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

From SimsWiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Quality)
 
(47 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
__NOTOC__
+
=Sims 2 Sim Upload Guidelines=
  
=Creator Guidelines - Sims=
 
  
So you've made a Sim and you want to share it on MTS2. Below are guidelines you need to follow before you can share your Sim here at MTS2 in our Downloads section.
+
When uploading a sim for The Sims 2 to Mod The Sims, we have some basic requirements to ensure that your upload is good, shown well, and has the correct info and files needed for people to use it in their games. This allows both moderators to check your uploads for quality, and for downloaders to see if your item is something they want to add to their games.
  
  
 
==Quality==
 
==Quality==
  
As a site primarily devoted to learning how to mod the game, MTS2 is committed to excellence in uploads - we have certain standards for your submission to be accepted to this site.  Please read these guidelines carefully to make sure your sim upload is up to MTS2 standards.  Uploads which do not meet our standards may be rejected.
 
  
 +
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
* '''Likeness:''' Sims based on a person or character must be recognizable as who they are meant to be. 
  
===Celebrity/Character Sims===
+
* '''Uniqueness:''' Any "other" sim, not based on an existing person or character, must have a unique, interesting face sculpt with all the features sculpted, not resembling the default faces. When it comes to sims, having a pretty sim or one with nice content is not enough. Anyone can take a basic face with a few tweaks here and there, add some pretty content, and make an attractive sim - we're looking for unique, interesting sims with unusual facial features. We would rather see sims that look more like real people - not so pretty but interesting - than another "hot model" type sim with a bland face that anyone could make. There is no reason for anyone to download a random sim that they could have made themselves with a few minutes and the same content. Please make a real effort to make interesting, unique faces that not just anyone could put together. This includes anime/cartoon sims, and some effort should be made to give them a unique look, and to differentiate characters by more than just content.
 +
: See this excellent tiptorial on creating unique sims:  [[Game_Help:Creating_Sims]]
  
Celebrity Sims/Sims modeled after real people or characters from games/anime/etc. must bear enough of a resemblance so that they are immediately recognizable as who it's supposed to be. If your sim is off by more than one feature (ex. eyes, nose, lips, shape of face) then it will be rejected. Please utilize our [http://www.modthesims2.com/forumdisplay.php?f=473 Creator Feedback forum] for great tips on how to get your sim looking perfect.
+
We've also made our own small example page of default sim faces in the game so you can clearly see what we check the sim's face is the closest to, and therefore considered not unique: [http://www.modthesims.info/rubrics/3872/ts2/ Sims 2 default faces]
 
+
'''Making a Skin or Mask for Your Celeb?'''  If you are making a face mask or special skintone for your celebrity so they bear a closer resemblance through texturing, please consider doing it via the [http://www.modthesims2.com/member/showthread.php?t=268944 Dependent Skintones Method] which will greatly reduce the filesize of your upload and will reduce the amount of bloating of peoples' Downloads folders!
+
 
+
 
+
===Unique Faces for the "Other" Category===
+
  
 +
{| class="collapsible collapsed nicetable" style="width:100%"
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | More Detail regarding Sim Uniqueness
 +
|-
 +
|
 
When it comes to sims, having a pretty sim or one with nice content is not enough. Anyone can take a Maxis face with a few tweaks here and there, add some pretty content, and make an attractive sim - we're looking for unique, interesting sims with unusual facial features.  We would rather see sims that look more like real people - not so pretty but interesting - than another "hot model" type sim with a bland face that anyone could make.
 
When it comes to sims, having a pretty sim or one with nice content is not enough. Anyone can take a Maxis face with a few tweaks here and there, add some pretty content, and make an attractive sim - we're looking for unique, interesting sims with unusual facial features.  We would rather see sims that look more like real people - not so pretty but interesting - than another "hot model" type sim with a bland face that anyone could make.
  
 
There is no reason for anyone to download a random sim that they could have made themselves with a few minutes and the same content. Please make a real effort to make interesting, unique faces that not just anyone could put together.  This includes anime/cartoon sims, and some effort should be made to give them a unique look, and to differentiate characters by more than just content.
 
There is no reason for anyone to download a random sim that they could have made themselves with a few minutes and the same content. Please make a real effort to make interesting, unique faces that not just anyone could put together.  This includes anime/cartoon sims, and some effort should be made to give them a unique look, and to differentiate characters by more than just content.
  
<center>''Here are two illustrative comparisons (male and female) of what we are looking for in sim uploads (please click for larger versions): ''
+
Here are two illustrative comparisons (male and female) of what we are looking for in sim uploads (please click for larger versions):  
  
[[Image:Simfacesfemale.jpg|300x300px]] [[Image:Simfacesmale.jpg|300x300px]]</center>
+
<center>[[Image:Simfacesfemale.jpg|300x300px]] [[Image:Simfacesmale.jpg|300x300px]]</center>
  
 
:'''Sim 1:''' An attractive sim, with all custom parts, and an interesting, unique facial sculpt that took a lot of tweaking and playing with to create. This is a good example of what we are looking for in terms of uniqueness, and assuming all other guidelines were followed, a sim like this would likely be accepted.
 
:'''Sim 1:''' An attractive sim, with all custom parts, and an interesting, unique facial sculpt that took a lot of tweaking and playing with to create. This is a good example of what we are looking for in terms of uniqueness, and assuming all other guidelines were followed, a sim like this would likely be accepted.
Line 38: Line 41:
 
Creators of sims are highly encouraged to strip your sims down to all non-defaults (take out your default replacement eyes and skin), no makeup, and Maxis content... and see if the sim you created really has an interesting, unique face... or if they just look special because of the content they're wearing.
 
Creators of sims are highly encouraged to strip your sims down to all non-defaults (take out your default replacement eyes and skin), no makeup, and Maxis content... and see if the sim you created really has an interesting, unique face... or if they just look special because of the content they're wearing.
  
 +
'''Please do not be offended if your sim uploaded to the Other category gets rejected for a bland face sculpt.'''  MOST sims uploaded to that category get rejected for that reason.  We only accept the very best of the best....  If you like making sims, we highly encourage you to branch out into creating Celebrity or Character sims or to try making some content for your sims.  "Other" sims wearing content made by the sim creator do have a greater likelihood of being accepted than sims where you've just put a bunch of other peoples' content on a pretty face.
 +
|}
  
====Make Your Own Content for Your "Other" Sims!====
+
* '''Other content:''' If you have made content for your sim, you must also provide additional pictures and/or information for your custom content (like polygon counts if you've made a mesh).  Make sure you see what we require for [[MTS2:Creator Guidelines/Body Shop|Sims 2 Body Shop Uploads]].  Tip: Consider uploading content you have made separately first, to the appropriate section (clothing, hair, etc.) so people looking for that type of content can more easily find it, and so you can show it off better with its own separate pics and info.  Then you can just link it as credit to yourself when uploading your sim. 
 +
|}
  
'''Please do not be offended if your sim uploaded to the Other category gets rejected for not being unique enough.'''  MOST sims uploaded to that category get rejected for that reason.  With literally thousands of "Other" sims already uploaded, we only accept the very best of the best, sims that represent a unique overall look as well as an interesting face.
+
==Files==
  
If you like making sims, we '''strongly''' encourage you to branch out into creating Celebrity or Character sims or to try making some content for your sims yourself  "Other" sims which have new, unique content created for that sim have a much greater likelihood of getting accepted - anyone can tweak some sliders in Body Shop to make a sim face and slap on some ready-made content and give them a name.  This of course does not mean that you should just make random content just to get your sims accepted, but that the content you make should improve on the overall look and feel of what you were going for in the first place.
 
