simmanity

[simmanity]

How do you make UI recolors? I wanted to make my own but I don't know how to get started.

How to make your own UI recolours for The Sims 3

note:

this guide is for the Windows PC, Steam Version of The Sims 3, because that is what i have

dino_rex's thread:

this thread is what got me started

you can download the starter packs on the attached files of this post

i don't use this starter pack anymore because it's limited and didn't include what i wanted to change

i would recommend that you use the other options below...

start small first:

i wrote a similar post on creating custom loading screens here, so this post will be VERY similar to that!

please start with that tutorial first to get familiarized with the whole editing process, then move on...

now, to do it yourself:

first, navigate to where your TS3 game is installed:

Steam -- Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 3\

DVD 34 bit-- Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\

DVD 64 bit-- Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\

Origin 34 bit -- Program Files\Origin Games\The Sims 3\

Origin 64 bit-- Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 3\

// idk the path for non-Windows installations //

NOT THIS -- Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3

navigate to:

\GameData\Shared\Packages\

and the packages you are looking for are:

FullBuild0.package

DeltaBuild0.package

for BOTH packages, do this:

Open in S3PE

Resource

Select all

Export

To file...

Choose a folder to export to (An example: have a primary YourProjectName folder, with 2 folders within it: Originals and Edited. Within Originals is 2 folders: FullBuild and DeltaBuild)

Export the files to the appropriate folder

now that you've exported the Originals, time to make your edits:

Navigate to YourProjectName folder

COPY the original file that you want to edit (from the Originals folder)

Place it in the Edited folder

Edit these files with your preferred image editor

Open S3PE and have your File Explorer up

Select the images you've edited in your File Explorer (Ctrl+A to select all)

Drag to S3PE

Popup window: Import

Wait until it's complete

Hit X to close S3PE

Save? Yes.

Choose a name for your package

Save

Copy this package to your Mods folder

Start your game. Changes should appear.

Repeat until you are satisfied with your changes

my version

my 3 UI recolour projects (Sakura, Wisteria, Celeste) are based on this starter template repository on GitHub. don't use this template because it is stylized / customized for MY OWN three projects, and may NOT be what you want. however, you can copy the folder structure and look up what files to change for your own project (as inspiration).

i highly recommend that you use GitHub to BACKUP and TRACK your changes (or another version control software)

happy editing!

[simmanity]

2024-12-18

released new versions.... notice... green ui...

current projects:

Celeste - v0.0.4

Sakura - v0.0.16

Wisteria - v0.0.6

notice:

i believe that C/S/W are currently in a good place and may not require any further updates at this time. as such, they will be going on an extended hiatus. however, if you come across any visual issues or areas that need fixing, please don’t hesitate to let me know. i'll address and resolve them as needed. latest versions will always be on my Github.

light green ui recolour - early screenshots:

i think this shade is ok. idk if i'll continue this project or not, since i'm not a fan of green...

thoughts? naming suggestions?

[simmanity]

2024-12-11

notes on custom loading screens...

loadscreen = after intro video, before the mods-dialog//choose-a-save-game//primary-menu

my current loadscreen because i play on "Into The Future" (the last expansion pack released)

this is a simple guide to change the backgrounds of the loading screens. this does not include changes to text (colour, written text replacements, etc), and logos.

Instructions

0 - Don't have TS3 running.

1A - Navigate to where your TS3 game is installed:

Steam -- Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 3\

DVD 34 bit-- Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\

DVD 64 bit-- Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\

Origin 34 bit -- Program Files\Origin Games\The Sims 3\

Origin 64 bit-- Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 3\

// idk the path for non-Windows installations //

NOT THIS -- Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3

1B - Navigate to: \GameData\Shared\Packages\

2 - Open DeltaBuild0.package with S3PE

3A - Checkmark underneath Name, and write ATLAS_AppLoadingScreen 3B - Checkmark underneath Tag, and write IMAG 3C - Click the "Set" button 3D - Checkmark the "Filter Active" button

4A - Resource 4B - Select all

5A - Resource 5B - Export 5C - To file...

6A - Choose a folder to export the files to, and export it 6B - Close S3PE 6C - Navigate to this in your File Explorer

7 - Edit these files with your preferred image editor

8 - Open S3PE and have your File Explorer up

9A - Select the images you've edited in your File Explorer (Ctrl+A to select all) 9B - Drag to S3PE 9C - This should pop up:

10A - Import 10B - Wait...

