The ULTIMATE MODDING GUIDE for GTA San Andreas (2024) #3 - Modloader Tutorial & Learning File Types

In this episode, we're going to install mod tools for GTA SA, including an IMG Editor and TXD Editor. We'll also make our own basic mod for San Andreas, and install it with and without Modloader so you get an idea of how Modloader works.
Throughout the guide, we're also going to cover almost all of the San Andreas file types so you know exactly what each type of file does and what mods may use them for.
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• The ULTIMATE MODDING G...
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NOTES/UPDATES:
- If you're getting an error when installing MagicTXD regarding missing redistributable runtimes, this is because you are missing a necessary redistributable, and MagicTXD is trying to download it for you. However, the download they used seems to be down now, which will result in an error when installing MagicTXD.
If you are getting this error, download this all-in-one installer for Visual C++ redistributable runtimes, then try to install MagicTXD after. The issue should be fixed.
www.techpowerup.com/download/...
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LINKS:
If you'd like to donate to support me and the channel, you can do so through this link. Thank you and all donations are much appreciated :) - www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...
Found this guide helpful? Like and subscribe for more - kzbin.info?sub_c...
IMG Factory - www.gtagarage.com/mods/show.p...
MagicTXD - www.gtagarage.com/mods/show.p...
5 TJGM Images - mega.nz/file/47gXjAQJ#qtOVcSo...
MIRROR LINK:
Below is a mirror link for all the mods linked above. PLEASE READ THE README IN THIS LINK BEFORE YOU DOWNLOAD ANYTHING!
mega.nz/folder/syxHGZyA#k6SeD...
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Socials:
Facebook - / 61553734157778
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X - / tjgm_
Join the official TJGM Community Discord server! Where you can discuss my videos, receive announcements, chat with me and discuss games.
/ discord
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:38 - Installing Mod Tools for San Andreas
05:29 - What are .IMG files in San Andreas?
07:53 - What are .TXD and .DFF files in San Andreas?
11:53 - Making a basic mod for San Andreas
20:22 - Installing our basic mod WITHOUT Modloader
24:32 - Installing our basic mod WITH Modloader
25:22 - How San Andreas Mod Loader Works
29:27 - How Priorities Work in San Andreas Modloader
33:19 - In-Game Modloader Menu
35:33 - IMPORTANT information about Priorities and IMG archives
38:32 - More San Andreas File Types
39:07 - What are .IPL files in San Andreas?
41:28 - What are .IDE files in San Andreas?
42:30 - What are .DAT files in San Andreas?
44:33 - How Modloader Merges Data Files
46:07 - How Modloader Reads Data Lines from Text Files
48:45 - What are .COL files in San Andreas?
50:55 - What are .IFP files in San Andreas?
51:38 - Audio files in San Andreas and how Modloader fixes a major issue with them…
Music:
Track #1: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - Theme (Chapters: Introduction)
#GTA #GrandTheftAuto #GTASanAndreas

[@TJGM]

If you'd like to donate to support me and the channel, you can do so through this link. Thank you and all donations are much appreciated :) www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=YGMPXP3FWZRAE ----- The ULTIMATE MODDING GUIDE is also available on Steam! If you find this guide helpful in anyway, please give it a thumbs up on Steam and maybe an award if you have points to spare, thanks! steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2989440368 NEXT EPISODE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaDFp4upZr9qr7M ----- NOTES/UPDATES: - If you're getting an error when installing MagicTXD regarding missing redistributable runtimes, this is because you are missing a necessary redistributable, and MagicTXD is trying to download it for you. However, the download they used seems to be down now, which will result in an error when installing MagicTXD. If you are getting this error, download this all-in-one installer for Visual C++ redistributable runtimes, then try to install MagicTXD after. The issue should be fixed. www.techpowerup.com/download/visual-c-redistributable-runtime-package-all-in-one/ ----- Enjoy GTA modding videos? Subscribe for more: kzbin.info Socials: Facebook - facebook.com/people/TJGM/61553734157778/ Instagram - instagram.com/_tjgm_/ TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@tjgm_? Twitch - www.twitch.tv/tjgm X - twitter.com/TJGM_ Join the official TJGM Community Discord server! Where you can discuss my videos, receive announcements, chat with me and discuss games. discord.gg/AsRsXzqT6s

[@dannystavs2003]

I need help with the widescreen patch, it's not loading on my copy.