  
*For great examples of what we mean by this, see Kamikitten's fantastic [http://hideki.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=271326 Robert Hawkwood] and [http://hideki.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=271929 Emily] or Zombiejill's [http://www.modthesims2.com/member/showthread.php?t=273861 Jill], which all have several pieces of content made by the sim creator especially for those sims (as well as nice unique face sculpts too).  These are the kind of "Other" sims we are looking for on MTS2.
+
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | Packaging your sim
 +
|-
 +
| Your sim must be "packaged" (placed correctly in a .sims2pack file) to upload to MTS. This needs to be a .sims2pack of just the sim itself, not the sim living on a lot (as importing sims on a lot can cause major, permanent, unfixable issues in downloaders' games!).
  
  
===Quality of Included Content===
+
'''Step 1: Sim born in-game/from CAS?''' If you have created your sim in Create a Sim, or if your sim was born in-game, you will need to follow [http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=94489 these instructions] on how to extract your sim using SimPE, so they are accessible to you in Body Shop. Do that before you go any further, and then do the below instructions to actually package the sim.  ''If you have made your sim in Body Shop, you can skip this step.''
  
If you have made your own content for your sims, please make sure you have thoroughly reviewed the [[MTS2:Creator Guidelines/Body Shop|Body Shop Creator Guidelines]] as the included custom content you have made is expected to follow the same guidelines and be up to the same quality standards as if you had uploaded it separately, not on a sim.
 
  
==Screenshots==
+
'''Step 2: Run Body Shop:''' Body Shop is a utility that comes with your game, used for creating and packaging sims (among other things).  You already have Body Shop on your computer if you have The Sims 2 installed.  To run Body Shop, click Start > Programs > EA Games > The Sims 2 (or the latest released expansion you have installed) - The Sims 2 Body Shop.  If you are having trouble with Body Shop not loading, crashing when loading, or other issues, please see: [[Game Help:Body Shop]]
  
In addition to overall quality standards, you will need to show pics of your sim so people know what they're downloading.  Here's what we're looking for:
 
  
===Screenshot Basics===
+
'''Step 3: Ready the sim for packaging:'''  [[Image:Readyforpackagingsim.jpg|300x300px|thumb|Readying your sim for packaging.]]''If you have extracted your sim using SimPE (in Step 1)'', you will first need to clone the sim to make sure all of its content comes along with it properly. Click Build Sims, then Build or Clone Sims. Find your sim that you extracted with SimPE and select them from the list. Click the button toward the bottom to Clone Selected Sim, then click the checkmark (Done Building Sim) to make a clone of the sim.  ''If you have created your sim in Body Shop'', you do not need to clone the sim. Just click Done Building Sim to save the sim how you want them, if you haven't already.<br style="clear:both" />
  
For instructions on:
 
  
* Taking large, clear pictures (bigger than the game will allow)
+
'''Step 4: Package the sim:'''  [[Image:Packagesim.jpg|thumb|300x300px|How to package your sim.]]You should be back looking at a bunch of sims. Click the X at the bottom to Close Sim Bin. Now click on Package Sims. You'll be seeing another list of sims. Find your sim here and select them. If you have just cloned your sim or made multiple copies of the sim, it will be the first one in the list. Click the little box icon at the bottom to Package Sim to File. You'll now be at a different screen, where you can type the filename for your sim and enter a description. You can put custom content credits here, a description of your sim, your name, your web address, whatever.  Then click the checkbox at the bottom to Accept and save your sim as a sims2pack file.<br style="clear:both" />
* Changing your in-game settings for best graphics quality
+
* Camera controls
+
  
See: [[MTS2:Creator Guidelines/Screenshot Basics|Screenshot Basics]]
 
  
You need to make sure you have nice big, clear pictures that show off what you've madeThey can't be too blurry or pixellated, and you need to know how to use the game's camera controls properly, so make sure you review the information on that link thoroughly before continuing.
+
[[Image:Packagedsim.jpg|right]]You'll get a message saying that your sim was saved to your computer's Desktop with the filename you gave itThat sims2pack file is the file you will upload when sharing your sim at MTS.
 +
|}
  
===Required Screenshots===
 
  
These screenshots are a requirement when uploading sims and you will not get your upload accepted without them!
+
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | Removing custom content
 +
|-
 +
| You will need to remove custom content from your sims2pack file if it is:
  
====Neutral Face Closeup (Required for All Sims!)====
+
* '''Content that cannot be redistributed:''' In checking the file for contents and locating all the parts, you may come across some pieces whose creators' policies do not allow for redistribution with sims.  Please respect the creator's wishes and remove that content.  You can still link to the content in your post and say that it is "required but not included", so that if people download it separately and install it along with your sim, it will properly show up on your sim. If the original site is permanently offline, you can assume that the creator is happy for their content to be redistributed.
  
Show a close-up of your sim's face with a neutral expression.  While it may look a little boring, sims' faces distort quite a lot when they make expressions so having a good idea of what your sim actually looks like normally is necessary.  Extreme facial expressions like big smiles, open mouthed animated talking, laughter, etc., can distort the face and can make an interesting sim just look like another goofy sim.
+
* '''Content you cannot find:''' If you just cannot locate a link for a piece of content after searching and searching, then you should re-package your sim using different items you can find instead.
  
====Body Shot (Required for All Sims!)====
+
For instructions on how to remove unwanted content from a sims2pack, including content that cannot be redistributed, please see [http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=202574 this mini-tutorial by Tiggerypum]. The tutorial explains how to remove unwanted meshes if you have the Pets expansion, but the exact same method works for removing any content from a sims2pack file, not just meshes.
 +
|}
  
Show a further-away shot of your sim from a distance.  This can be from at least their hips and up or you can show the sim from head to toe.  If you have made the sim's outfit, make sure to show them head to toe, to show off the outfit you've made.
 
  
<center>''The below images are a good example of a body shot and neutral face closeup for a sim upload.''</center>
 
<html><center><img src=http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=412199></center></html>
 
  
====Comparison Pic (Required for Celebrity/Character Sims!)====
+
{{Guidelines-InfoFiles-ZipRar7z}}
  
If your sim is based on a celebrity, anime character, cartoon character, game character, etc., then you need to include at least one picture of the original person or character for comparison purposes.
 
  
Please provide at least one plain basic comparison pic  of the character or celebrity - just a photo of them.  Simmerized (combining the sim's face with a photo in Photoshop) or divided pics (left side is sim face, right side is real face split down the nose) provided for comparison are not acceptable.  You can, however, put two pics side-by-side like the below example with similar poses and expressions as this will best show how close your likeness is.
+
==Information==
  
<center>''A good example of a celebrity sim comparison pic.''</center>
 
<html><center><img src=http://thumbs.modthesims2.com/getimage.php?file=412201></center></html>
 
  
 +
{{Template:Guidelines-InfoFiles-TitleDescription}}
  
===Big Enough===
 
  
Your pics should be large enough to see the detail of what you've madeRemember, MTS2 allows images up to 1280x1024 pixels and 195 kilobytes so you should be able to upload nice big pictures.  See the information above under "Screenshot Basics" for info on taking larger pics than the game will normally allow.
+
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | Expansions Required
 +
|-
 +
| When uploading your sim, you'll be asked to tick which expansion packs (EPs) and stuff packs (SPs) are required for your sim.  Unless the content used on your sim from an EP/SP is absolutely essential to the overall look of the sim and they would look totally wrong without it, do not tick any EPs/SPsThis is because all sims can be used in the base game if installed with [http://modthesims.info/d/409950 Clean Installer], and if someone is browsing MTS to show only uploads that use the EPs/SPs they have ("compatible" uploads) then they will not see your sim, even though they could still use it with just a change of hair or clothes.  You can still mention "Hair is from Open for Business, clothes are from Apartment Life" etc., so people without those packs aren't surprised when they go to use your sim in-game.
 +
|}
  
And please don't take smaller pics and just make them larger in your graphics program - this just gives you a blurry pic that's bigger in dimensions with no additional detail.
 
