How to add loading screens, icons & kill Cleopatra in the dip screen & make .blp files.

[ReichAdler]

I will try & explain how to do it without pictures... seeming I cant put pics on here.

Originally Posted here.

Three examples: All images visible in Civ set up screen.
Rome http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=871179034 This simply adds a loading & diplomatic screen to an existing civ & leader.
Der Fuhrer http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=872230530 This adds Loading Screen, loading screen leader, Selection screen portrait, diplomatic screen background & Diplomatic screen leader. This also adds leader icons & religion icons.
Deutschland http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=871196418 Third example to follow, same as above, but with new nation added.

Download the mod that suits your need & open the files so you have an example.

******This really is not for newbies.*****

**As of 28 March, I have cleaned out a lot of the files that do not need to be listed, .xlp files should not be in your mod uploads. I have attached them below including the Mod.Art.xml for Deutschland.


#1
Create a new leader example from the Fraxis templates in ModBuddy, you will also need the Dev Assets pack.
_______________________________________________________________
Important things to note are the .artdef's, the .xlp's files & folders.
You also have to manually edit the mod.art.xml to access the .artdef's .xlp's files you will use. See my examples in my .dep files
_______________________________________________________________

Import the .artdef .xlp files you need via modbuddy, (*don't paste them into the directories via explorer)
Replace my information with your own structure. Take careful note to drop off .dds appendages that you used before, as we will create .blp files that just access the names.

#2
Now with that work done, open AssetEditor from Tools. *(If this is your first time using AssEd, do a restart before, then enter & do it, you need your mod loaded into ModBuddy to make it work. It may take 10 mins! Be patient... don't touch anything else... it is very memory hungry)

With AssEd open, open the .artdef or .xlp you want to add images to, using the relevant yellow folder icon up the top right.

#3

You then use the icon that looks like a txt doc (Creates New Documents), this opens up a lot of options, choose textures. This creates a .tex file.

Then, next to name you put the name you want to call it, I use exactly the same as the image or icon name without .dds etc.
Next field down is class name. this related to what kind of thing it is, leader (Leader_Fallback), or icon & loading/dip screens (which is UserInterface) This class should be the same as in the .xlp or .artdef file.
This will automatically populate tags for you.
*(Don't forget you also need to ensure you add the class to the .dep file manually.)

Then finally you head down to source, & you navigate to the image you want to include in the .blp. The button is on the far right to navigate.
Go to the folder location you have your images & icons in & select the one you wish to import... & import it.

Depending on the class, there are more options down below.
FallbackLeader has nothing you need to change.

Icons, if they are a one off, select the Stand Alone
Icon that are part of atlas per the icons.xml need nothing selected there.
Your loading screens should have both scalable & standalone selected. I am using scalable, but have tested it in different resolutions yet.. so if my mods are not displaying right for you, don't use that & let me know.


#4
Then save the file, & it creates a .tex file & imports the image for you into your textures folder.


****VERY IMPORTANT**** Don't put things in to the textures folder manually. Don't change things in there. If you need to change an image, delete both the .tex & .dds via explorer with mod buddy closed, then reimport as above.

These files .dds & .tex should not be linked in your .modinf when you are all done & have built it... otherwise you are loading them twice.

You need to do this manual process for all image & icon files as best as I can tell.

Once you have finished, "Build" the mod via ModBuddy & use the .blp files as you need.

Hope this helps! Let the great mods roll!


Icons.xlp Deutschland

<AssetObjects::XLP>
    <m_Version>
        <major>4</major>
        <minor>0</minor>
        <build>253</build>
        <revision>867</revision>
    </m_Version>
    <m_ClassName text="UITexture"/>
    <m_PackageName text="UI/Icons"/>
    <m_Entries>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_32"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_32"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_45"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_45"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_48"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_48"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_50"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_50"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_55"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_55"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_64"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_64"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_80"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_80"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_256"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_LEADER_HITLER_256"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_RELIGION_NATSOL_22"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_RELIGION_NATSOL_22"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_RELIGION_NATSOL_50"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_RELIGION_NATSOL_50"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_RELIGION_NATSOL_100"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_RELIGION_NATSOL_100"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_RELIGION_NATSOL_270"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_RELIGION_NATSOL_270"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_22"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_22"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_30"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_30"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_32"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_32"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_36"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_36"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_44"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_44"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_45"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_45"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_48"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_48"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_50"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_50"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_64"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_64"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_80"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_80"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_256"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ICON_CIV_DEUTSCHLAND_256"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ADLER_UNITS_256"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ADLER_UNITS_256"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ADLER_UNITS_80"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ADLER_UNITS_80"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ADLER_UNITS_50"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ADLER_UNITS_50"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ADLER_UNITS_38"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ADLER_UNITS_38"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ADLER_UNITS_32"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ADLER_UNITS_32"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="ADLER_UNITS_22"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="ADLER_UNITS_22"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="BACK_HITLER_1"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="BACK_HITLER_1"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="BACK_HITLER_2"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="BACK_HITLER_2"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="BACK_HITLER_3"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="BACK_HITLER_3"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="BACK_HITLER_4"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="BACK_HITLER_4"/>
        </Element>
    </m_Entries>
    <m_AllowedPlatforms>
        <Element>WINDOWS</Element>
        <Element>LINUX</Element>
        <Element>MACOS</Element>
        <Element>IOS</Element>
    </m_AllowedPlatforms>
</AssetObjects::XLP>

