[TEC]GR2 File Editing Information

09-16-11, 07:10 PM

From older threads We have the basic information.
We know the CRC is not critical for SH5 but alters the file so GrannyViewer can not open it.
We know we can change names and other items as long as we do not alter the file size.
We know that We can change the actual 3D meshes in the files.
Now I'll explain exactly HOW to change those 3D meshes and more!

I'll also explain other details about things as I go along.
You have the option to learn or just ignore.
I really don't care what you decide.

There was a program that made this easier but I moved it to a DVD and can not find it right now.

So the hard way should give a clue to anyone that wishes to re-write the same type program because I'll not be doing that myself.

You will need 4 programs to start.

A good Hex Editor,
EditPad Pro or something like it.
a 3D Modeling program.
A working Mesh Exporter that exports the exact mesh as in the GR2 file.
(This is a MUST HAVE! I recommend you use one I will re-release here. It will include the 2nd UV channel export also.)

Now you need alot of determination and time.

09-16-11, 07:10 PM

The first of many links to needed files I will be uploading as time goes on.
This is a basic template for 010 that breaks down and shows the GR2 information in an easy to understand format.
http://www.mediafire.com/?95deyd53m1c8dur

What this template does for now is it explains the beginning of the GR2 file itself
and allows an easy view of pointers that we will be useing soon enuff.
I will be adding to this template as I find the time and it is written so that older versions of GR2's will not work with it.
This template is the start of re-creating the original version I can not find.
That version allowed exporting/importing 3D meshes.

I have found no other site on the 'Net that even comes close to actually discussing the GR2 files in a reasonable/legal way.
I do not use the granny2.dll file in anyway and once one knows where to look in the GR2 files?
It becomes very obvious that many people wasted alot of time trying to guess how to use it!

09-16-11, 07:11 PM

Reserved again

tonschk · 09-17-11, 07:26 AM

This is very intresting

, Many many thanks

Privateer

mookiemookie · 09-17-11, 08:13 AM

While I've got no modding ability to speak of, I do want to say thank you for sharing your knowledge with the folks who do. The biggest glaring fault with this game for me is the merchant ship selection. By gifting your knowledge in fixing that to the community, you're really doing people like me the favor. I'm going to be the one to ultimately benefit from this, and for that, I thank you.

09-17-11, 10:54 AM

While there are free hex editors out there?
I highly suggest buying 010 for the many features it has.
One of the most important features that is a must have is it's Inspecter Panel.
Other editors may have something like it but I would not know which ones do or do not.

I will be referring to it alot and it does make working with the files so much easier.

It also allows createing Templates and Scripts.
Something which I'll be recreateing since I lost the original ones.

09-16-11, 07:10 PM	#1
Madox58 Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	[TEC]GR2 File Editing Information From older threads We have the basic information. We know the CRC is not critical for SH5 but alters the file so GrannyViewer can not open it. We know we can change names and other items as long as we do not alter the file size. We know that We can change the actual 3D meshes in the files. Now I'll explain exactly HOW to change those 3D meshes and more! I'll also explain other details about things as I go along. You have the option to learn or just ignore. I really don't care what you decide. There was a program that made this easier but I moved it to a DVD and can not find it right now. So the hard way should give a clue to anyone that wishes to re-write the same type program because I'll not be doing that myself. You will need 4 programs to start. A good Hex Editor, EditPad Pro or something like it. a 3D Modeling program. A working Mesh Exporter that exports the exact mesh as in the GR2 file. (This is a MUST HAVE! I recommend you use one I will re-release here. It will include the 2nd UV channel export also.) Now you need alot of determination and time. Last edited by Madox58; 09-16-11 at 08:07 PM.

09-16-11, 07:10 PM	#2
Madox58 Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	The first of many links to needed files I will be uploading as time goes on. This is a basic template for 010 that breaks down and shows the GR2 information in an easy to understand format. http://www.mediafire.com/?95deyd53m1c8dur What this template does for now is it explains the beginning of the GR2 file itself and allows an easy view of pointers that we will be useing soon enuff. I will be adding to this template as I find the time and it is written so that older versions of GR2's will not work with it. This template is the start of re-creating the original version I can not find. That version allowed exporting/importing 3D meshes. I have found no other site on the 'Net that even comes close to actually discussing the GR2 files in a reasonable/legal way. I do not use the granny2.dll file in anyway and once one knows where to look in the GR2 files? It becomes very obvious that many people wasted alot of time trying to guess how to use it! Last edited by Madox58; 09-25-11 at 07:24 PM.

09-17-11, 07:26 AM	#4
tonschk Admiral Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,200 Downloads: 172 Uploads: 0	This is very intresting , Many many thanks Privateer __________________ What we do in life echoes in Eternity

09-17-11, 08:13 AM	#5
mookiemookie Navy Seal Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 9,404 Downloads: 105 Uploads: 1	While I've got no modding ability to speak of, I do want to say thank you for sharing your knowledge with the folks who do. The biggest glaring fault with this game for me is the merchant ship selection. By gifting your knowledge in fixing that to the community, you're really doing people like me the favor. I'm going to be the one to ultimately benefit from this, and for that, I thank you. __________________ They don’t think it be like it is, but it do. Want more U-boat Kaleun portraits for your SH3 Commander Profiles? Download the SH3 Commander Portrait Pack here.

09-16-11, 07:11 PM	#3
Madox58 Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	Reserved again

09-17-11, 10:54 AM	#6
Madox58 Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	While there are free hex editors out there? I highly suggest buying 010 for the many features it has. One of the most important features that is a must have is it's Inspecter Panel. Other editors may have something like it but I would not know which ones do or do not. I will be referring to it alot and it does make working with the files so much easier. It also allows createing Templates and Scripts. Something which I'll be recreateing since I lost the original ones.