[@marcuskahn3783]

This is how modding guides are meant to be done with a lot of important knowledge and imperative steps to correctly improve on the base experience and technical n artistic limitations of classic video games released over 20yrs ago.

[@rhardian]

To be honest I have been modding for a long time since 2014 and I am always wrong in various things because I don't know the important things that this channel tells me, this channel really helped me, thank you very much

[@WiseAli1]

At first, I was annoyed at how long this video was, but as I kept watching, the information actually became more and more interesting. I certainly feel confident about adding mods to GTA SA now. Thank you!

[@TJGM]

I understand it's long, but there's no other guide out there that actually covers basically everything for San Andreas. I find it funny how impatient a lot of people are when it comes to a guide like this for GTA, yet the biggest modding guides for games like Fallout/Skyrim are even longer and nobody has a problem with that. Thank you anyway for sticking to it, and I'm glad it helped!

[@WiseAli1]

This is by far the most time I've spent modding a game, but it's worth the wait. I haven't seen any other tutorials that are as focused on making sure the person actually knows what they're doing. I appreciate you, man! @@TJGM

[@AleksiJoensuu]

@@TJGM I think I can understand why people are impatient: We're maybe used to newer games that have modding support, so we can just go somewhere like Nexusmods, and extract a mod to a game's "mods" folder and have it work. So now when we have a 20 year old game that requires all these things like downgrading the game, making it recognize more RAM, basically manually installing modding support etc., and listening to 2-3 hours of tutorials + reading on top, I think most people are simply going: "WHAT ALL THIS I NO WANT LECTUR, WANT OLD GAME LOOK GOOD AND WORKING PLZ" in their heads. I mean I'm exaggerating a lot but that's maybe the gist of it :D People don't expect to have to learn how the mods and modding supports work and to learn how mods are made etc., and that's why people want to skip this stuff. Thanks and congrats on an amazing guide. You'd make an excellent teacher! (If you're not one already :D)

[@TJGM]

@@AleksiJoensuu I mean the top modding guides for Fallout and Skyrim on KZbin (the biggest Nexus games), are longer than this guide and they also include things like telling the game to use more RAM. So not really an excuse. Thank you as well!

[@AleksiJoensuu]

@@TJGM Yeah, don't know why then! Maybe people go in with different expectations there or something.

[@juanfranciscobrizuela]

This is the first time I'm preparing to mod any game. I'm glad I started with GTA SA and with your guide. I really appreciate the explanation of the different files, even if it's a bit tiresome (especially if you're watching the entire playlist in one sitdown like me, lmao).

[@xixxix1296]

We're in the same boat buddy! (I just hope my pc don't explodes)

[@juanfranciscobrizuela]

@@xixxix1296 My advice is to install texture mods after the basic fixes and then you can start trying mods that add stuff like objects and new textures into the game, since those are the ones that will make your frame rate drop. You'll eventually find the right balance for your hardware.

[@xixxix1296]

@@juanfranciscobrizuela Yeah i will install some texture mods like Proper Fixes, improved vegetation, fixed models or something like that. Thx for the advice!!

[@markdev5518]

Your channel is pure gold. Thanks for sharing man

[@user-cn1db7cc7u]

Thank you very much! The modloader guide was very helpful. Now there are no errors in the log file.

[@omeganarcissus7315]

Dude you are so underrated, love your guide its belpping me alot... u got a new sub

[@Eastie-tv2xg]

dude,tysm i really suffered while using img tool 2.0 which is an oldest version but thnkas for introduce IMG Factory!!

[@selvagoat]

this is so helpful for beginners thanks ❤

[@wundermax1993]

I underestimated the depth of your guide and dedication, however I'll be a good boy and go through all of them, eventually :) SA is worth the effort. Thank you so much again!

