Recolouring Objects with Object Workshop (NEW tutorial)

[Rainncandy]

That's what I have - UV Mapper Pro. I'm able to preview my bed and rug that I'm recoloring. I finally got them to look totally clear in the game. UP Mapper helped me out big time.

I think I know what to do about my paintings now. Thanks for your suggestions, Numenor. I will be sure to try them.

[MaryLou]

Alright, I am tyring to recolor a custom mesh. I dont understand what to do because nothing is the same after step one. Like when i click next it says something about its complete or somerthing, no pics or anything comes up :( its really frustrating me!
shniveshnive: to make a recolor for a custom mesh you DON'T click on the "Start" button.
You must click on the "Open" button, search where is the custom file, select it to open and than choose the option recolour.

Say, a 512 x 512 texture gets blurry in game, then you may try with 1024 x 1024, 2048 x 2048 ones. The file size may be big then, but you may try the build-in compression to see if that helps reduce the size desirably to your want.
Niol: my apologies, hope you are joking...... make a 2048x2048 texture?????
Again, sorry, but this is "absurd" :blink:
A common mistake its to think that a big texture means hight quality: this is not true.
We don't need a big texture to get a hight quality one!
To get a good texture first of all we need a good mapping of our mesh: if some face are to stretched or to compressed we can't have an accurate texture also with a big size.
Second we need to make an accurate texture with our 2d editor in the real size we want: if we make a big texture and then we reduce it with the graphic editor often we lose more details about it and also the right saturation and contrast.
Finally we have to build it with the DDSutilities in the right format with the right effects to preserve its quality.
If the mesh is not ours, there are really a bit things we can make to get a better texture. We can only try to re-draw the design to make it more slight or more wide , increase the contrast and the saturation so when it will be draft on the mesh it would be look less stretched or compressed.

I don't understand how other people can make their object recolors, paintings, bedding to look clear but mine isn't.
Rainncandy, if the mesh is yours, the first thing to do is to make a better mapping of the canopy and of the painting : they are too stretched and the texture will be deformed.Then try to build the texture with the DXT3format and a SharpenSoft effect.
For the painting you can make a 218x512 texture............ is more than enough.
For the bed and the canopy I'd make a 512x512 one.
If you have UVmap PRO, make a new mapping and save the template with the right size (the size you want) and use them as base for your texture.

If you change the size of the "original" texture, and build it with the DDSutilities, don't worry: the size will be automatically edit in yours.

Niol: sorry again, but it's so frustrating to see big texture, that the only real effect is to increase the size of the file, when it's not needed .........

[niol]

That tells you how much I know about mapping :P ...

Jokes apart :D, I only knew the texture was magnified from the first pic. I didn't know if she was doing recolouring on her own meshes or others', nor the scale she wants. So, I just suggested to double the texture size to hopefully get it closer. Then, the pics after my previous post obviously shows the ratio issue even the size might have been increased. Since that's stated already, I knew there's nothing more for me to say.

After all, thank you for the mapping lesson before my trial and errors :D ...

I had made an animated floor tile for my only featured lot. But, I used 1024x1024 for that tile :D, so I compressed it down to about 300kb.
What's more?
The tile scale is 32 x 32, namely 1/4 of a lot page :D .
Note: unmodded typical HCP tile are 1x1, 2x2, 5x5 while certain in-game tiles are 3x3, 4x4 as well.
I've planed to make all-in-one floor tile for a whole lot :D . 2048x2048 may be necessary? What do you think? :lol:


...
Niol: my apologies, hope you are joking...... make a 2048x2048 texture?????
Again, sorry, but this is "absurd" :blink:
A common mistake its to think that a big texture means hight quality: this is not true.
We don't need a big texture to get a hight quality one!
To get a good texture first of all we need a good mapping of our mesh: if some face are to stretched or to compressed we can't have an accurate texture also with a big size.
Second we need to make an accurate texture with our 2d editor in the real size we want: if we make a big texture and then we reduce it with the graphic editor often we lose more details about it and also the right saturation and contrast.
Finally we have to build it with the DDSutilities in the right format with the right effects to preserve its quality.
If the mesh is not ours, there are really a bit things we can make to get a better texture. We can only try to re-draw the design to make it more slight or more wide , increase the contrast and the saturation so when it will be draft on the mesh it would be look less stretched or compressed.

...

Niol: sorry again, but it's so frustrating to see big texture, that the only real effect is to increase the size of the file, when it's not needed .........

[BlueBerry11]

I've downloaded and installed CPE, DDS Utilities and SimPE but when I get to the Extra --> Preferences stage, I can't locate DDS Utilities. Furthermore, below the NVidia DDS Tool Folder Bar in the "Preferences" menu, it says (before I even try to browse for DDS Utilities) "Nvidia DDS Utilities were not found. Download them here." I've tried redownloading DDS but nothing has happened. Could you help me figure out what is going on? Thank you.

[Rosebine]

i have this same problem, and i did exactly what you did, lol, and you know what ?
I can recolor, and clone...just the same....seems that for me it dosen't change anything...

Rosemary :0)

[GardenStater]

First of all thank you for this tutorial. It has taught me a little more about how recoloring works and demystified those .package files. I have one question though, if the Subset selection doesn't come up when one tries to recolor an object with just one texture, how do you recolor an object with just one texture. I've tried to recolor the Ambulance, but in the Resource Tree only a black cube icon with a question mark that says "AllRes (0)" next to it shows. Any suggestions?

[niol]

BlueBerry11,

Have you installed the DDS tools yet? :)

[BlueBerry11]

I installed DDS Utilities. Is there a difference? Are there extras that I need?

[BlueBerry11]

Never mind. I've got it working. Thank you. :)

[niol]

BlueBerry11,

Congratulations :)

[Rainncandy]

When you compress a file, does it make the object less quality ingame?

[niol]

Hi Rainncandy,

1. The TS2 compression shouldn't degrade the textural quality like any other "lossless" compression formats like "zip", "rar" or alike. So, the texutre may just get compressed down to generally about 70-80% of its original size. Monotonous textures get more compressed and invisible textures gets compressed down to less than 1kb. Dependent on the types of the object, invisible recolours can be tricky that the texture file (txtr) and/or the txmt file may be necessary as in the driveway recolouring.
But for repository objects, reserving the txtr file or at least the txmt file should be a safer approach not to accidentally create a blue flashing recolour for related objects.
BTW, a procedure for it:
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=132612

2. /as for if one has to compress files in a package file:

In my opinion based on my experiences about second compression on the pacakage files, those packages with in-game compression will result in file sizes larger than those packages without in-game compression will.
Note: the first compression is about the in-game compression on the files in the TS2 package files for game-play while the second compression is the compression of the package files for storage, sharing, etc.

So, it can depend on whether one wanna save the space for game-play or storage.
Yet in the case of invisible driveway-recolouring, the empty/"invisible" texture can be compressed down to <1kb from >1Mb while the resultant compressed package can still be well compressed by the second compression like zip , rar or else. I'd say the in-game compression worths it.
On the another hand, a hard-to-well-compressed texture won't save the package a considerable space (~100kb in my personal expectation) with the in-game compression. Why would one waste the effort or even make the second compression suffers from a much worse compressibility due to that?

The above is just my present personal comment on the need to use in-game compression on files in a package.

[evanesco]

So, Imade everything you said, and the recolor is pixelated in the game! How should I kill that pixelation?
Here's the pic if you want. http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p93/evanesco89/98brownb.png
(I'm talking about the poster ;))

[niol]

This tutorial is to show how recolouring can be done. It doesn't guarantee undesirable results probably due to stretchy mapping as Marylou discussed a few posts up.

evanesco,
If you feel like to fix stretchy mapping when that's the case, repair centre may provide more relevant helps.
BTW, have you tried the fileter as none, blur, sharpened, etc?

Hopefully, someone more experienced in texturing will give you better suggestions. :)

[Rippleclaw]

Well, when I tried to start a recolor, and I hit the Start button, it totally crashed! Anyone know why? Please PLEASE PM me! I really want to start to recolor things, but I can't! Please!!! :(

[niol]

Rippleclaw,

Any more infos like:
1. Which Maxis object you're trying to recolour (probably including a link to freely download, sorry a pay object can be inaccessible to those who may help here. ) ?
2. Are you using the latest simpe but with EP6 BV which is still NOT supported by simpe yet??
3. Have you scanned for broken custom contents by some scanning tools?
4. Is your game copy corrupted in the first place?
etc...

[Ambular]

Could someone please point me at a tutorial that explains how to make a non-recolorable custom object, recolorable? Thanks.

[niol]

AmberDiceless,

The tutorials are just right below the stickies of this sub-forum. is it that you're unfamiliar with the terms?

A Guide for quick creation of Colour-Enabled Objects
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=52499

Tutorial: Adding a subset to an object (and making it recolorable)
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=103379

[GothGerbil]

Thanks for the tutorial. I had a go at my first recolour today of a custom object (Inge Jone's small versions of Merola's painting). It worked, kind of. I couldn't get the DDS thing to work so I used the 'import' button in SimPE (I'm a simPE novice btw) and the need-fulfilling paintings do show up, but when I zoom out, and as a thumbnail in the buy catalogue, they still show the original textures.

http://gothgerbil.co.uk/gg_tex.jpg

http://gothgerbil.co.uk/ijones_tex.jpg

Could someone help? Preferably using idiot speak...

I have Seasons
I'm using corel PsP 10 and SimPE 0.62.1

Scratch that. Just realised I hadn't resized for the smaller views. Now have to suss out how to do that!

[Dezzie]

I have a bit of a problem cause when i got to the part where to right click on the image and click build DXT it was in gray and couldnt click it. And i installed the program for it but how to i make it clickable? (sorry im a total and complete idiot :P)

[GothGerbil]

Mine is like that, I just used the import button and it worked well enough. Managed the resizing thing too and now have my first recolours in the game!

[niol]

Dezzie & GothGerbil,

A potential cause is already mentioned in part "c." of the section "WHAT YOU NEED" and surely its pic right between the section "Summary" and "Step 1".
May check that out to see if that is the problem you have.

[RoyalT]

Is there a single tutorial anywhere that deals with recoloring custom objects designed by others who have given their permission for their object to be recolored?!

[RoyalT]

Sorry, I am just so tired of messing with this.

Ok, so I opened up a custom texture in Adobe Photoshop because I don't understand paint. I saved the original in .bmp but when I copied and pasted the texture the way I wanted it I couldn't save it in anything but a "Photoshop [*.PSD,*.PDD]." I know I'm a noob, but what have I done wrong this time?

[niol]

RoyalT,

lol, when you save the tesxture, may just click on the arrow to select another file format especially png which is used here. Or, export it as png files when there's such option in your copy.
For further help, google for "photoshop tutorial".

[RoyalT]

lol
I know that, but when I click the arrow the only thing you can scroll to is that PSD* crud. If I just paint the object a different color it's fine, but when I copy and paste then try to save, that's when I run into trouble.

[didadragonfly]

You know, it is so great when you look at a tutorial, try it 7 or 8 times and then finally be able to say "I get it"!!!

Thank you SO much for making this invaluable tutorial!! We would truly be lost without those people that take the time to try to help us understand new things!

You have made my day!

[babysims2]

Hi, your tutorial was going perfectly fine until i got to 'build DXT' and i did everything right and had everything installed i went to the prefrences (sp?) it said that the Nvidia DDS wasn't found :!: whats going on?

thanks babysims2

[niol]

babysims2,

as answered n post 776...

