pooklet

[pooklet]

god this video just put all my thoughts about the sims and the wider sims community into words FUCK

[pooklet]

GUNMOD’S RADIANCE LIGHTING SYSTEM 2.5: Now with 100% less blue nights!

NOTICE: THIS MOD IS FOR THE SIMS 2! Do not even try to installl this in your TS4 game.

After lots of fiddling around, I finally got to achieve my TS2 modding dream: to update the Radiance Lighting System to get rid of the annoying blue cast that plagued Sims games since time immemorial. 

Download link and more info under the cut.

Keep reading

[pooklet]

Hi! Could you give some tips for making thumbnails for stuff like eyes and makeup? I recolored and resclera'd an eyeset but I'm stuck making thumbnails for them because I've never made cc that needs them before so I haven't bothered to learn how to do it until now.

Hi anon!

Like in most things, my answer to tedious tasks is optimization with photoshop actions. I do not have standard actions for this since I like to make slightly different swatches per set, but basically what I do is record the steps after I copy my texture to the clipboard. Usually the steps are:

Paste texture in swatch.bmp -> Resize -> Adjust position of image -> Sharpen -> Fade Sharpen 40% -> Flatten -> Save

(For eyes, you will also need to rotate the image between pasting and resizing, and to hide some of the messy sclera texture I add a black fuzzy outline, I know there's a specific name for this effect but I can't remember it lol.)

I then import the file with the new swatch in BodyShop and move on to the next texture.

(If I'm feeling extra lazy I will also have additional starting steps to copy the texture, switch to the swatch.bmp image, do everything listed above, and then switch back to the psd where I have all my textures saved as layers so that literally all I have to do is click the next texture layer. But this requires you to open your images in a particular order since the actual action steps recorded will be "select next document" and "select previous document," so it matters what photoshop recognizes as your first and second documents, if that makes sense.)

I whipped up some quick sample actions so you can get an idea of how they work, but I would encourage making your own versions so that you can make sure they're the right size and centered how you want. I didn't make one for blush because it's hard to estimate what part of that you would want to show.

Sample Swatch Actions: SFS / Mega

[pooklet]

A tire pile

I made this to replace a converted tire pile I have in my game. I separated these from the restorable car (I just rearranged them). Repo'd too, of course, so the Freetime EP is required! (I put it in the deco misc category for the lack of a better place) :)

Download - Alternate

[pooklet]

stormy autumn night on the legacy homestead ⛈

[pooklet]

[pooklet]

Resources for Creating: My Go-To things.

Update: I’ll be updating the list on this page from now on, since Tumblr can’t handle so many hyper-links in one post, on Dreamwidth - right here, so I won't have to update it multiple times. Please note: I keep updating this list, and updates aren't showing up on reblogs. Please check the original post for the most up to date list.

Sooo this is going to be a long comprehensive list. I got back to this game after a long time and with a different computer, with a dedicated graphics card, hurray! It made me want to return to making things, so while gathering back all the necessary stuff, I've complied this list. It might be is updated as I go along, but these are the main things I use. Maby one day i'll even finish something. So here are my go-to resources & tutorials; I'm posting it here for safekeeping, and hopefully others will find it helpful. Everything that's listed is here free. So many wonderful things for free under the cut.

Programs – General:

Creating: Blender. Blender Addons: 3D Print Toolbox – comes with blender, enable it from within the program. Originally for 3d printing. Good for fixing flipped normals, and some quick general repairs. Source Tools And source tools wiki – for exporting as SMD!!!! (SimPe: to enable bump maps for the mesh on import). GMDC Addon for Blender 4.0+ by Nopke.

GIMP. GIMP Addons: G'MIC-Qt. Resynthesizer. Nvidia dds?. Doesn’t it come with Gimp?

Other: Nvidia Texture Tools Exporter (iirc it works with all graphic cards that are compatible, doesn’t require Nvidia). For making Normal / Bump / Cube Maps. For high quality compression.

NormalMaps - Online, For making all types of maps, has good setting menus. A very cool tool.

Converting: Umodel, for Unreal Engine (Static meshes: export as gtlf.2. Animated meshes: export as psk. Requires Add-on). AssetStudio, for Unity. AC Viewer, self implied (+ USD Addon for blender). QuickBMS* and support forum, for basically everything else. (don't forget the required scrips, down the same page). *I haven’t tested it fully yet, but it was recommended here. A tutorial for it is listed further down. Works like a charm.

UV Mapping: UV Mapper, Classic (free) and the most recent Demo (for visualization).

Programs – Sims:

Never Mind the Bollox, Here's Osab and MAGIkarp to the rescue!

