Texturing for Dummies - Maxis and Custom Mesh Texturing

[mickyss]

Texturing for Dummies - Custom Meshes
and
Texturing for Dummies - Maxis Meshes

A question I get asked often is, How do I make a texture for a object and view it in 3D without running the game?.

So this week I've been working on something to help out all you Sim 2 fans who would like to create your own textures on a Sims 2 game object.

These are comprehensive tutorials on how to do recolours; It will walk you through showing you the steps.

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Texturing for Dummies - Custom Meshes, Comes with templates for the Bath and shower unit.

The Tutorial (Texturing for Dummies - Custom Meshes) is pointed at making textures for custom made objects, then viewing the object in 3D out of the game.

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The Tutorial (Texturing for Dummies - Maxis Meshes) is pointed at making textures for Maxis made objects, then viewing the object in 3D out of the game.

I recommend that you read both of these as the tips can be carried to all recolours. :beer:

I know in time the average Simmer will be doing textured objects like the professionals. :nod:

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All Tools needed are listed in the tutorial and are free. (Feature limited but you won't need the features that are disabled)

The only tool that is limited in another way is Paint Shop Pro. This is full featured but time limited for 30days. You can use any paint tool you wish.


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This tutorial is in PDF file format, you will need adobe reader to view it. (Adobe reader is free)
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Links to the sites to download the tools are also provided in the tutorials.

What Tools where use?

Microsoft .NET Framework Version 1.1:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=262d25e3-f589-4842-8157-034d1e7cf3a3&displaylang=en

DDS_Utilities: (Version Used in this Tutorial - v7.33)
http://developer.nvidia.com/object/nv_texture_tools.html

SimPE: (Version Used in this Tutorial - v0.52.21)
http://sims.ambertation.de/

Paint Shop Pro: (Version Used in this Tutorial - v10.02)
http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Corel3/Products/Display&pfid=1047024307383
(Or some kind of paint program with .bmp and .png support.)

UV Mapper: (Version Used in this Tutorial - v3.2)
http://www.uvmapper.com/
Download the demo version of UVMapper Professional.

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Instructions:

The object needs to be extracted form the download with a Zip with a extraction tool such as ALzip.

If you don’t have a RAR or Zip extractor, for a free unzip tool (ALzip) go to.
http://www.altools.net/

http://www.altools.net/Downloads/DownloadALZip/tabid/88/Default.aspx

This Zip file also contains a Read Me Documentation file in pdf format. This may help some of you.



:baloons:



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Tutorials:Texturing_for_Dummies_-_Maxis_and_Custom_Mesh_Texturing

[jms]

i don't realy need this because i am prety good with texturing now but thanks anyway

[carol6552]

This is a great tutorial, thanks, I actually felt like I understood what you were saying. Thank you.

[IgnorantBliss]

Thanks for the tutorial :). I can move it to the tutorial section, but I have a couple of suggestions first:

- In your tutorial you're using the old Object Workshop that is not being updated anymore. The up-to-date version can be found in the bottom bar of your SimPE, and if it's not there, go to Window -> Object Workshop to toggle it. This is the Object Workshop that is now recommended to be used and I think it would be good to also have the tutorial use the same version :).

- You should also mention which version of SimPE you used with this tutorial.

- Since this step by step tutorial specifically works for custom meshes, I would either title it "Custom Mesh Texturing for Dummies" (or something similar), or, alternatively, add a step where you explain how to extract a Maxis object mesh for reference.

When these couple of points have been cleared up, I will gladly move this to the Tutorials for Object Meshing & Recolouring section :).

[mickyss]

IgnorantBliss-Thanks for the tutorial :). I can move it to the tutorial section, but I have a couple of suggestions first:

Thanks for That, I did not even notice the workshop at the base.
I'll re-tweak the tutorial and repost is as soon as I can.

Your help is alway appreciated,
From Micky.

[Grapholina]

Still, you did a great job, and tutorials like these (the very basics) are so badly needed around here.

Good job, mickyss!

[IgnorantBliss]

Moved to the tutorial forum :). Good job on the tutorials, thank you so much!

