/uploads/tx_msgunipage/IMGP4769-1270227252.jpg

[mustluvcatz]

About MilkShape- if you have the trial version, you can't export. I tried it out with mine before I registered it and export wasn't available. I got a pop-up telling me to register.

About mapping- Don't know what you would be using to mesh- I use MilkShape and you can map your mesh in it. You'd assign a material and move/scale your mesh to fit/where you want it in the Texture Coordinator Editor window. UVMapper isn't that complicated though- it's just about the same process. (That said, I prefer to map in MilkShape- Orange Mittens has a tutorial at Jupiter Sun that I used to learn. At least I think it's OM, if not..sorry!)

[plasticbox]

About MilkShape- if you have the trial version, you can't export. I tried it out with mine before I registered it and export wasn't available. I got a pop-up telling me to register.

Is this a new phenomenon? I've used the trial on my Windows box in Feb or March this year, and I was able to export with no issues, for the entire time the trial was valid (I never bought it). Later (I guess in April, and then again in June), I tried to use it on my OS X machine (in mono) – it worked perfectly as far as meshing goes, but like you say, I couldn't export because all I got was the "you need to register " popup.

I was thinking it's an issue with running it in mono, but since I re-downloaded it for the OS X install, it might just as well be a version problem if you're getting the same thing under Windows.

[mustluvcatz]

I honestly don't know if having to register is a new thing. Before my hdd crashed I was using the same version that I am now- 1.8.4 - but I never actually meshed during the trial. Since I had to reinstall, I figured I'd test the "You need to register.." thing out before I registered it.

[lientebollemeis]

If you can't export with Milkshape isn't it better to download Wings 3D? I heard it's not that bad either.
(I'm really new to this. I never meshed before)

[mustluvcatz]

That I don't know since MilkShape is all I've ever used. It would be interesting to see if "you" (meaning anyone) can export with a different version than 1.8.4 of MilkShape though. If it can be done- there's the 30 day trial at least.

*but it's totally up to you (and anyone else) what program you want to get and learn to use :)

[lientebollemeis]

The thing with that trial version is that you really need time the next 30 days and I can never be sure I will have time. I don't want to install it and waste the time of the trial.
Maybe I can look for a tutorial with Wing 3D first.

[lewjen]

Hi... I've run into a little issue - not to do with your tutorial, your tutorial is great, but a problem in-game.
I followed your tutorial to the letter. Twice. Both times, when I went to look at it in-game, the texture had changed, but not the mesh itself. It was still the talkingtable maxis mesh... which, I don't really know why would happen.
So, please, I would really apreciate someone's help on this - it's beyond me as to why the mesh wouldn't replace the original.

[mustluvcatz]

You don't say if both tables are in the catalog. If your table isn't in the catalog along with the game table, you most likely forgot to get a new GUID for yours. Your table would overwrite the game table in that case.

[lewjen]

Oh, sorry... both tables appeared in the catalog, as well as the talking table (the object I cloned from) - but both had the same mesh as the original.
Sorry, I guess I should have stated that I'm new to meshing too, so if I miss info out, or say something silly... you know why. :lol:
And thanks for the reply. :D

[mustluvcatz]

You're welcome- not that I've helped yet. :)

Alright- since your table(s) has a GUID: when you import the mesh, are you remembering to replace, commit and do a fix integrity? Something is obviously stopping your mesh from replacing the game mesh..we'll get it figured out.

[lewjen]

Okay, I have -definately- done those. Mainly because I can remember doing it (it was about 2 hours ago or so) and because I'm obsessive when it comes to pushing buttons. :D (lol)
(Seriously though - I did definately do those. I made 100% sure that I did everything that the tutorial said to do).

Update: Okay... I've been to #Create chat and we narrowed it down to me having both my mesh and the maxis one in the package...
Thanks leesester. :D (btw, I haven't sorted it - but i know what to do now). :)
EDIT AGAIN: OMG! It worked! :DD
thanks to everyone who helped :D (lee, mustluvcatz)
http://www.modyourpanties.com/images/100814211057-firstMeshWorked.jpg
Oh, yeah, and thanks to the author of the tutorial, moune999. :D

[mustluvcatz]

Glad you got it to work! I've been taming some towels and was just coming back to ask you to post your table so we could look at it.

How DID you have both meshes in the package? Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought choosing "replace" when importing avoids mistakes like that? (Then again, I'm the one who can't get a stupid towel to show up right! :) Although I'm pretty sure I know what I did wrong- choose the wrong object to clone.)

[lewjen]

mulstluvcats - I failed. Epcily. That's why. :lol:
What i did was, when selecting which option (add, replace etc.) I forgot which ONE to replace! So, basically... it was importing the mesh, instead of overwriting the maxis mesh. I hope that made sense :)

[SIMJahin]

I cannot find the 'Geometric Data Container' :(
Why is it?
And how can i fix it
Please help me :help:
or I will :cry:

[SIMJahin]

Oh and I am using SimPe 0.60.2.20832

[moune999]

Is it only the GMDC you're missing, or do you only have three different files in the resource tree? You may have created a recolor in stead of a clone.