Latest version of SimPe, works with a non-default installation path. Chris Hatch's updates.

Home Crafter installation, Post by Huge Lunatic at Sims2Artists.

Repository Wizard, by Pick'N'Mix Mods. A game changer.

DBPF Compare, by Pick'N'Mix Mods.

Object Relocator, also by Pick'N'Mix Mods.

SMD Tools, by Lazy Duchess.

The Compressorizer, by JFade – Lazy Duchess's edit.

Bulk Rename Utility, to change file names in well, bulk. As explained by io here.

Lot Adjustor, by Mootilda at MTS.

Tutorials:

Override the game's graphic settings via Nvidia, as explained by iCad. The settings to Nvidia Profile Inspector she linked to at MTS have been deleted for some reason, here they are via WebArchive.

Meshing in Blender:

Mesh Optimization Info (and links), by Crisps&Kerosene.

Additional - Reducing Polycount:

Tutorial, by Flaming-Chickens (another username on other sites perhaps?)

Edge – Un-subdivide, a quick one by CG Link.

Transfer high poly details to low poly object in Blender, by 3Dnot2D.

Shrinkwrap Modifier - Blender Tutorial for Beginners - Basics, by in2vert.

Placeholder for this Addon that I want to try but haven't found, something for AR that was on facebook's defunct AR.

Scaling tips, by Blender Secrets.

How to fix inverted/ flipped normals, by ipaintsmallthings.

Converting: How to Extract 3D Models, Textures, Music from Unreal Engine Games, by iwanMods.

Extract 2D/3D/SFX Unity Assets fast & easy from your Unity Game, by iwanMods as well.

How to use QuickBMS, by darkhorse.

Guide to Converting 3t2 and 4t2 Part 01 and Part 02, by Chiaroscuro/tenlittlepandas.

Converting TS4 Windows and Doors, by Crisps&Kerosene.

Using Different Material Maps as Shading/Details for Base Texture, in Gimp or Blender, by Pineapple Forest & Crisps&Kerosene: https://www.tumblr.com/crispsandkerosene/764893644571525120/great-info-thats-the-reason-some-conversions?source=share

Texture Editing in GIMP:

Using Gimp Add-ons: G'MicQT. Resynthesizer. Both by Davies Media Design. This guy's channel for Gimp in general – here's a good one to begin with. And another one about layer masks.

Making a texture Tile Seamless: 1. My favorite - How to Make Seamless Textures for Cinema 4D - 3 Levels of Photoshop Wizardry using iPhone Photos, by School of Motion.

2. Simple Trick for More Realistic Texture Patterns in GIMP, by Davies Media Design – Quick and simple, using the Resynthesizer plugin. Good for patterns.

Making walls in SimPe out of a square texture, with minimal quality loss. To be written.

SimPe: Cloneable Objects: A List of Good Objects for Cloning, by IgnorantBliss at MTS.

Huge Lunatic's Tutorials, Her website.

Object Creation for Absolute Beginners, by Moune.

Sims 2 start to finish Object Creation Tutorial, by JWoods, Numenor, Lethe_s & IgnorantBliss.

The Material Definition (TXMT) Guide, by PixelHate – very comprehensive. Part 5 is about Bump/ Normal maps.

Null (Texture-less) Groups, by Skell. For bodyshop, for Objects see an elaboration by Midge the Tree below.

Crisps&Kerosene discovered how to add specular maps to objects! It's incredible there are still new things to discover in this ancient game.

More on Specular Maps, by Pineapple Forest.

Making new flooring & walls with SimPE, by Charisa. Includes adding Bump/Normal maps. She added a file to clone from in the comments below. It works for normal maps as well. Here's cool discovery in the game files.

Expanding footprint: a mini tutorial, by Deedee.

How to add correct drop shadows to objects, by Yuxi, via Wayback Machine.

Making Objects Viewable in Neighborhood View, by iCad.

Making Objects Visible In Build/Buy Mode, Invisible In Live Mode, by Midge the Tree.

Making Seasons-Friendly Trees, by Echo.

Io/ Serabiet's resources list, mainly for Bodyshop but not just.

Pineapple Forest's Tutorials, useful tips for efficiency and optimization.

MTS modding forum in General.

The Sims 2 Tutorials, on Tumblr. A database, is more updated.

Sims2Artists tutorials section.

LeeFish modding forum.

Garden of Shadows, Tree of Knowledge section.

Troubleshooting: What to do if you get a System.OutOfMemoryException Error, SimPe Forum, via WayBack Machine. Thank you @fanseelamb for the find.

