Modding Tools

**Decimator** · 02-19-2008, 20:37

Hi,
I am new to Modding and have gotten the basics of scripting changes but would like to try adding/changing Banners/Flags/Units/etc.

I am unsure of exactly what programs I`d need. I have seen `Photoshop` mentioned often but don`t know which one I`d need 1 to 7? CS1 to3?.

Please advise me as I don't want to spend a lot of money on a program that is no use or buy a cheap program that isn't capable of doing the task.

Is there any other programs I`d need in addition?

Thanks,Decimator

**lonck** · 02-24-2008, 08:55

latest ones are always used. You'll need photoshop since all graphic files are in .tga which photoshop is used to open them. Photoshop is needed for banners and flags which all tutorials I've seen use it.

**Lemons** · 02-25-2008, 03:49

Originally Posted by Decimator

Hi,
I am new to Modding and have gotten the basics of scripting changes but would like to try adding/changing Banners/Flags/Units/etc.

I am unsure of exactly what programs I`d need. I have seen `Photoshop` mentioned often but don`t know which one I`d need 1 to 7? CS1 to3?.

Please advise me as I don't want to spend a lot of money on a program that is no use or buy a cheap program that isn't capable of doing the task.

Is there any other programs I`d need in addition?

Thanks,Decimator

No, dont pay 1300 dollars for photoshop, I made the mess up and found that paint.net is free and is the exact same thing, also another tool you will NEED is the texture converter by alpaca. I edit units all the time and it is very easy, there is only about a 2 hour learning curve.

BTW, hope scripting is going good, the only script I know how to do is change the New World event to happen 3 turns into the game.

PS dont hesitate to ask for help on text editing, texture editing, etc. I am available to help most of the day.

**Makanyane** · 02-25-2008, 10:02

GIMP is also free and will handle tga and dds files, I found it a bit hard to learn though. You need the Nvidia dds plug in (free from Nvidia site) for both GIMP and Photoshop.

Photoshop Elements is a cheaper more basic version of PS and does a lot of the same things, that can handle tga and dds files with the plug in too.

Once you have your dds file you then need alpaca's converter to get .texture file the game uses.

**Lemons** · 02-26-2008, 03:22

Originally Posted by Makanyane

GIMP is also free and will handle tga and dds files, I found it a bit hard to learn though. You need the Nvidia dds plug in (free from Nvidia site) for both GIMP and Photoshop.

Photoshop Elements is a cheaper more basic version of PS and does a lot of the same things, that can handle tga and dds files with the plug in too.

Once you have your dds file you then need alpaca's converter to get .texture file the game uses.

Is there a reason you repeated me? Paint.NET is the same thing as photoshop only its free. Also with paint.net I can open .dds(yes thats right, its not a typo) and .tga files without having to use a plugin.

**Roman_Man#3** · 02-26-2008, 03:52

I don't like your attitude.

It is always good for people to have options when picking a program to use. While essentially many do the same thing, it comes down to the little things.

**Lemons** · 02-27-2008, 03:56

Originally Posted by Roman_Man#3

I don't like your attitude.

It is always good for people to have options when picking a program to use. While essentially many do the same thing, it comes down to the little things.

Im assuming he doesnt want to spend a minimum of a couple hundred dollars for a photo editor, also you only moderate at twc so dont tell me what to do.

I am trying to give him an alternative to use.