[hexywoman79]

I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me with this tutorial - I have one question about it. My question is this - if I want to recolor something (that looks like it would be relatively simple - HChangeri's signs from "Sim Foods") do I have to have the DDS Utilities? My problem is that I'm at work now (on a computer that I can't download programs like that), and my internet at home is on the blink (the wireless network keeps shutting down every few min/sec, so I can't get the download as it keeps cutting off). So I just wondered if that download is essential? I managed to get all of the others.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

:)

P.S. I'm sorry I know this is probably a really stupid question, but I was just hoping that maybe it would be possible to not use it. :sadpanda:

[hexywoman79]

You know what, I think I've pretty much figured out that I DO have to have it. No worries I will try to figure out a way to get it.

:P

[IgnorantBliss]

The DDS Utilities are not essential, but they usually make the texture quality better. Without it, you can just right-click on the texture, select Import, import the image you want, then right-click on it, select Update All Sizes, then click Commit and Save.

[hexywoman79]

Ok well I might try to have a go at it then. Thanks so much for your answer. I'm not too bothered about the quality of the texture (as it is just for some signs that I want to put on businesses that I'm making in my new downtown - wanted to have my own signs for clubs, restaurants and shops and stuff). Thanks again.

:D

[A_ndrogyne]

Well... Thanks for this TuTorial...Mickyss : underline___ this is for dummies.. n I know Im one of them .. HihiiHii

[hexywoman79]

Well I've managed to get all the downloads that we require (including the DDS Utilities) and I still seem to be having a few problems. When I first open the package up, then the resource tree shows up, I click on the GMDC (or whatever) and then 1 object is listed (I'm using the tutorial to learn but I'm trying to use a different object to recolor as its the only thing I really want to recolor and I need it ASAP). Anyway, when I highlight the one object to the right of the resource tree, it says we need to click on the "3D Mesh" tab, only I can't see a tab with "3D Mesh" anywhere on the screen. I was wondering is this because you used the older version of SimPE at first? Or is there another reason for this perhaps?

Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.

[IgnorantBliss]

I don't have SimPE handy right now, but I think the tab you will find the mesh under is called something like cGeometryContainer. That's where you export the mesh from. Starting up SimPE in advanced mode you get some more options, but I don't think they are needed in this tutorial, if I remember correctly.

[mickyss]

Looks like it needs advanced mode needs to be on,

Click - Extra, Preferences, SimPE Settings, and then tick Advanced Mode.

Now open up the package with the mesh.

Sory... :sorry: When I install SimPE this is on as default.. Looks like its not the case for you..

[IgnorantBliss]

OK, when you're not in advanced mode, the tab you need to go to is called cGeometryDataContainer. When in advanced mode, the same thing is called 3D Mesh. A bit confusing, but you do not need to have SimPE in advanced mode to go through that step, the tab just has a different name.

[hexywoman79]

Well I've finally managed to figure it out - I've recolored about 5 or 6 signs so far (YIPPEE!!!). Thanks again for all your help guys! Its greatly appreciated!

:D

[LittleDevil25]

i have one question about the tut what is the exact step right after the save .obj cause you dont state start new or anything i really need your help im such a noob lol

[mickyss]

i have one question about the tut what is the exact step right after the save .obj cause you dont state start new or anything i really need your help im such a noob lol



If you just saved the obj PAGE 5 (Now you have a copy of the model click - File, Close, Sims PE will still be open Now at the bottom of the screen click on - Object workshop. (If if it dose not appear at the bottom of the screen click - Window and click Object Workshop to toggle it back on..) PAGE 6:

Is this where your at?

[itsmeimlost]

Thank you so much mickyss, I am able to follow right along with this tutorial but I have ran into a small snag. When I am in UV Mapper Professional and I go to Texture/Load then the texture image I get an "Error Box" saying, "Error Loading Background" I am not sure how to upload the image of the error box, so I am unable to show you exactly what it says!

If anyone is able to help me out with this snag it would be greatly appreciated!