[@heppuplays9125]

Honestly Really Glad i watched this video. originally was planning on skipping it Just because well I wasn't really planning on going in depth with modding as there was only like one or 2 mods i was thinking on installing But about 20 minutes in and i'm hooked. Never planning on becoming a modder or anything but It's always been interesting to me how these older games Run under the hood. and Stuff like this has always been pretty intimitating to me. So now learning something New is never a bad thing.

[@SzalonyKot]

Thanks to you I was able to clean all car textures and be able to drive in a car that looks clean in all colors and not just black, cheers

[@sinusiteasmatica]

ive jumped the mod making part and it all went well, but after that i realized to go further in modding youve got to understand its nuances, so back i am

[@Siraj_elyf]

beautiful man i love your videos cause they help me a lot muuuch thanks man you are a saver

[@user-bu6jv3sv7h]

Damn bro it was way to informative video that how the mod and GTA works that's pretty awesome

[@tp_exe]

This is coming more handy after rockstar released defective edition of san andreas

[@stash2823]

God bless u for this playlist ❤️ thank you so much

[@thelonelibra8455]

Thank you, i haven't finished this video yet, i stopped at 35:07 a few days ago trying to test mods from what you showed and explained 😂 i got stuck changing texture file mods using modloader having so much fun, using a modded "no guide" version, so i basically backup the one i was using for these guides 😊 I will continue to learn, and go back to using the version for these guides.. sorry if im confusing you with my explanation but im just excited 😂😂😂 a week ago i didn't know anything about modding, heck my wouldn't even start, it kept cashing after the startup loading screen 😂 anyways thank you man lol i know what .txd mean, the difference between .dff and .txd, i know how to change npcs by going into gta3.img thn use img factory.. export.. rebuild img.. ect.. im just using modloader for the changes.. omg so much to say but yes thank you, I can't wait to learn more 😊

[@magdeldeen-vo5xl]

so what i understood from this video is that modloader is fuckin awesome

[@TJGM]

It is. The mod author Link2012, was only 13 when he designed it. It's incredibly impressive.

[@GodzillaTheAvenger]

Will an in-depth enb guide be covered?! I've got some mid installing ability,but these damn enbs make it difficult knowing which enb is I'm allowed to run on a low end with all these other mods..so hope youd do this sometimes guide me how to make it work! Cheers mate for increasing my knowledge..🥂

[@xixxix1296]

Thank you so much!

[@mikes0121]

Didn't realise I can just add the cars to mod loader thats cool!

[@chainz983]

shit i didnt even know u could leave the readme in the mod folder and modloader would read it properly, that saves so much time and headache

[@turnip5359]

I remember installing vehicle mods the old fashioned way, I haven't modded SA in about 10+ years or so, so to know about modloader is a godsend, it's crazy how much modding has progressed to be user friendly compared to the bad old days.

[@assaultgamingyt4558]

Nice video

[@Leo-ht5hm]

Hi.your tutorial help me wery much your tutorial îs veri good i think the Best Oane in KZbin

[@Jefquu]

Is there a way to fix the crash during the mission "Reuniting the Families"? It happens during the cutscene.

[@chainz983]

so the text file with the data lines HAS to have the directory of the dat file?

[@giuliusromanus]

Semplicemente Ti amo

[@CarBitGTSaxen]

Could you make a guide on how to install mods that replace or add content, such as cars and skins? The ones on KZbin right now are just too confusing

[@AxeBrD]

What if a mod changes the same programation line? For example a mod that fixes the original holding of the gun, and then i install a mod that makes me hold the gun with two hands? (Weapon.dat thingy)

[@KadakashGames]

Could you make a tutorial to install multiple col and ipl files wich are an usual cause of crashes?

[@ahmadmaulanai4843]

hi just want tell that imgtool download are death, can replace it ?

[@qyshdushh]

Bro this magicTXD isn't installing, it shows up an error where it says: Failed to download the vs2013 redistributable. Please verify connection to the internet and try again. What should I do please help

[@Raven_Moon777]

I am currently looking for a solution, how to restore the clouds, that were in the game. I was trying to edit MixSets without any results, I am not even sure, where else I can edit it. Also I saw, that the height limit somehow became short. Still trying to figure out, which mod is causing this. I would look to fly above clouds again.