  
===In-Game===
+
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | Credits and links for custom content
 +
|-
 +
| You are responsible for providing accurate descriptions, links, and credits for all pieces of custom content included with or pictured on your sim.  This is to give credit to the creators for their hard work, and to make sure downloaders can get anything that isn't included by downloading it separately.
  
[[Image:Sims-ingamevsbodyshop.jpg|right|300x300px]]In order to see what your creation looks like in-game, we require in-game screenshots. You must actually load the game and take your screenshots there.  We do not accept Body Shop pics, texture pics, SimPose, 3D program pics, etc., without the required in-game pics too.  Please don't try to cut out backgrounds or fake in-game pics.  We can definitely tell the difference.
+
You must look inside the .sims2pack file to see what is included. You will need to remove any content that the creator says you can't share. You will also need to collect credits and links for any content you have included in your screenshots, even if it didn't package with your sim (like default replacement skintones or eyes), as well as any required meshes for hair, clothing, or accessories. This is usually the most labor-intensive part of uploading sims, so it may be a good idea to organize your content before making sims to share, so you know all the custom content you might want to use is is shareable and identifiable.  
  
For best results, put your item on a sim on a lot.  Create-a-Sim screenshots are acceptable, but the lighting in CAS is pretty bright and you may not be able to get detail pics and that sort of thing, too.
 
<br style="clear:both" />
 
  
===Enough Light===
+
'''Look inside the sims2pack:'''
  
[[Image:LightandDark.jpg|right|300x300px]]Don't take your pics at night or in a dark room! Take your sim outside in the sunlight (make sure they're facing the sun - light comes from a certain direction on the lot!) or put them in a well-lit room.  At the same time, make sure you don't use too much light: Create-a-Sim screenshots can sometimes be too bright.
+
To see what's inside your sims2pack file (look, you'll need to get [http://modthesims.info/d/409950 Clean Installer], a free program which is safe and easy to use. Once you install Clean Installer, it should associate itself with .sims2pack files, so when you double-click on any one of them to open it, Clean Installer will come up and tell you what is inside.
<br style="clear:both" />
+
  
===Inline/Attached Screenshots===
+
[[Image:Opensims2pack.jpg|right]]To open your sim in Clean Installer, go to your Desktop. You should find a new file there, with the same name that you gave your sim in Body Shop when packaging. It should have an icon like the one shown. Right-click on this file and choose Open.<br style="clear:both" />
  
When posting images that appear in the text of the thread (these are called inline screenshots), please make sure to limit these images to no larger than 800x600 pixels (so it doesn't create a horizontal scroll on the page for people on lower resolutions).
+
[[Image:Simcontentsci.jpg|right|300x300px]]Clean Installer will open and you will see a list of the contents of the sims2pack file, including what description the creator may have entered when they made the file, in the "Name" column.<br style="clear:both" />
  
Please also do not post more than 4 inline screenshots - having a lot of images that have to load on the thread makes browsing downloads very slow and can make the thread jump around as they keep loading.
+
[[Image:Citooltip.jpg|right]]You can check the filename for a particular item by floating your cursor over it.<br style="clear:both" />
  
You may host your inline screenshots elsewhere like Photobucket.com - however, these screenshots hosted elsewhere must be additional screenshots, and you must make sure to actually attach your required screenshots to the thread itself.  If your Photobucket account runs out of bandwidth or you delete the pics, people still need to be able to get the required screenshots on your thread.
 
  
You can attach up to 8 screenshots to the thread itself, with the 4 additional inline screenshots hosted elsewhere (or attached) for a total of 12 possible screenshots.  This should be plenty to show what you've made, even for fairly large sets.  Remember, you can always collage several different images together into one image if you have a bunch of stuff to show off.
+
'''Crediting and Linking:'''
  
===No Pay Content===
+
Now you need to:
  
'''Do not use pay content in your screenshots! Do not use pay hair in your screenshots!'''
+
* Identify everything inside the sims2pack file, and track down who made it so you can give them credit for their creation, plus and a link back to the original post, thread or webpage where you downloaded the item.  A proper link and credit should look like this: "Long Wavy Hair by Nouk: http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=427745" - what the item is, the creator's name, and a link. If you cannot link directly to the item, it is acceptable to link to the creator's site or profile. It's okay to link to dead sites if the creator's site is offline and you can't find an alternate link through Google.
  
You MUST use free or Maxis hair in your screenshots! MTS2 promotes and supports free content, and using pay content in screenshots is basically like free advertisement for paysitesThis includes pay content you found elsewhere for free - if it was pay originally, it's still promoting pay content.
+
* Provide links to any custom meshes required for the included clothing, hair, or accessories. Without the mesh, the item will not work properly in-gameThe mesh may or may not have packaged in the sims2pack.  If the mesh is not included, you must link to where the mesh may be found for free.
  
As of 21 July 2007, MTS2 no longer allows the use of pay content in screenshots.  This includes (but is not limited to) hairstyles. You must use free or Maxis hairstyles on your sims! Do not use pay or donation hairstyles on your sims when uploading here. For more information, please see the [http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=240944 Site News article] on the subject.
+
* Check everyone's terms of use for the content on your sim, and make sure that you can indeed share their work in sim uploads. If someone doesn't have a policy or their site is permanently offline, you can assume they're happy for their content to be shared.
  
MTS2 has an extensive collection of free hairstyles in our Downloads section, and you can look in the [[Hair Gallery|Sims2Wiki Hair Gallery]] for more free hairstyles. You'll be able to find something you like.
 
  
 +
You will be asked to provide the links, credits, and descriptions in the upload process.  While MTS does save links entered previously by other creators, some of those links may not be correct.  It is your responsibility to make sure that all of the links for your upload go to the right places.
  
==How to Package Your Sim==
+
Start a text file on your computer where you can type everything out as you locate the parts. This can be the most tedious part, depending on how descriptive the original creators were in their descriptions and filenames. They are generally good clues, though.  It's a good idea to start your text file by typing in the custom items you know are on your sim (skin, hair, lipstick, etc.), so you know when you have a credit and link for each item, and then also make a section for any required meshes and the links and credits for those meshes.  Then you can begin filling in each item as you find out where it came from.
  
===Born-in-Game Sims===
 
  
If you have created your sim in Create a Sim or if your sim was born in-game you will need to follow [http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=94489 these instructions] on how to extract your sim using SimPE, so they are accessible to you in Body Shop. Do that before you go any further, then come back to these instructions.
+
* Search MTS or [http://www.google.com Google] with the information you can find on the item (from the description or filename) to track down the source.  
  
===Packaging with Body Shop===
+
* The [[Content Lists|Table of Custom Contents]], on the SimsWiki can be useful in finding content, especially if it's in a particular theme.
  
