Modding Introduction
In this little introduction, we'll explain what is Grand Theft Auto IV modding and will give you tutorials and support.
Modding consists in modify game's files for a customized version: this will have a graphic change (e.g. textures) or technic change (e.g. handling).
How to create backups
It's one of the most important modding rules: backup files. You need to create a security copy for files that you will mod, to restore in case of problems.
You could create a folder called "Backups" in GTA IV main folder where to put all your original files.
An useful tool is GTA IV Recoverer, that allows you to restore files from game's DVD.
Modder's tool
Each modder, newbie or pro, needs his own tools.
To modify text files, e.g. .dat files, you could use Notepad, already installed on your pc.
For 3D modeling and/or conversion, you could use 3D programs such as 3D Studio Max (30 days trial on official site), or Blender. At the moment, importing 3D models is not supported for GTA IV.
All free tools will be uploaded in our download area, in GTA IV Tools section.
SparkIV and OpenIV
The most important tools for GTA 4 modding are:
You could find a tutorial for them in GTA 4 Modding tutorials' list.
How to install a mod for GTA 4?
"How to install a mod for GTA 4??" it's a frequently asked question. Install mods for GTA 4 it's very simple.
First of all, you need to unlock anti-modding protections. You will find soon a complete tutorial about it.
All mods and files in our download area (section GTA 4) have a readme in the archive, so install process should be easy.
Here's a little summary, if the mod is:
- clothes: usually it's a .wtd files (textures) to import in archives (e.g. .rpf or .img) with SparkIV.
If the texture is in .png format, you could import it with OpenIV. You could find a tutorial for them in GTA 4 Modding tutorials' list, as we said before. - a modified handling: you need only to copy the new handling.dat in ..\Grand Theft Auto IV\common\data.
- a vehicle: at the moment, importing 3D models is not supported for GTA IV. As soon as it could be possible, we'll publish a tutorial.
- a script: in this page you will find all details.
Anyway, if you have some problems, you could post here.
In this page, you will find all our english tutorial for Grand Theft Auto IV modding.