caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 1st, 2022, 6:38 pm

I have followed your steps for downloading and extracting the file, and it looks like it worked!!

This is great! Well done! I'm so glad it's working for you now.

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 1st, 2022, 6:38 pm

Might you possibly be able to confirm for me that it would be better to use CASP Editor to hide a bunch of the Maxis-made CAS items, rather than Blacklisting (again, assuming I am using the correct term 'Blacklisting'?) them with Master Controller, in order to speed up the CAS load time in-game?

Yes, I personally think it's better to use Easy CASP Editor. That's what I do! Or rather, that's what I did many years ago.


Blacklisting is the correct term but the reason I don't use it is because you can only blacklist 30,000 lines. That may seem a lot but it's not really when you think of all the variations of clothing. We have more details about this in our guide about Blacklisting which you may have seen already but I'll copy the relevant part down below because I can't link to it directly. I highly recommend reading the whole page as well if you want to understand the differences completely.

"Warning
Due to the vast amount of CAS-parts (EA-packs, Store Content, Custom Content) within the game, players are unable to blacklist (hide) a large amount of these CAS-parts with an Invalid_Tuning mod or Valid_Tuning mod (CAS-parts you would like to use).
The maximum amount of lines you can insert in this mod is approximately 30,000 (you'll need a text editor to view the number of lines used, preferably NotePad++). Going over this amount will prevent the mod from loading properly and it will be unable to hide any previously selected CAS parts in the game's CAS engine."


The next paragraph on the Blacklisting page goes on to say that Easy CASP Editor is a good alternative. There's also a link to our guide on how to use Easy CASP Editor which I'd completely forgotten about.


As for speeding up the loading process in CAS, having less to load is always going to help but there is a little tweak you may not have heard about that can improve game lag in general, as well as in CAS. It's called "Smooth Patch" and is available on Mod The Sims here: https://modthesims.info/d/658759/smooth ... 1-2-1.html Make sure you read the documentation over there and you may also want to take a look at my post about it here as well. chatterbox/topic10091

Sarah_Sims wrote: ↑

March 1st, 2022, 7:29 pm

Blacklisting is the correct term but the reason I don't use it is because you can only blacklist 30,000 lines.

It should be noted this only applies to a tuning file and not when adding parts to the blacklist manually in game.

As for speed, I'd say whether you are using MC in game, the tuning file or CASP editor the speed is about the same. Where you'll get the biggest boost is probably using MasterController's Show In Compact Form settings as it's the pre-sets that take the longest to load.

This is great! Well done! I'm so glad it's working for you now.

Well thank you again, because I truly owe that to you! I can 100% guarantee I would not have figured that out on my own

Blacklisting is the correct term but the reason I don't use it is because you can only blacklist 30,000 lines. That may seem a lot but it's not really when you think of all the variations of clothing.

Oh wow, I definitely hadn't thought of it that way. I definitely recall thinking that 30,000 seemed like a LOT, but [if I'm understanding you correctly] if each clothing item blacklisted in each different category (and we know how Maxis loves to give you the same exact shirt in almost every single category lol) counts as its own line (and perhaps each recolor/preset for each clothing item as well?), I can definitely see how that'd add up quite quickly!

For future reference, I also wanted to ask - can I use both CASP Editor as well as Blacklisting with Master Controller, or would the two conflict? To specify, that'd be Blacklisting while in-game via the Ctrl + Right-Click method, if it makes a difference!

As for speeding up the loading process in CAS, having less to load is always going to help but there is a little tweak you may not have heard about that can improve game lag in general, as well as in CAS. It's called "Smooth Patch" and is available on Mod The Sims here: https://modthesims.info/d/658759/smooth ... 1-2-1.html Make sure you read the documentation over there and you may also want to take a look at my post about it here as well. chatterbox/topic10091

Thank you so much for this info! I've just checked out the link you shared for Smooth Patch and it certainly looks like it could be very helpful! I believe I'd heard someone mention it before, but I suppose the term 'patch' had me assuming that it was maybe somehow part of one of the game patches put out by EA, I didn't realize it was its own separate thing!

If you don't mind me asking (apologies if I'm bordering on annoying territory, and you absolutely are not obligated to continue answering my myriad questions! You just seem to be such a wealth of helpful information!), should I be concerned with the Smooth Patch conflicting with any other mods I have installed? I've read through all of the information for it on the MTS page you linked, but it doesn't seem that the creator mentioned anything about conflicts.

