Difference between revisions of "MTS2:Creator Guidelines/Sims 3 CAS"

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|You may use Sims 3 Store items in your screenshots, or required for your uploads. If your upload requires a Store mesh, you must state what specific Store item(s) you have used and link directly to the item on the Sims 3 Store so users may choose to buy it if they like. While we realize this may seem a contradiction to the "what you see is what you can get without having to pay for it" concept, Store content is not considered "pay" because it is official content, similar to what you get as part of expansion/stuff packs (after all, you have to pay for those, too). You may NOT include the actual Store item in your upload as this is a violation of intellectual property laws, nor can you link to where it can be downloaded elsewhere for free.
 
|You may use Sims 3 Store items in your screenshots, or required for your uploads. If your upload requires a Store mesh, you must state what specific Store item(s) you have used and link directly to the item on the Sims 3 Store so users may choose to buy it if they like. While we realize this may seem a contradiction to the "what you see is what you can get without having to pay for it" concept, Store content is not considered "pay" because it is official content, similar to what you get as part of expansion/stuff packs (after all, you have to pay for those, too). You may NOT include the actual Store item in your upload as this is a violation of intellectual property laws, nor can you link to where it can be downloaded elsewhere for free.
 
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==Adult Content/Nudity==
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MTS is not an adult site.  We do have an adult site affiliated with MTS, [http://www.sexysims2.com Sexy Sims 2] where adult content may be uploaded.  But because MTS is a PG-13 site, no adult content may be uploaded to MTS itself.
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{| class="collapsible collapsed wikitable" style="width:100%"
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|-
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! style="text-align:left" | Skintones (*)
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|-
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|Skintones uploaded to MTS must be completely "barbie" below the waist.  That is, you cannot include genitals or pubic hair for either gender.  Skintones uploaded to MTS may include female nipples, or you may leave them off if you prefer, for a Maxis-like skintone that is completely "barbie."
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You must obscure your skintones even if they are completely "barbie."  Please see the section above under Screenshots, ("Obscured Skintones") for exact details on what you must obscure, and how to do so.
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{| class="collapsible collapsed wikitable" style="width:100%"
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|-
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! style="text-align:left" | Other Adult Content (*)
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|-
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|Content with swear/curse words or sexually suggestive themes may not be uploaded to MTS.  Please upload these items to the adult site instead.
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Items relating to illegal drugs do not belong on MTS. You -may- post items relating to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as alcohol and tobacco on MTS, but items related to illegal drugs should go on our adult site.
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"Nude clothing" uploads are not allowed on MTS, with the exception of male nude tops - that sort of thing needs to go on the adult site.
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For more information and a further list of items we do not allow on MTS, see: [[MTS2:Uploads_NOT_allowed_on_MTS2|Uploads Not Allowed on MTS2]].
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{| class="collapsible collapsed wikitable" style="width:100%"
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|-
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! style="text-align:left" | What Is NOT Adult Content (*)
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|-
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|We do not consider transgender/crossdressing items to be adult unless they are too revealing (i.e. show the genitals or butt crack). 
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Sexy items such as skimpy lingerie, miniskirts, low-cut tops, nighties, corsets, bustiers, etc., are also not considered adult content unless they reveal the genitals, butt crack, or female nipples.
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|}
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==Uploading==
 
==Uploading==
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! style="text-align:left" | Package Files Only (*)
 
! style="text-align:left" | Package Files Only (*)
 
|-
 
|-
|Please upload your patterns as .package files. If you use Delphy's Pattern Packager tool, then you have nothing to worry about. However, if you use the Create-A-Pattern tool then you'll need to [http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=364038| extract] the .package file from the .sims3pack.<br style="clear:both" />
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|All CAS content must be uploaded as a package file. If for whatever reason your content is currently a .sims3pack, there are instructions on converting it to .package here: [[Convert Sims3Pack to Package]]
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Please do not include any thumbs.db files (Windows thumbnail database files, which can cause folders to crash if they become corrupted) or DS_Store files (Mac system file, also not needed).
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While it may in some cases be appropriate to include a readme file, this is only really necessary if there is important information which downloaders may need to know in the future about your item works differently from expected - for 99% of uploads, a readme is just extra clutter in people's Mods/Packages folder. Similarly, you shouldn't need to include .jpgs or other images in your uploaded file.
 