A potential cause is already mentioned in part "c." of the section "WHAT YOU NEED" and surely its pic right between the section "Summary" and "Step 1".
May check that out to see if that is the problem you have.

[babysims2]

oh sorry let me check that one more time

[blueeyesangel18]

hi i am a total noob when it comes to object creation so please go easy on me! Okay so I have the sims 2 base games and nearly all the expansion packs. But I have the sims pet stories on my laptop and what i was trying to do was create an object for that. My problem is in SimPe, in the object workshop no objects load i waited and waited after i clicked the start button and nothing happened. What do i do ?

[Numenor]

In SimPE, go to Extra -> Preferences -> System Folders and double check that the path to Pets Stories is correct.

Then go to Extra -> Preferences -> File Table and uncheck everything except Pet Stories.

Then RESTART SimPE, open the Object Workshop and hit Start: it should load the Pets Stories objects.

[Ghost sdoj]

What is the proper way to get a recolor of one of the 3x3 circular rugs? I have been trying to put an image of a summoning circle onto one, but the left edge and bottom of the rug texture is cut off when I open the rug with SimPe. I would like to be able to get the whole circle onto one rug, but I have had no luck so far.

[Rosebine]

sidneydoj...
my idea is, clone the carpet first...than export the carpet mesh somewhere...open it with UVmapper, you'll see how the texture is applied on it.
Click on save UV map (not new UV map) save it somewhere...
than, in your paint program, open that UV map, change it to 16 million color, than copy your image on it...

you can delete the clone you made now, and try to recolor it again, this time, you'll have an accurate texture for it.

second method, if you have MilkShape 3D, you can also open the carpet mesh in it , than click on material (select all first) then assign your new texture to it.

Go to window, and choose texture coordinate editor.

fix the texture....by moving the dots...so it applies exactly like you want it to.

than export the mesh as an obj file, over the cloned one...

in SimPE, import that new mesh, wich is basicaly the same as the original, but with a different way of "taking" the texture...
go to texture, and put your own.

of course, i use this methode when i create my own objects, but....

Rosemary :0)

[Ghost sdoj]

I don't have Milkshape and got terribly lost in Blender. But I finally found UV mapper, so I will try your first suggestion. Thank you!

[Daniel Guimaraes]

I have doubt, I made a simple recolour and it was ok, but the object had two(or more) subsets, and in the tutorial you said when the object had only one subset, the window wouldn't appear, ok, but the image files I have to export in order to edit didn't appear too(The Resource tree became empty).

How can I edit texture of objects that does not have two or more subsets?


Beside that: Great tutorial ;)

[niol]

Daniel Guimaraes,

Have you checked if CEP support such object's recolouring if it's a Maxis item?
Have you checked if the custom object is made recolourable by its author?

[leahsim23]

can you make a simple one for me plz im dubm plz

[niol]

can you make a simple one for me plz im dubm plz

What do you mean by "one"?

If the tutorial sounds too complicated, then I think you may just make some portraits recolours for a start.
Creating custom paintings with Photo Studio
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=95015
Just see if you're comfortable with it yet.
Then, slowly follow each step of this tutorial to try out. The basic sketch of what to do here is already listed on the step title.
There're already even pictures to show how to approach in numeric sequences.

If the recolour example is still too complicated for you, then you may try to do Bella Goth portrait and compare that with the Photo Studio resultant.

If it looks too long a step for you, then just regard those descriptions as little steps of the primary steps. Note, explanations and hints are additional infos. You may try out the basic steps first as your experiment rather than your production. Once you get used to the basic procedure, then you should be ready to care about the details (explanations and hints). Then, get to learn why you do this or that in the procedure.
Grabbing the details, you should be able to make the recolouring supported by CEP or the custom object makers.

If the above is not the "one" you meant, please tell more.

[CyndiOCCA]

I'm totally new to this. I've never made an object before, but there is a non-Maxis recolor that I would like to make. I was wondering if I still need a new GUID for the object that I want to make? Or if the new object isn't a recolor of a Maxis object, do you not need a new GUID for the object? I didn't see anything about that in the tutorial. This tutorial looks a lot easier than others that I've seen. Thanks for it.

[MaryLou]

@CyndiOCCA: if you want to make a recolor, of Maxis object or of a custom content, you do NOT need to make a new object with its own GUID.
You need to get a new GUID if you make a totally new meshing object.

This tutorial refers how to make new recolors of an object that already exist ( maxis or custom), NOT to make new objects for the game.
To make new objects you have to follow this tutorial Sims 2 start to finish Object Creation (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=104795)

[Numenor]

There is a note, in the tutorial, that explain the only little difference between recolouring a maxis object and a custom object:
:cool: HINT: Use the "Start" button to recolour Maxis objects; use the "Open" button to recolour custom objects.

[niol]

CyndiOCCA,

you sounded like you're turning into TS2 from TS1.
Your wonder is true for TS1 but not in TS2, recolouring and remeshing/remodelling are separate.

[CyndiOCCA]

You're right. I used to know how to make objects on Sim 1, but I've never really understood how to do it with Sims 2. I'm just trying to learn now. It seems a lot more complicated with Sims 2.

[niol]

In TS2, objects have 3D meshes like TS1 sims.

[MsRomulus]

Hi could someone help me with getting object workshop to work:

I have all the needed things to get started (eg. DDS Utilities, .Net framework 2.0 and etc.)

I've done the trouble shooting with resetting the File Table and and emptying the cache. I've done the browser thing with making sure that DDS_U was in the window and I hit okay!

Now! I've done all of these things and restarted SimPE when I was told to do so and I go to Tools/Object Workshop and then I click on start and the stinky SimPE still crashes. :anime: So I need help! Can anyone...anybody tell if there are any other steps that I can take to get the object workshop to load so that I can recolor a maxis object?

[Numenor]

Does it crash? Never heard of such a problem...

Try this:

- Open the folder where SimPE is installed
- Open the subfolder "Data"
- Delete the following files: folder.xreg, objcache.simpepkg, objcache_01.simpepkg, simpe.xreg
- go back to the parent "SimPE" folder
- double click on the file "NET test.exe" and read the output: it NET version found on your system (displayed in the last line) must be greater than 2.0; when finished, close the NET window
- still in the same folder, double click on the file "validator.exe" and read the output; it's a long list, but you have only to search for red text (ignore the two red lines about the cachebrowser and the wrappertest).
- Start SimPE and go to Extra -> Preferences -> System Check and click the button "Run"; wait a little, until (hopefully) all the three icons become a green check.

If any of the mentioned check discover a problem, then a "clean" reinstallation of SimPE is advisable. A "clean" reinstallation means uninstall SimPE and then manually delete the "SimPE" folder.

[MsRomulus]

Numenor! Thank you for responding to my cry for help! :)

Here is what happened after I tried the steps of instructions that you gave me:
> I deleted the files, folder.xreg and simpe.xreg, but I could not delete objcache.simpepkg, objcache_01.simpepkg because they weren't there.
> I doubled clicked on .NET and the box popped up stating ," You need to have >NET 2.0 to run SimPE. You are running .NET 20.50727.832
>The Validator stated,"The sims.guid.xmlserializers.dll is missing!"

I started SimPE and I go to Extra -> Preferences -> System Check and I clicked the button "Run"; waited a little, all the three icons became a green check than I started Object workshop clicked on start waited a little and again one little green bar showed up and then nothing! It CRASHED on me again! :(

Now I don't have any new EP's excepted the latest one Seasons, I don't have BVEP. I did do a clean install last night before the instructions you gave me. I reinstalled DDS_U too. I am going to re-install the .NET to see if that will work.

Could it be that my computer may not have enough memory to run SimPE?

I have a P4 1.60 GHz (I know... a bit slow) along with 1.62ghz, 768MB of Ram with a chunk of ram to spare. :(

Any more suggestions?
:alarm::cry::alarm:

[Numenor]

First, go to Extra -> Preferences -> system Folders. Examine the a list of Expansion Packs, Mini Expansion Packs and Sims Stories. You should see listed ONLY the packs that you actually own, each one to the related installation path (a pack without an associated path counts as "not owned", too).

If everything is OK, then go to Extra -> Preferences -> File Table, and see if the options checked correspond to the packs that you actually own. In this screen, remember that possible Sims Stories options should normally stay deactivated.

If the File Table is perfect, too, and still SimPE is crashing, then I'm afraid that only Quaxi can help you. You should report to the SimPE forum at sims.ambertation.de the error, providing the error message, if any.


However, the message about the missing "sims.guid.xmlserializers.dll" is strange... I can't find this DLL in my SimPE folder, and the validator doesn't even mention it...
Have you tried the "clean reinstallation" I suggested?

As for your computer specs, they are a bit low, though you should be able to run SimPE: as long as you can run the game, the PC should have no problem running SimPE too...
What sounds a little strange is also the amount of RAM: 768 MB? do you use two different RAM banks (512+256)? Or you have 1 Gig, but part of the RAM is used by the graphic card/chipset?

[MsRomulus]

Numenor here is what I've been up to since I lasted posted a reply:

I dumped my .NET 2.0 and installed .NET 3.5, and I'm getting ready to try it out. I'm presently giving what you suggested a try before I go off to post this issue with Quaxi.

Sorry I forgot to add what was in the File Table:
> In system file folders....shows all games owned yet in file table all games and CEP are checked, but there are two that are checked but not owned. I don't have family fun and/or celebrations.

Yes I previously did a clean install like you suggested.

About the RAM bank not exactly sure what you mean by that, but my poor guess would be,"use of two different RAM banks." Yeah I know my specs are a bit low sooner or later I'll get around to giving my system a tune up as soon as I can learn how to upgrade my system myself. :P

Thank you Numenor. I really appreciate your helping me try to solve this issue. If I can get this issue resolved I will be back to give an update of what the cause of the crash of my SimPE.

Well I'm off to Quaxi for :help: !

[MsRomulus]

@ Numenor!

I finally figured out what I wasn't doing right! I went back over everything we discussed went over all those steps again and again I went back to SimPE to see if I could get a little help and didn't get any so I look at these directions over again a little more carefully the fourth or fifth time:

This is when ObjectWorkshop or WizardsOfSimPE not loading any Objects?

This Problem does often happen, when the SimPE cache got corrupted (maybe because SimPE did crash once while you were recoloring), or the File Table was not set correct.

Here is what you can check:

In Extra->Preferences...:System Folders ->Make sure that all the listed Paths are correct. You can use the Browser Button to validate that the Paths point to the correct Directories (which are the install Dirs of the Game, and the EPs, and the Folder that contains your "Downloads" Directory)

In Extra->Preferences... on the FileTable Tab: Reset the FileTable, and click Reload. Make sure that the Filetable listing does not contain any missing Lines (except of course if you did not install the EP that it refers to (EP1 is University, EP2 is Nightlife, EP3 is Open For Business...).

I had to make sure that all the EP's and/or stuff packs that I had even though they were checked green that they weren't listed as (missing) So I had to go back and forth between System folders (to make sure the paths were correct) and File Table to make sure that none of the EP's or stuff packs that I have weren't marked as (missing) in the file table.

In Extra->Preferences... on the SimPE Settings Tab: Clear the SimPE Cache, and restart SimPE

This should bring back your Object in the ObjectWorkshop and Wizards of SimPE.

That's how I figured it out by carefully going over the directions that you'd given and the ones given by Quaxi.

Once again thank you and ciao! :P

[moemoeman]

hi, i tried doing this process but after exporting the item and i went to right click on the picture, the option build DXT wasnt available
plz help

[niol]

moemoeman,

A potential cause is already mentioned in part "c." of the section "WHAT YOU NEED" and surely its pic right between the section "Summary" and "Step 1".
May check that out to see if that is the problem you have.

