How to find an object's GMDC and extract the mesh using Object Workshop

[snazza]

How to find an object's GMDC and extract the mesh using Object Workshop.
Updated August 28, 2005. Pictures are not updated and may be confusing.. If they exist.

You will need:
SimPE 0.44

1) Open up SimPE, go to the "Tools" menu, then the "Object Creation" menu and choose "Object Workshop"

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2) Select the name of the object you want to edit from the list.

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3) Make sure the "Clone" button is selected and leave the checkboxes as whatever they are because it doesn't really matter for what we are trying to do. Unless you really want to change them because you are Professor of Smarty Pants.

/attachment.php?attachmentid=11860&stc=1

3.456zzpv) Click on "Start". And when the next box appears looking all scary and stuff like it wants you to do stuff, just click "OK" and the scary box goes away.

4) Now that the SimPE wizard has cloned your selected object with the pointy hat and the waving the magic wand and the sparkly magic dust everywhere, SAVE it somewhere.

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5) Next browse down the "Filetypes" list to "Geometric Data Container" and select the GMDC file in the "Packed Files" list

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6) Click on the "3D Mesh" tab in the Plugin view and click EXPORT. Choose where you want to save the file, the mesh.

/attachment.php?attachmentid=11859&stc=1

That concludes this particular tutorial. Time to go and edit the mesh Sir.




----------
Tutorials:How_to_find_an_object's_GMDC_and_extract_the_mesh_using_Object_Workshop

[WesHowe]

Nice work. I wish I had the time to write one that shows how to use MilkShape to edit the mesh and put it back in the game using my plugin.
<* Wes *>

[supernova]

I am waiting for my plugin i have applied

[RGiles]

Snazza,
Did you do the drawings? Marvelous :D

RG

[WesHowe]

Snazza,
Did you do the drawings? Marvelous :D

RG
Aww, come on. He's tryin' to help here!
I, for one, wish I had the artisitic talent you do. Snazza does way better than MY stick men, even when I'm using a triangle and straight-edge to draw them with.
<* Wes *>

[RGiles]

What, wes? I think the drawing is cute :D Seriously, I mean it. :)

[snazza]

LOL! I don't know quite what to say :-)

[WesHowe]

O.K. - I thought so too, probably just stepped in too quick.
I think things that some people like snazza are trying to do are important to support the developers. Just because I'm skilled at making tools doesn't automatically mean I can use them as well as people with TALENT.
<* Wes *>

[RGiles]

Agreed completely, Wes. :)

[snazza]

Who wouldn't want to support a great bloke like you Wes :)

[WesHowe]

Who wouldn't want to support a great bloke like you Wes :)

Oh, hush! I might get to believing all that rubbish & be harder to like.
I hope "bloke" carries good connotations. It's not commonly use here in the US.
<* Wes *>

[MimeWhite]

do you know which .package contain the hair mesh? I couldn't find it anywhere, thanks in advance :)

[dyonis-my]

I have followed the steps until the step 4 with success.

Step 5, find geometry datas container..... argh... this filetype does not exists...

any suggestion ?

[snazza]

Bloke does carry some good connotations IMO. Depends what sort of connotations you're after though. :p

MimeWhite: "\The Sims 2\TSData\Res\Sims3D\Sims03.package" contains all the hair meshes.

dyonis-my: What object did you clone?

[dyonis-my]

there is no problem now, i don't know what happened, or what i did bad, but it works now, i find the necessary filetype for export the obj. Now, this is probably more Simpe experience than modeling and using the great tools, especialy MTS2, i have cloned an object, modified in a 3D editor, e imported in simpe, saved as package, all ok. i put it in the downloads folder of my sims, i launch the game, and search to use this new object, no problem, it works, what does not work is that this new object replaces the old one, this i did not want, i suppose this is something to do in simpe with what is called "instances", but if i have good experience in 3D modelling, in simpe.... gasp ! I have to learn. The goal for me, this new chair must not replace the old one, but be added, simply in the sims inventory.

[WesHowe]

do you know which .package contain the hair mesh? I couldn't find it anywhere, thanks in advance :)

They should be in catalog\skins\skins.package
<* Wes *>

[WesHowe]

what does not work is that this new object replaces the old one, this i did not want

You need to put a unique GUID in the new object.
<* Wes *>

[FSMCDesigns]

Hey guys, thanks to everyone for the hard work in bringing this about. Question, I have the latest version of Simpe, but I am not getting the "Export to OBJ" button in plugin view. The plugin is installed and I have the GMDC data entry, but no button to export. Bummer, I have 3DSMax loaded up wanting to check this out, any suggestions?

