How to create and use a mod pack in 4 easy steps using PFM

[Anabasis]

The problem seems to be at step 2. I have named the mod and chosen a directory for it. Then I get a file select dialog and I navigate to data_rome2.pack. I select it. It appears in the left hand pane with a little expand (+) button. From there, I can expand to the file I want (in this case) land_units and make a change. I save, install, and the resulting mod pack is the same size as the entire data_rome2.pack. I don't see the intermediate step where I 'select files' for my mod.

[crzyrndm]

I don't see the intermediate step where I 'select files' for my mod.

You have to double click on each file that you want to extract within the popup to add it to your pack. Hit ok and it should take you to your mod with that table. You should never be able to get the entire pack, and even if you did, it should show up as a mod in the manager

EDIT

Wait...

It appears in the left hand pane with a little expand (+) button.

No popup?

I think I know whats happening here. You've created a new pack, not a new "my mod" so it doesn't have the extraction processes. This is the "new" referred to in step 1.


EDIT2

See if those extra pictures help

[Anabasis]

Solved with the help of http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...e-Game-Editing

When I use the four step tutorial, I end up not with my mod in the left hand pane, but with data_rome2.pack in that pane. I had to go back and load data_rome2.pack, extract the file I wanted, then reload my mod, right click on the name, and add the file.

[Anabasis]

One more question. I've looked around but haven't found the answer. If I modify startpos, how do I put the changes into the modpack? PFM doesn't open the startpos. Thanks.

[AngryTitusPullo]

One more question. I've looked around but haven't found the answer. If I modify startpos, how do I put the changes into the modpack? PFM doesn't open the startpos. Thanks.

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...sing-with-Time

The first part deals with this.

[DeusIrae]

Hello,
what does it mean when tables within a pack.file are shown in blue or red print by PFM. I googled for an answer but didn't find anything explaining it.

[crzyrndm]

Blue = empty table. Don't worry about these.
Red means the schema you are using doesn't have a structure for that table. This often happens after patches when table structures get changed and you need to update the schema from the PFM thread, or here, or by making your own schema using the decode tool included with PFM. The exception to this is the two models tables (models_naval and models_sieges) which have a really wierd structure such that PFM can't actually open them.

[DeusIrae]

Thank you for your quick explanation

[Ambigatos]

I just want to test it. I can't even do that yet.

[Ambigatos]

I can't upload my mod in mod manager. It's telling me that I must have a preview image in the same location as the pack file. I have no idea how to get one there.

[crzyrndm]

You can test without uploading (just tick it). Make an image in paint if you need it, and call it the same as your mod.pack

[Ambigatos]

You can test without uploading (just tick it). Make an image in paint if you need it, and call it the same as your mod.pack

Yah, cant get it to work. Whenever I try to upload it keeps telling me that I have to put a pic with the same name in the data directory. But I already have one in here.I named the pi the exctlythe same.

[crzyrndm]

did you name it the same without the extension?

eg. Mod.pack would need a picture called Mod.png

[AngryTitusPullo]

did you name it the same without the extension?

eg. Mod.pack would need a picture called Mod.png

And the pic also need to be in certain size IIRC.

[Ambigatos]

And the pic also need to be in certain size IIRC.

Yeah I trimmed it down to recommended settings; approx. 260 x 260. I also named it correctly, as you mentioned. It's baffling me, lol. Im gonna start over and give it another go.

One more question, when creating a unit everything should be in green correct? If something shows up in the PFM with red letters than that's bad right? Thank much.

[crzyrndm]

One more question, when creating a unit everything should be in green correct? If something shows up in the PFM with red letters than that's bad right? Thank much.

Red as in red background for a cell, or red outline for a cell? Red outline for a cell means you may have an entry that doesn't make sense (eg. duplicate keys), or is empty when PFM thinks it is a mandatory cell (you can read the error at the bottom of the page). Red background just means this cell has been edited since last save.

The picture thing is wierd. Your pack name is unique right (I don't know what the error for that looks like )

[stp52x]

I'm assuming it's the same process for ETW.

I haven't received any errors but nothing happens once I install the mod. I was trying to alter the diplomacy attitudes (this used to be much easier!! because I've done it before, but it was a couple of years ago and I forgot where I found the directions) but nothing has happened.

[Icdan]

I'm having trouble installing my mods as I get an error when I try that.

Nice guide though.

[crzyrndm]

Do you have the game open and using the pack in the same location you are editing? Because the game locks any enabled packs and you cant save anything to them.

[Icdan]

Game's not open. Didn't even know I could run the mod ingame without having to install it. O_o