Object Shadows Made Simple

Objects Shadows Made Simple By SimAddict99, 17 April 2006

Object Shadows Made Simple This tutorial will show how to create accurate indoor shadows for new mesh objects. It is assumed that you have some knowledge of SimPE and will not teach how to mesh nor import new meshes. Programs required: 1SimPE: http://sims.ambertation.de/en/download/realdownload/ This also requires MS netframeworks & direct x 9c, the links are on the same page. It is also a good idea to get the CEP file; and I would recommend DDS utilities/plugin for image importing. 2A 3D graphics program like Milkshape: http://www.swissquake.ch/chumbalumsoft/index.html 3-

A photo/graphics editing program to create your textures, such Photoshop, Paint Shop etc.

Note: Milkshape 3D and Adobe Photoshop CS were used in creating this tutorial, but the process should be similar with other programs. Step 1. Open the file for which you wish to create accurate shadows in SimPE. Select the GMDC (Geometric Data Container), making sure all mesh groups (including the shadows) are selected and choose to export the mesh file. Minimize SimPE.

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Objects Shadows Made Simple By SimAddict99, 17 April 2006

Step 2. Start up Milkshape 3D and import the object file you just saved.

Step 3. Import the texture images for your mesh into MilkShape and assign them to the corresponding mesh groups.

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Objects Shadows Made Simple By SimAddict99, 17 April 2006

Step 4. Now set the viewing options for each screen to show the texture, hide the grid and axis and no backfaces shown; in other words only a check mark beside textured. Make sure your 3 preview screens show Front, Left and Top view (default settings), which should result in this:

Step 5. Now print the screen by use of the “print Scrn” key, minimize Milkshape and go into your Photo editing program. Select a new canvas and paste the image. The white rectangles are the un, select each then copy textured shadows. So one at a time using your rectangular marquee and paste into a new canvas. You will end up with three images such as these:

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Objects Shadows Made Simple By SimAddict99, 17 April 2006

Step 6. Start with one image, I will use the top view one, using the selection wand , select the white shadow area. Create a new layer, right click the image and choose “select inverse”.

Step 7. Select a medium shade of grey for your pallet foreground color and using the paint bucket color in the selected area of your image.

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Objects Shadows Made Simple By SimAddict99, 17 April 2006

Step 8. Right click the image, select the feather option. Depending on the size of the objects you are creating this shadow for, choose a radius between 5-15 for best results. Right click again, select inverse and hit delete. Your image should now look something like A below.

Step 9. Now change the color in your pallet to black, select the first layer of your image and using the paintbrush paint it black. In Layer Options choose to merge your image. Repeat this process with your other 2 images.

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Objects Shadows Made Simple By SimAddict99, 17 April 2006

Step 10. Maximize SimPE, go to the texture images and select the Shadow image. Right click it and choose to export and save. Minimize SimPe. In your Photo editing program open the shadow image.

Step 11. You will notice the image is split into section for each of the different views. You will need to check the pixel size of each area. Easiest way to do this is, using the rectangular marquee, select one of t he areas, copy and select new. The window will show you the size of the new canvas. Make a note of it and resize the corresponding shadow image you’ve created. Repeat for the other 2 views. Tip: make sure “constrain proportions” is not selected when resizing.

Step 12. Using the move tool ,drag your resized images onto the original shadow image, placing them into the corresponding areas. Merge layers and save as a png image. Page - 6

Objects Shadows Made Simple By SimAddict99, 17 April 2006

Step 13. Minimize (or close) your Photo editing program. Maximize Milkshape. Select the Materials tab and add a new one, load the shadow image. Select all shadows and assign the texture. See what it looks like. Slight adjustments may be needed.

Step 14. To adjust the UV map of the shadow image, making sure the shadow groups are selected, click on the Window tab and select “Texture Coordinate Editor” This will bring up the UV mapping window.

Step 15. Use the tools provided to move and adjust the placement of each shadow on the image. The result should be as below, perfect shadows for your new object.

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Objects Shadows Made Simple By SimAddict99, 17 April 2006

Step 16. Close Milkshape, maximize SimPE and import your new shadow image as you would any other texture image (right click the existing one and choose import and update all sizes, or if you have DDS utilities installed- built dxt). Make sure it is extRaw8bit format, then click commit. Save your file and test in game.

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