What does this “Mod Editor” do exactly?
Well, the Mod Editor is the main tool used in modding. It allows you to compile all the aspects of your mod into one, easy to install pack. A .mpi file. You can add a read me file, your graphics, sounds, icons, genie and more here, so it’s a great tool. The program was designed by Ykkrosh, a good old member of the community who most of you will never of heard of.

How do I get these mods to work after I‘ve actually installed them?
Once there installed, that’s just it, no more work! They should appear in the campaign you downloaded them for, or in the scenario editor if you just downloaded them for fun. There really is no more work. They will have replace the unit that is said in the read me file.

where should I put these .mpi Files?
It doesn’t really matter, put them in a folder somewhere of your choice. I prefer to name my folder “Download Modpacks” for easy reference, but it doesn’t really matter. Once you have them in a folder, just open them up in your mod installer and wham your ready to go.

How do you load a picture into 3Dmax and change it (like colour it or something)?
3ds Max is a 3d software, it is not designed for 2d editing. If you are wanting to do 2d editing, I would advise Photoshop or something similar. If you can’t get a hold of these, you will have to use paint.

How do I extract the graphics into a mod?
1. use the drs viewer to find the .slp you want to extract.
2. extract it.
3. use the mod editor to view the .slp file.
4. convert it to a bitmap format by using the option provided.
5. then simply edit the bitmaps in paint or a similar software.

I made my mod with the latest mod editor. When I tried to install it, it said it was a corrupted mpi file and that I needed the most recent mod editor, How can I fix this?
There are many reasons why this may happen. Quite often you have not generated the data for your graphics, go back and generate the Data. Or it could be you did not include a word file for a read me.

With the mod editor, is there anyway to remove all mods without reinstalling the game?
Im afraid not, it is a problem with the mod editor which at this point in time can not be fixed. You will have to reinstall your game, make sure to back up your Scenarios and Campaigns first if you need to however.

What are some other programs I can use to mod?
There are many programs you can use to mod. Though there are only a few which are free. If you’re willing to spend money, my best choice would be 3ds max which is a 3d software, or Photoshop a great 2d editor which is defiantly worth looking into. if not Gmax may be the best choice for you, or even wings 3d which is preferred by some.

Is there a way to change unit name's without using the resource hacker?
yes, there are other programs but in my opinion resource hacker is best. If you’re a good scenario designer however you could always do it with that, but if your compiling it as a mod I would suggest to stick with resource hacker.

Can you use mods and AI files in multiplayer games?
Yes you can, as long as they do not have any genie editing included with them.

When you make mods of buildings or other things, sometimes they go off there spot, how do I fix that?
The building must not have been anchored correctly, this is quite easy to adjust. Go into your mod editor and change the anchor by selecting the center spot of your building when the graphics window is up.

Where can you get the mod editor and drs viewer?

Mod Editor - Here

DRS/SLP Viewer - Here

I have seen on the tutorial page something about "poser" Where could I get it? and is it free?
Sadly no it is not free. But you can download the demos and buy poser at Curious Labs. I believe the most recent version is 6.

How do I edit some existing mods?
To edit existing mods are exactly the same as editing ones originally with the game. Just look for the slp number they replace. I advise checking for permission from the original author however before you edit and release a mod of someone else’s work.

When I install my mod it makes all the text on the buttons in the game disappear I suspect that it is something with the dll change but I can't figure what. How do I fix it?
It will most likely be your language.dll file. It is probably not reading it correctly. I advise reverting back to your original language file and starting over, its not worth the hassle of fiddling with the messed up one.

how do you get my DRS files into the viewer for uh, viewing?
Click File, then Open, and select the correct DRS file (for graphics, you want GRAPHICS_x1.DRS or GRAPHICS.DRS depending if you have clone campaigns installed or not).

Do you know if there is any way to mod on a Macintosh (Apple Mac)?
I’m afraid at this point in time its not possible due to the programs being designed around windows. However, it may become possible some time in the future. Who knows.

Is there any way to make a unit that shoots ground and air?
I’m afraid I’m not a big genie editor, I would advise asking someone such as Santhos or Mandalorian as they have a better knowledge to answer Genie questions than me.

where can I get a program to modify the .slx files?
The Mod Editor is the only program that can edit .slx files (apart from a text/hex editor). To edit the actual bitmap files that the .slx ties in with you can use Paint, Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, pretty much any 2d graphics editor. You can use paint to edit the frames, most other programs cost a lot of money sadly.

I have downloaded the mod editor but what program do I put it in?
The mod editor is a program, just double click on it to open it.

I want to extract an icon from a mod, but that icon doesn't appear in the DRS viewer. How do I get that icon?
Have a look again in your DRS file, if you can’t find it your probably looking in the wrong one. Just have a double check.

Does anybody know where the graphics are for the terrain is?
Yes, the DRS file is located in the directory you installed your game, then Game\Data\terrain.drs .

Where Can you get Gmax?
It is a available for download at http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax. I would also advise downloading the help files and tutorials as they can be extremely handy when you are starting out.

I have animated my character but how do I get the frames for it so it can go in the game?
You must render your frames. If that is not possible, print screen them. The button for print screening is normally located near Number Lock. Then simply paste into paint. Repeat this for each frame.

How do I uninstall mods?
Click the “*remove last Mod*” button on the right hand side of your Mod Installer. It should be located there.

How do I take a screenshot?
Press the Print Screen button on your keyboard. It is normally located near Number Lock. Press Ctrl-F12 to take a screenshot of the entire map. The screenshots will appear in the Screenshots folder which will be in the directory you installed your game into.

Ending
If you think the text is to small, simply press ctrl + mouse scroll to enlarge it. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, why not post it in this topic. Ill answer your question and update the list. If you have found the answer, good luck with the progress on your project! If you need to contact me personally, email me at nick-pellant@hardcoredesigns.co.uk and ill get back to you as soon as possible. If you have any suggestions on guides which need writing, make sure to tell me. I hope you found this useful.

[This message has been edited by Blood Phoenix (edited 05-24-2006 @ 11:06 AM).]