Modding:Resources

Tools

You’re gonna need some tools in order to start modding. Make sure you download the following, as they’re basically mandatory for modding:

• BG3 Multitool by ShinyHobo
  • The multitool is an awesome tool that provides several important functions, chief among them the ability to search the game files, and to pack your mod into a format ready to be imported into BG3MM.
• Lslib by Norbyte
  • Lslib allows you to convert files between editable formats and game-ready formats. See Modding:Unpacking and converting files for more details.
• ScriptExtender by Norbyte
  • The Script Extender adds Lua/Osiris scripting support to the game.
• Blender (version 3.6 recommended)
  • This is needed only if you plan to do any kind of mesh editing (hair, heads, clothes, weapons, etc.)
  • Collada/GR2 import/export Blender plugin by Norbyte
    • For importing/exporting .GR2 files, which BG3 uses
• BG3 ModManager (BG3MM) by LaughingLeader
  • A portable mod manager for BG3
• BG3 Mini tool by Padme4000
  • Has a variety of helpful functions including creating your Meta.lsx file for you.
• BG3 Creator's Cauldron by Keefr
  • Dive into the world of BG3 homebrewing with Creator's Cauldron! From custom magical armor to powerful spells, this tool makes creating your own BG3 content a breeze.
• Dice Sprite Generator by Anecx
  • These tools allow you to generate 25 ANIMATED dice sprites needed for your dice in one click!
• Language Support for BG3 VSCode Extension by Chromosome16
  • Text highlighting for bg3 text files in Visual Studio Code.
• BG3 Search Engine by Norbyte
  • Allows you to search the game files online without having to index or unpack anything on your computer.
• A code editor, here are some options:
  • Windows: VS Code, Notepad++, Brackets, Atom Community
  • Mac: Espresso, BBedit
  • Linux: KWrite, Kate, Gedit, VS Codium
    • Linux users also need the latest version of WINE installed. Install it with the package manager in your chosen distro via an app store or with the CLI.

Blender Plugins

• Mesh import/export plugin by Norbyte
  • You’ll need this if you want to work with .GR2 files (that’s what BG3 uses) in Blender.

• Padme’s Addons by Padme4000
  • Includes addons for Head Export Order, Easy LOD Creation, Normal Map Transfer, Quick UV Buttons and Reset Transforms.
• Armature Plugin by Aloija
  • Blender addon which helps to edit the skeleton for BG3 models.
• Outfit Builder by LazyIcarus
  • Given armor in a base body (e.g. HUM_F) and body variants of HUM_F (e.g. HUM_FS, or some body mod here), generate meshes of the armor for those body variants.
• Volnos Texture Toolbox by Volno
  • A modding resource containing a collection of tools for modifying BG3's skin textures, as well as a recreation of Baldur’s Gate 3’s skin shader.

Free Tools

Blender

• LATEST version from Blender.org or Steam
• Padme's Blender Addons
  • Includes addons for Head Export Order, Easy LOD Creation, Normal Map Transfer, Quick UV Buttons and Reset Transforms.
• BG3/DOS2 Collada Exporter for Blender 3.6
• Mesh Data Transfer for Blender
• BG3 Armature Tools for Blender
• Skin Shader starter by Norbyte

Gnu Image Manipulation Program (GIMP)

• LATEST version
• DDS Plugin

Noesis

• LATEST version

To convert .DAE to .FBX.

Paid Tools

Photoshop

• LATEST version or any version the DDS plugin(s) support
• DDS Plugin (choose only ONE)
  • Intel® Texture Works Plugin for Photoshop
  • AdobeDDS
  • NVIDIA Texture Tools Exporter
• BG3 Normal Map Photoshop Action

Substance Painter

• LATEST version or purchase on Steam
• Article on Larian's process

Modding Sites

• Nexus Mods (most popular)
• Thunderstore
• Curse Forge

Assets

Need a certain asset from the game for your mod? Baldur’s Gate 3 has a LOT of files. It can be very difficult to find the specific asset you’re looking for. The pages in this section should help you find the files you’re looking for as you’re modding!

• Bg3 CC Modding Library by Weeviljester
• Asset Prefix References
• Hiding skin/outfit parts: Vertex Color Mask Slots
• Hair/Beard Models
  • BG3 Hair Reference Spreadsheet (WIP) by EmeraldTechno
• Head Models
• Body Models
• Tiefling Horn Models
• Piercing Models by Chumy
• Eye Makeup Reference Spreadsheet by EmeraldTechno
• Non-VT Shaders
• Face and Body Textures
• Colour Maps
• Examples of dyes on clothing/armor
• BG3 Icons in downloadable format by Mirza
• Texture Formatting

Code Snippets

Code snippets and IDs that are often used in modding, collected here to make your life easier.

• Race UUIDs
• Interactable Item UUIDs
• All items UUIDs
• Enemy types
• Treasure Table Spreadsheet
• All Player RootTemplate IDs by Tripsadin

Other Resources

Miscellaneous resources to either help with modding or to add to your own mods.

• UUID Generator
• Making armour icons by AnteMaxx
• Custom Backdrops for Character Creation and Level Up by AnteMaxx
• Chroma Key Droppable Object by SoggyBurrito and Hijimare
• Materialize
• Rune Font by CovenElf
• High Heel Feet for modders by LazyIcarus
• Overlays for Unique Tav Tattoos by RemuFO4
• BG3 Texture Stamps by commanderstrawberry
• Mannequin Models for making icons by labotor
• Past and Future Blender export plugin settings
• BG3 Search Engine by Norbyte

Colour

• Colouring cheat sheet
• ColourMath Colour Converter Use sRGB 0-1 for the vec3 value.
• RGB Color Picker

Compatibility Graphics

Use these graphics on your mod pages! These images were created by AlanaSP and originally shared in Larian's Discord server.

Paths

Windows

• Profiles: %LocalAppdata%\Larian Studios\Baldur's Gate 3\PlayerProfiles\Public
• Mods (.PAK files): %LocalAppdata%\Larian Studios\Baldur's Gate 3\Mods
• Mods (loose files): <path to game installation>\Baldur's Gate 3\Data
• Tools (script extender, native mod loader): <path to game installation>\Baldur's Gate 3\bin

Mac

• Profiles: User/Documents/Larian Studios/Baldur's Gate 3/PlayerProfiles/Public
• Mods: User/Documents/Larian Studios/Baldur's Gate 3/Mods

Linux

• Profiles: SteamLibrary/steamapps/compatdata/1086940/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/Local/Larian Studios/Baldur's Gate 3/PlayerProfiles/Public
• Mods: SteamLibrary/steamapps/compatdata/1086940/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/Local/Larian Studios/Baldur's Gate 3/Mods