LeaderFallbacks.xlp Deutschland *Noted this has two entries to stop Cleopatra appearing if people have both Der Fuhrer & Deutschland installed. As they are both called Adolf Hitler & this saves me running two sets of .blp files.

<AssetObjects::XLP>
    <m_Version>
        <major>4</major>
        <minor>0</minor>
        <build>253</build>
        <revision>867</revision>
    </m_Version>
    <m_ClassName text="LeaderFallback"/>
    <m_PackageName text="LeaderFallbacks"/>
    <m_Entries>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="FALLBACK_NEUTRAL_CAF_HITLER"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="FALLBACK_NEUTRAL_CAF_HITLER"/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <m_EntryID text="FALLBACK_NEUTRAL_CAF_HITLER2"/>
            <m_ObjectName text="FALLBACK_NEUTRAL_CAF_HITLER2"/>
        </Element>
    </m_Entries>
    <m_AllowedPlatforms>
        <Element>WINDOWS</Element>
        <Element>LINUX</Element>
        <Element>MACOS</Element>
        <Element>IOS</Element>
    </m_AllowedPlatforms>
</AssetObjects::XLP>

Mod.Art.xml for Der Fuhrer

<AssetObjects::GameArtSpecification>
    <id>
        <name text="Der Fuhrer"/>
        <id text="####################################"/>
    </id>
    <artConsumers>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="CityBuildings"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="ColorKey"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="DynamicGeometry"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="FOWSprite"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="FOWTexture"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="GameLighting"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="Landmark"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="Leader"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="LeaderFallback"/>
            <PackageDependencies>
                <Element text="LeaderFallbacks.blp"/>
            </PackageDependencies>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="LeaderLighting"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="Light"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="OverlayTexture"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="RouteDecalMaterial"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="RouteDoodad"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="SkyBoxTexture"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="StrategicView_DirectedAsset"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="StrategicView_Route"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="StrategicView_Sprite"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="StrategicView_TerrainBlend"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="StrategicView_TerrainBlendCorners"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="StrategicView_TerrainType"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="TerrainAsset"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="TerrainElement"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="TerrainMaterial"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="TileBase"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="UILensAsset"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="UITexture"/>
            <PackageDependencies>
                <Element text="UI/Icons.blp"/>
            </PackageDependencies>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="Unit"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="VFX"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="Water"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="Wave"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <LibraryName text="WonderMovie"/>
            <PackageDependencies/>
        </Element>
    </artConsumers>
    <gameLibraries>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Units"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="Unit"/>
                <Element text="VFX"/>
                <Element text="Light"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Clutter"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="Landmark"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Landmarks"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="CityBuildings"/>
                <Element text="TileBase"/>
                <Element text="RouteDecalMaterial"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Farms"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="TileBase"/>
                <Element text="CityBuildings"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="GameLighting"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="ColorKey"/>
                <Element text="GameLighting"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="StrategicView_Properties"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="StrategicView_Sprite"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="StrategicView_Sprite"/>
                <Element text="StrategicView_DirectedAsset"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="StrategicView_Route"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="StrategicView_Route"/>
                <Element text="StrategicView_DirectedAsset"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="StrategicView_TerrainType"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="StrategicView_TerrainBlend"/>
                <Element text="StrategicView_TerrainBlendCorners"/>
                <Element text="StrategicView_TerrainType"/>
                <Element text="StrategicView_DirectedAsset"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="StrategicView_TerrainBlendCorners"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="StrategicView_TerrainBlendCorners"/>
                <Element text="StrategicView_DirectedAsset"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="StrategicView_TerrainBlend"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="StrategicView_TerrainBlend"/>
                <Element text="StrategicView_DirectedAsset"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Terrain"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="TerrainAsset"/>
                <Element text="TerrainElement"/>
                <Element text="TerrainMaterial"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="WorldViewRoutes"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="RouteDecalMaterial"/>
                <Element text="RouteDoodad"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="UI"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="UITexture"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="FOW"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="FOWSprite"/>
                <Element text="FOWTexture"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="WonderMovie"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="WonderMovie"/>
                <Element text="TileBase"/>
                <Element text="GameLighting"/>
                <Element text="ColorKey"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="UILensAsset"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="OverlayTexture"/>
                <Element text="UILensAsset"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Overlay"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="OverlayTexture"/>
                <Element text="UILensAsset"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="VFX"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="VFX"/>
                <Element text="Light"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Water"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="Water"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="ColorKeys"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="ColorKey"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="ScreenWashEffects"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="ColorKey"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Camera"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Terrains"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Features"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Civilizations"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Cultures"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Resources"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Improvements"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="WorldView_Translate"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="StrategicView_Translate"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Audio"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="LeaderLighting"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="LeaderLighting"/>
                <Element text="ColorKey"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Leaders"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="Leader"/>
                <Element text="LeaderLighting"/>
                <Element text="ColorKey"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="LeaderFallback"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths>
                <Element text="FallbackLeaders.artdef"/>
            </ArtDefDependencyPaths>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="LeaderFallback"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Lenses"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="IndirectGrid"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="AOSystem"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="GenericObject"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Wave"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="Wave"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="DynamicGeometry"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="DynamicGeometry"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="UIPreview"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="SkyBox"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="SkyBoxTexture"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="Minimap"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="UnitSimulation"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies/>
            <LoadsLibraries>false</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
        <Element>
            <ConsumerName text="RangeArrows"/>
            <ArtDefDependencyPaths/>
            <LibraryDependencies>
                <Element text="OverlayTexture"/>
                <Element text="UILensAsset"/>
            </LibraryDependencies>
            <LoadsLibraries>true</LoadsLibraries>
        </Element>
    </gameLibraries>
    <requiredGameArtIDs>
        <Element>
            <name text="Civ6"/>
            <id text="cb2f71b7-843e-4af3-9ca7-992acda9c195"/>
        </Element>
    </requiredGameArtIDs>
</AssetObjects::GameArtSpecification>

