Category:Data Files

A Tes4 module consists of (potentially) a number of types of data files. TES files (esm and esp files) form the core data modules that define the logical structure of the game world. Resource files (meshes, textures, voice files, music, sounds, video) give the gameworld its reality.

TES Files

• TES Files - Esm and esm files. Records, overrides, load order, record merging, mod de-isolation. This is a basic introduction to the major concepts of working with esm and esp files.
• Esp vs. Esm - Covers the differences between esps and esms.
• De-Isolation Tutorial - Advanced tools and tricks for getting user made mods to recognize and work with each other.
• Modding Terminology - An advanced guide to the somewhat confusing terminology of "records", "objects", "references", etc.

Resource Files

• BSA Files - Archive files. (Like zip files - but specifically for Tes4.) This is where most vanilla game resources are kept.
  • Tools: BSA Unpackers - Accessing BSA files.
• DDS Files - Textures for meshes as well as icons, maps, etc.
• KF Files - Animations files. Walking, swinging a sword, etc.
• NIF Files - 3D model files. These define three dimensional objects in the world.

Troubleshooting

• Windows Vista - Why Windows Vista UAC doesn't like mods and how to fix that.