[The Commodore]

I'm VERY new to this stuff. I've made a couple of custom wall hangings, but that's pretty easy. I recolored the image and saved it, but when I right click it in SimPE, Build DXT is greyed out. What am I doing wrong?

[Numenor]

The Commodore, I don't want to sound rude, and I understand that you can't read the whole thread, but, at least, will you please read two posts above yours, the question asked by moemoeman, and the reply by Niol?

Thanks

[The Commodore]

Oh gosh, I feel stupid now haha. I'm sorry! I've got everything working 100%, so thanks to both of you!

[ikanlord]

Help!! I can't download The Nvidia DDS legacy thingie.. the download always gets stuck at 93% can someone help me or post a different link??

[Numenor]

As far as I know, that one is the only link available; I don't think that those NVidia files can be redistributed, especially now that the DDS utilities that we use are considered "legacy" and discontinued by NVidia. Try googling, but always keep in mind that the current, new version of the DDS utilities is NOT good for us to use: we need the old "legacy" DDS utilities.

[niol]

ikanlord,

I guess it might be the connection you had when downloading it.
you may get some downloaders for resume and even download speed-up to avoid connexion reset.

[ikanlord]

ikanlord,

I guess it might be the connection you had when downloading it.
you may get some downloaders for resume and even download speed-up to avoid connexion reset.

Any recomendations?

[RealGanacampo]

I don't know if this is the right place to ask this question, since it's not about recoloring, but it's related.

I have made an object (with a 256x256 texture) and in game the texture looks a little bit blurred.
Can I somehow make the texture be 512x512, which I think would be better without having to start from scratch?

I already made the texture with "build DXT", but it just looks slightly better.

[Numenor]

If you take a 256x256 image and just enlarge it to 512x512 using your paint program, you won't gain any additional detail, of course.

If you don't want to create a larger image, you can only use some "tricks", like sharpening the image in your paint program, or using one of the "Sharpen..." options while building DXT.

[RealGanacampo]

Can you give an object with a 256x256 texture a 512x512 texture?

I tried that once (with building DXT), but it gave me an error message and the texture wasn't in the right place in game.

[Numenor]

Retry. The Build DXT is perfectly able to import a 512x512 texture, replacing a smaller one. What error message did you get?

BTW, if the texture isn't in place while in game, this usually is not a problem of texture, but rather of UV-mapping. However, if you didn't modify the mesh, but you were only creating a recolour, then the problem can't be related to the UV-mapping; but in this case, if your new texture looks not in place, then the original texture should look wrong, too...

[RealGanacampo]

Now I managed to make it look good with sharpening it in my paint program, so I don't need the texture to be 512x512 anymore.

At least now I know making a bigger texture should work for the future, thanks for your replies.

[SimtasticBuilder]

I'm just curious, I've tried this tutorial and it works well, but for some reason it's not reading any of my custom content. Is there a way to solve this problem?

I'll rephrase that. I'm unable to recolor custom content on SimPE because it can't read it. I use SimPE Object Workshop. I've got CEP installed and I've got the latest SimPE. Is there anything else I need?

[niol]

SimtasticBuilder,

what is not reading any of your custom contents?

If you mean your game, have you turned on the custom contents from the preference menu in-game?

If you installed CEP for Maxis recolours which need CEP to show up in-game?

[XTS]

Danke!!!

I have saved a copy of the new tute.. I had no idea to not smoothen would be mostly the better results as I've always smoothed the image.. Thanks!
xts

[ariesmoon]

i finally did something right! i have been going crazy downloading tons of programs and trying to figure out how to do the stuff you guys do. my first attempt to recolor failed. i had forgot to put nvidia in the preferences! :blink: (i am a true computer idiot - totally technically challenged) :jest: then i was scared about where to save the stuff and what to use to edit it. i put it on the desktop where i could find it and colored it with gimp and it actually worked! i love you guys for all the tutes that have really refreshed the game for me!

does anyone know where i can find the hurricane fence? i need it in black!

much thanx and luv :lovestruc
aries

[sisterh2005]

ok I read like 7 pages b4 writing this I was able to recolor everything fine I just couldnt figure out how to get to the 2nd texture to edit it( u kno the lit/dirty textures

[Numenor]

Unless you (or SimPE) hasn't made something wrong, the second texture should be automatically included in the package. Which object are you trying to recolour?

[Boodles75]

Hi there,

I really want to give this tutorial a try so I've read through the board and I have everything I need except I cannot download the DDS Utilities Installer.
It doesn't even start to download.. I click, and nothing happens. I've looked around on google for it somewhere else but can't seem to find it anywhere.

Could anyone help and point me in the right direction? I wanted to make sure I read the boards and had everything so I could (hopefully) not bother anyone with questions! lol

Thanks :)

[MaryLou]

You can get the "Legacy DDS Utilities" HERE
http://developer.nvidia.com/object/dds_utilities_legacy.html
The download is on the bottom, and it works fine, I've tested it.

[Boodles75]

Hi Mary Lou thanks for replying!

I had tried that link all day on and off with no luck, tried again before I came here to check the boards tonight and it worked! Yay! :D

Now hopefully I can give this a try in the next few days..

There was something I was wondering though if anyone can help before I begin. If an object is partly transparent, can it be recoloured as a solid colour?
There are a couple of things I have that are partly transparent that I'd love to make solid but if it can't be done I don't want to waste my time trying on those kinds of objects.

Thanks again for the quick response! :up:

[bluetexasbonnie]

I think it depends on the object and how it is made. In general, if the translucent part is recolorable, you can probably make it solid.

[xxbaby69]

Is there any way to know if an object by Maxis is completely unrecolourable? I've been looking everywhere for a recolour of the Tempest Cooktop used in restaurants, and noone's made one. Now I've tried this tutorial and nothing is coming up in the subset selection window.

[niol]

xxbaby69,

Have you checked out Numenor CEP's document download to see if it's supported?
If unsupported, may ask Numenor to see if he can make it so.

[irony]

THANKS A MILLION! I have been trying to figure this out for a few days and I was finally guided to your tutorial.

[0o0Leentje0o0]

First of all, thank you very much for this tutorial! I have succesfully recoulered the ceilinglamp! But when I wanted to recouler more things, I started Simpe up again -> object workshop -> clicked on start -> and when everything was loaded, I saw that less objects were showed. I didn't see the whole list. For example, when I clicked on the chairs, there was just one chair to recouler?! So I closed Simpe and started it up again but still the same problem. Then I unstalled Simpe and downloaded and installed it again and I got the full list again but today I started object workshop again and I got the short list with just a few items! Am I doing something wrong? Or is it my computer?

[Numenor]

It seems like something modifies your File Table... When this problem happens again, go to Extra -> Preferences -> File Table and be sure that all your EPs are selected (if you have some "Stories" games, remember that you can't select them at the same time as the normal EPs). If the file table isn't correct, click the link "reset File Table" and restart SimPE.

[mattbranston]

Hey, Great Tutorial mate :). Ive recoloured a sofa and when i load the package back up the recolour is there but when i go into buy mode in TS2 my recolour is not available to pick, can you give me pointers as to what i need to do?
Cheers

[juneofspringjuly]

for some reason when I'm at the part where you have to change the texture (export it) it doesn't automatically pop up. how do I get there?

[Numenor]

If you mean the "Subset selector" shown at the end of Step 2 (Image (http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=158520)), it appears only if the object has two recolourable parts. If there is only one part that can be recoloured, SimPe just creates the package, as shown in step 3.

[0o0Leentje0o0]

It seems like something modifies your File Table... When this problem happens again, go to Extra -> Preferences -> File Table and be sure that all your EPs are selected (if you have some "Stories" games, remember that you can't select them at the same time as the normal EPs). If the file table isn't correct, click the link "reset File Table" and restart SimPE.
Thanks! Simpe works fine again! :D

[expressionality]

Wow! This tutorial was so helpful! I didn't think I would be successful as I was. There were some coloring issues, but I understand what I did wrong and will fix it in my next go-around! Once again, thank you so much! :up:

[dachshundsr4me]

OK I have made my object...a chair. Done everything and it is showing up in game but when you look at the object unless it is close up it reverts back to the original object. When it is close up it looks like I want it to look. So help is needed. What am I doing wrong? I read through about 3 pages of newer posts and I have the tutorial printed out but there is no way to read all this thread..lol.

edit:
I figured it out. I was trying to skip the dds builder part.

[QTValeria]

when I try to download the CEP thing, it says"Corrupted File'! Can you help me please !

[Numenor]

The file servers are busy. Retry downloading.

[Sanura]

ok my problem is i want to recolor a mesh that is a sims2pack how do i do that if i actually can do that and where do i start im so confused

[Numenor]

The Sims2pack files are only containers for .package files (that in turn contain the actual mesh). You have to extract the packages contained in the sims2pack using the Clean Installer or SimPE (Tools -> Package tools -> Open Sims2pack).
As a last resort, you could just install the Sims2pack by double-clicking on it, and then go find the extracted packages into rhe Downloads folder.

[elektra_alpha]

My testing is here...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/elektra/testbed.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/elektra/bunnybed.jpg

Still messy up ;_; and I notice that the light yellow area is a bit smaller than red color area. Is that the problem to me?

[YamiTami]

I've been trying to create an object cloned off the Bella Squared painting, not changing the mesh or anything, just uploading new textures. The cloning process seemed to go okay, but when I went to add a recolor to the new object I ran into a snag. I tried to just create a recolor of the Bella Squared painting, in case I made a mistake with the cloning and that was the problem, but both times the same thing happened:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b98/tommiV13/SCREENSHOT.jpg

Once I choose the 'yes recolor' option the save file box would pop up and I'd create a new file okay, but once I clicked 'save' this would happen. The window has only a checkbox and the OK button, which remains ghosted. The only way to get out of the window is to hit 'X' and then it just creates an empty object with no sub-files.

I've cleared out the cache a couple times to no avail, every time the same thing happens. Any clue as to what I'm doing wrong?

[Rorydk4]

Hi there,

as the person just above my post, I too am having a similar problem. except when I chose a location to where I wish to save the file, an empty object is created and nothing pops up or there is nothing in the package. I have tried to clone an object to this way and they same thing happens. What shall I do? I didn;t know who to ask and I am trying to recolour again. I have no idea how I use to do it since I haven;t made recolours in a long time now and since then I have forgotten how to. I know one thing, I never had this problem before.

Can you help? You can reply to the person above me and I will read that one too since it sounds like the same problem.

Thanks

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j130/Rorydk4/SimPE_Problem.jpg

[LilKumo]

sorry, i have a little problem. i have done every thing here, and the texture recolor appears in my game. but when i zoom out, my texture fades back to the original one...

[hummerruler]

numenor, do you have to use The "Legacy" Nvidia DDS Utilities. and i have the newer version of sim pe for kitchen and bath but i still dont know how to recolor objects;. plz qoute this hummer ruler

[Numenor]

YamiTami, Rorydx4 - I think there is a problem with the CEP: reinstall it and be sure that in the SimPE file table (Extra -> Preferences -> File Table) the CEP checkbox is active.



LilKumo - Probably you didn't use the "Build DXT" function; if I'm wrong, and you used it, remember to COMMIT as soon as the texture is imported: when using the "Build DXT" function, you DON'T have to "Update all sizes".