Lisa

[mickyss]

Thank you so much mickyss, I am able to follow right along with this tutorial but I have ran into a small snag. When I am in UV Mapper Professional and I go to Texture/Load then the texture image I get an "Error Box" saying, "Error Loading Background" I am not sure how to upload the image of the error box, so I am unable to show you exactly what it says!

If anyone is able to help me out with this snag it would be greatly appreciated!

Lisa

This sounds like the UVmapper not likeing the texture format, UVmapper is very fussy on the the type of image format.
Save the image as a .bmp file you can try .jpg to, Somtime if you using a program that has configurable compression for the image UVmapper cant work out what to do.

Let us know how you go.

[itsmeimlost]

This sounds like the UVmapper not likeing the texture format, UVmapper is very fussy on the the type of image format.
Save the image as a .bmp file you can try .jpg to, Somtime if you using a program that has configurable compression for the image UVmapper cant work out what to do.

Let us know how you go.


Sorry it has taken me so long to respond back to this. Real Life has been keeping me busy. As for UVmapper not liking the texture format, you were correct. I went in and changed the png to bmp and I now can get it to work! I really appreciate the help and this tutorial.

Lisa

[Rib640]

I have a question: is the custom mesh recolouring for texturing a mesh, or just to give it more colour options? Thank you! :)

[mickyss]

I have a question: is the custom mesh recolouring for texturing a mesh, or just to give it more colour options? Thank you! :)

Not sure what you mean, This guide shows you how to make your own recolours for user made objects so you can add more colours to it in the game.

[IgnorantBliss]

I think they are asking if this tutorial is intended for texturing an original mesh you made, or for the extra color options. I think it was intended for the latter, but probably parts of the tutorial can also be used for creating the original texture.

[mickyss]

you'r right this can be used for both.

[gina238]

I was following along on your tutorial "texturing for dummies, Maxis meshes" and on page 8 when it says to click on 3d mesh in plugin view my SimPe under content tab I have no 3dmesh tab, I have cGeometry Data Container, element, links, groups, model & joints, but not a 3dmesh tab. I have downloaded the latest version of SimPe. What am I doing wrong? Thank you so much for your help with this issue.

[IgnorantBliss]

I was following along on your tutorial "texturing for dummies, Maxis meshes" and on page 8 when it says to click on 3d mesh in plugin view my SimPe under content tab I have no 3dmesh tab, I have cGeometry Data Container, element, links, groups, model & joints, but not a 3dmesh tab. I have downloaded the latest version of SimPe. What am I doing wrong? Thank you so much for your help with this issue.

You're not doing anything wrong, that's how it's supposed to be now :). With some previous version of SimPE, in advanced mode the tab was called 3d mesh. Now it's called cGeometry Data Container in both normal and advanced mode.

[dink87522]

I have downlaoded DDS utilities and insatlled them, etc (including through simpe), and have set Simpe to Advanced mode. Although when I go to "Geometric data container", I have no '3d mesh' option. I'm uasing the latest simpe.

[mickyss]

I have downlaoded DDS utilities and insatlled them, etc (including through simpe), and have set Simpe to Advanced mode. Although when I go to "Geometric data container", I have no '3d mesh' option. I'm uasing the latest simpe.

Make sure you have Managed Direct X 9c installed: If you wish to preview the mesh...
http://sims.ambertation.de/files/mdxredist.msi

Now if you have opened a package with a mesh in it you should get this,

Oh click the (Preview) button :) this will load a mesh preview.
Use the (Export) button to extract a copy of the mesh.

As you can see its just a small change in SimPE..

Click for larger photo..

[IgnorantBliss]

I have downlaoded DDS utilities and insatlled them, etc (including through simpe), and have set Simpe to Advanced mode. Although when I go to "Geometric data container", I have no '3d mesh' option. I'm uasing the latest simpe.

See post #28, that button is now called something else.

[cherrycolamcd]

Great tutorial, micky--thank you so much! I have one question, though--whenever I'm in UV Mapper for more than a few minutes it times out and closes--is that because it is a demo version? I can certainly reload it each time it closes, but since the purpose of my downloading it was to make it easier to visualize object recolors, I may be shooting myself in the foot--in the time it takes me to do all the steps (between UV Mapper shutting down constantly) I would have saved time by just booting up the Sims. Anyway, if you have any information on how to fix it, I would appreciate it. Again, great tutorial!