====Run Body Shop====
+
* If all your searching fails and you can't find the item on your own, try the [http://www.modthesims.info/fd.php?f=556 Where Can I Find Forums] at MTS. You can search the forum in case someone has asked about the same item before, and if you can't find what you're looking for, you can post a new thread to ask if someone knows where the content came from. Give as much information as possible, like a screenshot, the description, filename, and any other info you can to help people help you track it down.
 +
|}
  
Body Shop is a utility that comes with your game, used for creating and packaging sims (among other things).  You already have Body Shop on your computer.  To run Body Shop, click Start - Programs - EA Games - The Sims 2 (or the newest expansion you have installed) - The Sims 2 Body Shop.
+
==Screenshots==
* If you are having trouble with Body Shop not loading, crashing when loading, or other related issues, please see: [[Game Help:Body Shop]]
+
 
+
====Ready the Sim for Packaging====
+
 
+
'''If you have just extracted your sim using SimPE''', you will first need to clone the sim to make sure all of its content comes along with it properly. Click Build Sims, then Build or Clone Sims. Look for sim you packaged from the game in the list of sims - they may not be first in the list, so you may have to scroll to find them. Click the button toward the bottom to Clone Selected Sim, then click the checkmark (Done Building Sim) to make a copy of the sim.
+
 
+
'''If you have created your sim in Body Shop''', you do not need to clone the sim. Just click Done Building Sim to save the sim how you want them.
+
 
+
[[Image:Readyforpackagingsim.jpg|center]]
+
 
+
====Package Your Sim====
+
 
+
You should be back looking at a bunch of sims. Click the X at the bottom to Close Sim Bin. Now click on Package Sims. You'll be seeing another sim bin. Find your sim here and select them. If you have just cloned your sim or made multiple copies of the sim, it will be the first one in the list. Click the little box icon at the bottom to Package Sim to File. You'll now be at a different screen, where you can type the filename for your sim and enter a description. You can put custom content credits here, a description of your sim, your name, your web address, whatever.
+
 
+
When you have your filename and text written in, click the checkbox at the bottom to Accept and save your sim as a sims2pack file.
+
 
+
[[Image:Packagesim.jpg|center]]
+
 
+
You'll get a message saying that your sim was saved to your desktop with the filename you gave it.
+
 
+
[[Image:Packagedsim.jpg|center]]
+
 
+
====Check the Contents====
+
 
+
You've got your sim packaged, but now you need to take a look inside that .sims2pack file to see what got included, so you can collect credits for all the parts. For that, you will need Clean Installer. [http://sims2pack.modthesims2.com/ Click here] to go to the Clean Installer website, where you can download it for free. There is also a Quick Start Guide, FAQ, and Manual at the Clean Installer site to help you get started using it.
+
 
+
Once you install Clean Installer, it should associate itself with sims2pack files, so when you double-click on any one of them to open it, Clean Installer will come up and tell you what is inside.
+
 
+
Go to your Desktop. You should find a new file there, with the same name that you gave your sim in Body Shop when packaging. It should have an icon like the one shown. Right-click on this file and choose Open.
+
 
+
[[Image:Opensims2pack.jpg|center]]
+
 
+
Clean Installer will open and you will see a list of the contents of the sims2pack file, including what tooltips are used.
+
 
+
[[Image:Simcontentsci.jpg|center]]
+
 
+
====Custom Content Links/Credits====
+
 
+
Now you need to figure out what everything inside is, and track down who made it so you can give them credit for their creation, and a link back to their site, their profile, or the original thread where you downloaded the item.
+
 
+
If there are any special meshes that the clothing, hair, or accessories use, you need to provide links for that, too.
+
 
+
You also need to check everyone's terms of use and make sure that you can indeed share their work in sim uploads.
+
 
+
Start a text file on your Desktop where you can type everything out as you locate the parts. This can be the hardest part, depending on how descriptive the original creators were in their tooltips and filenames. They are generally good clues, though.
+
 
+
You can check the filename for a particular item by floating your cursor over it:
+
 
+
[[Image:Citooltip.jpg|center]]
+
 
+
Use the tooltips and file names to track down where you found the items originally to check the policies and provide credits and links, and in some cases, to see whether a mesh is needed. There are many ways to do this.
+
 
+
=====Search MTS2=====
+
 
+
First, MTS2 has four different search types that may be of use to you:
+
 
+
* Downloads search, which will search download titles and keywords.
+
* Google search, which will use Google to search MTS2 text.
+
* Advanced search, which can search particular forums and uses a different way to search to find different results.
+
* Member search, to search for usernames.
+
 
+
[[Image:Mts2search.jpg|center]]
+
 
+
=====Google=====
+
 
+
Second, go to [http://www.google.com Google] and try searching there with the clues you've gotten from the filenames and tooltips.
+
 
+
[[Image:Google.jpg|center]]
+
 
+
=====Content List=====
+
 
+
Third, the [[Content Lists|Table of Custom Contents]], the [[Content List|Content List]] on the Sims2Wiki, can be extremely useful in finding content, especially if it's in a particular theme.
+
 
+
[[Image:Tocc.jpg|center]]
+
 
+
=====Where Can I Find?=====
+
 
+
Last, if all your searching fails and you can't find the item on your own, try the [http://forums.sims2community.com/forumdisplay.php?f=37 Where Can I Find Forum] at Sims2Community.com. You can search that particular forum, which is a great resource of previously asked-for content, and if you can't find what you're looking for, you can post asking if someone knows where it came from. Give as much information as possible, like a screenshot, the tooltip, filename, and any more info you can to help people help you track it down. You will need to register separately from MTS2 to post there.
+
 
+
[[Image:Wcif.jpg|center]]
+
 
+
====Removing Content from the Sims2pack====
+
 
+
In checking the file for contents and locating all the parts, you may come across some pieces that cannot be redistributed. Creators have a right to say what can and can't be done with their custom content, and if they say you cannot upload it with full sims, please respect their wishes and remove that content.
+
 
+
If you just cannot locate a link for a piece of content after searching and searching, or if the particular item cannot be redistributed, then REMOVE that content from the file, or repackage your sim using items you can track down/can share. If you have a link for a file that the creator has asked that you not distribute, you can provide that link to downloaders and say that the item was not included - if they download it separately and install it along with your sim, it will properly show up on your sim.
+
 
+
For instructions on how to remove unwanted content from a sims2pack, including content that cannot be redistributed and meshes, please see [http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=202574 this mini-tutorial by Tiggerypum]. The tutorial explains how to remove unwanted meshes if you have the Pets expansion, but the exact same method works for removing all content from a sims2pack file.
+
 
+
'''Meshes:'''
+
If you have the Pets expansion (or any later expansions), the version of Body Shop that comes with Pets and later expansions will also include meshes for any custom hair and clothing in the sims2pack file. Please do not include these meshes with your full sim upload unless:
+
* They are your own meshes which you have made yourself.  In this case, please include a numeric [[Game Help:Poly Counts|poly count]] for your mesh somewhere in the post.
+
* You have recoloured the item the mesh is required for yourself, and if the creator allows redistribution of their meshes with recolours.
+
 
+
Please do not include meshes that are uploaded on MTS2, even if the creator says it's okay - this creates redundant uploads.
+
 
+
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!
+
 
+
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!
+
 
+
==Adult Content/Nudity==
+
 
+
MTS2 is not an adult site.  We do have an adult site affiliated with MTS2, [http://www.sexysims2.com Sexy Sims 2] where adult content may be uploaded.  But because MTS2 is a PG-13 site, no adult content may be uploaded to MTS2 itself.
+
 
+
===Skintones===
+
 
+
Skintones uploaded to MTS2 must be completely "barbie" below the waist.  That is, you cannot include genitals or pubic hair for either gender.  Skintones uploaded to MTS2 may include female nipples, or you may leave them off if you prefer, for a Maxis-like skintone that is completely "barbie."
+
 