Thanks

[Delphy]

Make sure my GMDC exporter is above the Generic RCOL wrapper in the Plugin manager list.

[dyonis-my]

You need to put a unique GUID in the new object.
<* Wes *>

ok, i understand, now, how to denine an unique GUID, if i wish to upload this new object, and i let others people download it ? just with the hazard ?

[FSMCDesigns]

Make sure my GMDC exporter is above the Generic RCOL wrapper in the Plugin manager list.

Thank you for the reply Delphy, that did the trick!

Michael

[WesHowe]

ok, i understand, now, how to denine an unique GUID, if i wish to upload this new object, and i let others people download it ? just with the hazard ?

You can get GUIDs of your own at the same site where SimPE is downloaded from: http://sims.ambertation.de/
If you clone and object from the game and leave the GUID the same, the new object will replace the old one. Always. That's how it works. By putting a diffferent GUID in teh object, the game knows it is supposed to be a different object, not an update, so both objects show up.
Pop on over to Quaxi's site and sign up for a block. They're free, and it is the ONLY way to ensure a clone won't interfere with someone elses (or your own) game by making something disappear.
What I just said doesn't necessarily apply to recolors that add new color options, though. But to make a clone with it's own unique mesh, you'll need to do this.
<* Wes *>

[Ladybydesign8]

How do I fix this? Can someone help me?

[WesHowe]

Open SimPE, go to the Plugins menu, select Installed Plugins...
On the subsequent box find "GMDC Wrapper". If it isn't anywhere on the list, then you didn't get the file installed in the plugins directory correctly.
If it is there, then select it and use the up/down buttons to position it immediately above the "Generic Rcol" plugin (leave all the checkmarks checked).
That should do it.
<* Wes *>

[Ladybydesign8]

Thanks so much Wes_h for your help. I remembered doing this when I had the old version of Simpe, but when I updated my version I had to go back and set things like they were and then I couldn't remember just what I was to move and where. Thanks again so much.

[Ladybydesign8]

Ok, I did that and it still is not there.....mmmmm...now what? Any suggestions?

[Ladybydesign8]

I found the "export to obj" but it is in the wrong place, how do I correct this?

[WesHowe]

I found the "export to obj" but it is in the wrong place, how do I correct this?

Somehow, you have Delphy's original plugin installed, not the latest one. Go to the original message in the thread in beta test about the plugin and download the new one, put it in the plugins directory in place of the one that's there.
The new one works mo' betta.
<* Wes *>

[Ladybydesign8]

Wes, I went back and did that and as you stated it worked and I opened up MilkShape3D and was able to view the file, it was the coolest thing. I havent tried it yet with other 3D programs yet, but hope to do that some time today.

Have another question. Am I right by what I am reading that we now can change the item and save it back into Sims2? I am still having a problem with getting through to the site to register for the GUID, is anyone else having this problem?

[Ladybydesign8]

Hey Wes, I for one would love to see what you could write up "changing the mesh" in MilkShape! I feel you would make a very good teacher.

[petallotus]

I'm hoping someone can help me. I have followed the tutorial. But after that I am lost. I get two files the object file and the simpe file. I'm using milkshape w/wes's plugin but when I load the file there's nothing there. Can anyone help? I would really appreciate it.Thanks

[WesHowe]

I'm hoping someone can help me. I have followed the tutorial. But after that I am lost. I get two files the object file and the simpe file. I'm using milkshape w/wes's plugin but when I load the file there's nothing there. Can anyone help? I would really appreciate it.Thanks

Well, your question is hard to follow... probably like my tutorial.
O.K. - The .OBJ file I presume is from Delphy's plugin. Does it load into MilkShape (you IMPORT it, not load it)?
Next, when you load it, can you see the object (chair or whatever)?
It sounds like you get a .simpe file out of the plug-in. That's what it is supposed to do.
Now here's the tough part. Before you even try to put a new mesh in, you need to make the object work. That means a new GUID, hashed filenames, and tested in the game. The vast majority of my problems in making the first remeshed objects was getting a working clone.
After the clone works, you load the package file, select the GMDC in the top list box. Write down the filename (inside one) and the model names (from items3 in plugin view). Then right-click on the gmdc in the list box, then pick replace. You then select your new mesh, that's the .simpe file, from the file requester that pops up.
After bringing your new mesh into the game, make sure the names match the ones you wrote down.
Then save it and test in the game.
<* Wes *>

[rosiedogsim]

Hi All,

I've cloned and saved several objects successfully, but when I get to:

"5) Next browse down the "Filetypes" list to "Geometric Data Container" and select the GMDC file in the "Packed Files" list"...

