Linking all bedding to a single frame in a .package

Introduction

This tutorial will show you how to take an object that has two mesh groups with separate images and link up all of the textures from one mesh group to a single image for the other mesh group so that the item's other mesh uses that single image. The example item is a double bed and this shows how to remove all the frame images but one so that all the bedding will be displayed with just that frame texture and that texture is present in the .package as a single image.

What you will need

Sims 4 Studio

Instructions

1.  Make a back up of your item.  Open the object in Studio and click the Warehouse tab.  Find the image you want to keep in the .package and make a note of its Instance number.

2. Click the first Model Lod line.  Click the Edit Items button on the Meshes line.

3. Click through the ModelMesh list until you find the one which has a PrimitiveCount that corresponds to the bed frame.  This is an EA double bed which has bedding with a PrimitiveCount in the neighborhood of 600.  The other two ModelMesh PrimitiveCounts are small indicating they are shadows.  Thus I know the one which is 560 represents the frame.

4.  Once you have the correct Model Mesh line click the Edit Items button on the Entries line in the Material section.

5. Click on the first MaterialSetEntry.  Click the Edit Items button on the Items line in the Material section.

6. Click through the ShaderData lines until you find the DiffuseMap.  If the Instance number is not the same as the one you wish to keep change it to the instance number you noted in step one.

7. Repeat steps 5 & 6 for each MaterialSetEntry.  Note that some of the lines will match the one you want and that the same instance number may be present more than once.  Extra instances of the instance number occur when the item has a dirty, charred, or burnt state and their presence depends on which item you're working with.

8. Repeat steps 2-7 for the other LODs.  Most items contain shadow lods without diffuse textures in them but at least one item I've seen contains textures in the shadow lods so it doesn't hurt to check.  The Model also contains diffuse textures and that will need to be edited also.

9. When you have finished your edits save the .package.  Returning to the Studio tab should update the .package so the effect of your edits can now be viewed there.  If all looks good check it in the game.  If everything still looks good return to the Warehouse tab and delete the unwanted bed frame images.