+
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.
+
 
+
===Other Adult Content===
+
 
+
Content with swear/curse words or sexually suggestive themes may not be uploaded to MTS2.  Please upload these items to the adult site instead.
+
 
+
Items relating to illegal drugs do not belong on MTS2. You -may- post items relating to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as alcohol and tobacco on MTS2, but items related to illegal drugs should go on our adult site.
+
 
+
"Nude clothing" uploads are not allowed on MTS2 - that sort of thing needs to go on the adult site.
+
 
+
For more information and a further list of items we do not allow on MTS2, see: [[MTS2:Uploads_NOT_allowed_on_MTS2|Uploads Not Allowed on MTS2]].
+
 
+
 
+
==Right Info/Right Files==
+
 
+
===Right Files===
+
 
+
Make sure your sim is a .sims2pack file, packaged from Body Shop.  Please follow the instructions above under Packaging Your Sim for instructions.  We do NOT accept sims packaged on lots.
+
 
+
===ZIP or RAR===
+
 
+
You will need to put your .sims2pack file(s) into a RAR or ZIP file to upload here. Please see [http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=148592 here] for instructions on doing so.  Please do not include both a ZIP and RAR with the same contents - just choose one.
+
 
+
Please do not double-compress your files - you should not have a ZIP inside a ZIP or a RAR inside a RAR.  Q-Xpress will not properly unpack these files, and it makes extra unnecessary steps for downloaders.
+
 
+
===Upload in Sets===
+
 
+
If you have created several sims in a set, or similar sims in the same sort of theme at the same time, please upload these together in a single set, all on one thread (instead of all separately, one by one, on different threads).  This is easier for everyone: on our upload moderators, as they only have one thread to review rather than several... on you, as submitting a single thread is much quicker and easier than several... and on downloaders, as they can get everything they want all in one place rather than having to hunt around.
+
 
+
 
+
===Meshes Needed/Included?===
+
 
+
'''Do you need a mesh?'''  If you are including a recolour of a hair, clothing, or accessory, downloaders may need a custom mesh for the sim's 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 Downloads folder somewhere else temporarily.  Then put in only your sim and its associated files (just double-click on the sims2pack file to install it to your game, just as if you had downloaded it), and load the game or Body Shop.  If it shows up correctly, you don't need a custom mesh.  If it doesn't show up correctly and shows a Maxis default instead, 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 is required before you go and put an item on a sim!
+
 
+
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. 
+
 
+
'''Including Meshes:'''  If your creation does require a custom mesh, you may be able to include it if:
+
* You have made the mesh yourself.  In this case, please include a numeric [[Game Help:Poly Counts|poly count]] for your mesh somewhere in the post.
+
* You have recoloured the item the mesh is required for yourself, and if the creator allows redistribution of their meshes with recolours.
+
 
+
Please do not include meshes that are uploaded on MTS2, even if the creator says it's okay - this creates redundant uploads.
+
 
+
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!
+
 
+
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!
+
 
+
'''Linking to Meshes:''' If you cannot include a mesh, or the mesh is hosted on MTS2, 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.
+
 
+
===Expansion/Stuff Packs Required?===
+
 
+
Please read this part carefully to ensure people know exactly what expansions may or may not be required for your sim.
+
 
+
* The Sim's face, geometry, and features sculpted in Body Shop: No expansions required under any circumstances. Your sim's facial features will work in ANY game. You probably don't need to check anything under expansions for a sim, so anyone can use it.
+
 
+
* Maxis hair, clothing, or accessory meshes or recolours of those from an EP: The sim may require the EP the item is from but only for that item... How crucial that piece is to your sim varies depending on the sim - someone may just not look right without their gorilla suit, and so you would mark that expansion as required for the sim. BUT... if the EP-required item could be changed without fundamentally changing your sim, you don't need to mark the expansion as required. DO make sure to tell your downloaders that the item you used was EP-required, and to remove any recolour of the EP-required mesh you may have included when installing, using Clean Installer.
+
 
+
Downloaders can then just change that particular part on the sim to whatever they may have that is appropriate.
+
 
+
* If the sim is wearing custom hair, clothing, or accessory meshes and recolours, or your recolours of custom hair, clothing, or accessory meshes, they will not require an expansion for these items.
+
 
+
* Custom makeup, skintones, beards textured onto the skin (not the Father Time beard), full-face makeup, brows, and eyes do not require expansions.
+
 
+
* Sims packaged as Young Adults will require the University expansion. Please consider packaging your sim as an Adult instead, so anyone can use it in their game. If University owners would like to create your sim as a Young Adult they can quickly and easily switch it to Young Adult using Body Shop.
+
 
+
* The Pets Exception: If you (or the original creator) have the Pets expansion installed and have created any custom content (recolours or meshes) for a sim in the version of Body Shop that installs with Pets, that content will require the Pets Expansion. It is strongly suggested that install the [[Game Help:Patching Your Game|Pets Patch]] and then reimport your project so your content will not needlessly require Pets.
+
 
+
===Where to Upload===
+
 
+
Please make sure you upload to the correct category. Click [http://www.modthesims2.com/forumdisplay.php?f=145 here] to see what forums we have for offer:
+
 
+
* Anime, Comic & Gaming Characters
+
* Celebrities and Real People
+
* Horror and Gothic
+
* Sci-Fi
+
* Other
+
 
+
Self-sims do NOT go in the Downloads forum - please do not upload sims of yourself or people you know... you may share them by email but due to the limited demand for downloading random users' self-sims, we do not allow non-staff self-sims posted in the Downloads forum.
+
 
+
 
+
 
+
 
+
 
+
Make sure you have carefully read everything above to make sure you understand what is required. We understand it's a bit complex, but so is creating for Sims 2, so do make sure you fully comprehend everything above.
+
 
+
* Your sim, packaged as a sim in sims2pack file from Body Shop, compressed inside a rar or zip file.
+
 
+
* At least one close-up and at least one full-body shot of your sim, in JPEG format.
+
  
* If your sim is based on a celebrity or character, at least one comparison picture showing the person your sim is based on and your sim, preferrably side by side and wearing similar expressions.
 
  
* A text file containing full links and credit for every piece of custom content used on your sim, including specific mention of any pieces you have made yourself, and links to where downloaders can get any custom meshes, if they need them.
+
{| class="nicetable" style="width:100%"
 +
|-
 +
! style="text-align:left" | Screenshots 
 +
|-
 +
| You will need to include at least:
  
===
+
* A '''close-up picture of the sim's face''', from the front, with the sim wearing a neutral face expression (like a mugshot) - not smiling, laughing, etc.
 +
* For sims based on a person or character, a '''comparison picture''' of the real person, ideally similar to the close-up picture of your sim.
 +
* If your sim normally wears a mask, goggles, sunglasses, etc., you should also include a picture of your sim uncovered as well, if their face is too covered to tell whether the sculpting of the face is unique and interesting or accurate to the person they're based on (if applicable).
  
 +
{{Guidelines-ScreenshotsBigClearEtc}}
  
==Checklist==
+
Please remember, for your required pictures:
  
This is a checklist of everything gone over above so you can be sure you've done everything you need to do to ensure your submission is correctThis is just for your own use - checking these boxes doesn't actually -do- anything, just is an easy way to keep yourself organized.
+
* '''As packaged:''' Your pictures should show your sim as you have packaged them, so that what downloaders see is what they'll actually get.
 +
* '''In-game:''' You must actually load the game to take your pictures - pics from Body Shop are not sufficient as the lighting is not very goodCreate-a-Sim pictures are not allowed, you must show your content in-game, on a lot.
  