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|-
 
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|You'll need to write up a little basic description of what your upload is... you don't have to get too fancy, but you do need to write something to get people interested.
 
|You'll need to write up a little basic description of what your upload is... you don't have to get too fancy, but you do need to write something to get people interested.
 
For instance, "These patterns are suitable for all manner of fabric items - bedspreads, upholstery, and clothing. Some are bold, and some are subtle, but all will look lovely in your homes or on your sims," is a good description.
 
 
<blockquote>"This is my first upload! I don't know what to say here. My English is not good" is NOT a good description.</blockquote> <br style="clear:both" />
 
<blockquote>"This is my first upload! I don't know what to say here. My English is not good" is NOT a good description.</blockquote> <br style="clear:both" />
 
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{| class="collapsible collapsed wikitable" style="width:100%"
 
|-
 
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! style="text-align:left" | Number of Palettes/In-Game Category (*)
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! style="text-align:left" | In-Game Picture as Main Thumbnail (*)
 
|-
 
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|Make sure to mention the number of colour palette options (1-4) your pattern(s) have, and what category or categories they show up under in-game!<br style="clear:both" />
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|If you include pictures of just the texture you used for the pattern, please make sure to pick an in-game picture as your default thumbnail in the upload wizard.<br style="clear:both" />
 
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{| class="collapsible collapsed wikitable" style="width:100%"
 
{| class="collapsible collapsed wikitable" style="width:100%"
 
|-
 
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! style="text-align:left" | In-Game Picture as Main Thumbnail (*)
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! style="text-align:left" | Meshes Needed/Included (*)
 
|-
 
|-
|If you include pictures of just the texture you used for the pattern, please make sure to pick an in-game picture as your default thumbnail in the upload wizard.<br style="clear:both" />
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|'''Do you need a mesh?'''  If you are recolouring a hair, clothing, or accessory, downloaders may need a custom mesh for your content to work right.  If you don't know whether a custom mesh is required, it's very easy to check: cut and paste the contents of your Mods/Packages folder somewhere else temporarily.  Then put in only your creation, and load the game.  If it shows up correctly, you don't need a custom mesh.  If it doesn't show up correctly, you do need a custom mesh, and you'll need to figure out what one it is.  This can be tricky if you have a lot of meshes - best way is to make sure you know what mesh you're recolouring before you ever start!
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'''Including Meshes:'''  If your creation does require a custom mesh, you may wish to include it in your upload so that downloaders can just get what you've uploaded and not have to go anywhere else. 
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Once you've identified what mesh it is, you need to check back with the original creator on their site or forum and see what they say about that - look for a FAQ or policies page to see what they have to say about including their meshes.  They may not want you to include their mesh, or they may only be okay with it if you include their readme file as well. 
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Do not include meshes that the creator says not to include, or if the creator doesn't say.  If you get special permission to include a mesh that normally cannot be included (or the creator's policies don't say anything) please say in the text of your upload post that you have permission - we can't read your mind!
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If you do include the mesh, make sure you include a credit and link in the text of your post - and make sure you state that the mesh is included!  Also, please do not include any of the creator's other recolour files - you only need your recolour and the actual mesh itself.
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'''Linking to Meshes:''' If you cannot include a mesh, or the mesh is hosted on MTS, link to the mesh in the appropriate spot when uploading - when you mark your upload as a New Mesh Recolour you will get a screen asking you to link to the mesh. Please give as direct a link as possible - to the page where the mesh is, if you can.  If you cannot give a direct link, or if there are a lot of meshes on the page, please give directions in the text of your post, as clear as possible... i.e. "Look under Female, Adult, Everyday, then go to Page 4, and download the black dress with the blue belt outfit - the mesh is included with it."  Please do not hotlink the mesh - i.e. you want to link to the page it can be downloaded from, not the actual rar or zip file with the mesh in it - hotlinking is bad manners.
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{| class="collapsible collapsed wikitable" style="width:100%"
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|-
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! style="text-align:left" | Permission/Credit (*)
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|If you are not starting completely from scratch or editing EA items, you MUST give credit for what you use made by other people.  This means if you use someone else's mesh, textures, specular maps, or anything else (in whole or in part) you must credit them.  You can't just edit whatever you like.  In addition, you'll need to check the original creator's policies to make sure they allow you to do so - if they say you can't, or they don't say one way or the other, you will have to ask permission and wait for a "yes" reply before you post your work.  If they say "no" or don't reply, you can't post it!
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Make sure that you post a credit and a link back to the original creator, and if you got permission, you need to mention it! (i.e. "Thanks to Soandso from http://www.randomsimsite.com for giving me permission to edit their original textures.")  We know many creators require permission but can't know you've gotten it if you don't say so.
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You can and will be warned for stealing content if you use someone else's work without permission/credit, so if you don't remember where you got something or can't get permission, go the safe route and make it yourself or find something you can edit.
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{| class="collapsible collapsed wikitable" style="width:100%"
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|-
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! style="text-align:left" | Basic Information (*)
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|Make sure your upload text contains at least the following information:
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* The ages for which your upload is available
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* The gender(s) for which your upload is available
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* The category your upload appears in in CAS
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* The recolourable channels of your creation
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* Poly counts should be for LOD1 (or LOD0 if you're uploading a hair)
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* If you are uploading a skintone, you should show it in a variety of colours from light to dark, as well as mentioning which colour dots your skintone uses.
 