11 - X to Close

12A - Save? Yes. 12B - Choose a name 12C - Save to your mods folder

13 - S3PE will automatically close once it's saved. (This is why I chose to have step #11 before #12)

14 - Start your game. Changes should appear. Here's an example:

[simmanity]

Gradient Sakura UI Edit for The S3 & Changed Seasonal & Lunar Icons

So I got this idea from the creator of the sweet dreams UI for the rainbow edit.. the rest of the UI is the same other than the icons for the seasonal and lunar phases I just decided to add some rainbow to the UI cause I thought it would look nice! •Credits to aecyia on MTS for her wonderful UI recolor! •Credits also to Arro for the changed seasonal & lunar icons! •If there is any problems with the rainbows let me know! •Rainbows were made 100% in photoshop myself! •If there is any other suggestions for a rainbow UI edit for the other UI recolors let me know!

Download

[simmanity]

How to prioritize your mods with Resource.cfg

My original post: here. Rewritten and reposted to tumblr for easier access. Also added photos. This will be updated more than the original post.

The Issue: NRaas Portrait Panel (NPP) conflicts with Sakura (my UI mod).

You can do this for other mod conflicts. I am only using NPP and Sakura as examples.

The Solution: Have NPP be of higher priority than Sakura...

1 - The "Resource.cfg" file is used to determine how custom content (CC) and mods are loaded by the game. It allows you to prioritize folders and subfolders, which is super useful when organizing your mods.

2 - I assume most people have setup their mods based on this guide

3 - From this, there are 2 folders (Overrides and Packages) and one file (Resource.cfg)

4 - The Resource.cfg from that guide looks like this:

Priority 501 DirectoryFiles Files/... autoupdate Priority 1000 PackedFile Overrides/*.package PackedFile Overrides/*/*.package PackedFile Overrides/*/*/*.package PackedFile Overrides/*/*/*/*.package PackedFile Overrides/*/*/*/*/*.package Priority 500 PackedFile Packages/*.package PackedFile Packages/*/*.package PackedFile Packages/*/*/*.package PackedFile Packages/*/*/*/*.package PackedFile Packages/*/*/*/*/*.package Priority 499 PackedFile Test/*.package PackedFile Test/*/*.package PackedFile Test/*/*/*.package PackedFile Test/*/*/*/*.package PackedFile Test/*/*/*/*/*.package Priority -50 PackedFile Probation/*.package PackedFile Probation/*/*.package PackedFile Probation/*/*/*.package PackedFile Probation/*/*/*/*.package PackedFile Probation/*/*/*/*/*.package Priority 500 PackedFile DCCache/*.dbc

5 - The Priority number determines the load order. Higher numbers are loaded first, so mods with higher priorities override those with lower ones. Higher priority numbers are generally for: overrides, fixes, core mods, replacements, etc.

6 - So, Priority 1000 loads before 500, 499, and -50. Which means this is the priority in terms of folders:

Overrides

Files (???)

Packages, DCCache

Test

Probation.

7A - My Mods folder looks like this:

7B - My Resource.cfg file looks like this:

# Overrides = Files that must always take precedence such as fixes, core mods, and replacements. Priority 1000 PackedFile Overrides/*.package PackedFile Overrides/*/*.package PackedFile Overrides/*/*/*.package PackedFile Overrides/*/*/*/*.package PackedFile Overrides/*/*/*/*/*.package # Secondary = Files that must go after Overrides Priority 750 PackedFile Secondary/*.package PackedFile Secondary/*/*.package PackedFile Secondary/*/*/*.package PackedFile Secondary/*/*/*/*.package PackedFile Secondary/*/*/*/*/*.package # Not sure what this is for: # The "autoupdate" flag suggests this folder may be for dynamically updating or monitoring files, possibly for mods or utilities that update automatically or change during gameplay. Further investigation needed... Priority 501 DirectoryFiles Files/... autoupdate # DCCache = .dbc files are created when .sim3pack files are installed Priority 500 PackedFile DCCache/*.dbc # Packages = Standard packages Priority 500 PackedFile Packages/*.package PackedFile Packages/*/*.package PackedFile Packages/*/*/*.package PackedFile Packages/*/*/*/*.package PackedFile Packages/*/*/*/*/*.package # Test = actively developed/tested new content; experimental mods Priority 499 PackedFile Test/*.package PackedFile Test/*/*.package PackedFile Test/*/*/*.package PackedFile Test/*/*/*/*.package PackedFile Test/*/*/*/*/*.package # Probation = under review, has potential issues, outdated, needs fixing Priority -50 PackedFile Probation/*.package PackedFile Probation/*/*.package PackedFile Probation/*/*/*.package PackedFile Probation/*/*/*/*.package PackedFile Probation/*/*/*/*/*.package

Here's a link so you can easily copy-paste it.

8 - This means the load order is:

Overrides

Secondary

Files (???)

