Tutorials by Sistergirl EDITING MESH FILES For The Sims Table Of Contents And Links Below Introdution I am not a mesh maker, however, I have been creating skins for The Sims for over two years now. Recently, I have learned how to modify a mesh to create a new mesh with Milkshape 3-D, however, I have yet to take the time to learn how to create an original mesh from "scratch". As a result, I truly admire anyone who can make a mesh. And I am thankful for those Sim crafters who have allowed me to use, modify and edit their creations. Without them, I would not have the variety of skins that I currently designed, nor the capability to create more. In the Spring of 2002, with a little help from a fellow skinner and a great mesh maker, I first learned how to edit the files associated with the mesh. I have reached the point where I can combine different meshes together to create a new mesh WITHOUT having the game crash. This is not a tutorial on how to make an original mesh, but a thorough step-by-step on how edit an existing mesh. Reading and following this tutorial will help you troubleshoot problematic meshes, but keep in mind that you do not need to change a mesh file name if you are NOT changing the mesh or adding a new component to the mesh. (see the skinning tutorial at The Sims Resource or my tutorial at https://mayday555.tripod.com/skinstut.html for more information on skinning without mesh editing) I have included many images for your reference and tips on how to correct typical editing mesh errors. In addition, there is a brief explanation on how to use SimShow and The Sims Character Makeover as a skin previewer. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me by completing a comment form. All meshes used in this tutorial were edited with permission by the original creator. Please DO NOT alter or edit any user created mesh for redistribution without getting the creator's approval. You are violating their copy rights and individual property rights if you do, and you can be held accountable for your actions. Sistergirl The FantaSim Tales, May 2003 Content: About Skin Files Parts of a file name The three skin files The Bitmap The .CMX file The XSKIN file Editing A Mesh File: Basic Renaming Of The Mesh Components Steps 1- 4 Previewing and Checking The New Mesh File Instructions on using SimShow and The Sims Character Makeover Adding Components (Attachments) To A Mesh Introduction Steps 1-5 Creating The New Wings Bitmap (Part 2 of the Adding Components lesson) Previewing The Edited Mesh File With New Attachments Creating A Unique .CMX File ID Troubleshooting And Tips Thanks to Camilia of Nighttime Sims who gave me just the right words to get started with editing meshes, and Crash (now at Nighttime Sims) for her tutorial that help me find the errors I was making. For information on where to find Milkshape 3-D and a tutorial on how to use it to edit meshes for The Sims, find a link under "Tutorials" as Sim Programs, http://www.simprograms.com. This tutorial was written to share, but please give me credit for creating the images and putting my thoughts down in writing.