46 replies to this topic

[InsanitySorrow]

Usefull Modding Tools

This thread contains links and small descriptions of a number of useful modding tools. The listed tools will cover most levels of modding, from basic to advanced, all are colour coded to show user level. The details the thread provides are:

Name - The Applications name
Description - A small summary of what the tool does
Link - Link to the homepage or Download page, homepage is the preferred link due to it being the authors website

Colour key:

Basic
Moderate
Advanced

Here is the modding list, all sections and tools within them are all ordered Alphabetically, this ensures an easier read.

Archive Tools:

Name: TES4: Archive
Description: BSA Archive Manager
Link: Ron's Workspace

Name: BSA Commander
Description: BSA Archive Manager
Link: TESNexus

Name: TBSAOpt
Description: BSA Archive Manager
Link: TESNexus

Audio Tools:

Name: Audacity
Description: Free utility for recording and editing sound files
Link: Homepage

Name: Switch
Description: Easy to use Wav to MP3 convertor
Link: Homepage

Additional: VAP Workshop

CS Tools Tools:

Name: Construction Set Extender (CSE)
Description: An OBSE plugin that extends and fixes the Construction Set
Link: Download, BGS Thread

DDS Tools:

Name: DDS Converter
Description: This tool allows you to convert .dds files to tga, bmp, jpg (J-peg), psd, and even more formats, and then back again.
Link: TESNexus

ESP/ESM Tools:

Name: TES4 Edit
Description:
Link: TESNexus

Name: TES4 Gecko
Description:
Link: TESNexus

Misc Tools:

Name: BOSS
Description: Load Ordering Tool
Link: TESNexus

Name: Insanity's ReadMe Generator
Description: An Off-Line readme generator tool
Link: TES Alliance

Name: Insanity's Easy Launcher
Description: A very easy too use and simple launching app for Oblivion and the Construction set
Link: TES Alliance

Name: Jumble - Random Name Generator
Description: An easy to use Java based random name generator
Link: TES Alliance

Name: LHammond's ReadMe Generator
Description: An Online readme generator tool
Link: LHammond's Website

Name: ObResSort
Description: Sorts non Vanilla content from Vanilla content, including DLCs
Link: Download Link

Name: TES4 Files
Description: Packages your mod based on the files used within the ESP
Link: Homepage

Name: TES4LODGen
Description:Simple one-click LOD generator
Link: TES Nexus

Modelling:

Name: Blender
Description: An Open Source 3D Modelling Program
Link: Blender Homepage
Plugins: NifScripts

Name: GMax
Description: A smaller and free 3DS Max style modelling program
Link: GMax
Plugins: NifScripts

Name: Tree[d]
Description: A small application that can generate 3D Trees, these trees can then be exported and imported into Blender where they can be prepped for in-game use.
Link: Link

Multifunction:

Name: Oblivion Mod Manager
Description: Multifunctional utility
Link: Timeslip's Website
Additional: How To: Make a Omod, or Omod-Ready Archive

Name: Wrye Bash
Description: Advanced Multifunction modding tool
Link: Wrye Bash
Additional: Wrye Bash Pictorial Guide for Newbies

Nif Tools:

Name: NifSkope
Description: A Tool for viewing and editing (NIF) Files
Link: NifSkope

Name: NifPreview
Description: A simple tool that allows you to create preview images for your NIFs.
Link: TES Nexus

NPC Tools:

Name: Random NPC
Description: Randomly generates NPC details to aid in NPC creation
Link: TES Alliance

Name: Random Name Generator
Description: Randomly generates names for your chosen race
Link: TES Alliance

Professional Tools:

Name: Photoshop DDS Plugin
Description: Allows Photoshop to edit and save DDS format files
Link: Nvidia Website

Setup:

Name: mTES4 Manager
Description: Allows you to setup multiple Oblivion installs, great for those of us that want multiple setups
Link: BGS Thread

Name: Multiple Oblivion Manager - MOM
Description: The Queen of Multiple Install Management
Link: Download