Packages, DCCache

Test

Probation

9 - I have NPP in the Overrides Folder, and Sakura in the Secondary Folder. This makes NPP load before Sakura. This also means you can download the latest Sakura versions and throw them in a folder, without having to modify Sakura's files to be 'compatible' with other mods!

Overrides (folder) -- has NPP

Secondary (folder) -- has Sakura

Packages (folder) -- my other mods

Resource.cfg

10 - You can configure your own Resource.cfg however you want, just make sure...

the priority numbers are accurate AND in the order you intended

the folder structure reflects the priority you assign

the folder structure is organized and consistent, with clear and descriptive folder names

you define the depth of subfolder scanning based on how your mods are organized. don't scan deeper levels than necessary, as it may slow down loading. example: stop at 3 or 4 levels if your folders don't go deeper than that. after editing Resource.cfg, test the game's load time. if it is significantly slower, you may need to reduce the scanning depth or reorganize your mods.

use comments for clarity. this is in one line starting with the symbol "#". it should look like this in your text editor:

not like this, where there are multiple lines:

regularly clean and audit your mods for duplicates, outdated, broken, and conflicting mods

if mods have specific instructions with prioritizing, follow that.

// and probably a bunch more mod organizing tips here //

Let me know if this helps! Happy to correct errors or add any extra details you think are useful.

[simmanity]

Celeste UI - A sky blue UI recolour for The Sims 3

Download on ModTheSims!

[simmanity]

2024-11-29

a preview of a light blue ui recolour for the sims 3. i only re-coloured some parts to see how it'd look...

skills journal

build buy modes

i think this shade is pretty good.

now... to make the full recolour or not...? 🤔

[simmanity]

a minor vent

I recently discovered that someone edited a version of my mod “Sakura” and shared it without ever reaching out to me. This has left me with mixed feelings, and I want to share my thoughts to encourage more open communication and collaboration in the modding community, especially in relation to my projects.

For context, I released “Sakura” back in January 2023, on GitHub and ModTheSims. In November 2024, I created my mod, “Wisteria” thinking there weren’t any soft, non-saturated purple UI mods out there. Turns out, there kinda was? Earlier in February 2024 (?), somebody modified “Sakura” and distributed it as “SakuraEdit_LilacDreamsUI.package” on a Discord server, which I only found out about after watching a YouTube video showcasing it. My concern is that they (the creator of the mod of my mod) never contacted me about it.

Let’s be clear: I understand that mods often evolve or inspire others. But saying, “It’s just a mod of a mod, who cares? I don’t need permission. Mods are based on the game, which isn’t theirs anyway. You should feel flattered if someone liked your mod enough to edit it. You’d never have noticed if you never found out about it. You’re overreacting; it’s not like they’re making money from it,” is a lazy attempt to justify ignoring the time, energy, vision, and passion that creators pour into their work.

Mods may be built on an existing framework, but they are still original works that reflect a creator’s unique vision and creativity. Although a mod is based on a larger property, it doesn’t mean the creator’s contributions should be overlooked or disrespected. Flattery is no excuse for ignoring a creator. Even if I hadn’t noticed the edited version of my mod, the lack of communication still isn’t right. Going unnoticed doesn’t make it ethical.

Creators deserve the chance to be aware of how their work is being used, shared, or modified, especially if it’s associated to their name or project. A simple heads-up shows respect and transparency. It could harm the original creator’s reputation if issues or unintended changes arise in the edited version. There’s also the risk of misattribution, where people could mistakenly believe the edited version is the original creator’s own work. Failing to reach out also erodes trust in the community.

Had this person contacted me, I might have been open to a collaboration! If you’ve edited my work and shared it, I’d love for you to reach out this time and share your thoughts. Let’s talk and see if there’s room for collaboration, maybe even for Wisteria!

To the wider modding community, respect the creators behind the mods you enjoy. A simple message goes a long way toward keeping modding a positive space for everyone. Let’s continue to support and communicate with each other!

[simmanity]

2024-11-27

Screenshots for Wisteria v0.0.2

World Adventures Journal:

Recoloured to a lighter purple

Includes text and icon/button colours

Screenshots for Sakura v0.0.13

World Adventures Journal:

Recoloured from purple to pink

Includes text and icon/button colours

Notification Manager

dark pink = hovered the tab "Information" (the envelope)

dark pink = inactive tabs

white = current tab

white = flashing notifications

old vs new:

Celebrity Journal

Simology Panel

old vs new:

Skill + Collection Journal

dark pink = tab icons and skill description text

they're both the same value; can't have one without the other

should the text for statistics and challenges be pink too? hmm...

Sakura v0.0.13 and Wisteria v0.0.2 are now released.