Hummerruler - There's a link to the "Legacy DDS Utilities" at the beginning of the tutorial (in the "What you need" section). And look at the screenshot to see how to configure SimPe, in order to use the DDS utilities.
If you have more problems, with specific parts of the tutorial, you're welcome to ask in this thread, but remember to give as many details as possible.

[irisnube]

I am really very truly sorry if Im asking something that has been asked before, but I dont have the skills to read more then 850 comments to find out. If that means you don't wanna answer, I get it. I was trying to follow your tutorial, but I can't get past the step of selecting the lamp and saving the stuff, it won't come up with the the "metal" thing or whatever, it just keeps loading. I cancelled it after 45 min.
I do have the newest CEP pack.
What can be done?

Iris.

[Numenor]

I think that SimPE has troubles finding the files. Do this:

1) Go to Extra -> Preferences -> SimPE Settings and click "Clear Cache".

2) Still in the preferences, select the "File Table" button; in the file table, click the link "Reset".

3) Close SimPE

4) REINSTALL the CEP (this is needed to better fix the File Table, because the current SimPE v. 0.68 can't do it by itself)

5) Start again SimPe and retry the tutorial.

[Syddie]

I'm sorry if you have answered this before but I have been battling with this for hours. I'm trying to recolor a custom object and the first time it worked but for some reason now when I when I hit start everything disappears and it is all blank and I can't do anything more. I followed the exact directions all the way up to that part. I successfully recolored 1 thing but it did it wrong and now the program won't work at all for me to fix it in anyway.

[Numenor]

When you hit start, it may take quite a long time to load the list.
Usually 2-3 minutes, but the time is considerably longer if:
- you have clicked the "Add Downloads Folder" in the Extra -> Preferences -> File table (this option forces SimPe to scan your entire Downloads folder and list the custom objects in the Object Workshop)
- you have activated the "Advanced Mode" in Extra -> Preferences -> SimPe settings (this forces SimPE to load all the walls and floors, in addition to the objects, and read more infos from them).

[Schooclahoolio]

ok, i got through a few steps of Numenor's Recolor tutorial, but now im stuck. i just saved the example lamp from the tutorial to a file. The file is "C:\Program Files\SimPE\SimPE_CloningOptions\Schooclahoolio_lamp_yellowstripes.package" if that matters at all. anyway, your picture where the plugin view is at the bottom and the resource tree on the upper left and the list on the upper right confused me because my view doesnt look the same. i cant get the two texture files (lit and unlit) to be listed, which means i cant export just the unlit one. if you could tell me how to get the list to show up, id really appreciate it!

EDIT:
heh...never mind. i think the layout got screwed up when i moved the tables around. i just reset the layout and it works now. lol.

[Schooclahoolio]

i dont know what i did wrong. i committed both textures and saved after each one, but in the game, the recolors dont show up. can someone help?

[Schooclahoolio]

oops, i forgot to read the last step..lol. i forgot to copy it to my "Downloads" folder. lol :) thanks. it was an easy tutorial to follow, just didnt read. i did use build DXT though. WHOO! I DID SOMETHING RIGHT! i got it to work now.

EDIT:
ive got another question...i want to put a custom picture on a rug, but when i export the rug from SimPE to Paint.NET, it only comes up as a fourth of the rug, which i figure means it just mirrors the rug. i dont want the image mirrored though. do you know any way that i could edit the rug with out the mirror effect?

EDIT AGAIN:
oh, and the rug is a rectangular rug, if that matters at all.

[Numenor]

When a recolour (or a creation in general) doesn't come up well the first time, and you must fix it over and over, the best solution is to restart from scratch... I suggest to retry creating a brand new package.

PS: Are you sure you are using the Build DXT function? The problem you mention often haoppens when using the normal "Import" function...

[youcmecruzin13]

Well I recolored a car that I dowloaded, and it worked and looks great, but The icon is still a red car instead of the dark blue. Why is this? How can I change the icon?

[Numenor]

Schooclahoolio - Please edit your previous message, instead of posting a new one, whenever you have to add/modify something and no one else still has replied. Thanks.
As for your questions, you guessed right: Maxis created the rug in a way that the texture is mirrored; they made the rugs that way, and a simple recolour can't possibly modify the "layout" (technically, the UVmap) of the mesh. The only solution is to *clone* the rug and create a new UVmap (there is an article about UVmapping in the InfoCenter ). If you decide to clone the rug, don't forgetto assign a new GUID to it.


youcmecruzin13 - You can update the icons by deleting all the files located into: (Documents)\EA Games\The Sims 2\Thumbnails. The game will re-create them on the first run.

[Schooclahoolio]

im a new modder, so i dont know how to change GUID. is that where i hit the Register GUID link and then click on Register Object (SimPE)?

[Numenor]

Read about the GUID in this tutorial (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=32228) :)

[M3g7e]

Numenor, Thanks for this great tutorial! I've actually recolored my first object today--some stairs. They show up in game and everything, so yippee :) I do have a question, though, and this might not be the right place to ask--so move to correct thread if necessary--My question is: How does one recolor an object and keep the original texture--i.e. add color over the existing texture? It's easy to do with things that are white! lol but the dark objects are way beyond my ability. This is especially true for the recoloring templates since they generally are in very bright/saturated colors :rofl: I'm using paint.net and this might be owing to my inexperience with that program, but I'm grateful for anyone who has some helpful tips to point me in the right direction, so thanks in advance everybody! :)

[Numenor]

Even if a recolours looks like the original texture with some parts "added" over, it's always a new, separate and autonomous texture. Therefore, in order to obtain the result you want, you have to completely rework the original texture trying to add new parts, colorize them in the most similar manner as the original, and then blend them into the old texture.

I'm not very expert with advanced techniques with paint programs and I've never used Paint.net; hopefully someone more experienced than me will read your question and reply.

[Anebrd]

If your Build DXT is still gray out after installing DDS Utilities, double check to make sure you spell everything right. That was what cause mine to be grayed out.


Great Tutorial!

[sanspaper]

YamiTami, Rorydx4 - I think there is a problem with the CEP: reinstall it and be sure that in the SimPE file table (Extra -> Preferences -> File Table) the CEP checkbox is active.


i am having as similar problem to Rorydx4's. i've been trying to recolor one of Lethe_s' medieval banners, and after i choose where to save it i get nothing but a blank screen. the image he posted is identical to my screen (which i have included below just in case). i can recolor a maxis-made object successfully, but i get stuck with an empty resource tree when i try it with a custom object.

i have already reinstalled the CEP and made sure that the "Include CEP" box is checked as Numenor advised him to do, and am still getting the problem.

can you anybody help me

[rawritssean]

Sorry about this, I know that there's so many questions here and mine's probably been asked before, but I searched and I couldn't find it.
I've done everything in the tutorial right, to my knowledge, up until the step where you build the DXT. On my computer, it won't let me select that. What have I done wrong? :help:

[Echo]

sanspaper - Are you certain that the object you're trying to recolour is actually recolourable? I believe Lethe's banners are repository objects, in which case you have to make the recolour on the base object (in this case the Wall Banner) then it will appear for all the banners. :)

rawritssean - That happens if you haven't installed the DXT tools correctly. If you have installed them, they may be misconfigured. Have you installed the DXT tools yet?

[rawritssean]

:) Thanks for listening.
I think that my DXT thingy is misconfigured.
I tried to uninstall it with add or remove programs, but I got the first screenshot. Then went to Start->NVIDIA Corporation->DDS Utilities->Uninstall DDS Utilities but I got the second screenshot.
I did all the things it said and tried again, but I got the same thing.
Can I fix it somehow? :help:

[Numenor]

For some reason, the uninstaller was (partly) deleted, and therefore the DDS Utilities can't be uninstalled any more using the Add/Remove Program window.

Not a big problem, though: download again the installer from the Nvidia site (link on the first post) and install the Utilities again: this will fix both the Utilities themselves, and the uninstaller.

When done with the reinstallation, don't forget to open SimPe and set the right path, as explained in the tutorial.

[xX_Shikamaru_Nara_Xx]

Ok so wait how do u change the color of the object?

[niol]

Ok so wait how do u change the color of the object?

This tutorial is to tell users a way to make a recolour package file with customly made texture in order to add in the custom "color of the object". Users have to click the design tool to switch the "color of the object" in game, and this the game manual may tell more.
May read the tutorial for the former cause.


If failing to recolour some custom objects, check the objects infos first and if necessary, ask their creator(s) if they're recolourable and/or repository.

If failing to recolour some Maxis objects, check Numenor's CEP document to see if they're supported elsewhere. Some objects can be repository like beddings, one has to search or find probably in this thread with whatever relevant word you can think of.

If others, please give out more details and maybe some reasonably-sized and shot pix probably indicated by a sign like an arrow, circle, square or else.

[rawritssean]

:) Thank you so much, Numenor and Echo.
It works now.
You guys rock! :D

[sanspaper]

sanspaper - Are you certain that the object you're trying to recolour is actually recolourable? I believe Lethe's banners are repository objects, in which case you have to make the recolour on the base object (in this case the Wall Banner) then it will appear for all the banners. :)

AAAH! thank you soooo much, Echo! that's exactly the problem. :)
so much to learn!

[Jaimy1986]

Thank you verry much for your tut. I finally made a recolor :). The only thing i dont get is the thumb balls in game from my recolor still have the colors of the one is recolord .But if you click it is my new recolor. Were can i change that so you can see on the thumbs that its another color ??

thank you so much

[Numenor]

You should refresh the thumbnails. Go to (Documents)\EA Games\The Sims 2\Thumbnails and delete all the packages: they will be re-created on the first run.

[Jaimy1986]

Thank you so much :)

[Elyona1]

ok, I did fine until I hit the "build DXT" part. when I right clicked, it wouldn't let me select it! can someone help?

[Numenor]

Have you read carefully (and followed the instruction provided in) the section "What you need", at the beginning of the tutorial?

[ViviOlivi]

Thank you, once again, Numenor, for posting another great resource!

You have been an inspiration to many over the years!

[Hawkster]

I'm sorry, I realise this is probably a very simple problem to resolve but I only discovered The Sims a couple of months ago, and I haven't noticed this question in the earlier posts:-
I have been following J.Woods' tutorial for creating an object, using The Talking Table as the initial starting point.
All this worked fine and the object appeared as predicted in the game.
However, I then tried to recolour my quasi-custom table...!
I can replace the original colour easily enough (not that I want to) by retaining my file name. But when I change the filename - simply by adding the new colour to differentiate it - it doesn't show up in the game as a recolour to my table, but to the original Talking Table.
I can't see what else I'm doing differently!

[Numenor]

Additional recolours can be created only creating separate "recolour packages", following this tutorial. You shouldn't touch your custom table any more.
You say "when I change the filename - simply by adding the new colour to differentiate it..." and I don't understand: when you create a recolour package, SimPE automatically suggests a different unique name for the internal files: just hit OK and the recolour package is ready (you just have to import a new texture, replacing the one in the recolour package).

Of course, it is possible that the problem lies into the custom table, not the recolour package...

[Hawkster]

Hi Numenor,
Yes, it could always be an issue with my table!!!
Right, off the top of my head here's what I do:-
1. Open SimPE -> Object Workshop -> Open
Find my table (file name Galvanised Table Gunmetal) ensure Task is set to recolour -> start
2.The Pop-up window to Save As opens - I choose filename Galvanised Table Red
3. I right click on my original gunmetal image ->Build DXT -> find my recolour Red ->check Format is DXT1 -> Build -> Commit -> Save package
4) Take it out of my design folder and load it into my Game Downloads folder.