...that file type just doesn't exist in my list! All I can find is the Geometric Node file type. (see attached jpg).
I indeed do have the plugin installed, and in the recommended position (also see attached.) Any suggestions? :confused:
Thanks.

[petallotus]

Thanks Wes, I try this and see how it goes. I tried it Wes and it worked. Thanks so much for your help.

[WesHowe]

...that file type just doesn't exist in my list! All I can find is the Geometric Node file type. (see attached jpg).
Thanks.

I don't think versions of SimPE prior to 14 included the GMDC in the output from Object Workshop.
The two solutions are to get a newer copy of SimPe, or look for the GMDC in the game core files... likely candidate locations would be Sims3D\Objects03.package and Sims3D\Sims03.package.
Prior to Object Workshop, you had to hunt all the components down yourself. The way to do it is select the name map (NMAP) and look in plugin view for the name that matches. Locate the instance ID, and put it in the instance filter in the upper right corner.
Then select the geometric node type (on the left side) and the one that matches your instance in the filter (which you can cut & paste) will be the only one dispalyed at top center. Right-click and select "export".
When you load up your project file, right click on the last line in the center top and select "add", then browse for what you just exported and select it to bring it into the game.
Let me add, for everyone's edification, that without hashing the filenames in your object, as described in pinhead's tutorial on recoloring, you will likely overwrite the game data with your new colors and shapes. When I say overwrite, I mean the game will use your stuff in place of the originals until you remove the file you made from downloads.
<* Wes *>

[rosiedogsim]

Thanks for the quick reply Wes. Hmmmm...my version of SimPe says 0.14.1826.28904 on the top bar when started. So I'm assuming that I have at least version 14? Maybe there's been an update since then, (I downloaded it about 2 weeks ago.) I'll try deinstall/reinstall first anyway.

If that doesn't work, I'll give your procedure a go, though I guess I'd rather have SimPe working "right", since that seems so much more direct (and easier!)
Probably won't have much of chance to do it until tonight, but I'll let you know. Thanks again though, your help is greatly appreciated (as is all the excellent people on this board!)

[rosiedogsim]

That did it Wes! Thanks for the tip!

I guess even though I was in the version 14 vicinity, I was a few bits off. (Actually, the version I had was the one with the self-installing .exe that created SimPE file associations. The one I have now, even though it's more recent, when back to just extracting all the files to a directory.) Anyhoo, on to playing with a mesh (I hope!) Thanks again for the help!
RDS

[tolkov]

I have this problem: When I impoted OBJ file to 3D max 6 I used plugin "Wavefront Obj and Mtl Import Plugin Designed (X) 1996-2003 by hab." There are any errors when importing he file, a dialog with statistics is displayed. Value identical points in face is 500-1500 (the number of faces, with identical 3D vertex data is counted in this field. 3DSMax cannot handle those faces, so they are stripped.). And I don't see imported mesh.
In MilkShape I imported OBJ file without problem.
This way is incorrect for 3D MAX?
Help my please!

[fleabay]

tolkov,

I had a simular problem with Maya. It doesn't like certain meshes. I would say try another one or 2.

Also, It might work to resave in Milkshape.

[shauri]

I have this problem: When I impoted OBJ file to 3D max 6 I used plugin "Wavefront Obj and Mtl Import Plugin Designed (X) 1996-2003 by hab." [....] This way is incorrect for 3D MAX?
Help my please!

I also use Max and have been importing into MilkShape, then exporting to a 3ds file from there and then opening it in Max. Extra step and MilkShape isn't free, but it works. I haven't been able to use the OBJ importer in Max either.

[PheelMePhlow]

I tried to import the .obj file into Anim8tor, but that didn't work. It worked for Milkshape, but I don't own it. Is there another 3-d program that I could use?

[aldehydebends]

Im missing my "Export OBJ" bit like Ladybydesign8 was, but i dont have the "whatever wrap" thing in my install new plug-in. how do i get this plug-in?

[-wanted-]

after i edited the mesh how do i import it to the game?

[grumpytreto]

i have more than one GDC do i need to extract all

[holly97236]

How do you safely clone and extract a hair mesh? the object workshop is not the tool for this is it? I can browse to where the geometric data container for the hair is but I don't know where to go from there. If I right click there are options to clone and export? Any help would be appreciated, all the tips seem to relate to objects. Thanks, Holly

[SimLana71]

Just wanted to let everyone know ,unless only a few of us are having problems, I also could not get the Geometric Data Container file either. I tried Simpe14...something.exe, SimpeH and neither of them worked with the Geometric Data Container. Both were executables that installed the program. I downloaded Simpe14d from this site that does not install and it works fine. The latest one at Simpe website did not work for me. Just wanted to let everyone know in case they were having problems.