[@kamilos4428]

Got a question how to see a vest icon instead the txd icon

[@muratthaqi6042]

I was wondering can you upload content about gta vice city android modding i mean can you guys create multiplayer mode for android ?

[@thatonemf_tony5745]

i have downloaded alot of modes and everyhting is working but when i do missions my game crash could you help me please

[@garyytp1891]

Great video, the only problem I have is that I did everything you did in the video but after I deleted your textures from modloader file and also from modloader.ini, the game sudennly doesnt open, everything was good before that but now I cant run the game? Anyone know why? I also downgraded the Steam version to 1.0 Update: Nevermind, the game works now, I just restarted the PC and now the game opens and runs fine.

[@user-zo3cl4sv6u]

saved my fucking life w this

[@kikabriones1393]

How I could replace one or more songs from radio stations with modloader.

[@ChainikVlad]

What about Crazy IMG Editor? I don't use those editors that much anymore, but from what I remember - Crazy compared to Factory is easier to manage for multiple files. EDIT: Oh wait, I'm dumb - I've confused Factory with IMG Tool.

[@ComsphorFactz]

please upload how to fix lag after i enable widescreen mod in mod loader ive already watch ultimate guide 2 parts please help please please please

[@binguswithglasses]

i installed everything from episode 1 and rewatched it it still doesnt work i didnt pirate it can you please help

[@imamwahyudi3517]

can I enter the mod to buy a house in san andreas offline? like in Samp all the houses in the Ls area have a price and can be purchased is there a mod like that for offline mister?

[@FR4M3Sharma]

Buy Properties by JuniorDjjr

[@arsellerodriguez2535]

when i download MagicTXD it says "failed to download the VS2013 redistrubutable. Please verify connection to the internet and try again." I am connected to a internet though.

[@TJGM]

This is because you're missing a redistributable that MagicTXD requires. MagicTXD would normally download it for you, but it seems like the download they try to use is down, leading to this error. Download this package which installs all the latest Visual C++ redistributables to your PC, then try to install MagicTXD, it should work then.

[@Arqouda]

I was having the same issue, but I looked up another video that shows how to install Magic.TXD and what they did is they tell you to un-check the box for PowerVR Support during installation. I tried that and it finally worked for me, but I have yet to see if it's gonna cause any problems or not

[@TJGM]

@@Arqouda You likely don't need it, so yeah it's not necessary. I updated the pinned comment with a solution anyway.

[@meowxgamingstuff]

What software do you use to edit your .ini files?

[@TJGM]

Sublime Text.

[@meowxgamingstuff]

@@TJGM Thanks.

[@leonecartelreborn9628]

So CULL files are basically the RenderWare engine's version as trigger boxes are in Unreal Engine.

[@TJGM]

They're also used to actually cull objects out of the cameras view... probably should've explained that as well. 😅

[@leonecartelreborn9628]

@@TJGM Still the way you put it is in a very easily digestible fashion for someone who has no idea of general game development. Your modding guides are probably the most comprehensive explanations I've seen.

[@assaultgamingyt4558]

बहुत अच्छा वीडियो

[@FR4M3Sharma]

सीख लिया भाई अच्छे से?

[@assaultgamingyt4558]

@@FR4M3Sharma हाँ

[@FR4M3Sharma]

@assaultgamingyt4558 कुछ पूछना हो तो भाई पूछ लेना।

[@assaultgamingyt4558]

@@FR4M3Sharma आप से?

[@FR4M3Sharma]

@@assaultgamingyt4558 हाँ भाई, TJGM को हिन्दी नहीं आती हैं।

[@eyupscftc5244]

when i try to install magic.txd it says ''failed to download VS2013. verify ur internet connection and try again'' but i have connection. Can you help?

[@eyupscftc5244]

i download it myself and i intalled the app. no problem for now

[@rafeeq37769]

​@@eyupscftc5244how you fixed that

[@weatherthem]

I know this video is quite old, but I'm having issues with IMG Factory not showing up in Program Files, I am also unable to select it in the Windows Firewall.

