Tomb Raider Forums  

Go Back   Tomb Raider Forums > Tomb Raider Level Editor and Modding > Tomb Raider Modding

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 19-07-08, 15:34   #1
badboy70
Member
 
badboy70's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,657
Default Tutorial : Extracting, Editing and In-Game Files

Some of the tutorials can also be found on Tomb Raider HUB, in case the screenshots would be missing in this thread.

Don't hesitate to ask questions if you're stuck, there are plenty of people ( including me ) who are willing to help you out !


Update list (25/07/08)

Upcoming :
None

Questions :
7 solved
3 unsolved

I asked tlr online where to put it and he said I should put it in the forum

Quote:
Originally Posted by tlr online
Quote:
Originally Posted by badboy70
Hey
Thanks to the modding subforum I got back into it.

I want to write a tutorial for 3DSMax and how to extract models.
Where should I put it ? Since there's no "Modding Tutorials" subforum

Thanks
Just post in the forum. I members will appreciate that, so thank you.

Free to post now

Usage :
You're free to post any questions, mistakes, etc.
If there's a question I'll add it in a seperate post.

Chapters

1. Getting started and extraction of meshes

1.1 : The tools needed
1.2 : Explanation of 2 methods in 10 steps

2. Importing in your Editing software

2.1 : Files
2.2.1 : 3DS Max
2.2.2 : Meta

3. Editing files

3.1.1 : 3DSMax : Meshes
3.1.2 : 3DSMax : Biped model
3.2 : Meta
3.3: Textures


4. Editing In-Game Files


4.1 : Textures
4.2 : Cheats, Trainers and Hacks and references

5. Sound and Music

5.1 : Extracting
5.2 : Note on files

6. Classic Tomb Raiders (not TRLE ) : Textures (1)

6.1 : Changing textures
6.1.1 : Tools needed
6.1.2 : Extracting textures

6.1.3 : Editing textures
6.1.4 : Importing textures

7. Classic Tomb Raiders ( not TRLE ) : Textures (2)

7.1 : Tools needed
7.2 Preparing your files
7.3 : Textures
7.2.1 : Extracting and Importing


8. Classic Tomb Raiders ( not TRLE ): Meshes
8.1 : Tools Needed
8.2 : A small note

8.3 : Preparing your files

8.4 Editing


9. Classic Tomb Raiders ( TRLE Needed or my package ) : Importing Meshes

10. Backing-up and further info on modding games that read from the CD

10.1: Tools needed
10.2 Preparation and making an ISO

10.3 : Using the ISO
10.4 : Editing Files

11. Making OBJ files textured

12. Classic Tomb Raiders ( not TRLE ) : Exporting, Editing and Importing meshes and textures.

13. Credits and changelog

14. Questions
This is where the questions and answers in the thread will be copied.
There might be a solution to your problem here.
Please look here too if you understand everything because some question aren't answered yet.

15. Useful links

*will be updated when new parts appear*

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


Last edited by badboy70; 21-09-14 at 09:27.
badboy70 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-07-08, 16:05   #2
badboy70
Member
 
badboy70's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,657
Default 2. Importing in your Editing software

2. Importing in your Editing software

2.1 : Files
For now, it's best not to move the files.
For the 3DRipperDX files, I recommend using 3DS Max. Because you can simple open the 3DR file which is fully textured.

2.2.1 : 3DS Max

If you used method 1: Open the OBJ file


If you used method 2
: Open the 3DR file
OBJ is untextured.

1. Got to file --> Import
2. Go to the folder where you saved the files (find the Frames folder )
3. Select the file and open (.3DR )


*note : Don't use the MTL file, they are only strange spheres ( for me, that is )

2.2.2 : Meta

If you used method 1: Open the OBJ file


If you used method 2
: Open the OBJ file

*note : it will NOT be textured when using the OBJ file
*note : Don't use the MTL file, they are only strange spheres ( for me, that is )

Last edited by badboy70; 19-07-08 at 20:41.
badboy70 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-07-08, 16:51   #3
badboy70
Member
 
badboy70's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,657
Default 3. Editing files

3. Editing files

3.1.1 : 3DSMax : Meshes

*note : I'll use Lara here. I've deleted the other vertex so I only have Lara left.
1. This is my Lara. I extracted it from the title screen using Method 2.


2. If you have a model that can't be edited you can change that by right-clicking -->Convert to: -->Convert to Editable Poly


3. Now you should get this on your right


Now you're able to edit your model.

3.1.2 : 3DSMax : Biped model

First of all, what is a biped model ?
It's a thing that represents the bones of a mesh. If you move a bone, the skin will move too. This is used if you want to easily change Lara's movement and for animating.
Well it's easy once it's done.

*note: If you see that your Lara model consists out of seperate meshes, attach them.

1. Go to Create --> Systems --> Biped

2. Start off from her foot in the Front Viewport. Then drag until it's approx the same size of Lara.



3. Now position it in Lara.
*note if Lara axist out of multiple parts, you can right click a part and click on Attach, then select a different part. Do that for all parts until you have one object.
Tools :


Mine ain't perfect, but you get the point.



