Disclaimer: This is not an object making tutorial, but a guide meant for those who want to learn how to make their own objects, but don't know where to start. I've read lots of questions about this on the official BBS, so this is also my response to you.
This guide is helpful for those who don't know anything about graphics programs or 3D meshing. First off, we will start with the tools needed.
What programs/software do I need to make objects?
You will need:
- A graphics software
- A 3D modeling software
- SimPE
There are some additional installations needed for SimPE, but it's all
explained well on the SimPE site.
What is SimPE?
SimPE is a third party modding tool for the Sims 2. It's used for a varieties of things, but I will only discuss the object making part of it.
SimPE is used both for making new shapes, and for recoloring both Maxis objects and custom objects.
More info and tutorials, not to mention the download, is located at http://sims.ambertation.de/.
HERE is a helpful SimPE handbook for object creators
Right. Where do I start?
First, you will need to choose yourself a graphics software. There are many to choose from, both expensive and free. My recommendations are:
- Photoshop
(very expensive, but you might be able to
find an older version for cheap on eBay or similar)
- Paint Shop Pro (costs money, but affordable)
- Paint.net (free)
- GIMP (free)
There are others that are just as useful, but these are the ones I see more commonly used.
After you have installed your new graphics software, I recommend you get to know it before attempting to make custom content with it. If you're not a fan of learning new programs by playing around with them yourself, then it can be a good idea to find a tutorial. Most graphics programs have tutorials, or links to tutorials on their site. Searching Google is also a good way to find tutorials for your software.
Before moving on, just promise me one thing: Don't use MS Paint for custom content!! Please, just don't.
I now know my graphics software well. What now?
Now is the right time to download SimPE and start reading and following basic recoloring tutorials. Here is a nice little list:
Recoloring
Objects with Object Workshop
Object
re-coloring tutorial
Object recoloring
with Wizards of SimPE
It can be hard to figure out the texture maps. There are some templates over at Modthesims2 that will help you. You can find them by following this link.
But what is a mesh?
A mesh is a 3D shape. If you open a 3D model in a 3D program, and look at it in the framework view, you will see why it's called a mesh. If you think of 3D modeling as making a clay model, you can see the clay as the mesh, and the paint you decorate your finished clay model with as the texture. When you re-texture an object, you are putting on a fresh coat of paint.
Ok, I think I'm ready to create my first object...
Good. Now you will need to learn 3D modeling (also called meshing). You will need a 3D modeling software. There are many of them out there, so I will make a list of the ones most commonly used for Sims 2:
- 3ds
Max (expensive)
- Maya
(also expensive)
- Milkshape 3D (fairly cheap)
- Blender (free)
- Wings 3D (free)
My personal recommendation here is Milkshape 3D. It's easy to learn and use, especially for those who have never touched a mesh before.
Again, I advise you to take the time to learn at least the basic of the 3D software of your choice. As with graphic softwares, most 3D softwares have tutorials posted on their websites. However, 3D modeling isn't that easy to learn as it can seem complex and overwhelming at the first look. But everyone can manage to make at least basic new meshes. This is why I recommend this tutorial for Milkshape 3D over HERE even if you don't use Milkshape, because it explains the basics of 3D modeling. You can't really make any meshes without knowing what a face, polygon or vertex is.
Once you've mastered the art of 3D modeling, it's time for the real tutorials. You will find many of them over at Modthesims2. These tutorials should get you started:
- Object
creating from start to finish
- Object
creating with Wings 3D
- Object creating
with Blender
That concludes my basic guide. I hope it will help you through the jungle of information you might find on the official BBS and other forums and sites. There is still more to object making, and as you get more advanced you might want to learn more. Simprograms have a great list of object making tutorials for both beginners and more advanced creators. You can find it HERE.
Have fun creating your first objects!