===Quality===
+
Tip: You may, of course, include other pictures like a full-body picture, posing pictures, whatever, to show off your sim how you like, and if your sim is a toddler, child, or teen, you may want to include a picture of how they'll look when they grow up, just so downloaders aren't surprised when if your cute kid turns into a weird-looking adult.
  
<html>
 
<input type="checkbox"><b>Highlights and Shadows</b> - Textures look realistically light and dark in the right places, and are not just a solid bucket fill.</input><br />
 
<input type="checkbox"><b>Photoskinning</b> - If textures are from a photo, care has been taken to choose the right source images, and adjust it so the details are in the right place.</input><br />
 
<input type="checkbox"><b>Not Too Bright</b> - If the creation is brightly-coloured or neon, the colours aren't truly neon in colour, but still look nice and bright in-game.</input><br />
 
<input type="checkbox"><b>Black and White</b> - If any part of the creation is black or white, those areas are not true, pure black or white, but shades of light or dark grey.</input><br />
 
<input type="checkbox"><b>Crisp/Unpixellated</b> - All textures look crisp and clear, with no blurriness or pixellation.</input><br />
 
<input type="checkbox"><b>Bump Mapping</b> - If you've done bump mapping, it's not just a straight desaturation of the texture, but care has been taken to adjust it to bump in the right places.  If you cannot view bump maps, you have instead filled the bump map texture with 50% grey, so people who can view them won't see wrong ones.</input><br />
 
<input type="checkbox"><b>No Simple Slider Changes</b> - You've made an effort to create a nice new texture for your creation, rather than just slightly modifying an existing texture.</input><br />
 
<input type="checkbox"><b>Time and Effort</b> - Have you spent a substantial amount of time and really tried to create something nice that is worth putting your name on?</input><br />
 
</html>
 
  
===Screenshots===
+
{{Guidelines-Screenshots-Tips}}
 +
|}
  
<html>
+
==Other==
<input type="checkbox"><b>Big Enough</b> - Your screenshots are large enough to clearly see what you have made - limits are 1280x1024 pixels and 195 kbs.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>In-Game</b> - Your screenshots are taken from within the game, and are not just pictures of your textures or taken from within Body Shop.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>All Items in Set</b> - If you are uploading a multi-item set, you have in-game screenshots of every item in the set - not just Body Shop pictures or texture swatches.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Poses</b> - You have posed your models in a way that best shows off what you have created - simple walking/standing poses work best.  No twisty-torso model walk, please.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Show the Whole Thing</b> - Your screenshots show the entirety of what you have made - for clothing you haven't cropped out arms or feet but show the whole sim, head-to-toe.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Detail Pics</b> - If your textures have interesting details, you've zoomed in nice and close to show off those details with additional screenshots.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Close Enough</b> - You've shown your creation nice and close, so it fills pretty much the whole picture and can be clearly seen.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Multiple Angles</b> - For clothing, hair, and skintones, you have made sure to show the back and sides as well as the front.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Enough Light</b> - Screenshots taken outside are taken during daytime, with the sim facing the sun - or screenshots taken inside have the lights on, and enough of them so your creation is clearly visible.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Cut that Hair!</b> - The hairstyles used on your models are short styles which allow your creation to be seen - not long hair that covers up what you have made.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>No Over-Photoshopping</b> - Your screenshots show the item as it appears in-game, with no additional filters applied which change the look of the image, and any added text does not cover your creation.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Obscured Skintones</b> - If you are uploading skintones, the crotches, breasts, and butt cracks are blurred or otherwise obscured.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Try Neutral Backgrounds</b> - The backgrounds in your shots are neutral, or do not detract from the appearance of the content you've created.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Inline/Attached Screenshots</b> - Your inline screenshots are no more than 800x600 pixels, you don't have more than 4 of them, your required screenshots are actually attached to the thread, and you don't have more than 8 screenshots attached.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>No Pay Content</b> - You do not have any pay content in your screenshots, and your models are wearing free or Maxis hair.  You have also included credits for the hair on your models in the text of your post.</input><br />
+
</html>
+
  
===Adult Content/Nudity===
 
  
<html>
+
{{Guidelines-NotAllowed}}
<input type="checkbox"><b>Skintones</b> - If you are uploading skintones, they are "barbie" below the waist - with no hair or anatomical details.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>No Adult Content</b> - Your content doesn't have any swear words, nudity, or illegal drugs.</input><br />
+
</html>
+
  
===Right Info/Right Files===
 
  
<html>
+
[[Category:MTS2 Creator Guidelines]]
<input type="checkbox"><b>Right Files</b> - Your files are from your SavedSims folder, not Projects, and are .package files - not a .sims2pack as part of a full sim.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>ZIP or RAR</b> - You have compressed your files into a zip or rar archive (but not both).</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Upload in Sets</b> - If you have created a set or several similar/related items, you have uploaded them all together in one thread, rather than on separate threads.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Meshes Needed/Included</b> - You have checked to see if any meshes are needed, and if they are, you have either included them in accordance with the creator's policies (along with any needed readme) or linked to where the mesh can be found, with sufficient instructions so downloaders know which one to get.  If you have included the mesh, you have stated that you have, and you have also provided a link and credit to the creator in the text of your post.  If it's a mesh hosted on MTS2, you have linked to it rather than including it, regardless of the creator's policies which may allow you to include it.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Expansion/Stuff Packs Required</b> - You know which expansions or stuff packs are required for your content, and have marked only the required one(s) as required.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Permission/Credit</b> - If you editing someone else's creation, you have checked their policies to see if you can, and gotten permission (and stated you have permission) if needed.  You have also provided credit and a link to the original creator in your post.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Good Title</b> - You have given your creation a good, descriptive title.</input><br />
+
<input type="checkbox"><b>Good Description</b> - You have given your creation a nice description that makes people want to download it.</input><br />
+
</html>
+

Latest revision as of 10:56, 26 August 2020

Contents

[edit] Sims 2 Sim Upload Guidelines

When uploading a sim for The Sims 2 to Mod The Sims, we have some basic requirements to ensure that your upload is good, shown well, and has the correct info and files needed for people to use it in their games. This allows both moderators to check your uploads for quality, and for downloaders to see if your item is something they want to add to their games.


[edit] Quality

  • Likeness: Sims based on a person or character must be recognizable as who they are meant to be.
  • Uniqueness: Any "other" sim, not based on an existing person or character, must have a unique, interesting face sculpt with all the features sculpted, not resembling the default faces. When it comes to sims, having a pretty sim or one with nice content is not enough. Anyone can take a basic face with a few tweaks here and there, add some pretty content, and make an attractive sim - we're looking for unique, interesting sims with unusual facial features. We would rather see sims that look more like real people - not so pretty but interesting - than another "hot model" type sim with a bland face that anyone could make. There is no reason for anyone to download a random sim that they could have made themselves with a few minutes and the same content. Please make a real effort to make interesting, unique faces that not just anyone could put together. This includes anime/cartoon sims, and some effort should be made to give them a unique look, and to differentiate characters by more than just content.
See this excellent tiptorial on creating unique sims: Game_Help:Creating_Sims

We've also made our own small example page of default sim faces in the game so you can clearly see what we check the sim's face is the closest to, and therefore considered not unique: Sims 2 default faces

  • Other content: If you have made content for your sim, you must also provide additional pictures and/or information for your custom content (like polygon counts if you've made a mesh). Make sure you see what we require for Sims 2 Body Shop Uploads. Tip: Consider uploading content you have made separately first, to the appropriate section (clothing, hair, etc.) so people looking for that type of content can more easily find it, and so you can show it off better with its own separate pics and info. Then you can just link it as credit to yourself when uploading your sim.