...And in the game, it shows up as an additional recolour for the original talking table instead of a recolour for my own custom table!

Now, as a test, if I do steps 1, 3 and 4 as above, but in step 2 I just hit the save as button instead of choosing a filename - ie overwriting my Galvanised Table Gunmetal file - when in the game it only offers me my custom table in Galvanised metal red (although the icon still shows it as Galvanised metal gunmetal) - and the talking table is unaffected! This is exactly what I'd expect to happen, so no problem there.

I realise I must be doing something wrong, but the only thing I believe I'm doing differently is inputting a filename when it asks me to, so that it doesn't overwrite my original custom table texture.

[Numenor]

I think you have done something wrong when creating the table; perhaps you didn't registered a new GUID for it, or you forgot to click "Update MMAT and commit" when you registered the GUID.

Do this:

- Open your table (the package containing the mesh, I mean);
- select the OBJD;
- look in the GUID field, to be sure that there is *your* GUID in it, an not the original GUID of the talking table (0x8C789ACE);
- if the GUID is the right one, click the checkbox "update ALL MMATs", and then click "Update MMATs and Commit";
- Save the package;
- Create a new recolour following the procedure you described (that looks correct).

Be sure to remove all the packages regarding the Galvanised Table from your Downloads, and then copy in it only the mesh and the new recolour.
Also, before starting the game, go to: (Documents)\EA Games\The Sims 2\Thumbnails and delete all the packages from there (so to refresh the thumbnails).

[spicesim]

I can't click on the Build DXT :(

[Hawkster]

AH HA - Yes, i think that was most probably where I messed up...now you've said that, suddenly it makes sense! - (You can see I've never really done modding before!!!!|)
Regrettably, I deleted all my files relating to this object so that I wouldn't confuse them when i tried again - so I can't check this. However, the next time it all worked with several recolours; so I tried other objects but ran into difficulties when I found myself blindly selecting the second line to tick the Update MMAT's box without paying attention to the fact that, because there were now four files instead of three, I was choosing the '- 2.0' in error.
That'll teach me to read things more attentively! Thankfully I tried a few different objects and they all worked and recoloured fine - so last night, I tried the tutorial on Sim Animations - and even that worked!!!! (It took hours to do and only lasted a couple of seconds..but it was my first one and it worked - and even looked SMOOTH!
So a huge thankyou to everyone at Mod the Sims 2 for all their incredible efforts and almost infinite patience...now I'm off to find tutorials on making my new careers show up in the Lifetime Aspirations...and get a sim perform addional interactions with a car (like jumping in through the window not getting in the door!) - hmmm ambitious or completely naive?!!!!!? Anyway, thank you again!

[niol]

spicesim,

may check if anything missed at the section "WHAT YOU NEED:" part c.

[sanspaper]

hello. :) i have made a successful recolor of some bedding on the colonial ironwood bed (subsequently usable on all beds), and have a question. my recolored bedding shows up in the options like it should, but the colonial ironwood bed frame, which i did not recolor, also has a custom "recolor" option. the "recolor" is just the same as the normal, maxis-made frame. i went through again and made sure i had the frame unchecked while recoloring in simpe, but this fake recolor still shows up. i've included a picture to clarify my question. how can i fix this?

my apologies if this is a problem unrelated to this thread. i will delete this post and find somewhere else to ask if that is the case.

[xSimsFanaticx]

I'm currently trying to recolour " Two Dogs and An Olive" (I believe that it what the painting is called).
So, I finished the "project" and saved it. Just to see if it woked, I exited it, then opened it again.
When I do that, it shows up fine. So i know it's saved and working. Or atleast it's saved.
I'm not new with custom content. I know to move the package file into the downloads folder.
Anyway, enough of my terrible command of the English language. I'll get to the point.
It seems that it's working fine on SimPE. But then, when I am on the game, I go to "Two Dogs and An Olive" and the painting its one solid colour. Black.
I know I am very difficult to understand, but I am trying as hard as I can to communicate properly.
Can anyone help me?

[niol]

sanspaper,

in the subset popup, may uncheck the frame subset and then check and choose any of the bedding before clicking the "OK" button. may re-check step 2 and the third pic.

However, you may try recolouring the bedding through other beds if the ne you choose doesn't work well for you.

As for the recolours you've made, open that package in simpe, may back up your recolours and then just delete any file unrelated to "bedding". I guess you didn't alter the string given by simpe in a popup, so there should be a string "bedding" in the names of files you wanna keep for your recolours. after deleting those without "bedding" in the file names, save the package. load the game to test it.

If not may try again with a copy o the back-up.
If you fail to figure out, may post it here.


xSimsFanaticx,

1. If that's an in-game painting, is the latest version of CEP installed in the game copy you're using?
2. If that's an in-game painting, does that CEP version support it? if unsure, may check the CEP document from the CEP thread.
3. Saving the texture into a package file in simpe doesn't mean the package file itself will work well. instead, this case can mean the package file you made has conflict with your game copy.
you seemed to have replaced the texture with your intended one.
4. if that's a custom painting, may check if it was made recolourable.
5. may post the file in a new post by choosing "GoAdvanced" --> at the attachment section, choose "upload" --> browse to your file in question --> upload it to the post
then, just wait to see who may help.

[xSimsFanaticx]

Wow thanks a lot. I feel embarassed. Lol, I knew about the list that shows what can be recoloured, too. :faceslap:
I have another question people. Is there a way to recolour custom content that is recolourable. The creator said be free to recolour, but I'm not sure how.
Can somebody help me out with this?
Sorry for asking so many questions.

[niol]

xSimsFanaticx,

May read step 1 hint (the second part of the hint; right before step 2).

The questions were to help check out where the problem lies on.

[gabby_goody]

Hi! I love your tutorial, made a beautiful lamp for my sims :D! But, I just want to ask... Why do the teddy bears not work? I tried to recolour it, but it when the 'Subset selection' box popped up, it was blank, and then the object workshop said: Object was created... Can anyone help me?

[ChrisGriffin]

I just want to make a recolor of a custom wall hanging. The custom poster mesh is visible in-game, but when I go into SimPE, it doesn't show up. I tried loading it into the object workshop, but didn't know where to go from there...

I've never done this before and I have edited the MAXIS posters, but that's not what I need. I'm trying to make a store sign, and the custom mesh is the one I need to edit.

Please help me!

[High.Heels]

Thanks for the tutorial, I will try to recolour some stuff, because for now, all I know is to make custom paintings , walls ,floors, and all that bodyshop stuff, but Im pretty bad at it, which is a shame cause I really wanted to upload something here XD

[niol]

gabby_goody

that may mean the toy bear wasn't supported for Maxis recolouring, may confirm that with CEP documentation.

Sorry, I can't help that, but let see if anyone may drop by to help.



ChrisGriffin,

May read step 1 hint (the second part of the hint; right before step 2).

[bluetexasbonnie]

Gabby --

You might not have SimPE set up to recognize the EP that the teddy bear came from. (I think it was OFB, but could be wrong.)

-Open SimPe
-Select "Extra" in top tool bar
-Select "Preferences" from drop down menu
-In the icons at the left, select "File Table"
-In the top half of this window is a section headed "File Table" and it has all the EPs and stuff packs listed. Make sure the one which has the target object is selected (checked)
-Click "Reload" at the upper right. It might take it a few moments to finish doing its thing.

I almost always exit and restart SimPe after this because I think I read someplace that you should. However, the few times I have not done so, everything seemed to work.

I have no idea what that lower section "advanced settings" does for you, so I have always left it alone.

If all you are doing is recoloring, there isn't any reason to not have everything you owned checked in File Table. However, if you are cloning, it is best if you only have the specifically needed lowest EPs.

[sapataccc]

I followed the tutorial, but when I got to the "Build DXT" step it wouldn't let me select that option



Numenor, I need your help! :help: I installed Nvidia DDS Tools and still I can't choose the Build DXT option :alarm:

[niol]

I followed the tutorial, but when I got to the "Build DXT" step it wouldn't let me select that option

For the "Build DXT" option to work, you need the Nvidia DDS Utilities: get them from this page (http://developer.nvidia.com/object/dds_utilities.html) and install them, just like any Windows program; then, start SimPE, select the menu Extra / Preferences and fill in the field "Nvidia DDS Tools" with the exact installation path (you can use the "Browse" button to easier find the exact folder where the DDS Utilities are installed).

sapataccc,

I'm no Numenor, and I'm not representing him or anyone else either.

may check the c part of the section "WHAT YOU NEED:" and the following pic if not.

should there be more questions, may post details probably with a few screenshots. :)

[sapataccc]

sapataccc,

I'm no Numenor, and I'm not representing him or anyone else either.

may check the c part of the section "WHAT YOU NEED:" and the following pic if not.

should there be more questions, may post details probably with a few screenshots. :)


niol, but when I download NVIDIA DDS Tools and then I start SimPE, I click the Browse button from the Extra/Preferences and Nvidia DDS Tools dosen't appear in the folder I installed it :(




.P.S: sorry for my bad english Im romanian :rolleyes:

[Mc76]

I Will Plan Recolors For Maxis Posters To Make A Nfs Car Poster Made By Me And Others,Pic Will Be Paste On Sim Pe Im Kinda Nervo So :help: me :cry:

[niol]

sapataccc,

May re-install the tools again, and take notes on where it is installed. May try to browse through the folders to find out the folder where ".exe" files are stored.

afterwards, may click the button "browse...", then head to noted folder.
or, may copy the address and it into the input box directly.



Mc76,

may check out the picture recolouring tutorial, or try your best to describe your problem maybe ith some pictures.

[sapataccc]

sapataccc,

May re-install the tools again, and take notes on where it is installed. May try to browse through the folders to find out the folder where ".exe" files are stored.

afterwards, may click the button "browse...", then head to noted folder.
or, may copy the address and it into the input box directly.


niol,

Thank you very much :) I managed to create a orange recolour for my smart car :D :new: I will try to post the recolour as fast I can on MTS2 :beer:

[delfine23]

First off, it's a very good tutorial, and I am continually amazed by the patience MTS2 admins exhibit. So... I hope you can bear with a couple more stupid questions. :P

Issue One: Sometimes, when I go to select an object and then load it, it never finishes loading - never even gets to the window asking you to select a texture. This has actually only happened with one object as far as I'm aware, which would be the Neontrix (or Neotrix, I forget) kitchen counter. But it always happens with that. Any idea why?

Secondly, and this one's *really* dumb, but I cannot for the life of me figure out where to look in the catalog to find garden-y things: plants, flowers, etc. Clearly it's possible, because I've seen hibiscus tree and flower recolors around... that's what I'd like to do, but I can't find them, and I've searched all over the site looking for help without any success yet.

Thanks for the help!

[bluetexasbonnie]

Issue One: I've had this happen to me too. I think it is when the object you have selected is from an EP that you do not have selected in your file table (...Extra>Preferences>File_Table).

Issue two: Gardening things (and fireplaces and a large number of other things) are in "UNKNOWN". It is a big list, you will have to look carefully. Things are alphabetical (though not always with the title I would have given them).

When I first do "Start" on object workshop, "UNKNOWN" doesn't show in my list. Expanding any category (hit the plus sign) and then scrolling down lets it appear on the list. It didn't used to be that way. I don't know whether, it is a setting the idiot operator (me) ignorantly toggled or a function of the latest SimPE version.

[treeag]

Sometimes the first issue happened to me. But usually in my case, it actually had finished loading, it's just the window never come up. To fix that, use Alt+tab and choose the new window, usually it's listed there but for some reason doesn't come up automatically like it should.

