Author Topic: Extended CAW program unlocked  (Read 7458 times)

Offline BellaClo

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Extended CAW program unlocked
« on: February 10, 2012, 04:37:28 AM »
Some great step forward has just been made with CAW. To put it simply, some very talented modder has found out how to unlock the developer version of CAW, which unlocks many shiny features we don't have access to in the normal version (like an easy tool to define water planes of different levels, the lighthouse beam effect and many others).

So, for people who like to use CAW, this is a bit like Christmas is coming back early this year :-)

I do not post the link to the thread where all the details are published because this is hosted on a modding site (a famous one with an extended CAW section) and this would conflict directly with this forum's rules. You can ask me through pm if you're interested and don't find it by yourself.

YET, there is a warning. From reading the thread, it appears that unlocking this extended CAW requires the use of 3rd party tools and a minimum of computer-savvy skills. So, if you don't feel comfortable with such tools or manipulations, you might want to be extra cautious with this. Besides this, the discovery is very recent and some polishing/fine-tuning process is still going on. And, as always, back up completely anything you don't want to loose.

Enjoy!
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Offline MoonsAreBlue

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Re: Extended CAW program unlocked
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2012, 11:14:50 AM »
This sounds exciting! I just started getting into CAW a couple weeks ago, and there are already some features that I would like to see added that may be in this developer version? Did you download it, BellaClo? I won't ask for the link, but I'm wanting to hear from someone else if the additional features are worth it.



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Offline BellaClo

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Extended CAW program unlocked
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2012, 12:10:36 PM »
Not yet, no. All my Sim time is taken by the careers challenge ;-) But as soon as I'll be finished, I'll have a serious look at this program. I can report back then.
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Offline Hosfac

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Re: Extended CAW program unlocked
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2012, 02:12:46 PM »
I've never actually used CAW, so I apologize in advance if this is common knowledge...but I have to ask:  What is the difference between the developer's version of CAW and the user available version?

I only ask out of curiosity, so I'm not looking for a full, technical answer (since I probably wouldn't understand it anyways lol).  Feel free to sum it up in a nutshell version.  ;)
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Offline BellaClo

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Re: Extended CAW program unlocked
« Reply #4 on: February 10, 2012, 02:42:17 PM »
EA games removed some "tools" from their own version of CAW to release it for the players.

For instance, if you look at Twinbrook or Bridgeport closely, you'll see that all that water areas in those worlds are not on the same level. I'm not talking about ponds built on lot, but the really large water zones. Example: the central lake of Twinbrook is higher than the swamp waters. This is something we can't do with the public version of CAW, but the developer's one has an additional tool to design easily those different water planes.  This opens up many possibilities for world creators.

Another easy example: you can place a lighthouse in CAW (the one from SV), but the special effect of the light beam is not available. So, player made worlds have dull lighthouse  :(. Talented CAW users had found a way to add this effect, but it was really tricky. Now, it's available like other effects in the dev' tool.

A last example, not all the objects that come with an EP are tagged as visible (and placable) in CAW. They seem to be all there in the dev' version.

It's hard to explain it much more. Go download CAW and try it  ;), it's as fun as the game itself, although a tad little bit more time consuming.

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Offline MoonsAreBlue

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Re: Extended CAW program unlocked
« Reply #5 on: February 10, 2012, 03:53:26 PM »
I bet some talented designers could do some really cool stuff with the different water planes. I'll definitely be trying this new version out, but since I'm relatively new at using CAW, I probably won't be able to tell which features are new. For example, I haven't even tried using effects yet! I will be looking forward to BellaClo's information about the new features.

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Re: Extended CAW program unlocked
« Reply #6 on: February 11, 2012, 01:17:59 AM »
I'm guessing it would include the ability to add much more detailed terrain paint? If you look at where the grass meets the sand in ssv you'll see what I mean. It won't help me any, I'm not that talented, but I'm sure there are some real artists who would love that ability.



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Offline Seabody

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Re: Extended CAW program unlocked
« Reply #7 on: February 11, 2012, 01:24:59 AM »
I found the instructions about it and I have to say: it doesn't really look user-friendly to set up. But it creates a second .exe file for you to launch CAW from, leaving you free to launch from either the downloadable CAW or the altered CAW.

Offline Anushka

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Re: Extended CAW program unlocked
« Reply #8 on: February 11, 2012, 07:16:53 AM »
Just when I find terrain paint looking like a water, this is revealed! I'm looking forward to explore it when I get more time, but for now, I'm thrilled for pond feature and lighthouse actually working!

Thank you Bella for sharing the great news ;D

Offline MoonsAreBlue

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Re: Extended CAW program unlocked
« Reply #9 on: February 11, 2012, 11:00:23 AM »
I found the instructions about it and I have to say: it doesn't really look user-friendly to set up. But it creates a second .exe file for you to launch CAW from, leaving you free to launch from either the downloadable CAW or the altered CAW.

I've just installed it, but haven't had a chance to experiment yet. If you know how to navigate through your computer folders (to find your .exe files and downloads), you shouldn't have a problem installing. The instructions are very clear.

Offline MoonsAreBlue

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Re: Extended CAW program unlocked
« Reply #10 on: February 11, 2012, 11:08:53 PM »
I'm using the new CAW right now, and so far I've had no problems. However, when you drag out the size of the lot, there is no 30x30 (as in lot size) in the lower right corner. It has moved to the lower left hand side and it says "The Lot Tool is ac..." and then "x=12.00  y=15.51..." I'm assuming the first quotation says "The Lot Tool is active" and the second quotation is giving the lot coordinates and size, but since it cuts off with the "..." there is no way for me to tell the lot size as I am dragging it out. Does anyone have a clue how to extend the information? Or is this only happening to me?

Edit: The person who made the patch quickly responded and fixed my problem. While I can't link you to the place to fix it, I will tell you that you'll have to go to the end of the discussion thread to find the new patch. There is a link to the board at the end of the installation instructions. It's called supercaw.patch.

Moderators, this program is originally an article on The Sims Wiki. Would it be okay to link to the wiki instead of the mod site?

Offline Anushka

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Re: Extended CAW program unlocked
« Reply #11 on: February 27, 2012, 10:24:27 AM »
Moderators, this program is originally an article on The Sims Wiki. Would it be okay to link to the wiki instead of the mod site?

Yes, it would be OK :)

Offline MoonsAreBlue

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Re: Extended CAW program unlocked
« Reply #12 on: February 27, 2012, 08:44:02 PM »
Yes, it would be OK :)

Good news. Here is the link to the wiki with detailed instructions.

Offline KrispyNickyB

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Re: Extended CAW program unlocked
« Reply #13 on: February 27, 2012, 08:49:24 PM »
Looks great for world creators. I wish they would release it for Mac users too.