Planned Changes for Sakura v0.0.14 and Wisteria v0.0.3:

None yet. Suggestions?

[simmanity]

2024-11-26

Currently working on Sakura v0.0.13. Will include colour changes to fonts/icons/buttons, a pink Adventure Journal, and other minor fixes. No specific release date planned.

Wisteria is Stalled. Will need to rework the Adventure Journal to be truly purple… and other layout changes. Wisteria v0.0.2 will be sometime after Sakura's v0.0.13 release.

[simmanity]

UI Recolour Ideas

Ideas for a new recolour project... I would prefer a short, flowery name that is easy to say/write/spell.

red - camellia / tsubaki, rose, poppy, ...

orange - begonia, marigold, ...

yellow - daffodil, buttercup, ...

green - flora, lime, ...

other - dahlia, peony, iris, ...

What recolour should be next? Any alternate colour / naming suggestions?

[simmanity]

who would like a purple ui for the sims 3?

here are some screenshots from Wisteria v0.0.1 ♡

Get it on MTS here ♡

[simmanity]

Imaginary Friend Doll Pattern Types

Dots1

Dots2

Dots3

Dots4

Stars1

Stars2

Stars3

Stars4

Stripes1

Stripes2

Stripes3

Stripes4

[simmanity]

Pink Icons I Made

Free to download and use wherever

Zoomed in: 256x256

Zoomed Out: 500x500

Transparent: 500x500

[simmanity]

[simmanity]

Sakura

This is my project called Sakura.

My goal is to recolour The Sims 3 UI to a nice cute light pink, with some light blues and purples ♡

This is just a side project of mine. Testers will be needed. See below :D

These are some unedited screenshots. Some are cropped, however. The colours may appear darker or brighter or different based on your own computer’s brightness and image settings ♡

There is so much more to be done !!!

Yes. Pink ♡

Main Menu -- Options Menu

Loading Screen

Simology Tab -- Time controls are blue. Yes.

Relationships Tab -- Hovered my cat companion

Skill Journal -- Athletic Skill Tab

Skill Journal -- Photography Skill Tab -- Hover an item on Dropdown Menu

Inventory Tab -- Hover Death Flower

Opportunities Tab -- Hover my China adventure

Lifetime Rewards Tab -- Jocks / Socialites <Blue> -- Nerds <Green> -- Rebels <Purple>

Needs Tab -- Hover Energy

Buy Mode -- Sort by Room -- Toys Tab -- Bryan the Valentine Bear

Buy Mode -- Sort by Function -- Vehicles -- Margaret Vaguester

Build Mode

Build Mode -- Terrain Paints Tab -- Stones & Pavers

Sim -- Smart Phone -- Hover Enroll in University Life -- Blue because it is unavailable (normally greyed out in the original version)

Entering Create a Household (CAS)

CAS -- Basics Tab -- Supernatural Type -- Oops, some are pink, some aren’t. I should fix this sometime

CAS -- Face Tab -- Eyes -- Brow Settings -- Blue Sliders

CAS -- Clothing Tab -- Formalwear

CAS -- Personality Tab -- Traits -- Hover Adventurous

CAS -- Personality Tab -- Favourite Colour -- Pink, of course ♡

CAS -- Personality Tab -- Astrological Signs -- Gemini ♡

UPDATE

09-22-22 -- added blue sliders, minor fixes, some more screenshots

CAS -- Basics Tab -- Supernatural Type

Create A Horse -- Basic Mode -- Breeds

Create A Horse -- Advanced Mode

Create A Dog -- Advanced Mode

Create A Cat -- Advanced Mode

Create a Household -- Pre-Made Sims and Pets

LAST UPDATED -- 01-30-2023

So . . . 

What do you think ?

Wanna try it out ?

This isn’t a completely perfect project, so I will need some testers to provide feedback ♡

Okay, enough teasing :3

Full Link: https://github.com/aecyia/Sakura -- this will always have the latest version

ModTheSims Link: https://modthesims.info/d/673792

That’s all for now ♡

Time to enjoy my lovely pink UI recolour ♡

[simmanity]

About

Simmanity = Sim + Humanity

Formerly @astraace. Renamed to @simmanity on 01 August 2023

Maybe I should post more about my projects...

Quick Links

My UI Recolour Mods for The Sims 3. Suggest one at this post.

Sakura - Pink UI

Wisteria - Purple UI

Celeste - Sky Blue UI

Social / Contact

ModTheSims - aecyia is more active on this site

GitHub - VMPYRC is more active on this site

tumblr (this blog)

Posts

How to prioritize your TS3 Mods!

How to create your own UI Recolour Mod

♡