I Need Help with importing body Mesh

[Kyarbrough]

I am having problems importing meshes into the Sims 2. I have no problem with creating the necessary packages and importing everything into the game. The problem is with what I get as a result. If I export or import the mesh as an OBJ file with Sims PE, it does not export the bones and thus the mesh has no joints and cannot be animated. If I export the file as TEX then it does have bones but after importing the file it replaces the pre-existing bone structure and the result is a hideous monster. The only success I have had so far is with a special plug-in for MilkShape that allows for the direct importation of the mesh form the extracted package file. I have not yet tried it in the game but the creator states that it may cause problems in certain animations such as pregnancy. The problem I am having with this plug-in is that it leaves an ugly seam down along the Y-axes that I can’t get rid of.

[Dr Pixel]

To edit and import a body mesh as an .obj file, you must export from SimPE with the "Order" set to "xyz" - then you must use the MeshTool to turn this back into a usable GMDC file, with the bone information restored. You can not use the direct .obj file importer in SimPE.

As for the "seam" you get on a mesh using the plugins by Wes H, here is the fix:

In MilkShape, go to the Groups tab.

Make sure the checkbox that says "autosmooth" is on

Now click on the name of the group. Then click on [Select] - you should see that the entire group has turned red.

On the Vertex menu, choose "weld together".

If your mesh has more than one group, unselect the first one by clicking [Select] again - then repeat this for each group.

This will re-align the normals and eliminate the seams from the mesh.

[Kyarbrough]

Thanks for the help, however as I was waiting for a response I found a different method. I discovered that using the new version of Sim PE I can export the file as a txt, change it and then import it back again as txt with Sim PE. First I delete the exsiting mesh then add the new one and change the setting of the bones from their default 'replace' to 'update'. For anyone who wants to take a look at the results I am placing a Sim here made with my outfit. Basicly it is a bodified swimsuit that I added boots to.

[Kyarbrough]

By the way. I still had the seam problem and your soulution worked great!!

[Kyarbrough]

OOPS!!!! The mesh only half works!! It does not change shape when working out or getting fat or preggers. When getting preggers she just changes into maternity clothes.

[Dr Pixel]

OOPS!!!! The mesh only half works!! It does not change shape when working out or getting fat or preggers. When getting preggers she just changes into maternity clothes.

Yes, the fit/fit morphing information is only retained if you use the .obj export/Meshtool method, or the BodyChop MilkShape plugins by Wes H.

The .ms3dascii export/import, and the .smd export/import do not have the ability to keep the fit/fat morphing information for body meshes.