How to mod the HUD/ user interface

[dan0]

So, here's the deal: I've downloaded One HUD by Gopher and HUD Extended by Imp of the Perverse.

 

They work great, love them. However, I would like to change a couple of things from HUD Extended and/or add some features from One HUD into the former mod.

I would like to learn how to edit HUDs. There's a good number of tutorials for Modding with G.E.C.K. but I'm having trouble finding resources for modding the HUD.

Can anyone direct me to some resources that might help me?

 

Thanks in advance.

[se7enraven]

I do not have a lot of understanding regarding huds, but I'll explain what I know.

 

Custom huds usually require a specific .xml document. You may have to search online for a free .xml editor if you do not own a program which can open such. If you do not know what an .xml document is, your best best is to start searching google for answers. The game stores these files in data/menus folder.

 

A hud with graphics will use new textures also. The textures are in .dds format and usually saved without mipmaps. If you are unfamiliar with .dds textures or what a mipmap is, your best bet would be to again, use google.

 

I am not sure if the hud/s use models, but some hud elements (like scopes or binoculars) use models also. These meshes are in .nif format. If you are unsure what a .nif is, google.

 

Finally, if you really want to learn how hud elements come together, browse through the vanilla game files, or in your case, the mod you downloaded to see what exactly was changed. Personally, I think huds are rather complicated but so was to GECK before I started messing with it. I hope someone else can come along to give you better advise than me. Hope your modding goes well-Peace!

[dan0]

What I want to do is:

 

1) Change the distribution of "HUD Extended"s elements.

2) Apply some of the scripts from "One HUD" into "HUD Extended"

By extension, I think I would need to learn how scripting something for the Mod Configuration Menu and NVSE woks, since "One HUD" is dependent on both.

 

I'm already familiar with Bethesta's creations kits, and have made several mods for personal use, mostly for morrowind. I've also played a bit with the G.E.C.K. recently, making a small mod that changes the look and stats of the Assassin suit, as well as modifying SimpleHUD a bit, to better suit my taste. I also have passable skill in nifscope and .dds editing.

 

 

What I'm trying to say is that I'm not entirely a newbie at modding, so don't be afraid to go for more "technical"info.

 

 

What I need to know is how those two mods work, and how to edit them

[kschang77]

You may want to study "Unified HUD project", as they go into how the different HUDs interact and manage to combine them. Maybe your merging idea can already be done.

[dan0]

They work together beautifully, thanks to "Unified HUD".But the functionality of both mods is not shared; they both work independently.

 

The real problem is that there's not enough info on the user interface, and how to edit it. for example:

What if I want a gauge that shows my HP (like the radiation gauge in HUD extended)?

 

Lets assume we already made all the .dds needed. How do you map that? how do you script it?

 Will I need to make an .esp or not?There are tutorials for modeling, creating lands, quests, equipment, tutorials for scripting. I can't seem to find tutorials for modifying the HUD.That's driving me a bit nuts.

[irswat]

I hope someone can provide a tutorial. I'm interested in this.