[mickyss]

Great tutorial, micky--thank you so much! I have one question, though--whenever I'm in UV Mapper for more than a few minutes it times out and closes--is that because it is a demo version? I can certainly reload it each time it closes, but since the purpose of my downloading it was to make it easier to visualize object recolors, I may be shooting myself in the foot--in the time it takes me to do all the steps (between UV Mapper shutting down constantly) I would have saved time by just booting up the Sims. Anyway, if you have any information on how to fix it, I would appreciate it. Again, great tutorial!

:blink:
I have never knowen the demo version of uvmapper to timeout, Im not sure why this is happening of you, I have tryed to find info on this event but have had no luck.
Can you try this on another PC to see if the new demos version times out?

Check the forum on there site or email them they may be able to help.

Let us know how you go.

[Tabskitty]

What does Tjis program open with? It doesn't open correctsly for me, and I need to change it's properties format. What does it open with?

[mickyss]

What does Tjis program open with? It doesn't open correctsly for me, and I need to change it's properties format. What does it open with?

I am sorry you have me lost with your words.... Tjis??? this I assume...
You need to have Microsoft .NET Framework Version 1.1 installed to run SimPE download .NET here >>>>

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=262d25e3-f589-4842-8157-034d1e7cf3a3&displaylang=en

More information on the installation of SimPE can be found here >>>

http://sims.ambertation.de/en/download/realdownload/

The program SimPE is made to alow the editing of .package files these are the files that make user made sims objects and recolours :lovestruc

Hope this is what you needed to hear... :up:

Love you all Micky :bunny: :bunny: :bunny:

[deliwish]

I can't download Texturing for Dummies - Coustom Meshes.zip for some reason? I was able to download the tutorial for Maxis meshes but not this one. Does the file still exist?

[IgnorantBliss]

Yes, the file should be there, and works fine for me. Maybe try again, and if it still doesn't work, let me know your email address and I'll send it to you.

[Tabskitty]

Sorry, I messed up on my recent Question. I needed Someone to tell me what the tutorial opens with. Can someone email me the file?

[IgnorantBliss]

Tabskitty, I don't think you need the file emailed to you, if it already downloaded for you. You just need the correct program to open it with. After you open the ZIP file, you will need a PDF reader to open the PDF file inside of it. The Foxit Software (http://www.foxitsoftware.com/download.htm) PDF Reader is free.

[TimSimser]

Hi, I've got a few questions about the programs that are used in this tutorial.

I don't want to pay for programs like photo shop pro and UVmapper pro but I downloaded the trials of photo shop pro and uv mapper pro but do they expire after a while of can I use them "forever"? And if I can what are the differences from the buy versions?

And if they do expire what programs do you recommend in steads of these?

thanks Tim

[IgnorantBliss]

UVMapper Pro you can keep using, the trial will just never let your export your maps, but it can still be used for viewing.

Regarding the paint program, do you mean Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop? Paint Shop Pro, I believe, has a trial that runs out. Not sure how the Photoshop trial works. For free paint programs, try something like Gimp (http://www.gimp.org/).

[TimSimser]

Hi,

when I want to open my selfmade object in the object workshop and then recoloring simPE is going to load it but when its loaded I get nothing in the recource tree so I get already bogged down at that point. How do I solve this!!!

( I've made my own object with the tutorial object creation with wing 3d from mod_bv)

[IgnorantBliss]

It's hard to say what the problem is without looking at the package. Can you post the object package with a description of the problem in the Object Workshop & Repair Center thread at the main Object Creation & Texturing forum?

[TimSimser]

ok i'll try (tommorrow)

[TimSimser]

Hi I have some more specific information about the fault. When I open my selfmade object in the object workshop the one I had saved at step 5 ( the .obj file) it says:

" An unhandles exception has occured in your application. If you click Continue, the application will ignore tis error and attempt to continue. If you click Quit, the application wil be shut down immediatly.
Exception of type System.outOfMemoryException was thrown."

And when I open the .package file of the object I get nothing in my recource tree.

