Author Topic: Where can i find placeables.2da and how do i install it  (Read 1065 times)

Legacy_Losalas

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
  • Karma: +0/-0
Where can i find placeables.2da and how do i install it
« on: October 30, 2013, 03:21:15 pm »


               First I will apologize if I has created this tread in the wrong forum

Need to say that I'am kind of a noob to all of this
But here is the problem.
I have a few models I want to install, but they need that I add some line to something called placeables.2da.
I can't find it.
Perhaps there is any tutorials about placeables.2da how to use it and where to find?

Thanks In advance
               
               

               
            

Legacy_The Amethyst Dragon

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2981
  • Karma: +0/-0
Where can i find placeables.2da and how do i install it
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2013, 09:22:50 pm »


               

Losalas wrote...

First I will apologize if I has created this tread in the wrong forum

Need to say that I'am kind of a noob to all of this
But here is the problem.
I have a few models I want to install, but they need that I add some line to something called placeables.2da.
I can't find it.
Perhaps there is any tutorials about placeables.2da how to use it and where to find?

Thanks In advance

Yup, this would be better off in the custom content forum.  But I'll try to help you out a bit here. '<img'>

To get the new model you want added to the game so that you can use them in your own modules, there's a few things that need to be done.

First, I'm assuming you want to use the new models in a module/adventure of your own design.  If you're just looking to update the look of some models, you might want to do research into finding ones that work in the NWN/override folder (use Google to search the Vault for terms like "redux", "update", or "override").

2da files control a lot of things about this game.  The one you mention, placeables.2da, controls various things to tell the game how to display placeable models.  It includes information on what the placeable's appearance is called in the toolset, what model is used, whether the game should consider certain textures as "shiny" or "transparent", and a few other settings.

2da files can be modified with a simple plain text editor, such as Notepad.  I personally use an Excel file I found on the Vault, which does much of my importing and all of my 2da exporting.

So, on to adding a new placeable model.

Step 1: Extract an up to date copy of placeables.2da from the game resources.

Link: How To: Extract a Game Resource (using NWN Explorer Reborn)

Look for it in NWN > HotU Patch Data > Game Data > placeables.2da.  Export it to a location you can easily find.

Step 2: Open placeables.2da so you can edit it.  Open the version of placeables.2da that comes with the new model you downloaded (or perhaps a text file that came with it).

Step 3: Go to the end of the 2da file you exported from the game resources.  Add a new line to the end, perhaps by copying and pasting the line of a similar existing placeable.  Change the line number so that they are in order.

Step 4: Copy in the information for the new model (name, model file name (minus the extension), etc.).

Step 5: Save your updated 2da file.

Step 6: Open NWN/utils/NWHak.exe.

Step 7: Drag/drop your updated placeables.2da file, along with the model file (.mdl), texture file(s) (.tga or .dds), and possibly placeable walkmesh file (.pwk) into the NWHak window.

Step 8: Save your new hak file.  File names are limited to 16 characters, so keep it simple.  It should go into your NWN/hak folder.  Close NWHak.

Step 9: Open your module in the NWN toolset (Aurora).  Go to Edit > Module Properties > Custom Content.  Find your new hak in the drop-down list and add it.

Step 10: After the module gets done adding the new hak, save it and exit the program.  Restart the toolset and your module.  I've found that the toolset doesn't always recognize new "art assets" without a restart.

Step 11: Pick a placeable from the palette on the right.  You can paint one down so you're not making a new blueprint, or right-click and pick "edit copy" to make a new blueprint.

Step 12: Right-click and edit the placeable's properties.  There is an "appearance" drop-down, which you use to pick your new model's appearance.  The preview window should switch to the new model.  Hit OK to close this out and keep your changes.

Step 13: Enjoy the benefits of your work! '<img'>



This is just a rough outline of how to add a model and 2da file.  If you have further questions, feel free to ask in the custom content section.  We're happy to welcome new builders/makers/players/etc. and will gladly answer questions or offer advice.
               
               

               
            

Legacy_shmity72

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 10
  • Karma: +0/-0
Where can i find placeables.2da and how do i install it
« Reply #2 on: October 31, 2013, 04:30:12 am »


               interesting.
               
               

               
            

Legacy_Losalas

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
  • Karma: +0/-0
Where can i find placeables.2da and how do i install it
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2013, 08:18:02 am »


               By the...
Thanks a ton '<img'> i've been looking for a tutorial like that for a long time
I will take a look a it '<img'>
And I will remember custom content forum next time

Again thank you
               
               

               
            

Legacy_Shadooow

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7698
  • Karma: +0/-0
Where can i find placeables.2da and how do i install it
« Reply #4 on: November 01, 2013, 10:24:49 am »


               you dont have to go this hard way, just look for full 2da source 1.69 on vault or if you use community patch you find all 2da files in the "1.70 (or 71) builders resources" folder

but its good to know how you can get them yourself
               
               

               
            

Legacy_Tarot Redhand

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4165
  • Karma: +0/-0
Where can i find placeables.2da and how do i install it
« Reply #5 on: November 01, 2013, 02:21:27 pm »


               My version of NwN (diamond) came on disk as opposed to from GOG etc. In my NwN directory there is a file called 2dasource.zip. As far as I know it contains all the 1.69 2da files. Am I missing something here?

TR
               
               

               
            

Legacy_Lightfoot8

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4797
  • Karma: +0/-0
Where can i find placeables.2da and how do i install it
« Reply #6 on: November 01, 2013, 03:09:59 pm »


               

Tarot Redhand wrote...

My version of NwN (diamond) came on disk as opposed to from GOG etc. In my NwN directory there is a file called 2dasource.zip. As far as I know it contains all the 1.69 2da files. Am I missing something here?

TR



I think that one is 1.68.  It also never contained all of the 2da's  there was still a need to download the full 2da resource or hunt through the base files to get some of the 2da's
               
               

               
            

Legacy_Shadooow

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7698
  • Karma: +0/-0
Where can i find placeables.2da and how do i install it
« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2013, 03:37:44 pm »


               

Tarot Redhand wrote...

My version of NwN (diamond) came on disk as opposed to from GOG etc. In my NwN directory there is a file called 2dasource.zip. As far as I know it contains all the 1.69 2da files. Am I missing something here?

TR

not just that its 1.68 2das but diamond is also bugged and doenst contain lot of files so the previously mentioned process can still provide incorrect 2das on diamond - everyone with diamond should run 1.69 critical rebuild asap.