Where to start#
An XML mod needs the catalog tool, an XML editor with schemas and the X4 log. Blender is for model work rather than changing a single number.
Choose a tool#
| Tool | Task |
|---|---|
| X Catalog Tool: extracting and packing | Open CAT/DAT archives, extract selected files and build a separate extension package. |
| XML editor and X4 schema setup | Attribute completion, XSD validation and the difference between a final document and a diff patch. |
| Egosoft Blender Mod Tools: first export | The official model, collision and animation toolkit: preparing a scene and checking export. |
| X4 Customizer: transformations and diff checks | Configure paths, run a first script, inspect resulting XML and check extensions. |
| Module Drag and Drop: placing hardpoints | Transfer surface-element positions from Blender/X3D into XML connections. |
| X4 Editor: editing macros in tables | What Max Bain's editor is for and how to inspect its changes. |
| X4 Universe Generator: a first small universe | The purpose of Celludriel's generator and a workflow for checking map files. |
| Random Galaxy Generator Web Tool | How to evaluate a random-universe generator output without mistaking it for a complete mod. |
| .xmf / .xac and .dae: arc_'s converter | An older asset-conversion route and how it differs from current export tooling. |
| X4 Converter: limits of the older tool | Why Cgetty's older converter is not the main route for new models. |
| Blender animations to .ani: the older workflow | What tomchk's X4_gen_regions does and how to read older animation examples. |
First workflow#
- Extract the required XML and schemas from your installation, keeping reference files separate.
- Associate schemas in the editor and create one diff patch.
- Inspect the final XML and then check the effect in a separate game scenario.
- Add automation and packing after the first result is clear.
Versions and evidence#
For release: ext_ versus subst_ loading, multi-version catalogs and Workshop publication. For maps: universe hierarchy and 9.00 resources.
Articles link to Egosoft or the author. Older tools have explicit status notes. Inclusion in the official list does not establish current-version support. Command examples explain the workflow; this wiki does not claim to have run every listed tool.