[niol]

occasionally, issue 1 happens simply due to unsupported objects , may check out the CEP documentation.

[delfine23]

Thanks! BlueTexasBonnie, the plants were just where you said... I had kind of ignored the Unknown category because I figured it was all CC, and that the build objects ought to all be together. But no, they aren't. :P

I haven't tried the other things yet, but I will... Alt+tab seems promising; I have a lot of issues with SimPe loading things but not telling me/showing the results, heh.

Edit: oh, and I do think this counter is supported, because I have a ton of recolors for it already. Clearly someone's been able to do it.

[sapataccc]

The issue 1 happened to me too.... countless times :)

[fitzyfrog22]

this does NOT tell you how to recoulor the texture it just tells you how to export then inport the texture and how to put it in the game!!!!!!

[delfine23]

Fitzyfrog22: Yeah, but that's what PSP or Photoshop tutorials are for. :P And there are thousands of them.

I have to admit I'd like it if I had a better understanding of the way the texture is applied to the mesh... generally it's fairly self-evident, what's what and all in the image, but how does it work? Anyone know a good tutorial for that? It would probably help a lot.

[sapataccc]

I would like a tutorial to explain how to create unique textures, because I want something different. If someone can do a tutorial which explains how to make unique textures, please tell me:) But I think the ,,unique'' textures are made in Photoshop, right? :rolleyes:

[delfine23]

Some unique textures are made in Photoshop... another way to do it is to take photographs of wood, fabric, etc., or to scan pretty stationery or other objects. You can also take watercolor paper and spill coffee on it, crumple it, and so forth - or simply draw a picture & edit it in Photoshop.

All of these are a little involved, and it's really easier to take advantage of the huge texture resources all over the internet (Deviantart has a whole section for that, and fabric or craft sites like Etsy.com usually have tons of cute patterns that can be manipulated), so if you just mean "unique" in the sense that no one else has made such a thing for the Sims before, that's much easier.

[Sweet&girly]

Thanks for the tutorial, but I followed every single step, and I did exactly the same things as you did, but when I look in the game, it just shows a maxis colour with a cc-flower-star-thingy. And yes, I did save the recolour X] is anyone having the same problem?

[Sweet&girly]

I got it, I didn't hit commit ;)
one question, can I delete the .png &.bak files after creating an item?

[bluetexasbonnie]

Yes, you can delete the .png & the .bak files. You can also delete the .obj (mesh) file.

Many times I find small imperfections as I play with my new objects in game. I suggest you move the .png & .obj files to a separate folder out of the way. Keep them until you have had several days to play the object and are sure there is nothing you will want to tweak.

[billielith]

Hi all,

I tried the creator's chat but there's not much happening there so I decided to try here.

I followed Numenor's tutorial here and made 3 sets of recolors of Maxis items for baby rooms. Made walls, floors, and recolored several objects. Lamps, a rug, chairs, cribs, changing tables, etc.

But it seems like I did something wrong, because all my files are in my downloads folder, but only one of my sets appear in the game. The others are like non existant.

Could anyone try to tell me what's wrong? Thanks :)

[mykittysasha]

Okay I right click on the image but the option build DXT does not come up. What do I do???

[niol]

billielith,

since there's no file in questions uploaded for check, I can only guess.

1. may confirm if "recolour" rather than "clone" was chosen in object workshop (OW)
2. may ensure click on "commit" before switching any of other files in a package file.



mykittysasha,

may check the c part of the section "WHAT YOU NEED:" and the following pic if not.

should there be more questions, may post details probably with a few screenshots.

[billielith]

billielith,

since there's no file in questions uploaded for check, I can only guess.

1. may confirm if "recolour" rather than "clone" was chosen in object workshop (OW)
2. may ensure click on "commit" before switching any of other files in a package file.

sorry niol, i didnt know we could upload files here. I am pretty sure I picked "recolour" and clicked commit for each, but I will try uploading the sets here so someone can check the files. Thanks to anyone who will.

When all the files are in the Downloads folder, only the ones from the "Ready Set Play" set can be found in the game. The others just don't show.

[mykittysasha]

i think you found my problem niol thank soo much i guess i was reading too quickly and missed that spot thanks again.

[sapataccc]

I have a small problem, when I uploaded a car recolour at MTS2 I recheived a message which is preety much like this:



Dear sapataccc,

Thank you for submitting your thread '2 Recolours for DBCAB's koenigsegg' in the Automotive (Nightlife Required) area.

Your thread is still in the moderation queue and has not yet been accepted or rejected. It has been reviewed by MTS2 staff and requires changes to comply with the MTS2 Creator Guidelines. You must edit your submission to make the required changes (listed below), or else the submission will be automatically rejected.

You have 72 hours from the time of this PM to make these necessary adjustments.

* General - Upload Contains Improper File Types
Some or all of the files you have included with your upload will not work in the game. These files are of one or more of the following types:

.BAK - .BAK files are made by SimPE when you save a file, to keep a backup of your previous version. These files will not, however, be read by the game, and are not needed for your upload to work properly. Please remove any .bak files from your upload.

.BMP/.PNG - These are image format files, and are most likely the textures you used to create your recolours. However, these will not be read by the game. You need to upload .package files containing your new textures in order for your creation to work for others.

Thumbs.db - This is a hidden Windows system file, and you may not even be aware you included it in your upload. It is used by Windows to display the thumbnail view of a folder. It is generally not harmful, but if that file is incorrect or becomes corrupted, it can cause an entire folder to become inaccessible, which would be Very Bad for someone's Downloads folder. Make sure you do not include this file when you are uploading.

.jpg - These are generally used to compress photographic images and just take up space.

DS_Store - This is a hidden Mac system file, and you may not even be aware you included it in your upload. It is used to store folder attributes on your computer, and should not be included with uploads.

* Other reasons (these may be clarifications of above points, or additional reasons)
The second zip is a .bak file, please adjust it to a recolor and remove the .bak thanks.


Please read through all of the reasons above carefully! Correcting only one or two of them (when more exist) will result in delays to your upload and could possibly mean a rejection.

Performing the required changes is not an automatic guarantee that your submission will then be approved.

When you have made the changes, make sure to tick the box next to "I'm ready for this to be reviewed by a moderator" so we know to take a look at your upload again.

If you are confused as to why your upload was set to Changes Required, you may respond to the moderator who reviewed your upload in the first place by using the text input box located underneath this tickbox. Before responding, please make sure to review all of the 2 reasons listed above.

Click here to edit your upload to comply with the notes above.


Thank you for uploading to MTS2! We hope you can make the required changes and we would love to see your downloads on the front page once they are done!

Regards,
MTS2 Staff

This is a system generated PM and replies will not be read




and then, I checked the files and there was no bak files in it. It works in-game too. Instead of a .rar, I turned it into a zip and tryied again. I received the same message.
Thats preety strange, right? :(

[slar]

Although I have DDS Utilities, the build DXT button will not show up. I did save the DDS program in C:/program files, but this might not be of any relevance. Also, I'm trying to recolor a toilet stall, and not the toilet inside, but SimsPE only displayed the texture of the toilet.

[Mr.D]

Can I translate it to Vietnamese ? :mod: :wtf:

[May*]

Hello, I couldn't find an answer to my problem.
I have the Base Game and Bon Voyage EP, SimPe 0.68, DDS Utilities and the newest CEP installed. I do exactly all steps by the tutorial, but I guess I can't SAVE, because when I finish doing tutorial, put the new package file in Downloads folder and load game, I can see, that I've made a new recolour, but the texture is that, which I selected from Maxis in the beginning (for example in this tutorial it's the blue one for the lamp). It simply didn't change from Maxis to mine (to image, which I edited with Paint Shop Pro 9). I uninstalled all and installed again (it doesn't help). Maybe I should try to install older version of SimPE (I don't know why...)?

[bluetexasbonnie]

The current SimPe works for me - though my EP suite is different. It is more likely that there is something in your configuration or a missed step that is causing the problem.

Do you have custom content enabled? Can you see other custom recolors?

If you go open your recolor file in SimPe, do you see the right texture? If not, you forgot to commit.

Did you use strange characters, periods or spaces in your file name?

[sapataccc]

May*: Well, you may firstly export a different texture from a different object and then, right-click Build DXT on the object you want to recolour. Then, choose that texture from the different object. After clicking the OK button you should then click the ,,commit'' button.This is very important! If you don't click the commit button, then the colour won't appear in the game.

[dracothegreat]

Wow I appreciate the help. Yes, I will most definately share my work. It is the least I can do for all the wonderful downloads I have found here. I will let you know when I have made my first painting....I am excited...thanks again

[bat_kol]

First of all, thanks very much for the tutorial, I really needed something like this (the whole step by step thing)
Now, my first recolor attempt failed really bad, the object (the original one nor the recolored one) didn't even show up in my game anymore..
I followed this step by step tutorial and I think I did everything right. however, the original object is still in the game (thankfully) but the recolor isnt.

I did the commit and save thing, so how do I get it into the game?

(I will go hide in shame at the same time, since my question is most likely an idiotic one...)

Thanks in advance for answers :)

[May*]

blutexasbonnie and sapataccc: Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! I really didn't click "commit" button. I thought that it means: I should commit what the tutorial says (it sound weird, though) and press only "save". :D Great tutorial, but the best part is that I can post my problem here and get the answer (and so quickly!)! :)

[sapataccc]

Wow I got a problem a few days ago too. When I first tryied to recolour wintermuteai1's drivable UFO, which is cloned from the original Yomoshoto Evasion, when I've opened the game to see if it works, The colours appeared on the Yomoshoto and not on the UFO. I did the recolour again, more carefully this time, I put it on the UFO, and when I opened the game, again, the same story. The colours appeared on the original Yomoshoto. Can someone help me with this?:(

[maruko_20]

I already donwloaded all the software stated in the tutorial but most of my custom content didn't show up in SimPe.Can anybody tell me how to enable my custom content show up in the catelogue?

[sapataccc]

Did u have custom content enabled? If not, make sure it is.


If you click the start button, thats why it don't show up. Make sure that you clicked the Open button

[SabreKitteh]

I recently tried to recolor the Nightlife coffin, but it didn't show up in the catalog in SimPe! I have Deluxe installed, which indeed contains the elements included in Nightlife. But when I go to the catalog, none of the Nightlife objects are there. I have University installed and objects from that expansion show up fine.

I checked the Extra/Preferences/System Folders and changed the Nightlife folder to "C:\Program Files\EA GAMES\The Sims 2 Deluxe\EP2", ran a check to see if everything pointed to where it was supposed to, even changed the folder paths for the Nightlife folders in the File Table. The Nightlife checkbox is checked, but greyed out (just like the EPs that I don't have). I do have the CEP installed, if that helps.

I've tried exiting and restarting SimPe, but no luck there. Is there a way to fix this or am I going to have to buy a copy of Nightlife? And apologies if there's a more appropriate thread for this issue.

[Numenor]

I already donwloaded all the software stated in the tutorial but most of my custom content didn't show up in SimPe.Can anybody tell me how to enable my custom content show up in the catelogue?
By default, only the Maxis objects appear in SimPE's Object Workshop; you could include all the downloaded stuff (click "Add Downloads" in Extra -> Preferences -> File Table), but this can make the loading of Objects Workshop VERY long.
The best way to recolour/clone a custom object is to open Object Workshop, and click "OPEN..." (instead of "Start"). then load the custom object you want to work with and proceed like usual.