In any case try starting again from scratch and make sure you choose 'clone'. Can't hurt to update SimPE to the latest version either.

[SIMJahin]

Thanks for trying to help moune999.
But I fixed it.
i only had to download the Nvidia DDS tools for it to work

[anubis1000]

I had the same problem as tepo99.
In newer versions of sim pe when you uncheck all Ep's don't uncheck 'Include Graphics' Then GMDC shows up

[moune999]

What exactly do you want help with? I don't think there are any special issues to deal with when making computers.

[emmarulz91]

Quick update for those having problems with the GMDC not coming up - there's two links on the SimPE site, one for a manual unzipping the files yourself download, and one that is user-friendly wizard download. If you use the first it doesn't seem to work (probably that I can't unzip properly) but using the second it's fine :) link to these here (http://sims.ambertation.de/en/download/realdownload/)
Hope this helps :)

[HugeLunatic]

The unzip yourself one works fine, it's all I use. You just unzip it into a folder and place anywhere and run from simpe.exe. If your GMDC is missing chances are your file table is not set up for the EP of the object your trying to clone or you've unticked something in the OW that shouldn't be utnicked.

[AleahStrauss]

im at the part where you click on "GMDC". when i click on the file in the resource list it says "Warning: you need to installe MANAGED Directx" whats wrong? what do i do now?

[mustluvcatz]

Download Managed Direct X 9c (http://sims.ambertation.de/en/download/realdownload/) :)

Click on the link above link, then click on Managed Direct X 9c. You'll be taken right to the download.

[AleahStrauss]

thank you so much!!!

[Ruttu]

Hi! I have a little problem. I'm trying to make a mesh from "NuMica Allinall Card Table"- table, but it has two different texture maps. For legs and for tabletop. And then when I try build a new texture map (512 x 512) it does not appear. In game table is white. What should I do? I am glad if someone helps. :)

And Moune, thank you for your wonderful tutorial!

[Cyclla]

I know that this topic is kind of old, but I just wanted to thank you. It's great!
***EDIT***
Yay! I did it! :P Sure, it took me days, but I did it! NEVER am I doing it again. :jest:

[kristie91]

When I get to the part that says to press crlt-s to save the changes made for the mesh to be safely integrated in a package..... I get an error saying that the file was moved or deleted while in simpe... does that mean I have to start all over again.. what do I do?

Never mind I restarted simpe and it saved this time!
I used gimp instead of photoshop and it worked!
Thanks for the tutorial! It was awesome!

[telefen]

Excellent Tutorial moune999! I love the way you've explained every step in details as how and why. :up: I think every tutorial should have that. Thank you very much,I just made my first table without crashing the game. :Pint: Keep up the good work. :up: :beer:

[BloodyScholastic]

I followed the tutorial. Mesh & coloring work perfectly.
But if the object get zoomed out, more further, more "black"ish the color of the object will get.
Also, the talking table used to be a clone of this object CANNOT be dragged and placed in the game.
Anyone could help me? I need a solution immediately. :)

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/8560/sims2ep8201202211533058.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/27/sims2ep8201202211533058.jpg/)

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/5715/sims2ep8201202211536017.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/828/sims2ep8201202211536017.jpg/)

[Smartone17]

Help! I am trying to clone a mesh from Nightlife (the four-slot table). But when I try to import my mesh to replace the top of the table, the following happens: I open the mesh importer window and click replace, but no menu appears below. Also,the mesh doesn't appear on the preview. What am I doing wrong?

[Askzra]

hi there, i just followed this guide.
as in the picture attached, when i tried to move the cylinder, it does not move like your cylinder, it became like this. Why? Is anything wrong?

[Graciouse]

Thanks for creating a tutorial for us beginners. I appreciate the hard work and dedication to keep everyone up on their creating ideas.

[SUPERsimsfan01]

HELP!!!

I have a problem with Trying to Drag the cylinder to the table. When I try to drag the cylinder, it doesn't drag the whole thing. It makes a kind of wall. also after scaling the cylinder, it doesnt look like your picture. it is a semi circle rather than a full circle. If you could help me it would be AWESOME!! :!: :!: :!:

This is EXACTLY what happened to me! I dont know why it didnt work!

hi there, i just followed this guide.
as in the picture attached, when i tried to move the cylinder, it does not move like your cylinder, it became like this. Why? Is anything wrong?

[alisha99]

Ihave the same problem :!::!::!:
:alarm:^^SORRY^^:alarm:

[gamegeek8]

Hi i am new here i read your toutorial when i export from simpe i go to milkshape but when i want to import i dont see my mesh i never maked a mesh :cry: :(

[damde]

I followed his/her guide step to step but my tables leg always ends up looking weird...I dont know why.Any hints that solves my stupidity? :faceslap: