How Do File Types Work?

[DirebearCoat]

I downloaded this mod to try it out, but it didn't do anything (that I could see).  Nothing seemed to change.

So, I went to the Nexus page to see if there was a bug, but I saw something about file types, and that they had different effects.

I didn't understand what they were talking about.  So, I went to the file page and found a long list of "file types," and realized that I have to pick one of them, but I don't know which one.

So, I came here to ask.

What is the difference between these file types and how do they work?

https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/130966?tab=files

[scorrp10]

That mod is weirdly organized and rather poorly documented.   The main file is just meshes and textures, so it does not actually put anything into the game.   You have to install that, and then get one of optional files, which are just plugins.   A better practice is to include one plugin in the main file, and provide another as optional (or, even better, make a fomod).

Not entirely sure what you mean by 'file types'.   If you mean ESP vs ESL, that is regular mod, which occupies one of 256 primary plugin slots, and really should only be used by 'heavy' mods (over 2048 forms) , vs a light mod, which loads into one of 4096 'sub-slots'  under FE slot.    One caveat:   'esl' file type is reserved for 'light master' mods that load very high, right after the .esm.    One really is better off checking the ESL flag in the plugin header, but keeping the .esp file type - this creates what is called "ESP-FE", which is a light mod, can can load anywhere.

Replacer vs Standalone means the mod either changes the look of existing in-game armor, or adds entirely new armor items.

PS.   I took a look = that mod has errors.   I strongly advise not using its ESL versions until corrected.

 

 

 

[DirebearCoat]

Thanks for your explanation.  That helped a lot.  I still didn't understand some of the technicalities, but what I got was that it's not set up in the best way, and that basically I would have to take the various parts, the right parts, and put it together myself and hope that I did it right, like a piece of furniture from IKEA.

I'll wait to see if they fix these short comings, before giving it another try.

Hopefully, someone will see the mistakes and errors you saw, and point it out the them so that it could be addressed in their updates...

[scorrp10]

I already did it on their mod page.