I'm definitely excited to get it installed and [hopefully!] speeding up my game, but the install instructions are a bit intimidating! Am I understanding the Install instructions (listed in a red box under the 'files' tab of the page) correctly, that I should be placing this not in my Mods/Packages folder nor in any folder under My Documents>Electronic Arts>The Sims 3, but rather within Program Files(x86)>Electronic Arts>The Sim 3>Game>Bin ? Within this folder/list of items?

edit;
I forgot one more question I had regarding CASP Editor. If I understand correctly, once I'm finished using it and hiding all of the items I'd like to, all I need to do is click File>Save Package? Or does clicking Save generate a .package file that I need to place somewhere?

edit again;
Additionally, if I would like to hide a specific clothing item from all genders, ages, and categories, do I need to uncheck every box for it (such as unchecking it for Female and Male, for all ages, for all clothing categories, etc.), or is it enough to simply check the 'Is Hidden in CAS' box and move on?

It should be noted this only applies to a tuning file and not when adding parts to the blacklist manually in game.

As for speed, I'd say whether you are using MC in game, the tuning file or CASP editor the speed is about the same. Where you'll get the biggest boost is probably using MasterController's Show In Compact Form settings as it's the pre-sets that take the longest to load.

Oh, thank you for this additional info! I definitely meant Blacklisting within the game (using the Ctrl + Right-Click method), not a tuning file. To be quite honest, the extent of my modding knowledge is understanding that Mods go in the Electronic Arts>Mods>Packages folder, and that two mods that modify the same thing are going to conflict. Past that, such as creating/messing with tuning files, is all a big question mark to me.

I definitely wanted to ask about one more thing you mentioned - using MasterController to show CAS items in Compact Form. Aside from wanting to hide a bunch of the Maxis-made clothing items I don't use, I've been wanting to figure out if it's possible to hide the 101 presets that come with each Maxis-made clothing item, as there are a lot I do actually like to use, but feel like having 6 different presets for each one probably adds up quickly and contributes to the lag/slow loading in CAS. So am I understanding that you're saying that the Show In Compact Form function just hides presets? Additionally, is it something that, when turned on, applies to all CAS items (user-made presets included), or does it only hide the presets that come with each CAS item by default, which would otherwise not be delete-able (again, such as user-made presets which can easily be deleted)?

Chain_Reaction wrote: ↑

March 2nd, 2022, 1:08 pm

It should be noted this only applies to a tuning file and not when adding parts to the blacklist manually in game.

Thanks Chain_Reaction! As I say below, it's been years since I used the in-game method of blacklisting and had forgotten all about how it works.

Chain_Reaction wrote: ↑

March 2nd, 2022, 1:08 pm

Where you'll get the biggest boost is probably using MasterController's Show In Compact Form settings as it's the pre-sets that take the longest to load.

I thought of this late last night but was literally falling asleep at my keyboard so was too tired to mention it. I'm glad you brought it up. Thanks!

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 2nd, 2022, 1:21 pm

...can I use both CASP Editor as well as Blacklisting with Master Controller, or would the two conflict? To specify, that'd be Blacklisting while in-game via the Ctrl + Right-Click method, if it makes a difference!

I don't think they would actually 'conflict' as such but I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, as I've never tried it. I'm afraid I used the in-game CAS Blacklist method so long ago that I've forgotten exactly how it works. I would be worried about not knowing which clothes I'd blacklisted using Master Controller and which ones in Easy CASP.

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 2nd, 2022, 1:21 pm

...should I be concerned with the Smooth Patch conflicting with any other mods I have installed?

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 2nd, 2022, 1:21 pm

Am I understanding the Install instructions (listed in a red box under the 'files' tab of the page) correctly, that I should be placing this not in my Mods/Packages folder nor in any folder under My Documents>Electronic Arts>The Sims 3, but rather within Program Files(x86)>Electronic Arts>The Sim 3>Game>Bin ?

No, the Smooth Patch will not conflict with other mods because it's not really a 'mod'. It's more like a 'tweak' to the game files and that's why all it's files go in the Game/Bin folder. So yes, you are understanding it correctly. No need to worry about this because if you don't like it, or it doesn't seem to help, you can just delete the files that you've added but obviously, make sure you don't delete any files that should still be in that folder. It would be a good idea to make a backup of the Game/Bin folder before you start if you think you might make a mistake.

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 2nd, 2022, 1:21 pm

...once I'm finished using it and hiding all of the items I'd like to, all I need to do is click File>Save Package? Or does clicking Save generate a .package file that I need to place somewhere?

