Which Parts will follow next, you can read here.

This time we have a look at some different file types, their extensions and the programs and tools that can handle them. Again, this is a very simple topic but you should pay attention on it anyway. Many failures happen only because fundamental knowledge is missing…

The most common File extensions and what they say

If you don’t know how you can see the extensions of the files on your computer (what comes after the dot) you must read the article “6 Simple Things You Should Know About Your PC” first!

I don’t tell you about each and every existing file extension, but some that are very common and close to our freaking work in “The Sims 2″…

Common Download Formats

• .zip
  A WinZip File. It’s a compressed package that can include many other files at once. A zip is used to make file sizes smaller and to put many files together into one package, what makes it easier to send/download it. Before you can use the included files you need do unpack (unzip) the zip-file. Zip is still integrated in Windows XP, but the full program is no freeware.
• .rar
  Does the same as zip by using another technology; it’s another program than WinZip at all: WinRar. It’s Shareware and great, but i prefer Winzip because it is still a standard tool on my Win XP.

Sims-Related Files

• .package
  Nearly all sims-related files have the ending .package. Such a package includes many other files and different types of information. While the normal download collector never needs to look inside a package-file, it’s the most interesting place for modders. Of course we will mess around with packages as well.
• .Sims2Pack
  This is the standard export format of “The Sims 2″. When you create a Sims in “Body Shop”, and export it to send it to your friends, all required game files will be packed into a .Sims2Pack. Whenever you see a .Sims2Pack you first have to install it! It is never enough to just move it into the Downloads Directory. Click on the file (and wait), or better use the great Tool “Sims2Pack Clean Installer“.
• .bmp
  A Windows Bitmap File. Nothing else than a picture. You should be able to open a .bmp with every graphic editor/picture viewer, like Photoshop or Gimp. I think every texture of the sims game is a .bmp: The clothing, the alpha channel, the normal map. We will see later what that means in detail.

File extensions for advanced tasks

I already told you about the most common file extensions and what they say in the post 6 simple things you should know about your pc. So better let us look at some file types that are interesting for advanced users. It’s only an overview, we’ll get into detail in later lessons:

• .simpe
  This extensions already tells everything we need to know. It’s the format of the best sims-tool ever: SimPe.
• .5gd
  A Sims 3D-Mesh File. While there are numerous 3D formats out there, .5gd is our choice. We will later extract it with SimPe, modify it in Milkshape-3D (using the fine plug-ins of Wes_h), load it in SimPose and/or put the modified mesh back into the game.
• .6tx
  A texture format for advanced use.
• .obj
  Yet another 3D-Format. Possibly the most used 3D-format of all. Nearly every 3D-Editor can handle .obj-files, but the interpretation often varies between different programs.

This was only a little overview. But it can help modding-beginners to understand a bit more about different file-types and the right tools to use them.

Before i open Part 2 of the MXM Master Class Workshop, which is called “In-Game Standards“, i will publish a small test! Then you can check out if you really understood everything i wrote in Part 1.

I hope to see you again!

Welcome to the MXM Master Class of Sims Art, the ultimate workshop series for creative heads, sims junkies and other freaks! It’s great that you want to learn everything about posing, picture manipulation, story telling and further more related topics.

I’m going to show you my hottest tricks, as well as many general information which will make you able to produce your own stories (and much more) the way you want…

But there’s one thing you must realize before you start:
You’re going to do some work and it takes some time and patience! Nothing comes just this or by simply reading a workshop. I want you to be creative, so get out of your lazy bed and jump on board!

Everything up from scratch

I will not only talk about advanced topics, the MXM Master Class is meant to be for everybody. Even you, yes YOU!

If you are looking for tutorials that start from scratch, telling you all those little details you need to know to reach the highest stage, the Master/Mistress, then this is your place! Amen.

Roughly said, you will learn serious things about Skinning, 3D-Meshing, Graphic Design, Posing and some stuff about your computer as well.

You can win prices! Um, titles…

The Master Class Series is split in 10 main parts; after each part you have to pass a small test which will increase your personal rank.

Of course this is only symbolical, but this system can help you to judge your knowledge by yourself – and gives you an extra motivation.

So i recommend to read each and every lesson carefully, even if it seems to be too easy for you.

General appearance

The Series is called MXM Master Class of Sims Art, but it contains much more themes than only sims related stuff. You will see…

Writing the workshops is a growing process, so it can happen that i add more chapters or details afterwards. Don’t worry, i will let you know.

You also should understand that i’m showing you my personal methods and telling you my personal opinions; there are many other tutorials on the internet, most of them very well done. The MXM Master Class is one way to hammer stuff into your brain, not the only right way.

I’m sure that 99% of you are here because you want to know more about my Sims Art/Nude Art. And i promise you that you will learn everything about that. But i decided to use only non-erotic poses and examples in my lessons, to make sure even minor-aged talents and over-sensitive persons can join.

And last not least, to all problem-thinkers, the whole tutorial series is free, wide open and wet enough for everybody to slide in!

Okay people! Thanks for reading this whole page, and thanks for your interest! I hope to see you again in the next subpart of the MXM Master Class of Sims Art – when i write about the soft- and hardware you will need…