Custom Track Tutorial

Introduction

This page contains a brief overview of Custom Track files, a listing of the programs used to create Custom Tracks, and a listing of in-depth tutorials on creating custom Custom Tracks and related topics.

If you have any questions, you may post them on the Talk page (please sign your posts with --~~~~) or in the custom track thread at mariokartwii.com.

Overview of a Custom Track File

File:Soliditykh.png

A view of SZS Explorer showing SZS file structure.

You will mainly be working with the following files when creating a custom track.

• Your SZS

SZS is an archive format used by Nintendo for many types of data, and is similar to a ZIP or RAR file. Your SZS file will contain all the files needed by your track, including:

• course.kcl

This is collision data. This file determines what parts of the level can be driven on, where the walls and boost pads are, and which parts of the level are out of bounds.

• course.kmp

This file controls the placement of all objects in a level, including item boxes and trees, as well as enemy routes, start positions, checkpoints, and intro and replay cameras.

• course_model.brres

This is the model of the level displayed in-game. It has no solidity of its own, but can be used to generate collision data.

• map_model.brres

This is the minimap.

An SZS' archive typically contains many other files. These include BRRES files, which are the models of objects used in the level. You may also find folders labeled posteffects, effects and brasd. Post effects include fog (BFG files) and bloom settings (BBLM). Effects include water splashes (Pocha), snow and fireworks (Hanabi.) The brasd folder contains animations, needed for Goombas (Kuribo), Chain Chomps (Wanwan), flags, cannons and other items. Please note that if you plan to use an object with effects or animations, you will need all its associated files in your SZS, otherwise your level will not load. Files can also be imported, exported or deleted from an SZS file as needed using SZS Explorer.

Required Programs and Files

You will need to download these programs and a track file to use as a base for your new level.

• CTools Pack

This is a collection of Custom Track tools including:

• SZS Explorer

This program is used to manage the files inside an SZS archive, such as the course and map models. Double clicking on an object inside an SZS archive will open it in an external editor, if available.

• BRRES Editor

This program is used to view models and import OBJ-format models (exported with 3D modeling programs) to the BRRES model format used in Mario Kart Wii. It is also used to import and export textures without otherwise altering a model.

• SZS Modifier

This program is the predecessor of CTools. It's required for editing things that CTools currently cannot edit, such as the object and route data in KMP files. It is also better for certain tasks that CTools can handle, such as creating minimaps and editing KCL data. Unlike CTools, SZS Modifier cannot expand files.

• Model Editor

• Google SketchUp (Recommended)
• Any other 3D modeler program; must be used along with Blender.

• Track Files

You can base your level on one of Mario Kart Wii's track files, such as beginner_course (Wii Luigi Circuit), castle_course (Wii Mario Circuit) or old_mario_64 (N64 Mario Raceway.) These levels all have fairly easy to understand KMPs. This option is usually preferable, as long as you have access to the original files.

You can also base your track off of another custom track. Rooster Island works well as it can replace almost any track and is based on castle_course's KMP. Fishdom Island is another good choice if you need more complex checkpoints, item routes and enemy routes. Or you can create an SZS file from scratch using CTools. If you create the SZS with CTools you will need to import KMP and the KCL files from another Nintendo or custom track into your SZS.

Optional

These are helpful programs that can enhance your level.

• KMP Modifier

This program can edit and expand KMP data. It allows you to add or remove extra objects, checkpoints, respawn points, etc.

• Image Editor

Photoshop, GIMP, and Paint.NET are just a few examples. Since they are free, GIMP and Paint.net are recommended.

• Wiimms SZS Tools

These command-line tools replace some functions of SZS Modifier and SZS Explorer. They allow the creation of SZS files automatically using scripts (batch files.)

• Hex Editor

A Hex Editor is included with CTools, but this technique is for experienced hackers or experimental purposes only. Some files, such as post effects and animation files, cannot be edited with the current suite of programs. Hex Editing is the only option is cases like these, and can lead to greater understanding of these files.

Tutorials

If you're going to create a Texture Hack you need to follow the Texturing tutorial. Otherwise you should begin with the Modeling With 3D Editor tutorial.

Basic Tutorials

These tutorials cover all the normal procedures for making a Custom Track.

• Texturing

How to import textures to and export textures from BRRES model files. Useful information even if you aren't creating a texture hack.

• Modeling With 3D Editor

How to make your track with a model editor and convert it to a BRRES model that Mario Kart Wii can load.

• Solidity

How to create an optimized collision model and assign properties such as boosts, walls, and off road to surfaces in your level.

• Important Stuff

• How to create the minimap.
• How to make a cannon.
• How to texture and change other models (sky dome, item boxes, etc.) in your level.
• How to import objects from other levels.
• How to swap out post effects to give your level a different look, such as night-time, foggy or sunny.

• KMP Editing

How to set up objects, routes, checkpoints and many other important things using SZS Modifier. Expanding KMP files is also covered in this tutorial.

Miscellaneous/Advanced Tutorials

These tutorials cover additional topics.

• Porting Tutorial

How to Port 3D levels from other Mario Kart games.

• How To Swap Animations

How to swap texture animations out from other models and import model animations.

• Modeling With Paint (OBSOLETE AND NOT RECOMMENDED)

How to make your track with MS Paint and import into a BRRES file.

• Remaking Paint Levels in SketchUp

How to remake a MS Paint level in SketchUp, while maintaining the original scale and position of the track.

• Custom Music

How to convert music into the BRSTM format used by Mario Kart Wii and many other Nintendo games.

Links

Custom Track Tutorials

Main Tutorials
Introduction – Textures – Scale – Modeling ⇒ Using Blender – BRRES: CTools
BRRES: BrawlBox – BRRES: RiiStudio – Minimap – Solidity – KCL: Wiimms Tools – KMP Editing
Object Editing – Cameras – Cannons – Post-effects – Videos

Battle Arenas
Battle Arenas – Enemy routes in battle arenas ⇒ Using Wiimm's Tools – Coins

Misc. Tutorials
Getting Files – BrawlBox Tricks – Animations – Shadows – Mipmaps
Custom Effects – Moving Terrain – Music – Ports – Paint Remakes – Tutorial Archive
Extended presence flags: Track Tutorial – LE-CODE Track FAQ

Testing and Reviewing
Testing a Track – Visual Review – Track Transformation – Fixing Errors

Software
3D Tools – BrawlBox – CTools Pack – KMP3D – KMP Cloud – KMP Modifier
Lorenzi's KMP Editor – MagicY – Material Tool – Post-Effect Editor – Wiimms SZS Tools – Wiimm's Tool Manager

Other
KMP Objects – Custom Objects – Model Database – Tutorial Archive