1.TDU Modding Tools : Main Screen

TDU Modding Tools are composed of :

File Browser: a handy BNK explorer (suitable for many other files too)
BNK Editor: link to this awesome tool, © Jeff Harris
MAP Tools (advanced): helps to cope with TDU's file protect system
Database Editor (advanced): allow to view/edit textual contents of database files
2DB>DDS: a quick texture converter, from TDU to editable format
DDS>2DB: a quick texture converter, in the other way
Car colors: makes it possible to swap color cars, thus to repaint some cars
TDU Launcher: buttons to run TDU as a custom shortcut.

More details about each functionality are given later in the guide.

File > Settings

a.Main

This tab page allows to set the main parameters, used through the whole application.
Settings to set actually:

TDU root: location where Test Drive Unlimited is installed (... button allows to browse for location).
Startup module: select here the module you want to start with the Modding Tools.
Database current culture: select here which database files you're willing to watch in DB Editor.

b.File Browser

File Browser dedicated settings.
To set actually:

Replace method: what to do when replacing files into a BNK (by Edit->Apply or file drag&drop)
- Maintain BNK size: ensures BNK file will keep its size by truncating/filling contents when necessary.
- Enlarge/reduce: do not affect contents. The BNK size will change, so you'll have to patch/fix the MAP for TDU to accept it (see File Browser section for details).

c.TDU Launcher

New ! Additional tab which permits to define your own start parameters, according to named configurations.

To add a new configuration: select the <New configuration...> item in the list, make your selection over many options like windowed mode, radial cleaner... then click the floppy button to give your configuration a name.
To modify an existing configuration: select the configuration name in the list, make your selection over options then click the floppy button.
To delete a custom configuration: select the configuration name in the list then click the thrash button.

Please note the default configuration can only be modified, not deleted. Also, any of your changes won't be saved until you click the OK button at the bottom right corner.

Main buttons:

OK: to save settings then close window
Cancel: to close window without saving.

View > Basic/Advanced

2 views are available:

Basic: only tools for common use are enabled
Advanced: particular tools are available (MAP Tool - DB Editor)

TDU Launcher

New feature with the latest version, it provides the ability to start Test Drive Unlimited either with default parameters, or custom ones.

By clicking the Launch Test Drive Unlimited ! button, you will use the default start parameters, that are like clicking a regular TDU shortcut on your desktop.
Yet, you can also use a custom configuration by clicking the right-situated arrow button. To use a launch configuration, you have to define it in the settings first, so please refer to this section.

Index