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Revision as of 15:10, 26 May 2011

Contents

Create-A-Sim

Introduction

Uploading custom sim content? This guide will walk you through every step of what we require on MTS. Please make sure you read these guidelines carefully, as our standards have changed over the years, and there may be some items you weren't aware of before.

If you've uploaded TS2 Bodyshop content, then many of these standards are the same; however please pay particular attention to requirements regarding recolourable channels.

Quality/General

This is by far the most important factor in pose uploads, but also the hardest to quantify.

Screenshots

People want to see what they're downloading! Your screenshots sell your upload - if people don't like the look of your screenshots, they're not going to download - and if your screenshots are too bad, you won't get your upload approved.

Big Enough
The larger your pics, the better! Tiny pics won't show enough detail to see what you've made.
  • Minimum Size: 800 pixels wide by 600 pixels tall is a good size for the smallest pic you would want to upload. You may have smaller pics for thumbnails and the like, but for your required screenshots, please go as big as you can!
  • Maximum Size: MTS allows pictures up to 2560 pixels wide by 1440 pixels tall, and a file size limit of 800 kbs - so you can have nice, big, pretty pics. You may have to resize your pictures or apply compression to get them to fit within that limit.

Please don't just take a small pic and size it up in your graphics program to get bigger pics - this only makes the dimensions larger but doesn't add any detail and just gives you a blurry, pixellated larger pic, not a nice clear one.

Pay Content

Adult Content/Nudity

MTS is not an adult site. We do have an adult site affiliated with MTS, Sexy Sims 2 where adult content may be uploaded. But because MTS is a PG-13 site, no adult content may be uploaded to MTS itself.


Uploading

Once you have your creation made and screenshots taken, you need to make sure you have all the information and file types in order when uploading.

Zip, Rar, or 7z
To upload your file(s) to MTS, you will need to compress them into an archive file, which makes them smaller and allows you to include many files in one download. The archive file formats we currently accept are .zip, .rar, and .7z.

For instructions on compressing your files into an archive, please see: Creator Guidelines: Creating Archive Files.

  • Do not include multiple archives with the same contents - that is, please don't put your files in both a .zip as well as a .rar because some people only want .zip files. Choose one format.
  • Do not double-compress your files... a .rar file inside another .rar file (or any other archive inside another) doesn't compress it anymore, and it makes it so we can't see the contents without downloading, and also just makes an extra step for the people downloading.
  • The file size limit on MTS is 50 mb. If you exceed this limit you will need to split your archives. This should probably never come up except for large worlds for The Sims 3, or huge sets of smaller items.

Additional Stuff

  • If your upload is rejected or marked as changes required and you're not sure why, ask in Creator Issues.
  • If you're not sure whether your patterns are ready for uploading, use the Creator Feedback Forum to get feedback on it.
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