#custom content creation

[alistu]

CC Creation PSA

I'm seeing an influx of questions regarding broken shadows in TS4 CC creating places just recently so I thought I would put this out there:

If your mesh is over 10k polygons then the shadows will break.

If you see stringy shadow lines covering your CC then it's because your mesh is way too high poly for the game. Whatever you're making, with very few exceptions, this is insanely detailed for something in TS4.

I feel as though some CC creators don't realise that a lot of the 3D details seen on items are faked. They are a flat surface with a Normal texture applied to give the illusion of depth.

Please, make use of Normal textures. They are your friend and your computer will thank you for it.

[aondaneedles]

I really want to learn to make custom clothing (for elder conversions mostly) but given that my last foray into cc creation ended with "I wanted to make this hair blonde and somehow it ended up green", I should probably stick to custom neighbourhoods and the odd career.

[sadoalicesims]

not photoskinning these ones, making the textures by hand... Credit to @jacquiesims for the dresses' base textures and assorted bits I've mangled!

[needleworkreve]

These are the results of my in depth look into how TS4 spec maps work. 

The alpha layer seems to add a reflection or sheen at between 12.5% - 87.5% opacity of the colored channels. It’s more liquid looking than metallic and seems most effective at around 50% strength. 

Green seems to effect the brilliance of the shine making items appear to be made of polished metal. At low opacity, it still implies a metallic quality to an object such as a brushed metal tap. 

The way that blue effects shine makes an object seem curved and plastic-y. Probably best for lacquered effects like automotive paint or nail polish. Would be lovely at 50% strength and 50% opacity on Art Deco furniture for that high-glamor look. 

Red seems the most promising for clothing on its own creating effects from vinyl and latex at high strength to silk charmeuse and crepe on low opacity. 

In combination, just about any effect is possible, but I would suggest a gentle hand. High opacity, high percentage spec maps are very extreme.

[beanniesims]

I made a box for my BJD object. I made the doll, a deco Sim, a few weeks ago. The deco Sim uses CC from other artists, so I will not be sharing it with anyone. My personal use only.

I made the box with very little 3D modelling knowledge. I spent all day today looking up tutorials and at 7:30PM, I decided to just dive into it and try to create something! I'm quite proud of what I've accomplished, even though it looks bad. 😂

For the texture, I just copied the box my BJD came in. It's not accurate at all, though.

Checklist of stuff I need to learn:

Fix the bad lighting/reflections.

Learn how to model properly.

Adding tuning such as renaming capabilities to objects.

Make a better catalog thumbnail for everything.

[sunmoon-starfactory]

Helpful Hints

If you need to contact us; We frequent the Plumb Bob Keep forum, it’s Discord, and the Sun&Moon Discord. We can’t help you or give your information at other places we do not frequent, i.e. MTS, Reddit, Garden of Shadows, etc. 

Any question submitted to this blog are answered mostly on the weekends, so please be patient for responses. We do not use the messenger function with this blog. Sending questions through messenger will remain unanswered.

If you’re looking for our policy; Please refer to the Sun&Moon Policy page. There’s a method to our madness as they say so please respect it.

Do I take requests/suggestions/commissions; No.

If you have questions about certain sets, first read the manual for it first as you may find your answer there. All Manuals can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HRu56bTx4vnk9PEQ_TrtTPIQYaedCrqr?usp=sharing

If you have a flashing blue item, download/redownload all the main texture files here: https://simfileshare.net/download/4323808/

If you’re having any issues; Please refer first to the FAQ &Troubleshooting page. After reviewing, feel free to report a problem with the following google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfa-SdHbm3qtoBH0sQkF9VlVbH8gBzqUVoxkqZ9sb8r77ZqIg/viewform?usp=share_link

Discord Server: https://discord.gg/VVTWAwdCwn. This is the BEST place to get in touch with us. Also serves as home base for our Beta Testing group.

Beta Tester Application Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeVLqnPR1fZ5kV_n23EgwrZpB9AABEPme07cych3OYQYSebw/viewform?usp=share_link

If you find a “broken link”; Please refer first to the Download Links page. These links are always the most updated for any set. If you do not see a link that matches the name of the set you’re looking for, make sure there wasn’t an updated and renamed version made.

If you’d like to support us; Please refer to the Donate page. We don’t run a Patreon as we feel it puts undue stress on creators. Donations are put toward mostly high quality texture purchases, mesh sets, and other creation resources. Also for vast amounts of tea.

[kat-simss]

Where to Find Sims 2 Tools: Homecrafter and Body Shop

Hello! I’ve been browsing the internet for the past hour or so, attempting to make CC and looking for a download of Homecrafter that won’t blow up my computer. So, I thought I’d post this as a sort of “guide” to find and, if needed, install, Sims 2 tools. 

*IMPORTANT: I would recommend checking out the Mod The Sims 2 Forums for help downloading and installing these tools. I am not responsible for any damage that may be done to your game! (Damage is unlikely, and installing these programs shouldn’t cause any problems, but conflicting CC and mods can.) 

I am not a professional, I have barely begun to figure out how to create CC for TS2, this is just a post for where to FIND the tools until I have a better grasp on using them. 

*I have The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection, so I am not quite sure where to find Bodyshop if you have anything other than UC. If you know, feel free to message me and I’ll add it to my list! (Or I could just look it up, but I’m feeling kinda lazy today.)

*I am running Windows 10, so some of the instructions may be a bit different for your computer. Feel free to ask if you need to!

Official Sims 2 Archive (Check if you need help, or message me.)

Homecrafter  (Direct Link)

Another link is at the archive (see above) - is available in  Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, and Thai at the archive.

Bodyshop 

Bodyshop actually comes with the game! 

If you have UC: The path is Program Files (x86)/Origin Games/The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection/Fun With Pets/SP9/CSBin

If you don’t have UC:  Programs/EA Games/The Sims 2/                               The Sims 2 [Latest Expansion]/The Sims 2 Body Shop (Could someone verify this?)