Utility: Mod editor released

[Larz]

I would like to announce the first release of Dom3Editor. This is a mod editing application that I hope will make it easier to produce mods for Dominions 3. This application is good for both editing and browsing mods. It can show you what has changed in a mod and what the default values are. Here are some of the features:

• Syntax Coloring – makes the mod easy to read
• Error Detection – application contains a parser so syntax errors can be marked.
• Form based interface – Just check the fields you wish to change
• Default Value Display – See the default values of the object along with your changed values.
• ID Lookup – It's easy to figure out id numbers in the sortable lists of items

Here are some screenshots of the application in action:
Source interface:


Error in mod:


Looking up unit details in CBM


More details of CBM


Searching for a unit to mod



This application is located at http://code.google.com/p/dom3editor. It is an open-source project so you can download the source if you wish. I have compiled versions for Windows and Linux and put them on the Downloads page of the project. I can compile a Mac version if anyone is interested but I don't have any way of testing it so you will be my tester.

There is a wiki on the project page that has a little more detailed explanation of how to use the application (see the GettingStarted page). Also, if you find a bug (and I know they are in there) then please report it on the Issues page of the project so I can fix it.

I have some ideas for some future enhancements if anyone is interested. They are:

duplicate ID warnings
automatic merging of mods
make Ids unique across a set of mods
.map file editing
Add item sprites
Add nation flag sprites
help for fields (only allow valid values, make values for bitmasks easier to enter)

I have never released a mod, so I don't know the specific needs of modders when it comes to making mods, but I tried to come up with a useful application that could address needs of mod authors. I would welcome any suggestions for improvement or features that are missing. Thanks.

Acknowledgements:
I used data from the dom3db by Edi for the default data for objects
I used the spell guide by DrPraetorious for spell data

[Squirrelloid]

Now all it needs to do is create sprites and modding won't be any work at all!

No, but seriously, this is awesome.

[Doo]

Downloading now, brilliant.

[Doo]

......downloaded.

This looks great. If you do ever finish your stated task of making this program combine mods that innately won't combine then Dom3 fans will be very happy.

[Silence0]

Great...Thanks for this...

[Dimaz]

I started similar project a month ago or so but hadn't much time to work on it, looks like it's not needed anymore as this project is more finished so I can return to dom3xTest during summer free time if I have some. The original idea was to make automatic mod merger for dom3xTester.

[Larz]

I have just uploaded a new version of dom3editor (0.8.1). I have added support for warning about duplicate id numbers in new objects (duplicate ids will be marked in yellow in the editor). So, if there are two new monsters with the same id, you will be warned. I did not put a warning for modifying the same object twice (selectmonster on the same id twice for example). If people think this is a good warning to add, it would be easy to add.

Also, there is now a button in the toolbar that will update any duplicate ids to use a new unique id number (within the ranges defined in the modding manual). This should fix the mod (at least as far as id numbers of new objects are concernde). Also, any references to the id will be updated. Here is a screenshot:


I have also uploaded a MacOS version with some caveats. You need to have Java (at least 1.6) installed. Plus, I don't have a Mac to test on so I don't know if it even runs. If anyone downloads it and gives it a try plase let me know if it runs or not.

[Fantomen]

Mac version working fine for me.

[Foodstamp]

This looks awesome. I will give it a go when I get some free time. I will let you know if I find any bugs.

[NTJedi]

Illwinter should hire you and Ballbarian when they start Dominions_4. Great Work