How do I make mods on a Mac?

[alanrha]

I skimmed over the forums on how to make mods, but I saw nothing there for Mac users. Is it possible to use the same tools linked to these forums on a Mac? Obviously I have not yet tried, and when I search the forums I find nothing on this topic.

 

Is there someone out there who knows some things about using the Mac to make mods and who'd be willing to help me learn how to do this?

 

I ask this becuase I have enjoyed some of the mods a number of the Holowan folks have made available, becuase I still enjoy the game, because I suspect I will be waiting for TSL for Mac for a long time and would like to make my wait more tolerable, and because I have a creative penchant that I'd like to let loose in a game I have already enjoyed.

 

By the way, I have little experience with this kind of thing, but really want to learn.

[alanrha]

I skimmed over the forums on how to make mods, but I saw nothing there for Mac users. Is it possible to use the same tools linked to these forums on a Mac? Obviously I have not yet tried, and when I search the forums I find nothing on this topic.

 

Is there someone out there who knows some things about using the Mac to make mods and who'd be willing to help me learn how to do this?

 

I ask this becuase I have enjoyed some of the mods a number of the Holowan folks have made available, becuase I still enjoy the game, because I suspect I will be waiting for TSL for Mac for a long time and would like to make my wait more tolerable, and because I have a creative penchant that I'd like to let loose in a game I have already enjoyed.

 

By the way, I have little experience with this kind of thing, but really want to learn.

[The Doctor]

I believe ChAiNz.2da is on a Mac, and he uses the same tools as the rest of the modders. I think another one of 'the greats' uses a Mac, too, but I'm not sure.

 

To answer your question simply: yes, the modding tools on the PC should work on a Mac.

[The Doctor]

I believe ChAiNz.2da is on a Mac, and he uses the same tools as the rest of the modders. I think another one of 'the greats' uses a Mac, too, but I'm not sure.

 

To answer your question simply: yes, the modding tools on the PC should work on a Mac.

[alanrha]

Well, that's promising. Thanks.

 

I have downloaded the tools, but when I try to open the file the system asks that an application with which to open it be identified. Incidentally, this is the same thing that happens when I try to open WinRar, that file economizer so many have been making use of lately.

 

Any suggestions?

[alanrha]

Well, that's promising. Thanks.

 

I have downloaded the tools, but when I try to open the file the system asks that an application with which to open it be identified. Incidentally, this is the same thing that happens when I try to open WinRar, that file economizer so many have been making use of lately.

 

Any suggestions?

[LiquidZoo]

afaik there wouldn't be an easy way to launch an exe on a mac. Maybe with WINE on OSX, but I've never heard of anyone trying to get it working so I don't know if it works or not.

 

As for WinRAR, I believe StuffIt Expander for Mac will read rar files, so you shoul be ok in that aspect.

[LiquidZoo]

afaik there wouldn't be an easy way to launch an exe on a mac. Maybe with WINE on OSX, but I've never heard of anyone trying to get it working so I don't know if it works or not.

 

As for WinRAR, I believe StuffIt Expander for Mac will read rar files, so you shoul be ok in that aspect.

[alanrha]

I have been able to get an openable WinRAR for Mac from RARLAB, http://www.win-rar.com/download.html, but the application appears as a console icon that requires I select an application to open it with. I don't know what application that would be.

 

I've tried simply droping the icon labeled "rar" into the applications folder, but nothing spectacular happens. Unfortunately, no read me's that provide instructions accompany the WinRAR downloads I've found. It has been my hope to try out the "Yavin 4th" mod, http://pcgamemods.com/mod/10127.html, among others.

 

In any case, I'm also still hoping for some direction on making mods, making use of the KotOR mods tools, with the mac.

[RedHawke]

I believe ChAiNz.2da is on a Mac, and he uses the same tools as the rest of the modders. I think another one of 'the greats' uses a Mac, too, but I'm not sure.

ChAiNz mods on a PC, he uses a Mac for his work, I believe.

 

To answer your question simply: yes, the modding tools on the PC should work on a Mac.

Incorrect, in my expirience KotOR Tool (Our main modding tool) will not work on a Mac. I have never been able to get it to work anyway.

[alanrha]

So then, I might make my mods on a PC, and then move them to the Mac? It seems obvious that this would require a PC edition of KoTOR, which I don't have.

 

Is there a way to make mods then without the editing tools, getting elbow deep in the work of modding on the Mac? I'm willing to trade or share in collaboration on projects in exchange for the experience if someone is willing to teach me how to do this.

[RedHawke]

So then, I might make my mods on a PC, and then move them to the Mac? It seems obvious that this would require a PC edition of KoTOR, which I don't have.