Yes, all you need to do is click File > Save Package. The program then automatically creates the tuning package file and places it in your Mods/Packages folder for you. Strictly speaking, there shouldn't be any need to do anything else but I found that the file didn't 'activate' when I started my game so I've since moved the package file into the Mods/Overrides folder. That way, my game 'sees' it every time and it works as it should.

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 2nd, 2022, 1:21 pm

...if I would like to hide a specific clothing item from all genders, ages, and categories, do I need to uncheck every box for it (such as unchecking it for Female and Male, for all ages, for all clothing categories, etc.), or is it enough to simply check the 'Is Hidden in CAS' box and move on?

If you just want to hide the clothing in CAS so you can't see it in there when selecting clothing for your sim, then yes, checking the "Is Hidden in CAS" will be enough BUT if you also want to stop sims from autonomously choosing an item of clothing, such as when they age up or are reset due to an error, you need to make sure the "Valid For Random" box is UNchecked as well. This is covered in steps 3 and 4 of our Easy CASP Editor Guide I linked to before.

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 2nd, 2022, 1:27 pm

So am I understanding that you're saying that the Show In Compact Form function just hides presets?

It depends how you're determining what a 'preset' is. It will only show one icon for each item.

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 2nd, 2022, 1:27 pm

Additionally, is it something that, when turned on, applies to all CAS items (user-made presets included)...

Yes, it hides all presets on all items, regardless of who made them.

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 2nd, 2022, 1:27 pm

...or does it only hide the presets that come with each CAS item by default, which would otherwise not be delete-able (again, such as user-made presets which can easily be deleted)?

No, it hides them all. Only one icon for each item is shown so every item will only appear once in CAS. Try it in-game and see. It's easy to change back if you don't like it. The full path to turn it on is as follows:

From City Hall/Any computer > NRaas > Master Controller > Settings > CAS >

• Show in Compact Form: Accessories
• Show in Compact Form: Clothing
• Show in Compact Form: Hats

You can make these all True or just pick the categories you want.

So yes, you are understanding it correctly. No need to worry about this because if you don't like it, or it doesn't seem to help, you can just delete the files that you've added but obviously, make sure you don't delete any files that should still be in that folder. It would be a good idea to make a backup of the Game/Bin folder before you start if you think you might make a mistake.

Sorry to repeat myself, but just once more to confirm - I just need to place the file in the Bin folder, not within any of the sub-folders that are inside of it? I noticed there is also a 'bin' folder located inside of Bin, but that's a whole separate folder from the one we're talking about, and I just need to place the file basically alongside it, among it and all the other sub-folders and files (shown again in this screenshot), correct? Sincere apologies for asking a second time, I just wanted to make absolutely sure I'm understanding correctly, as I've heard a lot of horror stories about messing with/placing things inside of any of the game folders / have heard a lot of cautioning against doing anything around there as it can seriously mess up your game (if you don't know what you're doing - which I feel pretty safe saying I don't ).

Yes, all you need to do is click File > Save Package. The program then automatically creates the tuning package file and places it in your Mods/Packages folder for you. Strictly speaking, there shouldn't be any need to do anything else but I found that the file didn't 'activate' when I started my game so I've since moved the package file into the Mods/Overrides folder. That way, my game 'sees' it every time and it works as it should.

Ah, I appreciate the head's up that you experienced that, I will most certainly keep that in mind if I end up having any issues with not seeing my changes taking effect! However, assuming I don't end up needing to move it to Overrides, would I be safe to move it to one of my sub-folders that I have inside my Packages folder, for organizational purposes?

Thank you again for answering all of my many questions! I'm now reading through the Easy CASP Editor Guide you linked, so hopefully that should be all the help I need in guiding me through my continued use of CASP Editor. And I promise, after the above questions, I won't bother you any further!

edit;
One final question - just because it's something I've literally always wondered. How is 'Nraas' supposed to be pronounced? Is it an acronym, pronounced 'N-R-A-A-S', or is it intended to be pronounced as a word, like saying "Nr-ass" / "Nr-ah-ss" ? Just a question that's always been in the back of my mind since discovering the site/mods many moons ago

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 3rd, 2022, 1:36 pm

I just need to place the file in the Bin folder, not within any of the sub-folders that are inside of it?

Don't worry about asking for confirmation. It's always better to be safe, rather than sorry.