[edit] Files

Packaging your sim
Your sim must be "packaged" (placed correctly in a .sims2pack file) to upload to MTS. This needs to be a .sims2pack of just the sim itself, not the sim living on a lot (as importing sims on a lot can cause major, permanent, unfixable issues in downloaders' games!).


Step 1: Sim born in-game/from CAS? If you have created your sim in Create a Sim, or if your sim was born in-game, you will need to follow these instructions on how to extract your sim using SimPE, so they are accessible to you in Body Shop. Do that before you go any further, and then do the below instructions to actually package the sim. If you have made your sim in Body Shop, you can skip this step.


Step 2: Run Body Shop: Body Shop is a utility that comes with your game, used for creating and packaging sims (among other things). You already have Body Shop on your computer if you have The Sims 2 installed. To run Body Shop, click Start > Programs > EA Games > The Sims 2 (or the latest released expansion you have installed) - The Sims 2 Body Shop. If you are having trouble with Body Shop not loading, crashing when loading, or other issues, please see: Game Help:Body Shop


Step 3: Ready the sim for packaging:
Readying your sim for packaging.
If you have extracted your sim using SimPE (in Step 1), you will first need to clone the sim to make sure all of its content comes along with it properly. Click Build Sims, then Build or Clone Sims. Find your sim that you extracted with SimPE and select them from the list. Click the button toward the bottom to Clone Selected Sim, then click the checkmark (Done Building Sim) to make a clone of the sim. If you have created your sim in Body Shop, you do not need to clone the sim. Just click Done Building Sim to save the sim how you want them, if you haven't already.


Step 4: Package the sim:
How to package your sim.
You should be back looking at a bunch of sims. Click the X at the bottom to Close Sim Bin. Now click on Package Sims. You'll be seeing another list of sims. Find your sim here and select them. If you have just cloned your sim or made multiple copies of the sim, it will be the first one in the list. Click the little box icon at the bottom to Package Sim to File. You'll now be at a different screen, where you can type the filename for your sim and enter a description. You can put custom content credits here, a description of your sim, your name, your web address, whatever. Then click the checkbox at the bottom to Accept and save your sim as a sims2pack file.


Packagedsim.jpg
You'll get a message saying that your sim was saved to your computer's Desktop with the filename you gave it. That sims2pack file is the file you will upload when sharing your sim at MTS.


Removing custom content
You will need to remove custom content from your sims2pack file if it is:
  • Content that cannot be redistributed: In checking the file for contents and locating all the parts, you may come across some pieces whose creators' policies do not allow for redistribution with sims. Please respect the creator's wishes and remove that content. You can still link to the content in your post and say that it is "required but not included", so that if people download it separately and install it along with your sim, it will properly show up on your sim. If the original site is permanently offline, you can assume that the creator is happy for their content to be redistributed.
  • Content you cannot find: If you just cannot locate a link for a piece of content after searching and searching, then you should re-package your sim using different items you can find instead.

For instructions on how to remove unwanted content from a sims2pack, including content that cannot be redistributed, please see this mini-tutorial by Tiggerypum. The tutorial explains how to remove unwanted meshes if you have the Pets expansion, but the exact same method works for removing any content from a sims2pack file, not just meshes.


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.


[edit] Information

Title & Description
Give your upload a descriptive title and write a text description for your upload, describing what you're uploading. Your title and description must be in English or provide an English translation. If you are not a native English speaker, using Google Translate is okay. You can also ask for help writing your description in the Creator Feedback Forum.


Expansions Required
When uploading your sim, you'll be asked to tick which expansion packs (EPs) and stuff packs (SPs) are required for your sim. Unless the content used on your sim from an EP/SP is absolutely essential to the overall look of the sim and they would look totally wrong without it, do not tick any EPs/SPs. This is because all sims can be used in the base game if installed with Clean Installer, and if someone is browsing MTS to show only uploads that use the EPs/SPs they have ("compatible" uploads) then they will not see your sim, even though they could still use it with just a change of hair or clothes. You can still mention "Hair is from Open for Business, clothes are from Apartment Life" etc., so people without those packs aren't surprised when they go to use your sim in-game.


Credits and links for custom content
You are responsible for providing accurate descriptions, links, and credits for all pieces of custom content included with or pictured on your sim. This is to give credit to the creators for their hard work, and to make sure downloaders can get anything that isn't included by downloading it separately.

You must look inside the .sims2pack file to see what is included. You will need to remove any content that the creator says you can't share. You will also need to collect credits and links for any content you have included in your screenshots, even if it didn't package with your sim (like default replacement skintones or eyes), as well as any required meshes for hair, clothing, or accessories. This is usually the most labor-intensive part of uploading sims, so it may be a good idea to organize your content before making sims to share, so you know all the custom content you might want to use is is shareable and identifiable.


Look inside the sims2pack:

To see what's inside your sims2pack file (look, you'll need to get Clean Installer, a free program which is safe and easy to use. Once you install Clean Installer, it should associate itself with .sims2pack files, so when you double-click on any one of them to open it, Clean Installer will come up and tell you what is inside.

Opensims2pack.jpg
To open your sim in Clean Installer, go to your Desktop. You should find a new file there, with the same name that you gave your sim in Body Shop when packaging. It should have an icon like the one shown. Right-click on this file and choose Open.
Simcontentsci.jpg
Clean Installer will open and you will see a list of the contents of the sims2pack file, including what description the creator may have entered when they made the file, in the "Name" column.
Citooltip.jpg
You can check the filename for a particular item by floating your cursor over it.


Crediting and Linking:

Now you need to:

  • Identify everything inside the sims2pack file, and track down who made it so you can give them credit for their creation, plus and a link back to the original post, thread or webpage where you downloaded the item. A proper link and credit should look like this: "Long Wavy Hair by Nouk: http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=427745" - what the item is, the creator's name, and a link. If you cannot link directly to the item, it is acceptable to link to the creator's site or profile. It's okay to link to dead sites if the creator's site is offline and you can't find an alternate link through Google.
  • Provide links to any custom meshes required for the included clothing, hair, or accessories. Without the mesh, the item will not work properly in-game. The mesh may or may not have packaged in the sims2pack. If the mesh is not included, you must link to where the mesh may be found for free.
  • Check everyone's terms of use for the content on your sim, and make sure that you can indeed share their work in sim uploads. If someone doesn't have a policy or their site is permanently offline, you can assume they're happy for their content to be shared.


You will be asked to provide the links, credits, and descriptions in the upload process. While MTS does save links entered previously by other creators, some of those links may not be correct. It is your responsibility to make sure that all of the links for your upload go to the right places.

Start a text file on your computer where you can type everything out as you locate the parts. This can be the most tedious part, depending on how descriptive the original creators were in their descriptions and filenames. They are generally good clues, though. It's a good idea to start your text file by typing in the custom items you know are on your sim (skin, hair, lipstick, etc.), so you know when you have a credit and link for each item, and then also make a section for any required meshes and the links and credits for those meshes. Then you can begin filling in each item as you find out where it came from.


  • Search MTS or Google with the information you can find on the item (from the description or filename) to track down the source.
  • The Table of Custom Contents, on the SimsWiki can be useful in finding content, especially if it's in a particular theme.
  • If all your searching fails and you can't find the item on your own, try the Where Can I Find Forums at MTS. You can search the forum in case someone has asked about the same item before, and if you can't find what you're looking for, you can post a new thread to ask if someone knows where the content came from. Give as much information as possible, like a screenshot, the description, filename, and any other info you can to help people help you track it down.