4. When you've done that select Lara.
5. Then in "Modify" (acces it by pressing on the bended blue thing on your left ) press on "Modifier List" and add "Skin".

6. Now scroll down until you see " Bones : Add (button). Press the Add button and add all bones that are listed under "bip01".
*note you can hold your mouse and go down to select them all, like when you're selecting some files that are in a folder.

[IMG]http://i38.************/2d2az4h.jpg[/IMG]

Now Lara is attached to the bip.
But it ain't perfect !

7.Press "Envelope" ( press the + next to "Skin" to get a dropdown list ). Now press " Edit Envelopes" ( the frame around that text will then turn yellow, meaning it's activated )

8. Now look at your model. you'll see that over the bones there will be grey lines, with on each end a grey square.
You can click on those squares. If you click on it you'll see a lines. This is called an "envelope".
What's this ? This shows the reach of the part of Lara's body that is attached to the selected bone. But luckily enough, we won't need it !

9. Under the "Edit Envelopes" button you'll see "Select", with under that "Vertices" and a tickbox. Click on the tickbox to have a "v" in it.

[IMG]http://i38.************/14w4shf.jpg[/IMG]

10. Now select one of the squares. I've selected the upper part of her left leg.
Look at the wireframes, those show what vertices are bound to that bone ( = part of the bip, the upper leg, now ).
You can select the vertices now.
[IMG]http://i33.************/20p3lgg.jpg[/IMG]

11. Scroll down in the list ( left ) until you see "Weight properties"
"Abs. Effect" is the strength of the vertic, the bigger the more it'l follow the bone. here's a small explanation of the other buttons :

[IMG]http://i37.************/34gkkko.jpg[/IMG]

12. Do this for every bone and check on a regular base if the correct vertices follow a bone.

3.2 : Meta
Well, nothing to explain here. Open your file and start editing

3.3: Textures
Some formats are in DDS. you can use this tool to convert them to editable images and vice versa.

DDS Converter

Edit and save them as you wish, but don't change the location


Last edited by badboy70; 21-11-08 at 15:26.
badboy70 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-07-08, 18:31   #4
badboy70
Member
 
badboy70's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,657
Default 4. Editing In-Game Files

4. Editing In-Game Files

4.1.1 : Tools for Textures
Method 1 : Texmod
Texmod

Method 2 : Tomb Ripper
Tomb Ripper


4.1.2 Editing textures and how to use the programs

Method 1 : For this I'll refer you to the tutorial on TRHub

Method 2 : For this I'll refer you to the tutorial on TRHub

4.2 : Cheats, Trainers and Hacks and references
Cheats : Can be found on http://www.tombraiderchronicles.com/


Trainers : Can be found on http://gamecopyworld.com/

Hacks :
- TRLFly
Game Version 1.0
Game Version 1.2
Press F11 to enter Flight Mode, use 1 and 2 to raise and lower Lara. You can run on thin air.

- TRAFly (for this, go to C:\Program Files\Tomb Raider - Anniversary and check the size of your tra.exe ; then download the right version )
4.58 MB, 8.93 MB and Steam
19 MB
Demo
Press F11 to enter Flight Mode, use 1 and 2 to raise and lower Lara. You can run on thin air.

- Debug Menus

- TRALoader

Last edited by badboy70; 19-07-08 at 18:46.
badboy70 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-07-08, 18:46   #5
badboy70
Member
 
badboy70's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,657
Default 5. Credits

13. Credits and changelog

- Image-uploading service : www.imageshack.us

- Trltool : Darkfader

- Graverobber : Turfster

- 3DRipper DX : deep-shadows.com ABOUT

- 3DS Max : Autodesk

- MetasequoiaLE
: Osamu Mizuno

- Texmod : RS


- Tomb Ripper : Racer_s

- TRLFly, TRAFly, Debug Menus, TRALoader : SunBeam

- For helping me remind that I had to use 3DRipperDX - [Xmas]

- Tr2Hook, Texdump - late-late

- badboy70 - tutorials ()

- TurboPascal - Fexmerger, PixStr, StrPix

- Core Design - tom2pc

- Michiel - tr2wad

- toxicraider - most of the
Making OBJ files texturedtutorial

And a big thank you to tlr online for this forum !

If I forgot someone, please let me know

Changelog :
- Added Update List
- Added Sound Tutorial
- Added Classic Tomb Raider ( II ) Texture Editing Tutorial
- Some Tweaks
- Many new tutorials
- Big update to the "biped model" tutorial. It's much easier now.
- The
"Getting started and extraction of meshes" tutorial has a post of it's own now, so the first post is easier to handle.