[Kings Jester]

I don't know if this is the right place to post this or not. If not, please direct me. :) I am really new to Sims and want to learn how to do recolors, etc, but feel I'm a hopeless case. I've been trying to read through some of the tutorials and it's all greek to me. Is there a way I can learn that words it in layman's terms? I really want to learn and give back to this community that does so much for so many of us.
Thank you to whoever replies.

[Numenor]

Have you read this tutorial for recolouring objects? I think it's very simple and easy to follow, you don't have to get special knowledge to follow it, just a little patience (very little) :)

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=34399

[taoyingying]

I would like to clone an user made object (new mesh), but I cannot find it in workshop. The object is under my download folder. Is there any way other than workshop to clone an object? Sorry if the question sound stupid. I'm quite new to SimPE

[WDS BriAnna]

I would like to clone an user made object (new mesh), but I cannot find it in workshop. The object is under my download folder. Is there any way other than workshop to clone an object? Sorry if the question sound stupid. I'm quite new to SimPE

You still use object workshop and clone it, but pick the "load object" tab instead of the "ingame objects" tab at the beginning.

[taoyingying]

Oh I didn't notice that tab... How stupid. Thanks a lot for your help!

[Zaster]

Hi all! I just did my first original! woohoo! The problem is when you view the seat from the back, you can see thru it! lol Do you think a problem happened when converting the mesh to .obj, or is this an alpha problem? I have no clue. lol

And is there a way to make texture templates for original objects? I'd like to have the base of the chair different colors (wheels black, etc). Thanks!

[Jaycephus]

Zaster,

Nice chair: the possibility that I know of is that the normals on the polys/vertices of the back are facing forward.

Do objects have alpha masks?

[Dr_BrainLock]

I tried to follow this tutorial but I get an error box when I try to export the OBJ file, this is what it says:


An unhandled exception has occurred in your application. if you click Continue, the application will ignore this error and attempt to continue. If you click Quit, the application will be shut down immediately.

Method not found: Byte[]
SimPE.Plugin.GeometryDataContainerItem1.get_Data().


I click Continue but the OBJ file does not show up in my folder, does anyone know whats going wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm very new at this!

[Dr_BrainLock]

I think I figured out the problem on my own. I had put the cGraphicNode.plugin.dll in my plugins folder, but the version of SimPE I am using (version 17, I think) seems to no longer support it. After deleting it, it seems that everything is working correctly. I guess some of the information I was following was a little out of date.

Thanks to anyone out there if you attempted to puzzle-out this problem, although I am not sure anyone has seen my previous post as no one has made a reply to it yet.

[rico]

how do i turn the obj in to a ms3d so i can open it in milkshape

[wrolyat]

Open up Milkshape, click "import", and then click ".obj."

[ashina]

How do I import the .obj into Gmax when...gmax doesn't support obj files? -_-

I don't know if this happens just because my program is the wrong one to use, but after exporting the .obj files, I tried opening it on various programs (that support .obj files) such as anim8or and blender but it says that there's an error opening the file. Do I HAVE to use Gmax or milkshape? Or can I fix this problem?

[antichristhydra]

I have a ques.

I do not have sims 2 or any programs for sims 2 yet.

Im reading up on this stuff to try to understand and master the basics so i can do alot when i get the game.

I have a ques after u clone the object and u save it back into the sims it replaces the old one.

So how do i keep the old one but make a new one?

[ashina]

You get the GUID number from the place where you download SimPE. To tell you the truth, it's really hard to imagine these things if you don't have sims yet (I've been there and its HARD to imagine or to learn about it when you don't have the game)

[nixie]

Hi there,

this is my simpe version 0.25.1888.9120 from the property pop-up.
and i've also put Delphy's plug into the plug-in folder in simpe's folder

and yes i have GMDC Wrapper directly above Generic Rcol Wrapper (they are both below 15 other plug-ins thingy.

so in side my simpe's plug-in folder are:
1) cGraphicNode.plugin.bak
2) cGraphicNode.plugin.dll
3) obj_pinfo (???)
4) simpe.bhav.plug.dll
5) simpe.ngbh.plugin.dll
6) simpe.scenegrapher.plugin.dll
7) simpe.toolbox.plugin.dll
8) sim2meshtool
9) standard (bitmap file???)
10) wosimpe.recolor.wizard.cll


here's 2 questions:

Question 1 I get this message when i try to launch simpe after i've extracted cGraphicNode[1].plugin << that into simpe's plug-in folder. no message before the extraction. and if i click yes to disable simpe can't launch, and if i click no, simpe launch and i can follow all the steps in your tutorial but... questions 2.