[edit] Screenshots

Screenshots
You will need to include at least:
  • A close-up picture of the sim's face, from the front, with the sim wearing a neutral face expression (like a mugshot) - not smiling, laughing, etc.
  • For sims based on a person or character, a comparison picture of the real person, ideally similar to the close-up picture of your sim.
  • If your sim normally wears a mask, goggles, sunglasses, etc., you should also include a picture of your sim uncovered as well, if their face is too covered to tell whether the sculpting of the face is unique and interesting or accurate to the person they're based on (if applicable).

Keep the following in mind for your screenshots, especially the required ones:

  • Size: 800 pixels wide by 600 pixels tall is a good size for the smallest pic you would want to upload. Your images can be up to 2560x1440 pixels, and 800 kb, so you have lots of space to work with!
  • Lighting: For most things, it's best to take pictures in an interior room with good lighting. For lots, pictures should be taken during a nice sunny day, for floorplans, take the pictures with the lights ON.
  • Clarity: Neither blurry, nor pixellated/crunchy. Do not size up small pictures to make a large one as this will blur them, and make sure not to use too much compression/too low quality when saving your images.
  • Distance: Take your pictures so that your creation fills the screen without anything cut off at top or bottom - neither zoomed in too close, nor zoomed out too far.
  • Distortion: If you resize your images, retain the aspect ratio so they don't get stretched or squashed. Take care when zooming in and out with the camera that you do not create a fisheye effect on your pictures.
  • Photoshopping: Do not apply filters like sharpen, contrast, etc. to the required pictures, as downloaders want to see what your creation will look like in their game, not your skills at using Photoshop.
  • Attached: All required images must be attached directly to the MTS upload, not just inserted using the img tag, so that even if the pics get deleted from your Photobucket (or other host), the upload on MTS is still complete.
  • Show all items: For most areas, if you are uploading a set, you must take all the required pics for each item in the set. If there is an exception, it will be noted.
  • Picture limit: You may upload up to 100 pictures for a single upload thread, so feel free to add some additional pictures just to show off your work to its best. Of course, keep it reasonable - nobody needs 50 pics to show off one sim or hair.
  • Inline pictures: Inline pictures are those that use the [img] tag to show up in with the description text. So that it doesn't take too long to load, please keep this to no more than 4 pictures done inline, unless you put them inside an [infobutton] tag. To do this, see our guide on post formatting.

Please remember, for your required pictures:

  • As packaged: Your pictures should show your sim as you have packaged them, so that what downloaders see is what they'll actually get.
  • In-game: You must actually load the game to take your pictures - pics from Body Shop are not sufficient as the lighting is not very good. Create-a-Sim pictures are not allowed, you must show your content in-game, on a lot.

Tip: You may, of course, include other pictures like a full-body picture, posing pictures, whatever, to show off your sim how you like, and if your sim is a toddler, child, or teen, you may want to include a picture of how they'll look when they grow up, just so downloaders aren't surprised when if your cute kid turns into a weird-looking adult.


[edit] Other

Uploads not allowed on MTS
These items are not allowed on MTS in any category.
Pay/Pirated Content

Everything required or recommended for an upload must be freely available, without having to pay.

  • No uploads requiring pay content: We do not host content (for example, recolours of a pay hair or object mesh) that absolutely require pay content to function in-game.
  • No optional pay, pirated, or stolen content: Even for optional or recommended content not absolutely required for the creation to work (for example, hair on a sim or a couch on a lot), this means:
    • No content you must pay for. This means you cannot use items that are pay, donation, subscriber only, "special gift", etc. type content, anything accessible only when you pay money or subscribe.
    • No content from sites that are repositories of unmodified content when it is still available from the original creator, whether these items are pay or free (no Booty or Simscave, torrents, sites full of stolen content or similar, but the Graveyard and sites that offer recolours or modifications with the mesh are okay).
    • No EA content simply converted to base game use with no other changes.
    • No pirated EA Store content. EA Store content, linked to the legitimate EA Store, is okay though. TS2 store content may be included, with proper credit, since the store is no longer available.
Other content not allowed
  • Items that belong on the adult site: No content posted on MTS can have visible nudity, sexual content, or adult content, and instead must be posted on our adult site, Sexy Sims. This means on MTS, you may not post:
    • Content that contains nudity, which we define as exposing the female nipples, or the butt crack/genitals of either gender, including semi-transparent stuff like a sheer bra. Items that are merely "sexy" like skimpy miniskirts or string bikinis are fine on MTS. Transsexual/transgender items are also not considered adult content unless they contain nudity.
    • Skintones containing genital details - female nipples are okay on MTS but see below regarding screenshots.
    • Images of skintones with uncensored female nipples. Please blur or cover the nipples, butt crack, and genital area when taking screenshots of your skintones.
    • Fine art uploads containing visible nudity.
    • Items with specifically sexual content (sex toys, sexual poses).
    • Items containing swear/curse words
    • Items relating to illegal drugs. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are okay on MTS though.
  • Sexualized children: We do not allow any sexy/sexualized content for baby, toddler, or child sims in any way - no breasts whatsoever on child sims, no "sexy" outfits, etc. If you want to make preteens, make a less developed body for teen sims. Sexualized child content is not allowed at our adult site either.
  • Offensive content: Racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, bigoted, hateful or otherwise offensive content will not be allowed. Again, also not allowed at our adult site.
  • Gore/violence: We do not allow uploads which feature prominent, graphic violence and/or gore. Examples of things we do not allow would include items centred around mass shootings, images showing explicit violent imagery, cannibalism, and infanticide. Limited violence and gore may be featured if not the dominant focus of the upload, and not excessively graphic. Think a PG-13 movie. If uncertain whether your upload crosses this line, we suggest making a thread in the Creator Issues forum asking for feedback from a moderator before uploading.
  • EXE installers: Creators are not allowed to post exe (or other executable) files for any area of the site but Modding Tools. If your content needs to be installed to a certain directory, you can compress your files and leave the directory structure intact, so you can tell people to just install to Program Files, for instance, and the files will go where they need to. Executable installers can easily hold viruses, and are generally not needed for installing most content.
  • Preorder bonus content: Certain items were only available if you preordered certain expansions or stuff packs from certain retailers. It's unfortunate if someone missed out on getting them, but they can't be redistributed here as EA has made it clear that they do not allow it.
  • Unmodified EP/SP/Store content: While it is common practice to modify and use bits and pieces of game content to create custom content, extracting content from an expansion, stuff pack, or Store item and uploading it unmodified is not allowed on this site. You are welcome to upload significantly modified versions of expansion, stuff pack, or Store content, but you can't just be ripping it and changing one tiny thing (or nothing) just so people who didn't purchase it can still use it.
  • Stolen/reuploaded content: This should go without saying, but do not upload content made by others and claim it as your own, in whole or in part. Don't upload the work of someone else without their permission... if they wanted to share it at MTS, they can easily upload it here themselves.
  • Uncredited content/violating permissions: If any part of what you have uploaded (mesh, textures, alphas, bump maps, coding, etc.) comes from somebody else's work, you MUST provide a link and credit in the text of your post, for the original author. State what you've used of theirs, the author's name, and give a link back to them. You must check the author's policies to see if you can use their content in the way you want, and you may not violate any policies stated. If there are no policies or they don't disallow your type of usage, or the site is permanently offline, then you can assume it's okay. Please see here for more details: Updates and Remixes of Creations.
  • Redirects: If you want to move a creation to another site, please remove your upload from MTS, don't just edit the text to point to a different site.
Personal tools
Namespaces

Variants
Actions
Navigation
game select
Toolbox