How to read object error logs: I just want to know what causes it!!, by Episims.

Common TS2 errors, by Midge the Tree.

General game fuckery: How to Stop Sims 2 Crashing (Memory Allocation Fix and 4GB Patch Repair), by Jessa.

Graphics card problems, LeeFish forum.

Graphics help - DIY, by Kiri. How to fix faulty Texture Memory allocation, and the problems that stem from it. Tumblr can't handle anymore hyper links so here it is: https://celebkiriedhel.tumblr.com/post/189431721483/graphics-help-diy

General: Switching between save folders without renaming them, by Nopke.

Resources:

3D Models Online*: Various furniture designers' websites: Porada, Zanotta, Muuto, Hay, Poltrona Frau, many luxury furniture designer basically.

3D Warehouse, belongs to Sketchfab (get the Collada files).

Scan the World.

Wikimedia Commons. And more.

*(NOT OPTIMIZED).

Textures: Architextures.

Fabrics & Wallpapers: Natural Stones: Wall Plasters:

iCad's Woods. Shastakiss's Cluedo Metals, Yeti Metals, Pirate Woods. Goat's Woods.

Textures from other games: Dishonored, Thieve and much more, by Saricoya at GoS. Dreamfell by io.

Resource sharing threads at Garden of Shadows.

SimPe - General: CEP Extras list, HugeLunatic at Sims2Artists.

TXMT settings for different materials, by Hafiseazale.

Extended SimStandardMaterial Shader for the Sims 2 + Optionally Brighter Sims, by Crisps&Kerosene.

Custom CubeMaps, by Crisps&Kerosene.

Shiny TXMT Settings & Cube Maps Packs, by Pineapple Forest.

Build/ Buy: Templates for Recoloring Maxis items; MTS Templates sction, Hafiseazale (+cc), ZeroDark.

Template for Seasonal Trees, Gwenke at Sims2Artists.

Making Roof Recolors, Tutorial & template by Numenor, great template by iCad.

Pack for making food clutter usable, by DeeDee.

CAS: Default Makeup Packages - BYO Packages, by Huge Lunatic.

Body shape, Io/Serabiet on Tumblr.

Skin template, Io/Serabiet on Tumblr.

Hair texture, iCad.

Color Actions, Pooklet on Tumblr.

That's it for now.

Edit: forgot about CEP extras. Added more links. Edit 02: Added Troubleshooting section under tutorials.

[pooklet]

the most unexpected way to experience my save's first pink soup

as expected though the game crashed 3 min later

[pooklet]

My Purrfect Cat Cafe 5 Set - for The Sims 2

These are 4to2 conversions from SixamCC, low poly. All recolors and a collection file are included. Coffee Machines are also functional.

For the cat condos you can use the “One More Cat Slot Please” by Episim

DOWNLOAD HERE

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

If you want to support my creations, you can send me a donation with Paypal or Ko-fi ☕ If you want to ask for a Paid Commission, HERE you can find more details. Thank you ❤️

[pooklet]

I can't stop making it smaller and smaller so here's another sc4 terrain! 💚🏕️🌿🌲🌳☘️

DOWNLOAD

Again, you will have to use the modifyterrain cheat for beach lots to fit ☺️

[pooklet]

Dot's Neon recolors and list of other neon recolors.

12 recolors

mesh is included

two versions: merged and unmerged

files are compressed

Download SFS

Also, I've made a list of more Dot's Neon recolors and other colorful or neon decorations and lighting.

Dot's Neon list:

Post by Dot from TSR

33 recolors by @siofrasims

8 neon cats by @suratan-cc

19 recolors by @jacky93sims

4t2 Neon Dream by @creesims

3t2 Neon Wolf by @creesims

4t2 Gamer Tag by @creesims

4t2 Simstagram Worthy Neon Sign by @creesims

4t2 Never Ending Neon Sul Sul's Version by @creesims

4t2 Get To Work Neon Signs by @creesims

Cyberpunk decor by @riekus13

40 recolors by @riekus13

City by @riekus13

24 recolors by @skulldilocks

More Neon Signs by @eleabots

Simlish neon signs by @polllinationtech

12 zodiac recolors by @simorous-me

50 recolors by @moocha-muses

Grilled cheese by @moocha-muses

4 recolors by @jahkatai

Karaoke Neon Signs by @deedee-sims

Neon Christmas by @deedee-sims

7 recolors by @leaf-storm

More neons by @leaf-storm

3 recolors by @leaf-storm

Spooky neon signs by @keoni-chan

Haunting in neon by @xxsomethingsimfulxx

Night glow by @xxsomethingsimfulxx

Afterglow by @xxsomethingsimfulxx

Neon collection by @bettasim

List of other neon decor and lighting:

