Map, Game, And Unit Development Programs

A Comprehensive list of tools to make Spring content.

• Those that are Open Source are marked with a *
• Those that are Free are marked with a *
• Those that Cost are marked with a *

Image Editing

1. Gimp**
   -> Pre compiled Binary files(or installer files) can be found here: [1]
   -> The DDS plugin for Gimp can be found at http://nifelheim.dyndns.org/~cocidius/dds/
2. Corel Paint Shop Pro*
   -> Jasc was recently bought out by Corel.
3. Corel Draw*
   -> This is Corel's orignal graphics program. Very easy to work with. I have used an older version of it, and love the photoshop it has.
4. Adobe Photoshop*
   -> The most widely used image editing program ever.

3d Modeling

1. Wings 3D**
   -> Probably the most popular modeller for Spring.
   -> Easy to learn modelling and UV mapping environments.
   -> Excellent introduction to using it can be found here.
   -> For help on how to UV map with it just ask around.
2. Blender**
   -> The most used opensource modeler that has it's own way of doing things.
3. Anim8or*
4. 3DS MAX*
   -> The most widely used and aclaimed modeling programs ever. Used in creation of many games and movies(The Matrix). One of the 2 major model programs used by professionals.
   -> The s3o plugin for 3DS MAX can be found here. NOTE: This is not backwards compatible with versions older then 7. Also this only exports: [2]
5. Lightwave*
   -> A popular modeling program thats been around a long time. One of the 2 major model programs used by professionals.
6. Rhinoceros*
   -> A farely new comer to the world of modeling, uses a lot of nurbs surfaces.
7. GMAX*
   -> Great for learning as it is 3DS MAX v4 without rendering, and has game packs for a fair amount of games, is locked in exporting, though there are a few workarounds.

3d Model converters/Assemblers

1. 3DO Builder**
   -> The most widely used program for converting models to the 3do file format of TA. Follow the tips on the main page in the above link and it will run just fine.
2. UpSpring**
   -> Help information, manual, and tips can be found here: [3]
   -> This is the only other way to get files into the s3o file format for Spring other then the s3o plugin for 3DS MAX.

Scripting And Unit Stats files

1. Scripter**
   -> The by far best compiler for your handmade .bos scripts into endless lines of letters and numbers that the TA engine reads. The program is large, easy to operate and with a broad error tracing (well, better than the other two alternatives). While other versions of this program sometimes refuse to compile on-off functions, this download is guaranteed to work in every condition.
2. Cobbler*
   -> This is a very simple script compiler that converts your newly written .bos files understood by humans into a hexadecimal .cob gibberish used by the TA engine. Beware, however, that this program is a lightweight, which means that it doesn't provide especially much error tracing, not to mention that it is in French.
3. Servo*
   -> Rhad's awesome but somewhat buggy animation scripting program. It features keyframed animation script generation from a 3D positioner.
4. Brain*
   -> The Brain is a scripting utility that converts your newly written code rows into incomprehensible hex codes used by the game. This program is in english and can sometimes give you the most wondorous error messages, so it's only reccomended as a backup scripting program.
5. UnCobbler*
   -> The first (I think) uncobbling utility. Bad english and brute force approach make this one outdated, but here it is for completeness sake.
6. Excel FBI editor**
   -> Lets you quickly edit all your FBI files in an Excel spread sheet. Made by Maelstorm.
   NOTE: Microsoft Excel is NOT FREE.
   -> Help information, manual, and tips can be found here: [4]

Map Compiling

1. mothers MapConv**
   -> The map compiler used by most people. Supports feature placment.
2. mothers MapConv special*
   -> The normal MapConv does not work for some people. If you are one of them, try this one.
3. SMD Creator**
   -> Maelstroms SMD creator. Has a few bugs, but a new release should be out in a few days.

Documentation and Tutorials

1. S3O file format for Spring***
   -> The above link is to the form were this currently being disscused, and feed back is being provided. Also includes tips and helpful information.