I have Deluxe installed, which indeed contains the elements included in Nightlife. But when I go to the catalog, none of the Nightlife objects are there.
I've recently read on SimPE site that a bug related to Deluxe was fixed. If you are a QA member, download the latest QA version and check the QA thread to see if the fixed bug is related to Object Workshop; otherwise, wait for the upcaming AL-version of SimPE, that should contain the fix.

[SabreKitteh]

Thanks for clearing that up, Numenor. Hope this helps others who've had the same problem.

[Numenor]

I confirm the find. The relevant thread is:
http://simpeforum.ambertation.de/sims2/Little-Bug-with-Deluxe-version

The bug applies to Deluxe and DoubleDeluxe. Hopefully they will fix this in the next update.

[sapataccc]

hey, Numenor, I really need your help. I got a problem when I tryied to recolour wintermuteai1's UFO, which is cloned from the original Yomoshoto Evasion. Ok, I made the recolours, I go through the basic procedure of recolouring objects, and then, when I started the game to see if they work, the recolours have show up only on the Maxis Yomoshoto Evasion. I did this again, and then, the same story. Do you know why it happens like this?

[Blame Halo 3]

Ok u lost me ut ill try it out anyway

[jo95]

Hi, awesome tutorial but after doing the whole thing step by step, my recolours only show when i zoom in. For example a bed i recoloured green will look green when i zoom in on it, but once i zoom out it will just go back to the beds original colour.

So wondering if you knew how to fix this.

thanks

[JoeyFritzp]

thank you

[Uniqueness]

I followed the tutorial but it doesn't load the objects at all.

[pokedude9777]

Hi, awesome tutorial but after doing the whole thing step by step, my recolours only show when i zoom in. For example a bed i recoloured green will look green when i zoom in on it, but once i zoom out it will just go back to the beds original colour.

So wondering if you knew how to fix this.

thanks

Hi jo95,
You probably forgot to update all sizes. Import your image again, then right click on the image in simpe, and select "update all sizes. Then commit and save.

[watdocdude]

I don't see why this is happening:
http://i527.photobucket.com/albums/cc356/watdocdude/NoPluginonsimPE.jpg

[pokedude9777]

Doubly click on the image, then select "plugin view". If that doesn't work, try selecting package, then plugin view. Or(last option I can think of) Extra/Preferences/simPeSettings/Resetlayout . :)

[magicdawn]

I only want to add a translation of this Tutorial into german. It's really helpful for everybody who works with SimPE.

[Numenor]

Thank you magicdawn! I've moved the attachment to the first post (and credited you in the main page, of course :) )

[ccgre]

I downloaded the newest version of simpe and the tut. didn't work for me I got up to step 3 and my window was a little different. the plugin button was not there so being that I was in the plugin view I clicked on texture image and saved it. but when I right clicked the image, which was a different color by the way, the build dxt was not available. so now I'm lost.

[magicdawn]

Build DXT ist only available with the Nvidia DDS Utilities. Take a look on the first site...

You can also use the button "Import" to load you image, then rightclick and "Update all sizes", but Numenor has explain why it's often better to use the DDS Utilities.

[pokedude9777]

lol, Magicdawn I think you mean first post :)
ccgre, you can get the DDS utilities from the below link,tosave you checking the first post :)
http://developer.nvidia.com/object/dds_utilities_legacy.html

[magicdawn]

Okay, pokedude9777

I guess you are right... :lol:

But it was very early in the morning.

[pokedude9777]

Heh, we all do that sometimes :)

[ccgre]

ok I had the nivida downloaded but I didn't tell simpe. now that's done and I was doing fine up untill,

"Repeat the step 3, replacing the second texture in the package, the one used for the "lit" state of the lamp. When editing it, remember to make it a little brighter that the "unlit" one. Import the edited image into SimPE using the DDS utilities, as explained above. COMMIT AND SAVE again.


The recolour is finished
Copy the package into the downloads folder and fire up the game: your brand new colour option will be available in the Buy Mode catalog, when selecting the "4by4 Designer Chandelier" ceiling lamp."

When did we recolor the lamp? I'm lost again

[magicdawn]

After you have export the image from SimPE.

You need a graphic editor like Photoshop. I have only find this thread...

http://www.modthesims2.com/wiki.php?title=Graphics_Editors

[lichtje]

Hello Numenor,

I wanted to thank you for this tutorial... 4 weeks ago I finally sat down and did my first recolour after years of waiting cause I thought it's too difficult... Oh my god I am so embarressed with myself that I waited sooo long. Because understanding simpe is the easiest part concerning recolouring. And I am lucky... I have a good hand using photoshop... meaning it makes most of the time what I want :-).

Well... may I add what information I missed in this tutorial after 4 weeks experience... it's of course only a few things but they came in sooo handy now that I learned them elsewhere. i thought it would be good for newbies to know instantly:

1) In the tutorial you recommend to use DXT1 as long as I don't know what I do...
Well first time recolouring a plant I had a big problem there... and was told with transperencies I have to use DXT3. This info is necessary to know. (I still don't know what DXT 5 is good for though).

2) The preview button! It's a real nerves and time safer! Especially with complicated objects I love to make a fake texture (lots of bright colours all over the given texture) first just to see where which part goes.
I know you know but if someone is reading it who does not:
After building the DXT, hitting commit and save(!!!) even without building, just commit and safe (with original texture then), being still in plugin view click in the resource tree matarial override (insteat of texture definition for dxt building), at the buttom right corner you find the preview button. It takes time for the preview to show up... be patient!
If there are 2 parts the preview will show only the choosen material override parts... other parts will be original.

It so good you can have a glimpse at your recolour without the need to start the game. I guess I am not the only one who's game needs about 20 minutes from start to lot enter.

Thank you again for this tutorial! It was really easy following and well... there are no more meshes I can't use, because I dislike it's colours - and that's great!

Greetings
lichtje

[astondb9]

Eugh.. When I try to recolour the worldy hue streetlight from Ofb. In the resource tree/list thing it doesnt have anything I can recolour/export etc..
Nothing appears on the plugin view :blink:

I have done recolouring before but this one just cant be recoloured :S

Is it un-recolourable or something? :alarm:

*Edit* Never Mind I answered the question myself :lol:

[Master Killer]

Hello, Im new and sorry my english. Thanks yours tutorials I started to make meshes and recolors but they (recolors) finish too polished and shiny, the grey look like crome, the yelow is too golden. If I need a "mate" or non polished or dimmed colors ¿what can I do...? Thanks... (I always use DXT1 Format...). What are the other formats?, DXT5, DXT7...

[-Maylin-]

This is not a problem of Texture Image but rather Material Definition. It depends on the object you cloned. If the original object is shiny in game, your object will be shiny too. You need to fix the Material Definition.

[Master Killer]

Ok, thanks you, in Mat.Def. I found a list, ¡what the list! there are many things to change there, I will see where to start...

[Alisha161]

Do We have to have SimPe??? :(

[Numenor]

Yes, "Object Workshop" is part of SimPE, it's not an autonomous tool.

[Dani12095]

Ok, so it is very simple to recolor but I was wondering how do you make an object, such as a chair, look like its "inflated" or "blown up" I can't figure out how to make transparent colors. Please help!!!

[Numenor]

You ask a lot of different questions. Look in the Create forum (the link is on top of each MTS2 page). There are tutorial for creating objects, and dealing with (semi)transparent textures. There is NOT a tutorial dealing with advanced modeling techniques: in order to read about them, you should find on the Net some forums specific to your 3D editor.

[lpvinyl21]

Ok here is my issue, I was following the tutorial but I realize that there is a window that is not coming up for me and I was wondering how do I fix it. When I get to step 3 and I click on the Texture Image in the resource tree I dont have the window on the right hand side that let me choose the texture to import so I can move on with the tutorial. In case this does not make sense, I provided a two screen shots below. Thank you!

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h191/lpvinyl21/simpe-error.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h191/lpvinyl21/simpe-error2.jpg

[Numenor]

Go to Extra -> Preferences -> SimPE settings and click "Reset Layout". You must have closed the missing window by mistake.

[lpvinyl21]

Thank you so much Numenor, I would have never known to look there.

Have a great day!

[groovilicious]

Darlingest Numenor - the link under "OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES" to the
"Enabling transparency on textures - Beginner level - by Mike190870" -
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=79870
Is broked...
Just thought you might like to know! As always, I'm totally grateful for all you do!

~big sloppy hugs and smooches~ :lovestruc

[joninmobile]

what does DXT5 format do? also what do the different sharpen and filter options do.Sorry if this has been adressed before, I just really need to know, thanks.

[Numenor]

The DXT5 format is double the size (in bytes) than the DXT3 format, because it uses double the information to store the image; the detail (especially in the smaller mipmaps) are better, but the excessive resulting size discourages the use of this format, if not absolutely needed (for example a greyish images with transparent parts).
Both the DXT3 and the DXT5 formats support the alpha channel (i.e. the transparency map); while the DXT1 doesn't support it, but on the other hand it's the smallest format available.

As for the various filters, they do what they say: the resulting image is made sharper or softer (or whatever else :) ), compared to the imported original. The difference is visible in the smaller mipmaps, not in the main image (that is always identical to the imported original).
Personally, I use the "Soft Sharpen" filter almost always.

[groovilicious]

More interesting info on the Txtr formats! Thanks a bunch for the explanation, and it's helpful to know what settings you prefer too! I've always been a chicken to try anything but 'None' - but I may give the 'Soft Sharpen' a whirl sometime! :up:

[psinatra]

I'm TRYING to make my first recolor using SimPE. I am using v.72 and have been thoroughly confused by the many older tutorials. This tutorial, so far, has been the best—even for the latest version. However, I have a few questions:

1. How do you Preview Content?

2. How do you run Sims 2 from the Extras tab? I get an error. My paths look fine in the preferences.

LATER that night:
BTW, I finally succeeded! But, how do you get those earlier mistakes from showing up in the game? Where are those files located? [Recolors which never changed but showed up with asterisks in the game and are now just duplicates?]

[Numenor]

I'm not sure to understand...
The "earlier mistakes" you mention are bad recolours that you created and now you don't want them in your game any more? They appear in the game because you must have copied the bad recolour packages into you Download folder; therefore, you should check your downloads and delete those old unwanted recolours. Sorting the file by "Last modification date" may help.
In some cases (depending on the EP that you have), you should be able to delete the bad recolours directly from within the game catalog, using one of these methods:

Open the Buy Mode catalog, select the object the you recoloured (all the recolours will show up), select the unwanted recolour, that should have an asterisk and lastly click the little trashcan icon to delete it. In some games the trashcan icon does NOT appear.
Open the Buy Mode catalog, select the Design Tool (i.e. the too that lets you change the colour of an object already existing in the lot); then click on the object (already placed on the lot) that you created the bad recolour for; lastly, select the bad recolour from the list and click the trashcan icon.

[psinatra]

I'm not sure to understand...
The "earlier mistakes" you mention are bad recolours that you created and now you don't want them in your game any more? They appear in the game because you must have copied the bad recolour packages into you Download folder; therefore, you should check your downloads and delete those old unwanted recolours. Sorting the file by "Last modification date" may help.
In some cases (depending on the EP that you have), you should be able to delete the bad recolours directly from within the game catalog, using one of these methods:

Open the Buy Mode catalog, select the object the you recoloured (all the recolours will show up), select the unwanted recolour, that should have an asterisk and lastly click the little trashcan icon to delete it. In some games the trashcan icon does NOT appear.
Open the Buy Mode catalog, select the Design Tool (i.e. the too that lets you change the colour of an object already existing in the lot); then click on the object (already placed on the lot) that you created the bad recolour for; lastly, select the bad recolour from the list and click the trashcan icon.