My Purrfect Cat Cafe 5 Set by @jacky93sims

Crystal Ball Neon by @jacky93sims

Flower Neon by @jacky93sims

Hydra Pride Rainbow Set by @jacky93sims

Ufo set by @jacky93sims

Neon Colorful Lamp Cactus by @jacky93sims

Heart & Angel Set by @jacky93sims

Littledica Holidays 2020 Lights by @jacky93sims

Pink Heart by @jacky93sims

Butterfly and Heart Lamp by @jacky93sims

4t2 Fluorescent Wall Deco by @simi-simmer

Skeleton string lights by @gaypleasantview

Holiday Sled Lights by @luasims

4t2 Lovestruck Expansion Pack by @tvickiesims

4t2 Party Essentials kit by @tvickiesims

Neon Set by @pforestsims

Neon rod add-ons by @pforestsims

Fairy Lights for Total Mirror by @pforestsims

Wall String Lights: Add-Ons by @pforestsims

Neon Floor Lamp by PineappleForest

Helier's Curves [M&G] - recolors & add-on by @pforestsims

4t2 Get to Work Neon Signs by @iolesims

Tetris Wall Lamps by @princessbliss-sim

Neon Lites Pack 001 by @cityof2morrow

20 recolors of the Everglow Plutonium Rod by @cityof2morrow

Arcade by @lumeliasimblr

12 Neon Lights for Gamers by @adinc-sims

10 Neon Lights for Christmas and New Year by @adinc-sims

9 Neon Lights - Happy Pride Month by @adinc-sims

3t2 Cloud light recolors by @sadepaivas

EverGlow wall lamps in Lack colors by @creesims

Neon signs by @funphumph

Simlish Neon Lights by HighRollers

Glow-in-the-Dark by jgwhiteus

Neon Pool Lights by HugeLunatic

[pooklet]

KLDPXL Art on Two Dogs And Olive

I wasn’t a fan of pixel art…until I found stunning work by @kldpxl​. I just had to make some recolors of my favourite painting with that beautiful art.

Resized add-ons by Michelle can be found here.

Compressed, numerated, swatch included.

Download at SFS

[pooklet]

[pooklet]

Baby/Toddler Bathing Autonomy Fixes

Download on Mod The Sims

Mirror

simNopke-babyToddlerBathingAutonomyFixes simNopke-babyToddlerBathingAutonomyFixes-dirtyDiaperLock

simNopke-bathingByNannyFixes simNopke-bathingByNannyFixes-closestObject

[pooklet]

Buggybooz shaker curvy cooker - recolors

I finally have some time for simming again so expect some more posts from me 🥳 I realized I needed some more colors of this stove that I use in pretty much all of my kitchens. It comes in 24 colors (by eversims & anna) Hope you'll have a wonderful weekend and enjoy! 🥰

Mesh not included, get it here!

DOWNLOAD - sfs

[pooklet]

Sauna Wood Stove (lamp)

& BV Sauna recolors

Download: SFS | BOX

Recolors for Bon Voyage EP sauna make the original electric heater invisible, so you can put the wood burning stove in its place.

⚠️You'll need to place the 'stove' on a walk through block OMSP, to avoid issues. Stove doesn't block Sims from accessing sauna when placed in a corner, but the sauna entrance may disappear at some point if a floor object is placed nearby.

*You can choose recolors without OR with envcube (shine) mask - a feature of Extended Standard Material Shader edit by @crispsandkerosene

*Stove emits faint reddish light (fireplace light) - if you'd like it to be brighter, you can easily change the settings using SimPe.

Thanks for giving me the idea to make this object @episims :)

*This is for The Sims 2

Stove can be found in Appliances/Misc for 350 S.

Decorative sauna thermometer found in Electronics/Misc for 15 S

Stove was cloned from CS stone moai lamp, it has fire effect playing when it's on, but it doesn't cause fires.

Sauna interior heater shadow is visible in walls-up view - I created a texture replacement for it. It removes the shadow underneath the heater:

Above, left - original recolor + shadow default.

Above - three recolors on the left use envcube mask. The effect is quite subtle, mask makes the shine grainy and resembles metallic finish. All recolors make use of specular map texture included with the mesh object, and I used the same texture as additional envcube mask.

If you use these recolors without shader edit, the shine is much stronger.

Specular map functionality has been 'rediscovered' by CandK, it doesn't require any mods.

[pooklet]

love how Sims players call themselves simmers. you mean like a stew