Modding Tutorials/Recommended software

What you'll learn

This tutorial lists a few programs you could use to edit XML and C# code.

XML Code Editors

Basic Editors

Just about any text editor can write XML code, but as a modder you will want to at the very least see when you forgot closing brackets, a closing tag and other syntax errors.

Notepad doesn't do this, so if you're even somewhat serious about modding, the following software will help you immensely:

• Notepad++ = Has well implemented auto-completion and a very customizable user interface. Can be used to write both XML and C# code, although C# software usually has its own text editor;
• Programmer's Notepad = More lightweight with a less cluttered interface than Notepad++, also capable of editing both XML and C# code;
• XML Notepad = XML-oriented editor with a lot of features you will most likely never use in Rimworld modding.
  
  

Advanced Editors

There's many editors out there specifically made for XML code. Because Rimworld uses XML in a very simple way, advanced code editors are rarely needed. In case you're ever in need of one, however, the following ones might help:

• XPontus = Has a tree view and is capable of checking XML for errors, fixing tabs and creating schema's detailing every tag's data types;
• XMLGrid = Capable of validating XML and turning it into Excel Spreadsheets, XSD Charts and an online table detailing each tag of a certain type and its contents.
  
  

IDE's

C# code is best edited in an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) to make the process of editing code, managing a solution's content and compiling its projects both easier and faster. Any IDE for C# will probably work just fine, so here's a list of suggested editors:

• Visual Studio = Very extensive IDE with paid, trial and free versions. Any of these versions will probably work, so you might as well take Visual Studio Community 2013 which is free for individuals and small teams;
• MonoDevelop = Free, cross-platform IDE with customizable user interface. Has support for C# as well as some other languages you won't need for Rimworld;
• SharpDevelop = Free IDE specifically made for C#.
  
  

Whichever IDE you choose, make sure it's capable of compiling for .NET Framework 3.5. If you for whatever reason don't have this framework installed, you can download it here.

Additional C# Software

Besides your IDE it's strongly recommended to install the following program for C# coding:

• ILSpy = Software which is capable of decompiling source code, which is very useful in Rimworld modding.
  
  

Graphics Software

For making textures you will need graphics software. Any image editing program should work, and if you have an alternative to the following links that's probably okay:

• Photofiltre Studio = Functional software with very little user interface clutter for its applications. Doesn't support pen tablet, and has a 100% free (non-trial) version called Photofiltre;
• Inkscape = Free vector graphic program with a steeper learning curve due to the vector based image editing. Vector graphics can look better than bitmap graphics in Rimworld;
• Photoshop = Paid software with a trial version. Rimworld's original graphics are made in Photoshop (they're .PSD files).
  
  

Audio Software

Recording your own audio for mods might be too much to ask, but editing audio is always possible. This can be done with the following software or your own alternative:

• Audacity = Audio editing software with many tutorials online, lots of useful functionality and a relatively readable interface.