Scripting:

Name: Oblivion Script Extender
Description: Extends Oblivion scripting system giving a modder new functions etc to use
Link: OBSE Homepage

Texturing:

Name: ColorPic
Description: A small application that can pick info about any color under cursor - very usefull if you spot some colours you like and want to "save" them for later for your future drawing projects
Link: Homepage

Name: FotoSketcher
Description: A little program which can easily make painting-like pictures from vaious photos, can be useful for those who do not want to use any other more complex graphics editors like PS or GIMP.
Link: Homepage

Name: GIMP
Description: An Open Source image manupulation program
Link: GIMP Homepage
Plugins: DDS Plugin, Normal Map Plugin

Name: Texture Replacer
Description: A tool to reskin the .NIF models used by Morrowind, Oblivion, Fallout 3 and Fallout:New Vegas. Works well as a windows-program, but shows it's true power when used in the commandline, where it can replace several textures, in several files at once.
Link: TES Nexus

[grond]

Got one for you. Tes4Files by MentalElf - packages your mod's files for you.

Tes4Files Page

[InsanitySorrow]

Thanks Grond, will add it to the list

[Zaldir]

Nice list ;D


And by the way, Could you please make the colors of the text a little darker? Impossible to see in the Elder Scrolls theme.

[InsanitySorrow]

I will mess around with the colours and see what looks best. I am using the Basic theme you see

[Cliffworms]

Thanks for the list IS!
Much useful indeed.

I will add it to the database of the List of Lists.

[shadeMe]

Why don't I see ResSort anywhere in this page ?

[InsanitySorrow]

Thanks Cliff

Not got around to it yet Shade , Will add it ASAP for you

[PacificMorrowind]

gmax
free and wimpy version of 3dsmax, modeling program.

Pacific Morrowind

[InsanitySorrow]

Thank you Pacific, will add it to the list.

[PacificMorrowind]

also:
nifscripts for 3dsMax(and Gmax), Blender, and Maya
required tool for exporting/importing nifs with said modeling programs
also Maya and 3dsmax (unless this is a free tools only list?)
Pacific Morrowind

[InsanitySorrow]

Not got around to plugins etc yet, but thanks anyway

[InsanitySorrow]

Updated list, mostly with addition links for plugins etc

[grond]

Colors for Elder Scrolls theme Just a reminder that the pastel colors aren't visible in ES...

[InsanitySorrow]

Colors for Elder Scrolls theme Just a reminder that the pastel colors aren't visible in ES...

I know I know, gotta fix them

Edit: Colours should be ok now

[DarkRider]

IS< You might include Audacity for Dialogue Recording and Switch for Oblivion friendly WAV to MP3 conversions.

Both can be considered basic, but you might link to the VAP workshop tutorials

[InsanitySorrow]

Thanks DR, hmm I think linking to tutorials for those sounds good

[vometia]

Not sure if this is the place to ask, but does anyone know if there's an alternative to Construction Set out there, or if anyone's succeeded in replacing its somewhat cantankerous interface? I did hear a long while back that someone was attempting to write a replacement, though I wouldn't be surprised if nothing further has happened since (no disrespect to those involved) it's an extremely ambitious project. Tackling the interface might be a more realistic option (fully resizeable windows and being able to separate the NPC list and items lists, for example, would make life a lot easier) but I've never heard of such a thing. But that doesn't mean it hasn't happened - I may as well be optimistic.

As things are, I tend to mostly use TES4Edit for the fine-tuning side of things since it's quite a lot less painful than CS, though that's already listed in the OP.

[InsanitySorrow]

I don't think any plans for an app like that ever took off, it'd be extremely difficult and require a team of really skilled modders, we can wish though

[alt3rn1ty]

InsanitySorrow - Under Multifunction / Wrye Bash, could you please also give a link for .....

Guide: Wrye Bash Pictorial Guide for Newbies

Edited by alt3rn1ty, 21 November 2010 - 12:47 PM.