BIS File Formats: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:51, 26 September 2008

Introduction

3D Model File Formats

There are essentially two (2) types of 3D model files used by BIS's game engine, MLOD and ODOL.

MLOD File Formats

MLOD 3D models are uncompressed or unbinarized files.
This type of model file is editable in BIS's modelling tool application(s).
There are essentially two (2) versions of MLOD model types, SP3X and P3DM.
SP3X MLOD version is primarily for use with BIS's Operation Flashpoint game.
P3DM MLOD version is primarily for use with BIS's Armed Assault game.

The following links refer to articles describing the layout of MLOD files by community members - not by BIS or BIS employees. And as such may or may not be accurate.

MLOD SP3X (original)

MLOD SP3X File Format (revised)

MLOD P3DM File Format

ODOL File Formats

ODOL 3D models are compressed or binarized versions of the MLOD model file.
This type of model file is not editable.
There are essentailly two (2) versions of ODOL model types, ODOL v7 and ODOL v40.
ODOL v7 model files are the equivalent MLOD SP3X model file converted to compressed or binarized form. The game content released for OFP by BIS is primarily in this format.
ODOL v40 model files are the equivalent MLOD P3DM model file converted to compressed or binarzied form. The game content released for ArmA by BIS is primarily in this format.

The following links refer to articles describing the layout of ODOL files by community members - not by BIS or BIS employees. And as such may or may not be accurate.

ODOL v7 (original)

ODOL v7 File Format (revised)

ODOL v40 File Format

Animation File Formats

RTM File Format

Font File Formats

Fonts consists of paa texture files containing the characters of the font.

fxy files describe where the characters are positioned in the texture.

Island File Formats

There are essentially two (2) types of Island model files.

PEW File Formats

PEW files are uncompressed or unbinarized.
This type of file is editable in BIS's Island tool application(s).
This type of file is NOT useable by the Game Engine it is only used during the design phase of Island creation.
There are several versions of PEW files that correspond to different releases of BIS's Island editing tool Visitor and the 'Game Engine'.
All versions have a file character prefix in the first 4-bytes of the file of POSE and a character version in the next 3-bytes (eg. 'POSEW60').

The following links refer to articles describing the layout of PEW files by community members - not by BIS or BIS employees. And as such may or may not be accurate.

POSE v59 File Format

POSE v60 File Format (Current as at Version 1.14 of Tools & Game)

WRP File Formats

WRP files are Island Map files that are used by the Game Engine.
This file type comes in uncompressed/unbinarized and compressed/binarized format.
This file type is NOT editable by BIS Island tool application(s).
Uncompressed WRP file types come in 4WVR and 8WVR format for use with BIS's Operation Flashpoint and Armed Assault respectively.
Compressed or binarized WRP files have a file prefix in the first 4-bytes of the file of OPRW and then a version number to indicate which release of the OFP or ArmA Game Engine the Island is used with.

The following links refer to articles describing the layout of WRP files by community members - not by BIS or BIS employees. And as such may or may not be accurate.