But my object does work in the game (but not with my ownmade texture)

So maybe you can help me with this information. ( I hope so!!!)

( I've not put my file in the object reparation workshop because I have it with all my objects and I don't know which I've to put in the workshop)

[IgnorantBliss]

Sorry, I still don't think I can help based on that. How is it possible that you can open the right package file in SimPE but don't know which file it is to post here?

[TimSimser]

Well I've made it myself, but I've got an totaly other question now.

In youre template all things are separated, but how have you done that.

And another question I've made my own fence but there are three geomatric data containers but only one texture image. What do I have to do?

[IgnorantBliss]

How things are placed on the template depends on the uv-mapping of the mesh, if I understood correctly your question.

Some objects have more than one Geometric Data Container, and that is in no way connected to the number of texture images. In those cases you have to go to the different GMDCs and take a at them to see which has the mesh you want to texture. You can use the preview button to see them if you can't tell from the name alone. Sometimes you may have to texture meshes in more than one GMDC for an object, sometimes the extra GMDC just have shadows or other things you don't need to texture.

[TimSimser]

okay I understand

But I shall explain you my problem with uvmapping

Here I've got an example

Template
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n11/Tim_011/latenzien.jpg
3D Model
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n11/Tim_011/latenzien2.jpg

When I give area D an colour the area A,B and C get all that colour, but most of the time that's not what I want. So how can I separate the area's A,B and C, so that my template have separate areas for them?

[IgnorantBliss]

Numenor has an article about the basics of uv-mapping here (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=79954).

[PsiKnife]

I have a question That seems appropriate enough for here.

I've read a good deal of the tutorials around the site including the sticky's and the PDF in this thread as well, so I'm clear on how to retexture/recolor. But I'm not clear on then putting that item back into the game without replacing the original item. And How can I then make sure it shows up where I need it to in the Buy item menu in-game?

My specific issue is I want to create a series of new paintings for my house. One will be a clone of the Cantankerous Splatters that i will retexture. But I still want to keep Cantankerous Splatters and not overwrite it. The second one is a 'Big Canvas' Mesh by someone at another site who said we could use the mesh and recolor it. So I want to retexture that one as well and then add it to the game but then how do I know where the file is going to show up?

Help on this issue is much appreciated.

[IgnorantBliss]

PsiKnife, please, see Numenor's object recoloring tutorial for Object Workshop. You will need to create a separate recolor package for the object, not recolor the actual mesh file texture. And make sure you're making recolors and not clones if you're just changing the texture. If you clone an object but do not change the GUIDs, it will replace the original object.

[PsiKnife]

K I'll go check his tutorial now. Thx much for the 411.

[PsiKnife]

Sorry New Q's now.

Are Recolor templates Clones with changed GUIDS?

I'm confused on this issue, I would like to create a clone (I think) of the Cantankerous Splatters painting , retexture that clone, and give it a new name and pricetag. I understand how to create a recolor package using the default painting that shows up in object manager, but not how to create a seperate painting using that game mesh.

I was told to clone and change the GUID's. So then I later found a "recolor template" for that painting, - is that a clone with changed GUID's?. If not, then whats the purpose of a recolor template?

I opened the recolor template in SimPE but other than seeing the files info I couldn't directly do anything with the info (can't double click on texture for example as nothing opens to give option to export to a paint program). It's all seperate from the actual recolor package tutorial because the recolor tempalte doesnt open in object manager. There is no tutorial on handling a recolor template file type. There's plenty on existing default files, but nothing on SimPE and template files.

lol I don't even know if I need to be using a template file. :help:

[IgnorantBliss]

Recolor templates are not clones, it's just a guide for the texture on where things go. With a painting, for example, it would show you where the frame goes and where the actual painting image goes. No GUIDs needed. You just open the template in your paint program and use it as a reference.

If you're not changing the mesh of a painting, I do not recommend cloning it only to have a new catalog description. That I would consider sort of a waste of GUIDs. I'd recommend doing a normal recolor, and saving clones for purposes where you actually do make a new mesh.

