What are the Computer programs used for modding?

[omiman]

What are the Computer programs used for modding? I want to create an era mod. Where the game stops at the industrial era but with the technology flight. how can I do that?

Moderator Action: Moved to main C&C forum. leif

 

[LeeS]

The only real required programs are the SDK which is downloaded from steam under as I recall your Library > Tools. The SDK does not work on Macs, however.

The SDK includes a program called ModBuddy which is a mod packaging and uploading tool for uploading to steam.

You do not actually need the SDK or ModBuddy to create a mod, however. Unless you are adding new artwork to the game you create all the files you need with Notepad, or Notepad++ or any other text-editor program. If not using modbuddy, however, you won't be able to upload the mod to steam.

1. If you look at a simple mod that only makes small changes to the game, like for example making Pikemen upgrade to Musketmen instead of to Lancers, you will see within the folder for that mod a file with an extension of ".modinfo"
2. The modinfo file is automatically created by modbuddy when you do a "Build" function within the ModBuddy program, but to make a mod without modbuddy all you really need to do is copy and then rename the modinfo file from another mod. You then need to edit the mod ID # contained witihn the modinfo file.
3. modinfo files are simply xml text-only files with a different extension-name so that the game will recognize the file and execute the instructions within the modinfo file when the mod is enabled.
4. The modinfo file only holds instructions to the game as to what to do with the other files that are part of the mod, but otherwise does not make any changes to the game's code.

To edit and create art files you need a program such as Photoshop, GIMP, etc. These are all image manipulation programs, which allow you to edit 2D image files. You will need an add-on for whichever image manipulation program you use to allow you to convert and export your final images into the game's required DDS file-format.