SimPE has detected that Delphy's GMDC Plugin is installed on your System. This Plugin is now a Part of the main SimPE Application, in order to use the new Features of the native GMDC wrapper, you should remove the File cGraphicNode.Plugin.dll from the SimPE Plugins Folder.

Do you want SimPE to disable it?

Question 2

An unhandled exception has occurred in your application. If you click Continue, the application will ignore this error and attempt to continue. if you click Quit, the application will shut down immediately

Method not found:Byte[]
SimPe. Plugin.GeometryDataContainerItem1.get_Date().


and now the recolor wizard doesn't work. sign
Please help me troubleshoot.
much thanks.

ps what does this mean? (from more info when i get the second message from simpe.
************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just in time (JIT) debugging, the config file for this
application or machine (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.

For example:

<configuration>
<system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" />
</configuration>

When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the machine
rather than being handled by this dialog.

[cdelang]

If this has been answered elsewhere, forgive me. Everything seems to be written so people can extract objects. I want to extract the body meshes so I can open them in MilkShape and play around with them. It appears that one has to use the Load Objects Tab inside the Objects Workshop to locate the meshes. I am able to do that but here's what happens when I do. I browse to the folder and locate the skins.package. I chose it, hit start, skip through the pop-up window that comes after. I get to the next step and it asks me to save it. At first it wants to save it in the game system folders, so I browse the folder I want to save it to on my desktop, choose a name for it and voila I get an error message and cannot go any further. Sometimes the program just freezes. Any ideas on what I am doing wrong?

Chelle

[Fire1]

I have the same problem..can someone help please?

[FreeSpirit1]

I'm wondering if anyone else is having problems accessing the OBJ Extractor thread file. I have been trying all day, and it keeps telling me I don't have access to this file. Has it been moved, or do I need to look in a new location? Thanks for your help. :)

[eduardoblanco]

Anyone knows how I can find this Delphy's OBJ Exporter SimPE Plugin????? the limk don't function

[angelicali7]

I Cant Do It !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:()))))

[angelicali7]

Yesssss

[Dai]

I'll add my voice to asking where I can find the SimPE OBJ Extracter as well.

[JWoods]

Tutorial has been updated by "Snaza". Thank you to him for promply taking the action as requested... ;)

[snazza]

No worries "JWods"

[CyberCube]

I know nobody's posted here in a long time, over half a year, but I have a question. This may sound rather stupid, but I can't find the "Filetypes list" you mentioned for Step 5... could you help, please?

[ewielang]

Whenever I try to register new user so I can register an object, simPE freezes and I have to force it to quit. How can I fix this so I can finish my object?

[IgnorantBliss]

Try going to the SimPE site and registering there. Then just fill in your login information in SimPE.

[Rapsheba555]

ok, so if I clone an object, is the only thing I need to do is replace the one guid?

[~Dee~]

If the object only has one GUID,yes!
If it has more then one,you'll need to get new GUID's for ALL of them.

[imdareaper]

No one has posted here for a long time... but i need help with this tutorial....


I have SimPE 0.73 and none of this is in there : if it is i cant find it.

5) Next browse down the "Filetypes" list to "Geometric Data Container" and select the GMDC file in the "Packed Files" list





6) Click on the "3D Mesh" tab in the Plugin view and click EXPORT. Choose where you want to save the file, the mesh.

[HugeLunatic]

Considering this is 5 years old, it's no wonder nothing looks the same. However the GMDC is still there in packages. Not sure why your looking for the mesh, if you just want the mesh for something else or if you are trying to clone it to make a TS2 object. Start object workshop, set defaults, and begin. This will include the mesh in the GMDC, it still has the export option. If you just want the raw mesh, then open C:\Program Files (x86)\EA GAMES\The Sims 2\TSData\Res\Sims3D\Objects03.package. All the base game GMDCs are there, and each EP has its own Objects03.package.

You may want to take a look at a tutorial or creating to get more up to date images. http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=104795

[evanescent-lite]

Can something like this be done in Sims Stories? There is an object I want from Sims Pet Stories for regular Sims 2. I have no idea if this is even possible, so...