2.TDU Modding Tools : Main Screen

TDU Modding Tools are composed of :

File Browser: a handy BNK explorer and file editor (suitable for many other files too)
MAP Tools (advanced): helps to watch for TDU's file protect system
Database Editor (advanced): allows 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
Patch Editor: new tool to generate scripts, making install and modding tasks faster and easier
TDU Launcher: a profile selector to run TDU as a custom shortcut.

More details about each feature will be given later in this 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). Since 1.7 version, this path is automatically determined.
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:

Auto-Replace: what to do when replacing files into a BNK (by Edit->Apply or file drag&drop)
- Enlarge/reduce: (preferred) the BNK size will be adjusted, so you'll have to use a Magic Map (or fix the MAP) for TDU to accept it (see File Browser section for details).
- Maintain BNK size: (BNK Editor method) ensures BNK file will keep its size by truncating/filling contents when necessary.

c.TDU Launcher

This tab 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.

d.Patch Editor

Scroll report automatically: when checked, patch execution report will always display latest events. Please see Patch Editor section of this guide for more details.

Main buttons:

OK: to save settings then close window
Cancel: to close window without saving (same as right hand cross).

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

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