MODEL VIEWER v2.21 - EXPORTING MODELS
       Okay, let's Export some Models so we can start Modding them. Can't make a mod if there's nothing to mod. This is a simple enough process and will become second nature, but you'd be surprised by how many people still mess this up. I'm gonna go ahead and stick with my Rompin'-Ass-WHM-JSE-PLM-Throwing-Taru for this tutorial.
  1. Exporting Models for Rendering
  2. Exporting Models for Modding
Exporting Models for Rendering
  1. Open Model Viewer, of course.
  2. Configure your PC with all your bad-ass armor and weapons, or just pull up an NPC.
  3. Get that sucka in a wicked position worthy of wasting rendering time.

  4. You're then going to hit the "Set to MQO" button.
  5. A save file confirmation will come up.

  6. Input your name and make sure you know what folder it's going into. Then hit Save.
  7. A Success box pops up to let you know you're on top of things.

    • Going to break sequence here to show and explain something. You just exported that entire Model, position and all. This differs from Modding Export as it does not break down the armor files for you.

    • See what I mean. You have only 1 Model File with individual .BMP's for the armor Textures. You'll see the difference later on, but for now just know that this is not a working Model. Exporting this way is to only be used for capturing cool poses for Rendering. Your changes will not show up in FFXI and may corrupt the Model completely.

  8. Alrighty, back on track... last thing was, you got your Success Confirmation.
  9. You're done exporting. Now you can open that Model File with a 3D App and Render away.
Exporting Models for Modding
  1. Once again, make sure you have Model Viewer opened.
  2. This time, only configure your PC with what you're gonna Mod, or load up the NPC you plan to work on. Poses don't matter, so quit playing around damnit.

  3. Click on the "DAT to MQO" Button. When working with NPC's skip ahead to step VI.
  4. This will pull up a Selection Box. For my project I'm gonna select Main so I can mod that crappy DRG PLM into something useful. Something with Magic Spikes or stuff...

  5. Select the piece you plan to change and click OK.
  6. That brings up a Save confirmation.

  7. Name your file and save.
  8. Be sure you make the Success confirmation happy by clicking the OK Button gently.

    • Once again, I'm gonna break and show you something. The File you just Exported was only the Model you selected. In my case it was the PLM Model. This method not only breaks down the Model into Individual Equipment, but also exports the other required files for a successful Import.

    • Big difference from above. This time you also have the .DDS and .MCD file exported. Also, when you pull the Model up into a 3D App it will only be that piece, as it should be when Modding. Let's continue.

  9. K, done again. Now you can go change the .DDS or .BMP Texture files or step up and Mod the .MQO. Have fun.

©2006 Grumpy Rarab Ltd.