Sorry for not being clear. My EP does not allow delete from the BUY Mode.
I was able to delete one of the items using the Design Tool, after I deleted it, the second "bad recolor" lost its asterisk and is not able to be deleted now.

I did look in the Download folder and it doesn't exist there. Now, when I select the second bad recolor, it shows up, but it's white. Since I don't know much about meshes, I am only guessing that what I'm seeing is the mesh?

Well, I can live with the bad content in the game.

As for SimPE, how does one use the Content Preview function? Someone in this thread mentioned being able to see the item created without having to open the game. Should I post these specific SimPE questions elsewhere?

[eletrodj]

Sorry for not being clear. My EP does not allow delete from the BUY Mode.
I was able to delete one of the items using the Design Tool, after I deleted it, the second "bad recolor" lost its asterisk and is not able to be deleted now.

I did look in the Download folder and it doesn't exist there. Now, when I select the second bad recolor, it shows up, but it's white. Since I don't know much about meshes, I am only guessing that what I'm seeing is the mesh?

Well, I can live with the bad content in the game.

As for SimPE, how does one use the Content Preview function? Someone in this thread mentioned being able to see the item created without having to open the game. Should I post these specific SimPE questions elsewhere?

You can try deleting the files Accessory.cache, cigen.package, ContentRegistry and Groups.cache in My Documents/EA Games/The Sims 2. This will make the game regenerate the game list of all custom contents.

And 2nd. In SimPE, what I know, you can preview recolors. You can only preview meshs using GMDC preview. Since the .package don't have any GMDC, you can't.

[Numenor]

In SimPE you can actually preview even the recolours (without GMDC), but if you don't find the package in the Downloads, there's nothing to preview :P -
However, just for information, SimPE has 2 different preview features:

1) Select one MMAT (either in a cloned object or in a simple recolour) and click "Preview"

2) Select the menu Tools -> Content Preview; SimPe will spawn a small preview window, where you can drag&drop packages or even ZIP/RAR archives.

NOTE: both previews can sometimes fail, they are not 100% functional; but in most cases they work.

NOTE2: if you want to preview a recolour created for a custom object, SimPE must be set up so to *find* the original object; in order to do so, open the menu Extras -> Preferences -> File Table and click "Add Downloads Folder".

[eletrodj]

In SimPE you can actually preview even the recolours (without GMDC), but if you don't find the package in the Downloads, there's nothing to preview :P -
However, just for information, SimPE has 2 different preview features:

1) Select one MMAT (either in a cloned object or in a simple recolour) and click "Preview"

2) Select the menu Tools -> Content Preview; SimPe will spawn a small preview window, where you can drag&drop packages or even ZIP/RAR archives.

NOTE: both previews can sometimes fail, they are not 100% functional; but in most cases they work.

NOTE2: if you want to preview a recolour created for a custom object, SimPE must be set up so to *find* the original object; in order to do so, open the menu Extras -> Preferences -> File Table and click "Add Downloads Folder".

Living and learning. :wtf:
I didn't know it. Very simple to test. Not the correct area, but, even transparent recolours?
I hate to test transparent recolours with Milkshape, but with non-transparent it's nice.

[Numenor]

SimPE has some problems displaying semi-transparent textures; the object *is* displayed, but the overall look may be different than the one visible in game.

[valerockz]

You do not know how much I love you right now! There were somany objects I wanted recoloured, but didn't know how to!

[furymonkey]

I have been following this tutorail to the tee. I have a problem. Before I start I have in the last couple of days downloaded and installed all of the required programs to do this. The problem is on step number 3. When I select the texture image (TXTR) in the resource tree I do not have any additional subentries come up for the lit lamp file or the unlit lamp file. How do I get this subwindow come up?

[Numenor]

It's not a "subwindow": when you select the TXTR entry in the left panel, you filter the package content, allowing SimPE to show only the TXTR contained in the package. If you don't see two textures, but only one, the reason may be:
1) SimPE is not correctly pulling all the needed files (it's possible, with few objects), or
2) you are not creating a recolour for a multi-state part: for example, you are creating a recolour for a lamp base instead of recolouring the bulb/shade.

I can be more detailed if you tell me exactly which lamp is causing the error; also, I need to know if the "subset selector" (i.e. the last image of step 2) shows up correctly.

[jon119]

To be exact this is rather a texturing than a recoloring issue but I didn't find a better thread and probably it's the easiest thing to post it here:

For my nearly finished office set I wanted to create some decorative documents on a simple plane mesh. The texture is partly transparent but the edges didn't look as sharp as I want and so I had the idea to export the alpha map in SimPE and sharpen the edges to reimport it then. Everything looked fine in SimPE's preview and so I wanted to test the object in game.
The problem is that the parts which should be transparent appear black in game, please see the attached screenshot. Strangely enough also the preview picture in the catalogue has the right transparency.

I'd be glad about some advice!
Best Regards
jon119

[furymonkey]

I also used the same lamp as in the tutorial; the 4 x 4 designer chandelier. In step 2: I unchecked the metal box for the base, made sure the box for the shade and auto select was checked and hit Ok. The subset selector appears to show correctly.

In step 3: The plugin button on the bottom left hand side (actually says plugin view) I clicked on that, selected the texture image on the upper left hand of the screen as directed and then again nothing is displayed for the 2 texture files on the right hand side of the screen to select and export.

[Numenor]

jon119 - When doing the "Build DXT", be sure to select the DXT3 format; the default DXT1 doesn't support transparency. Also, the TXMT associated to the papers must have the "stdMatAlphaBlendMode" set to "blend".

furymonkey - I retried, and the recolour package was created as expected. What do you read in the left panel? You should see:
- Material Definition (TXMT) (2)
- Material Override (MMAT) (2)
- Texture Image (TXTR) (2)
Before clicking on "texture image" on the left hand of the screen, you should see 6 files in total in the right panel.
Do the following:
1) in Extra -> Preferences -> File Table, click "Reset"
2) in Extra -> Preferences -> SimPE settings, click "Reset Layout"
3) on the right hand of the screen, click on "Filter Resources" and be sure that all the fields are empty
4) RESTART SimPE.

[jon119]

Ah, I used DXT3 but what I forgot was the TXMT. I'm really a bit absentminded at the moment, I normally should have remmebered the blend mode... :turtle:

[furymonkey]

Resetting the PE settings worked :-) I did my first recolor. WooHoo!!! Your the best!!!
Fixing this just made my day....now I'm off to try a few more recolors.
Thank you again for your help!

[sehana]

what is it that I have to do if Build DXT is greyed out??

i do have the latest version of SimPE
i also downloaded and installed http://developer.nvidia.com/object/dds_utilities_legacy.html

[cubedsteaks]

Okay, I have the latest version of SimPE - I have DDS utilities installed; and I have it pointed to it. I have all the EPs installed. I don't know why, but there are A LOT of maxis objects missing from my list in SimPE. I tried looking in the File Table thing. Everything there is checked that is installed, so where are all my objects? I've only got stuff showing up from the Holiday Pack; is there something wrong there?

[Numenor]

If you still haven't tried, go to the File Table again and click "Reset".
Other things to try, while in Extra -> Preferences:
- in "System Folders", check that the paths to your EP and SP are correct;
- in System Check, click "Run" and wait for ALL the 3 marks to become green;
- in SimPE Settings, click Clear Cache;

When done, RESTART SimPE before trying again the Object Workshop.

[sehana]

OHHHH that's what I didn't do... is go to the system folders and put the file address for the DDS....

[hauntedutah]

Edit:
I got it to work yay! I was putting the .PNG file into the downloads folder rather than the package file. I feel like such a bonehead haha!

This leaves me with one more question though. What do I do with the .PNG file? Do I just leave it in my projects folder or can I delete it? Also, if I get to the point where I want to share my creations, what do I need to include in the download? Just the package file or both the PNG and package?

Again thank you SO much for this program as well as the tutorial, this has definitely given the game a new life for me!!!!
:lovestruc

[Neder]

You're done with the .png; there's a compressed version of it in the .package now (in much the same way that Bodyshop "projects" files are no longer needed once you import a package).
The .package is the recolour.
Delete it, save it- whatever you'd like (personally, I keep all of my old projects lying around in case I'm inspired to improve them later).

[hauntedutah]

Thank you Neder!! :) I think it I may at the very least keep my first ones, may be fun to go back for a chuckle seeing as my digital painting skills aren't that great yet haha.

[1306]

Hey, first of all, thanks for this tutorial. :)

Second, I have a really strange problem with the recolors I made. Well, I made all the recolors of a certain decoration in SimPE, in this is how they turned out in-game:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b260/1306/signs.jpg

But when you zoom away from them, this is what they all look like:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b260/1306/signs2.jpg

I dunno what I did wrong: I did all the recolors in SimPE, used Import to import all the signs, and then committed and saved. Is there some alternative way I should've done the recoloring?

[Neder]

I'm guessing you didn't "Update all sizes."

[Sugah Sim]

I have been recoloring Maxis objects for some time now, using Wizards of SimPE.

Today, I've been trying my hand at SimPE so that I may learn to recolor custom objects.

This is my first attempt. Something very strange happens.

When I view the recolor of a custom painting I did from FAR AWAY, it looks just fine:

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i131/Sugah_Sim/Misc%20Snapshots/ArabaticaRecolor_Far.jpg

However, when I zoom in closer, it turns into THIS:

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i131/Sugah_Sim/Misc%20Snapshots/ArabaticaRecolor_Near.jpg

Please forgive me if this question has been asked and answered already. I couldn't bring myself to sift through 40 pages of posts!

Thank you, in advance, for any help you can give me.
It is greatly appreciated.

[HugeLunatic]

It looks like you may have used the import option instead of the build dxt and the texture wasn't applied to all sizes. Use the build dxt instead, you get better quality.

[Sugah Sim]

I feel like that's what's happening...that the texture isn't being resized properly. I DID use the import option, which is probably the issue.

I will start over again. Thank you, HugeLunatic, for responding so quickly.
Wish me luck!

[Joselle]

I tried creating recolors for Kevinshope's cloth covered cross, but the recol's will absolutely not show up! I did everything in this tute, and nothing! Now I know he said that we could recolor his cross, but if he forgot to make the object itself recolorable, is it possible to reverse that within the object itself? :cry:

[magicdawn]

*GERMAN TRANSLATION HAS BEEN LOST* (If you have it, please post it)

Here it is :rofl:

[Numenor]

Got it! :) Thanks for providing it again!

[sleighill]

Numenor...I've been following the advice you gave me on making Wall Masks...and I've tried my hand at recoloring a few of my favorite custom contents. My dilema...
everything looks fine until I go to put them into the game...once I Commit and Save them...they turn out as Game Objects instead of recolors...I know..I know...it's something I'm doing wrong...but the recolors do atleast look great - I just can't get them to save as Recolors.
Your guidance is needed...once again. Thank you.

[sleighill]

Hello???? Anybody there???

[geritastic]

HAHAHAHA.... sorry---giddy laughter... I've been trying to make this work for hours now and i was afraid that i was never going to be able to see my beautiful recolors...but i figured it out... so thank you for the brilliant tutorial :)

[sleighill]

Ok...it appears this mustev' been asked and resolved by someone else...because I get the feeling (with no response after a week) that I'm being a pain in the ass...so just delete my posts...I'll once again try to figure it out myself.
Thank you.