 

[Aldollin]

first of all: thanks for the step-by-step solution
i tried to take the jasperkitty leader template and replace the images using the Asset Editor as you described
the preview in the civ selection menu and the diplomacy screen (where cleopatra shows up if things go wrong) work just fine,
but for some reason i cant get the loading screen to work (always shows teddy roosevelt)
which i find odd since the template had 2 sets of dds and tex files both of which i replaced using your guide.

Any idea what im missing for the loading screen not to work but the diplo screen and preview portrait working?

 

[ReichAdler]

most likely one of the entries in modart, but also check you have UserInterface.artdef in the artdef folder, plus that mentioned in the modart. It is a damn dark science. Others do it slightly differently but I wanted my own pics as the portrait to the left of the civ selection screen... so there are a few ways to skin the cat.

 

[Aldollin]

But if i change the UILeaders.xlp/FallbackLeaders.artdef/LeaderFallbacks.xlp that are in the NewLeader example mit the Asset Editor, shouldt the references in the mod.art.xml still be there and work?
since if i dont change anything, the cat appears in the loading screen

also how come my dds/tex files never show up in modbuddys browser? (unless i add them manualy, which your guide suggest i should not / should not be necessary)

 

[ReichAdler]

.dds & .txt files should not appear in mod buddy, but if you use Windows Explorer you will see them in the textures folder. You really need to use my templates. I just use modbuddy to make the .blp files, it is a troublesome thing to make the whole mod in.

 

[Aldollin]

Ignored the Modbuddy-Template and stuck to your templates and finally got it to work, thanks a lot!

 

[DavDarkelf]

I'm probably being stupid but I'm trying to look at the XLP file for the Deutshland mod. If I open the LeaderFallbacks.xlp file in the asset editor there seems to be just one texture entry for FALLBACK_NEUTRAL_HITLER.
Which actual screen does this correspond to and where do the diplomatic screens etc come from?

 

[ReichAdler]

That puts him on the Diplomacy screen, image needs to be transparent, *(actually they all at least need a transparency layer BTW).

To add your own background image to the diplomacy screen... HITLER_3 into gamedata.
HITLER_2 needsto be transparent, puts him in the loading screen, HITLER_1 is loading screen background image... the crowd.



