[VC/LC/SA] Converting Models Between GTA Games

[Shotgun]

After a lot of "noobs" asked on how to do it, i've decided to write a fully detailed tutorial with pictures and such for better understand. If someone got anything to add, then dont hesitate to PM me!

The tutorial contains the following things:

1. Converting Renderware models between GTA episodes
2. Converting .TXD files

The tools u'll need for this tutorial:

TXD Workshop 4.0B
3D Studio Max (30 Day trial)
Kam's Max Scripts
Colleditor II
3D Studio Max PandaX Plugin

1. Converting the DFF file.

In this tutorial, im going to convert this building from San Andreas to Vice City:



Firstly, open up 3D Studio max, and click on the Hammer icon on the right side.
Picture:



After u've done that, a little window will show up, here, click on the "Import DFF" button, and browse ur model.
Piccy:



Now, u have imported ur model in max, select it, and on in the GTA DFF IO window, select the "Export DFF" menu.
Here, u can select which DFF version u would like to save ur model in, GTA3, Vice City, or San Andreas.... and if u want to export ur model with the original prelighting standards, then u must check the "Vcol' button, then check the "Skip Col" box, and click on "Export DFF"

Picture:



2. Converting the TXD (Texture Dictionary) file

First, open up TXD Workshop, and load the selected TXD file u want to convert.
Picture:



After u have loaded the TXD, there will be a drop-down menu on the bottom right side of the program, select GTAVC instead of San Andreas, and simply save ur TXD.
Picture:



Now, u just need to convert the collision file, and u'r done.. Later maybe i'll add a col converting section to this tutorial...

[arKy]

oh that's helpful thanks

[Aries]

Eeh, now people are gonna try and beat the SV team to it lol

[Shotgun]

If they can... Converting the whole sa map is a pain in the ass if u don't know a faster way... OOps, i said nothing

[bj070893]

I'm learning VB6 and something I really wanna do is make an IPL and IDE converter 'cos sorting through the SA ones is long and tedious. Nice tut dude.

[Cody]

Damn. I thought this was for player models.

[Shotgun]

With player models, u need to know how to rerig components to the other GTA's bone system. It's a pain in the ass to explain it fully clear, since i don't know how to do it properly... Maybe a bit later i'll have the needed experience to write a tut for that.

And Bj

VB6 is a good/easy to use programming language, u can find tutorials on the net, i've got only one word... Macros. U can make macros even with microsoft word, so it'll do u the hard work.