Last edited by badboy70; 02-09-08 at 18:18.
badboy70 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19-07-08, 18:49   #6
badboy70
Member
 
badboy70's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,657
Default 6. Questions

14. Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by toxicraider View Post
Can you extract the mesh from the anniversary or legend demoes? I only have the ps2 version and cannot find any obj or 3ds max files around.
Answer by Scia : Yes, you can extract them with 3dReaper (method 2).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Veralsy View Post
I have Autodesk 2008 trial, I installed plugins, but I can't import a model. What can it be?
"file format failed"
Unsolved.
Quote:
Originally Posted by toxicraider View Post
I just tried them, when I try to launch anniversary from 3d ripper it just fails
Answer by toxicraider : YES the demo works now! woopwoop, the newer version of 3d ripper didnt work so i tried the old one and downloaded DX 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clara [CA] View Post
Awesome tutorial I have to say. I am at the very beginning of step #3 (Editing the files). Is there a quick way/key to delete the vertex other than Lara ?
Answer by badboy70 : Do you mean the background if you used 3DRipperDX ?
Look at Lara from the side, then with the selecting tool hold and go around the vertex you want to delete ( like when you're selecting a bunch of files in XP ) then press the "Delete" key on your keyboard.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clara [CA] View Post
Yes, that was exactly what I meant and thanks, it works like a charm
Noob question #2 (), some characters are appearing a bit flat, like Tihocan here :

Of course I can always modify the proportions of my screencaps later, but I'd like to know if there's a setting I can change in 3DSMax (or 3DRipper) for this ?
answer by badboy70 : You can select the whole object, and use the Scale tool.

Then click and hold a coloured circle ( red, green or blue ) and drag it. You'll see that it stretches

Quote:
Originally Posted by toxicraider View Post
A few questions

On anniversary using 3d reaper dx if you capture a frame of her rolling etc. then she will be covered in mud, and it seems to create another layer over her skin and clothes here;


but because it's the same size, it mixes with the mesh below and turns ugly


any ideas about how i can get the mud and wet textures to work and go over the whole clothes? thanks
Unsolved.

Quote:
Originally Posted by TRF View Post
I've download the files from TRALARA, but do i also have to do part 1 of the Tutorial??? I don't think so, but just to be sure....

I don't have Anniversary installed, but i do have legend.... Is that a problem to be using TRA lara???
answer by toxicraider : no, if you downloaded the 3d file then you won't need to extract it, or need the game at all, unless you want other files.

Question : My OBJ files are untextured, what now ?
answer : Here's a tutorial about that

Quote:
Originally Posted by TRF View Post
Something different...
The TRLFLY tool doesn't work with me...

I have patched it to 1.02 and use the flytool 1.02...
I start TRL and press ALT-TAB and start the FLYtool...
I press F11, but nothing works..

I go back to the game, press F11 while in a level and nothing works either...
What's wrong???
Unsolved.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Donnie901 View Post
WOW! This whole tutorial is so great!
But I have a question: Is there any way to replace the existing soundfiles in Anniversary or Legend with your own files?
answer by badboy70 : Thanks

I haven't found a way to do that yet, sorry

Quote:
Originally Posted by toxicraider View Post
Do you know if I can have both 3d reaper and the SCU running? i wanted to play as lara in the bikini, using a cutscene, and capture it.

answer by badboy70
: I don't think so.
But you do have two other options.

This is the same way the SCu works but you'll do it manually.

1. Go to your C:\ drive
2. Create a folder PC
3. Open it and make a folder TRAE in the PC folder
4. Open the TRAE folder and make a GAME folder in it.
(you'll have C:\PC\TRAE\GAME )
5. Now make a new wordpad document and change the extension to .arg
name it trae
(--> trae.arg )
Now you can insert those commands.
There are some in this thread.

Or you can use the same way as the Pandora's Box menus ( let the cutscene play, then change the codes so the outfit you want shows )[/quote]

Last edited by badboy70; 30-08-08 at 18:52.
badboy70 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-07-08, 08:51   #7
toxicraider
Member
 
toxicraider's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,978
Default

Can you extract the mesh from the anniversary or legend demoes? I only have the ps2 version and cannot find any obj or 3ds max files around.
toxicraider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-07-08, 14:38   #8
Scia
Member
 
Scia's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 881
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by toxicraider View Post
Can you extract the mesh from the anniversary or legend demoes? I only have the ps2 version and cannot find any obj or 3ds max files around.
Did you try?

Yes, you can extract them with 3dReaper (method 2).
Scia is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-07-08, 15:02   #9
toxicraider
Member
 
toxicraider's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,978
Default

I just tried them, when I try to launch anniversary from 3d ripper it just fails
toxicraider is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21-07-08, 15:02   #10
Veralsy
Member
 
Veralsy's Avatar
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,802
Default

I have Autodesk 2008 trial, I installed plugins, but I can't import a model What can it be?
"file format failed"
Veralsy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT. The time now is 22:54.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Tomb Raider Forums is not owned or operated by CDE Entertainment Ltd.
Lara Croft and Tomb Raider are trademarks of CDE Entertainment Ltd.