[@TJGM]

It sounds like it's not even installed. Try running the installer as an admin. Also old? It's not even a year old 😂

[@weatherthem]

⁠@@TJGMi was able to make it work, but ROSA just crashes whenever installed now. your videos have helped me a lot.

[@RandomHandleLol1738]

I think I'll make a mod replacing the gun sounds with the ones from Left 4 Dead 2.

[@cincaila]

Windows 11 can run IMG Factory without configuring the firewall rule.

[@FloatSamplesGT710]

Yeah, I can confirm that as a windows 11 user

[@adeeproductionz8630]

the IMG 1.0 crashes and the IMG 1.2 isnt even detectable after setup

[@vatozandukeli5262]

I'm trying to install magic.txd but I got error - "failed to download the VS2013 redistributable. Please verify connection to the internet and try again". Can someone help?

[@TJGM]

Solution is in the pinned comment.

[@vatozandukeli5262]

Wow! Thanks you! I@@TJGM

[@brianbogo8282]

what I want to learn is cleo scripting but its really difficult also the GTA community is already dead... although i hope mods works with silentpatch for some modded rotors

[@Shockload]

GTA community is dead ? huuuh ? are you living under a rock or something because it literally isn't especially not with the guys at mixmods

[@YxnEugh]

@@Shockload gta sa specifically is lol, not completely but still dead

[@gnrtx-36969]

​@@YxnEughit aint

[@YxnEugh]

yeh thats why half to most essential mods havent been updated in years@@gnrtx-36969

[@ironbvo8823]

Too bad I can't use modloader on gta underground as It's not compatible. Can you suggest me any alternative of modloader plz?

[@TJGM]

There isn't any. You'll just have to install mods using old methods.

[@user-sw6xb1vr7w]

Please why is my magic txd not installing

[@Pessi-Supremacy]

Brother do you know how to force gta_sa.exe to run in 800-600-something resolution always? Primarily I want it to run in windowed mode.

[@uhhhpeanut]

its stuck loading inntto new game at 50%

[@Scopecitybeatz]

MAGICTXD wont complete the install somethign about the redistributable and my connections....can anyone help

[@TJGM]

Pinned comment has a solution :)

[@Scopecitybeatz]

thanks alot...im in way too deep to turn back now@@TJGM

[@Scopecitybeatz]

install all of the exe files?? @@TJGM

[@fufu1444]

The IMG Factory download linked in the description was flagged as malicious by both VirusTotal and Hybrid Analysis, just saying.

[@TJGM]

It's not malicious and VirusTotal isn't reliable either, it's way too sensitive.

[@Bruwtf]

When I tried that it doesn't open

[@gnrtx-36969]

You need gta sa v1. 0

[@BurnerAccount101-ui4et]

Same video appears every time I search for a mod in GTA SA..... wtf is with Google

[@devin_2rollins]

5:15 don't work;/

[@porkpork2169]

i like how after watching nearly two hours worth of videos 90% of the mods for gta sa still dont work and i have to watch another hour. someone needs to just make an installer for this entire process

[@TJGM]

Well then you're doing something wrong or using a broken pirated copy of the game. There's plenty of mod packs around, if you don't want to actually learn how to do things yourself, use one of them.

[@porkpork2169]

the game is correct version. the mods you told me to use in the previous video work. none of the mods ive tried on nexus do anything at all and being ive spent hours configuring this its time to give up. all i want to do is use some mods i dont even want to make a mod i just want to use them and its been more of a headache than i care for. that said. im making a standalone installer that completes every step outlined in the last two videos automatically without the end user having to do shit but click a few ok buttons. im not a n00b user i follow instructions just fine, i just know when a task isnt really worth doing manually@@TJGM

[@devin_2rollins]

nvm worng donwload

[@uhhhpeanut]

everytime i right click on play.img it crashs file manager

[@GohanSSJII]

how to install mod with extesion .pak with cleo installed too ?

[@TJGM]

There's no mods for the original games with the .pak file extension.