When you download the Smooth Patch, it comes in a zip file. After you've extracted the zip file, you should have the following three files:

• ddraw.dll
• TS3Patch.asi
• TS3Patch.txt

Those three files go directly inside the Game/Bin folder, alongside all the other files in there, as shown below, outlined in red:

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 3rd, 2022, 1:36 pm

...would I be safe to move it to one of my sub-folders that I have inside my Packages folder, for organizational purposes?

Yes, by all means, you can try it in there first and just see if it works. If not, you still have the option of putting it into the Overrides folder.

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 3rd, 2022, 1:36 pm

How is 'Nraas' supposed to be pronounced?

LOL! You're the second person to have ever asked me that. I've always pronouced it as 'N' 'Raas' which is how the majority of people, who make You Tube videos about Sims 3, pronounce it. I've only ever heard one person say it as 'N R A A S' and I think it sounds really funny like that but I've no idea how it's supposed to be pronounced.

We do have an FAQ about the origin of the name if you'd like to know more.
NRaas-Industries-Archives#How-NRaas-Ind ... -Was-Named

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 3rd, 2022, 1:36 pm

Thank you again for answering all of my many questions! I'm now reading through the Easy CASP Editor Guide you linked, so hopefully that should be all the help I need in guiding me through my continued use of CASP Editor. And I promise, after the above questions, I won't bother you any further!

You're welcome! And it's no bother. I like answering questions, that's why I come over here all the time.

Don't worry about asking for confirmation. It's always better to be safe, rather than sorry.

Well thank you so much again for being so patient and answering all of my questions! I've just downloaded and extracted the files and am going to be booting my game up here in just a bit to check that it's working! Also, just to check (ever since you walked me through the unzipping of CASP Editor, I'm feeling like I need to completely re-examine the way I've been extracting files), the correct process was indeed to open the download in WinRAR, highlight the 3 files in it, click 'Extract To', and select the Bin file, right? Or should I be extracting to wherever the program chooses as default and then dragging the three files from WinRAR to Bin? Or...does it make a difference, are those just two different ways of extracting/doing the same thing? You've thoroughly shaken me on what I thought was the concrete, correct process of doing something

LOL! You're the second person to have ever asked me that. I've always pronounced it as 'N' 'Raas' which is how the majority of people, who make You Tube videos about Sims 3, pronounce it. I've only ever heard one person say it as 'N R A A S' and I think it sounds really funny like that but I've no idea how it's supposed to be pronounced. We do have an FAQ about the origin of the name if you'd like to know more.

Ah, good to know! That's definitely how I've been pronouncing it, 'N + Raas'. Saying each letter individually like an acronym just seems like such a mouthful, lol! And I'm definitely going to check out the origin FAQ you linked, I love that kind of stuff! One last time, thank you so, so, so very much for all of your help. This is the kind of stuff that I really do love about the people who surround the whole online Sims 3 world - there's such a wonderful sense of community, and so many kind people who go out of their way to help and educate others! Please know that I am sending you huge thanks, positive vibes, and thoughts of appreciation!

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 3rd, 2022, 4:01 pm

...the correct process was indeed to open the download in WinRAR, highlight the 3 files in it, click 'Extract To', and select the Bin file, right?

Yes, you can most certainly do it that way but I find it a rather long, convoluted way of doing it. Plus the fact that every time I open WinRAR, it nags me to purchase it.

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 3rd, 2022, 4:01 pm

Or should I be extracting to wherever the program chooses as default and then dragging the three files from WinRAR to Bin?

I don't bother opening WinRAR at all and find the quickest and easiest way is to simply right-click on a zip file and choose "Extract Here", then I drag the extracted file(s) into the folder that I want it/them to go in.

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 3rd, 2022, 4:01 pm

...does it make a difference, are those just two different ways of extracting/doing the same thing?

Yes, they are basically two different ways of doing the same thing. I prefer my way because it seems quicker and lets me see exactly which files I'm extracting before they go anywhere else in my system.

WinRAR, as a program, is a bit of a pain to use and to keep updated. It is possible to use Windows itself to extract compressed files that have the .zip file extension, by right-clicking and choosing "Extract All" but I believe for .RAR files, you need to have WinRAR, unfortunately.

caccigirl wrote: ↑

March 3rd, 2022, 4:01 pm

Please know that I am sending you huge thanks, positive vibes, and thoughts of appreciation!

Awww...thank you!

I think I understand now! I think I may switch to your method of extracting files, as I agree that WinRAR can definitely be a pain, especially with the endless 'HEY YOU FORGOT TO PURCHASE ME' messages/popups that bombard you upon opening the application

Thank you again, and I hope you have a spectacular rest of your day!