[PsiKnife]

Recolor templates are not clones, it's just a guide for the texture on where things go. With a painting, for example, it would show you where the frame goes and where the actual painting image goes. No GUIDs needed. You just open the template in your paint program and use it as a reference.

If you're not changing the mesh of a painting, I do not recommend cloning it only to have a new catalog description. That I would consider sort of a waste of GUIDs. I'd recommend doing a normal recolor, and saving clones for purposes where you actually do make a new mesh.

That clarifys things for me quite a bit. Thx much. With your help and Numenors tutorial I finally got it to work. My first custom content! http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5782/snapshot726nz9.jpghttp://img137.imageshack.us/img137/5782/snapshot726nz9.jpg

Yay go me the nub! :)

[meower77]

I feel smart now! :) Thanks for the tutorial

[Rainncandy]

I wasn't able to find the 3D mesh tab in Simpe.

[SUMSE]

I have a question, too:
I recolour my own mesh exactly the same way I was instructed in several tuts. But in game my object is invisible. What do I do wrong?


@ Rainncandy:
In the new Sim Pe it´s called Geometric Data Container (CMDC) ;)

[MaryLou]

I have a question, too:
I recolour my own mesh exactly the same way I was instructed in several tuts. But in game my object is invisible. What do I do wrong?
I have already answered to you in your OTHER post here
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?p=1749477#post1749477

Please, DO NOT post the same question in more threads/forums

[Vampire_of_Death]

I tried this over and over and i keep getting the same result. When i get to page 8 of the tut. i save my project on to my desktop. It finishes and and all it says in the object workshop area is that object was created and loaded. I don't see the pictures to recolor or anything. I really need help.

[rosaline_10]

great tutorial,
but I am doing the tutorial for texturing for custom mesh
and when I click on object workshop,
I then click on open, I find my file, i then choose recolour, then i click start.
now as far as I understand another window pops up and I have to pick the colours "the subset selection" , i dont get this, the subset selection for the colours does not come up at all.
it just comes up as a totally empty package. no files, nothing. what am i doing wrong? this is the same with every mesh i have created. am i doing somethiing wrong when i make my meshes?

[wndy26]

rosaline - I think its possible that you haven't set up your subsets for your custom item to be recolorable...there is a tutorial on that by ignorant bliss that should help you when it comes to creating recolorable subsets for your custom objects. I would think that unless you set it up originally to be recolorable you won't be able to recolor. This tutorial should walk you through doing that to your original item.

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=103379

As for this tutorial - it is a great one - if you have a template to follow. How does one go about creating a map correctly? I have been trying for a week to get one for a simple box with a specific logo on top to turn out right and it never does. The logo just tiles all over the place and I get white streaks all through it. Would be nice if someone could point me to a step by step "how to create a map that is proportioned correctly" tutorial.

[Vampire_of_Death]

This is so helpful. Thanks.

Bites and Kisses
Vampire

[lil-liz]

hi im not sure if this question has been answered but on page 8 you say, then on the right click first line? what is that? and also click on 3d mesh on my simpe it dosent have that option it only has element links groups models and joints. also on page 14 you say be sure to entre the size of the original texure, where is that and how do i find out its size, i dont have xp i have vista, and when i was doing your tut i chose to recolour a bed, so on the couch you said delete the base, so on mine i deleted the frame, and when i went to select the different parts and create a new texture when i opened them in photoshop they all came out with the same image, i guess because im just doing a bed spread. i dont no why do i have to do that cant i just pick one and recolour one i dont understand, any way besides all of there problems i was having i tryed to work my way arround them, i didnt click 3d mesh cause i didnt have the option and i did the best i could on the textures it came up perfect on the uv mapper but when i put it in the game it didnt come up right, the clours where all over the place, oh and also when you said to fix integrity and press save, mine came up with two um files and an ok and change button? so i didnt no what to do there and way i really need help

[Chakkraa]

okay so i'm having a problem i have been following the tutorial for the maxis mesh to the letter but when i get to page 8 my problem begins. I clicked on the resource tree and clicked on geometric data container but nothing shows up in it

what am i doing wrong? all i'm trying to do is retexture the window of the base game microwave. please help