Tips - Downloading

Downloading

Tips
Inside Customization
How-to Download
Downloading SimFreaks Icon System
Objects - Coding
Adding Rotations
Objects - Photoshop
objects overview alpha channels rugs
Objects - PSP
beginning z-buffers
Skins
Default Recovery mesh vs skin changing head texture Hot Date skin naming Maxis Head Mesh List
Wallpaper
How to Make Walls
Tools for Download
Default Recovery Pack Simpose-ium SimShow Transmogrifier
Transmogrifier Group

Downloading

By Heather Castillo

Introduction:
When the sims first started, everything we created was for The Sims (TS), but as new expansion packs were released, it became apparent that Maxis had changed a lot of file information for objects and eventually some naming conventions for skins. Livin' Large introduced new items such as rugs and furnitures that when cloned do not work in TS unless you have the LL expansion pack.

SimFreaks is now taking measures to make items work for everyone when possible, though on occasion we have to make things for specific packs. With this in mind, it is necessary for us to convey information to the downloader in the easiest way possible. I devised an icon system, which has spread out through many other sites in the community. Despite the system, the increasing changes can cause a lot of confusion, so I provide this information to create some clarity.

Sim Hottie 10

By Ahn
& Jerome

Sim Hottie 10

By Ahn
& Jerome

SimFreaks is currently revamping our system small bits at a time. Since all files were TS only in the beginning, the release of Hot Date created a little confusion. Originally all zips were linked to the image, but as we got more expansion packs, we developed icons to specify which packs to use.

The Circle Icons for skins indicate which version the thumbnail is linked to, however, this system as confusing for new visitors and is currently being faded out.

I developed "Disk" icons to replace these. When you see a "TS Disk" just click it to download "The Sims" version of the skin. You can click the HD icon for a Hot Date buyable. List Icons

The first thing you need is a zip file extractor like WinZIP, PKUnzip or EasyZip. These files are compressed and you can uncompress them in this manner.

For instructions on using WinZIP, visit SimsPlus! and view the help section.

PC Users:
Assuming you accepted the default path settings on installation and installed it on your C Drive.

walls:
Extension: .wll
Install to:
C:\Program Files\Maxis\The Sims\GameData\Walls

floors:
Extension: .flr
Install to:
C:\Program Files\Maxis\The Sims\GameData\Floors

skins:
Extension: .cmx .skn .bmp

Install to:
C:\Program Files\Maxis\The Sims\GameData\Skins
Insert skins with .skn, .cmx, and .bmp extension in this directory.

Note: not all .bmp files go in here, only if they are skins. If they say Pic in the name, they are probably not a skin. You may wish to open it first before inserting. Inserting these do not cause problems, just waste space in your skins folder. Skins Usually begin with something like B001FAfitdrk_blahblah or C311MAfatlgt_blahblah or something of that nature, unless they go with an attachment such as hats, glasses, purses.

objects:
Extensions: .iff .far
Install to:
C:\ProgramFiles\Maxis\TheSims\Downloads\SimFreaks\ or
C:\Program Files\Maxis\The Sims\Downloads\

Do not install these.
.sif files contain text you may read with your text editor regarding copyrights
.sig files are infomation regarding the digital signatures of files.
.jpg or .gif files are usually screenshots of a particular item

houses & dowtown lots:
Extensions: : .iff
Install to:
C:\Program Files\Maxis\The Sims\UserData\Houses\
or with Livin' Large:
C:\Program Files\Maxis\The Sims\UserData#\Houses\

Extension: .fam .dtl
You will need to install the telecom patch from TheSims.com if you don't have it already.
Install to:
C:\Program Files\Maxis\The Sims\UserData\Imports

Mac Users: seek help from other Mac Users in our Forum.