<LoadingInfo>
<Row LeaderType="LEADER_HITLER" ForegroundImage="HITLER_2" BackgroundImage="HITLER_1" EraText="LOC_LOADING_INFO_LEADER_DEFAULT" PlayDawnOfManAudio="0"/>
</LoadingInfo>
<DiplomacyInfo>
<Row Type="LEADER_HITLER" BackgroundImage="HITLER_3"/>
</DiplomacyInfo>

 

[Gedemo]

#3 I had an error pop up window: when I try to import the file, clicking import buton
Export failure:
"The following entities failed the export process
FALLBACK_NEUTRAL_XXXX: entity (FALLBACK_NEUTRAL_XXXX) is out of date. Sync your pentry before reimporting it!"

What does that mean?

 

[ReichAdler]

I have not seen that before sorry. I would remove it, start again, make sure your images have a transparent alpha layer... I am not sure what else could go wrong. The thing is a damn dark art. I got it to work... so ensure you are following my stpes.. it should work. Plus don't manually edit... you need to delete & reimport.

 

[xDefension]

It means that the file has been altered or moved since you opened the asset editor, you should restart asset editor

 

[Gedemo]

If i understand well, the file you "associate" with that method to FallbackLeaders.artdef is the FALLBACK_NEUTRAL_XXXX.dds
So what file do you associate with the UserInterface.artdef? (the ledaer icons dds?)

Should this method be applied with the XLP files ? (Icons.xlp and Leaderfallbacks.xlp)? in that case, the name Fallback is already used with the .artdef so the tool refuse it.

We must import in modbuddy the .DEP file too?

 

[xDefension]

The .dep file is generated when building the mod in modbuddy, it is generated with the mod.art.xml file that is already present in the example mods. I'm not too great with xlp's and artdefs myself so I can't really anwser your other question

 

[S3rgeus]

#3 I had an error pop up window: when I try to import the file, clicking import buton
Export failure:
"The following entities failed the export process
FALLBACK_NEUTRAL_XXXX: entity (FALLBACK_NEUTRAL_XXXX) is out of date. Sync your pentry before reimporting it!"

What does that mean?

After much exploration and gnashing of teeth, I have worked this one out! If the source dds file you're trying to import is within the directory structure of your mod project (anywhere underneath or adjacent to the folder that contains your civ6sln file) then Asset Editor assumes that file should be versioned in Perforce. Obviously, you don't have Firaxis's Perforce server available from your machine, so it falls over fairly quickly.

If you move the DDS files out of that folder, then they import correctly and you can use Asset Editor to author fresh XLPs and texs without needing to open any of them up in a text editor.

 

[Gedemo]

Thanks for searching. It's strange because my DDS were on my desktop.

Since the modbuddy update, when I create the solution i've several "errors" that appear in the debugger in the xlp, but those xlp are imported from civ that work...
now my mod don't even show up in the selection screen , so I give up....for now

 

[ReichAdler]

Please understand... currently Mudbuddy is a crude tool. It breaks mods. I just use it to make .blp's & check files for typos & errors...everything else I do by hand. Even if you put a functioning mod into it, it will break it. If you put the correct Artdef in... it will rewrite it & omit data.

 

[Allein]

I've tried over and over but I simply can't work it out... I've made a complet change with my civ mod but the artwork is a real pain in the a**... There is always a cooker problem that I can't seem to figure out, like you say I use the exemple try just change the .dds with the same kitty name and nothing works... think I' gonna go sleep before going crazy

 

[ReichAdler]

****VERY IMPORTANT**** Don't put things in to the textures folder manually. Don't change things in there. If you need to change an image, delete both the .tex & .dds via explorer with mod buddy closed, then reimport as above.

 

[Allein]

finally got something working, thanks !

 

[chadm290]

This guide is extremely helpful. Thank you so much for it!

There is something I need to ask. The first is that is there any way you can include a copy of the art assets you used for the images? As far as I know, you can't pull these out of the .blp files. I would like to know this to get an idea on the proper resolution of the images, as well as it help better distinguish what "Hitler_1, Hitler_2, Hitler_3, and Hitler_4" refer to. You might can just zip them up and post the link to the zipped folder here.

Overall, it took me several hours of figuring out how all this works, and it's definitely not easy. As what was already said, using your example as a template and copying/pasting the .blp files over from a built project in ModBuddy is the best way to go. I tried implementing my project in Modbuddy but I keep running into errors. I may try again later, and if I figure it out I might write my own guide on it.

I did implement my own mod, which adds a new leader and civilization to the game. I may post here after I balance it out with more run throughs. It took over a week just to make it, and I had to resort to LUA to implement some things.