A lot of the email I get is about skins that are not showing up in the game. Either regular skins aren't available in the "Create Family" area, or Buyables don't appear when a Sim browses the Clothing Racks. The solution is usually as simple as moving skins to another folder (unless you're on a Mac ~ if you are, see the box above). Installation programs are not perfect, and Maxis has made a number of changes from one expansion pack to another that have confused the matter even more. Unless you enjoy being at the mercy of software, and having to constantly ask others what to do when your game isn't working right, you need to learn a bit about how Sims are put together. This means learning the basics of mesh and skin naming conventions, so you can then learn where particular types of meshes and skins must be installed. What follows is the most up-to-date Installation information. Please print this page and keep it for reference, as it's liable to be more accurate and current than most README files! If you're still having problems with Skins downloaded from Mermaid Cove after reading and following these instructions, email me at mercosims@hairREMOVEfish.com (remove REMOVE before sending). Describe the problem in detail, tell me whether you play on a PC or Mac, and tell me which expansion packs you have (if any)...and be prepared to be referred right back to this page if your problem can be solved by reading and following these instructions! 
What Is The Difference Between A Mesh and A Skin? A Mesh has two files: the .skn file, and the .cmx file.  The Mesh is the 3D object that gives a Sim its shape. It's made up of triangular flat surfaces joined at the points, or vertices. Where these vertices connect, numbered coordinates are assigned by the 3D program. These numbers are contained in a specific format inside the .skn file.The matching .cmx file is used by The Sims to put parts together; it's the "recipe" for each Sim. Usually there is just one part ~ the body or head. But sometimes the .cmx assigns accessories, like glasses, hats, carried objects, a tail... Shown at right is a Mesh with no Skin on it.  A Skin is a two-dimensional .bmp graphic (bitmap picture) that is "wrapped around" the Mesh. Each colored area must be in a particular spot to match its corresponding body part. You can open Skin .bmp files in any graphic viewer, and even change them, if you're brave. Shown at left is a .bmp Skin graphic. What does "Code" mean? When skinners talk about the "Code" in a skin or mesh file, we mean the numbers and letters that come before the first underline in the name. It's this code that the game uses to match meshes (body shapes) with skins (clothing, skin, etc.) that have all their parts in the right places (the letters are not case sensitive; in other words, FAFit is the same as faFIT or FaFit, etc.). For example, in these mesh files... B11HFAFit_Hairfish_BlueDress.cmx xskin-B11HFAFit_Hairfish_BlueDress.skn The "code" is B 11H FA Fit. Here's what the confusing combination means: B = Body ~ A "regular" Sim, accessible through the "Create Family" area. Heads are coded C. Buyables are coded as follows (See Green Box below for problems specific to Buyables' files):
11H = Mesh Identifier ~ Any combination of three letters or numbers, often using an initial to identify the mesh-maker. All MerCo/Hairfish meshes use an H as an identifier. FA = Sim Type ~ FA stands for "Female Adult." Other abbreviations are MA (Male Adult), MC (Male Child) and FC (Female Child). Unleashed Pets use simply "cat" and "dog" in their code. Fit = Body Style ~ For adults, these include "Fit," "Fat," and "Skn." "Chd" is used in children's skins & meshes, for both male and female. Other codes may be used in customized meshes, such as the "Rub" used in Rubenesque and Rubendude files. Custom codes cannot be used in Buyables. What's In A Skin .ZIP File? Necessary skin/mesh files ~ These end with .cmx, .skn, and .bmp A text file ~ Information about the package, and the person who created it. This usually ends in .txt, but may also end in .doc, .html, or .sif. (Change .sif to .txt, and you can open it in any text program, like Notepad.) Graphics ~ Some creators package a graphic with their files, so you'll know what the mesh and skin look like put together. Do not install information files or graphics in your Sims folders. They won't hurt your game if you do, but they take up space unnecessarily. Where Do The Files Go? Regular Skins/Meshes ~ Code begins with B or C Install in: Buyables Install all files beginning with F, S, L, W, or H in: If you do not have the \ExpansionShared\ folder, look for one called \ExpansionPack#\, where # is the number of the expansion pack you have, and put these files in its \SkinsBuy\ folder: F, S, L files ~ Hot Date ~ ExpansionPack3\SkinsBuy W files ~ Vacation ~ ExpansionPack4\SkinsBuy H files ~ Superstar ~ ExpansionPack6\SkinsBuy
Buyable skins WILL NOT WORK without their required expansion pack!* Also, some types of Buyables only show up in Clothing Racks and Wardrobes (Dressers, Chests of Drawers) that came with their expansion pack...or user-made Clothing Racks and Wardrobes cloned from those specific Racks. *Buyables can be renamed to show up in the "Create Family" area (and likewise, regular Meshes and Skins can be turned into Buyables), but that's a new subject for another time... 
Updated: June 14, 2003
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without the express written permission of Hairfish of Mermaid Cove.