Yup you can easily do this, if you have a PC handy you can make your mod on a PC and then simply transfer the files to your Mac's KotOR override, and all should be well, from what I understand anyway.

 

Oh, and KotOR I for the PC is like around $19.99 US right now, less in some areas.

 

Edit: @ Welcome to the forums BTW!

[alanrha]

Thanks, Redhawke.

 

Would you happen to know anything about the WinRAR issues described above?

[LiquidZoo]

Looks like, much like the Linux client, RAR for mac is CLI (Command Line Interface) only.

 

However, a quick google search turned up EDS which looks like a gui frontend for the RAR client. Might be exactly what you're looking for.

[alanrha]

Looks like, much like the Linux client, RAR for mac is CLI (Command Line Interface) only.

 

However, a quick google search turned up EDS which looks like a gui frontend for the RAR client. Might be exactly what you're looking for.

 

Thanks for going through all of the trouble, LiquidZoo! Very kind of you.

 

Okay, so I've downloaded WinRAR, and I've downloaded EDS, but there are still some concerns. The EDS Read Me asserts "that rar binary must be installed in '/usr/bin' without the quotes," but I find no location titled "/usr/bin" on my computer. I searched the harddrive for "usr" -- seldom have I seen "paths" represented as they often are for PC's (eg: c:/programs/games/etc.) because Macs and their users seem to more often refer to folders, as in "install ____ in the applications folder," or "drop ___ in the override folder." In short I'm not sure where to drop the RAR stuff I have, nor the new EDS stuff because of this path reference that to my knowledge has no corolary on my system.

 

Perhaps I should make special requests for .zip versions in the Mod Request forums instead of messing with RAR's. Some of this freeware stuff looks ...gnomish? I'm a little apprehensive about putting it on my computer.

[deckwreck]

try macPAR Deluxe, works for me to unpack RARs

 

as for modding on a mac, I share your pain. I use a pc at work which has no graphic card so I can't run kotor or the mod tools (besides the ovious fact that people wouldnt be happy me running kotor at work anyway). But I'm still working on it. I'm more interested in the scripting part anyway so I might just look into using text and seeing how that works.

[alanrha]

try macPAR Deluxe, works for me to unpack RARs

 

as for modding on a mac, I share your pain. I use a pc at work which has no graphic card so I can't run kotor or the mod tools (besides the ovious fact that people wouldnt be happy me running kotor at work anyway). But I'm still working on it. I'm more interested in the scripting part anyway so I might just look into using text and seeing how that works.

 

Scripting?! (with a wolfishly hairy hand lifts gnawed bone and uses it to scratch exceptionally low and protrusive forebrow)

 

That sounds very interesting. I'd like to learn how to do that. Can one change appearances, maps, behaviors, and create items this way?

 

I experimented with Text Edit on Jedi Outcast, but after unzipping, modifying, and rearchiving files, the game would no longer recognize them -- at least that's what I think happened. I was told, in that instance, that it was again necessary to do the modding and rearchiving on the PC and to then bring the files back over to the Mac. I never tried it -- having much work to do outside of the hobby and little guidance. This summer, though, with KotOR, I can foresee developing (or contributing to the development of) an elaborate sidequest, with emphasis on a strong story. Of course this depends on learnig how to do this stuff.

[alanrha]

try macPAR Deluxe, works for me to unpack RARs

 

as for modding on a mac, I share your pain. I use a pc at work which has no graphic card so I can't run kotor or the mod tools (besides the ovious fact that people wouldnt be happy me running kotor at work anyway). But I'm still working on it. I'm more interested in the scripting part anyway so I might just look into using text and seeing how that works.

 

Okay, I've downloaded macPAR Deluxe, and per its instructions dropped it into the Applications folder. Then, for the first experiment I attempted to download HULAS & MotOR Squad's mod, Project Yavin 4th, http://pcgamemods.com/mod/10127.html. However, after clicking the "download" button, I get naught but strings of code on an html page, rather than the good old familiar download-in-progress pop-up box that usually goes to work when I download a mod.

[deckwreck]

hmmm thats weird. maybe something to do with your browser or the site? I download the mods on to my pc at work then email it to my computer at home and use macpar to unpack them. havent tried that particular mod (something in the readme file about it being in polish). Try a different mod, like the ord mandell or weebul's shop one, those are quite good.

 

As for the scripting, I'm only just now getting started reading all the tutorials and messing around with if this then that scenarios. I'm not that interested in creating or changing new items, just messing around with whats already there. Some of it seems a bit over my head but I think I'll give it a shot anyway and see what happens. My first attempt will be a simple (?) assasination quest. I'll let you know how that goes...