Hexing

Hexing is the process of modding the Petz game to create new breeds, or other items such as clothing or toys. The name is derived from the hex editors that were originally used to modify the game files. Although these days we have much better tools to work with, the name stuck.

The two main hexing tools in use nowadays are:

LNZ Pro - a text based editor

Petz Workshop - a visual editor

In recent years we now have LNZ Live, which combines the direct code editing of LNZ Pro with the visuals of Petz Workshop. It only edits LNZ files though, so you have to paste your work back into LNZ Pro when done, but it's fast becoming one of my favourite tools.

LNZ Live

Tutorials

If you're interested in learning to hex, I suggest that you take the time to learn how the LNZ files (the files inside a breedfile that dictate what the pet looks like) work. The numbers might look intimidating at first, but you will gain a better understanding of what you're doing and be able to pull off some interesting tricks. I personally hex using LNZ Pro for most of my work, though I do like Petz Workshop for visualisation of fiddly bits and placing paintballz.

The best resource for learning LNZ files is Carolyn's LNZ Breakdown, which details all the parts of the LNZ file and what they do. It's an invaluable resource and you can also find it in the LNZ Pro helpfiles so you'll always have it on you.

Carolyn's LNZ Breakdown

Below are some tutorials I've written (or plan to write):

(Not all of these are converted to .gmi. Everything I've written so far is on http:

https://lilaclynx.net/petz/hexing.html

Bear with me...)

Setting up

A tour of the breedfile in LNZ Pro

Viewing your breed as an adult in the Adoption Center

Making a "blank slate" base

Variations

Making a basic variation set

Using linked variations

Variations in addballz

Addballz

Making "magically appearing" surprise features using addgroups

Making growable features (horns, wings etc)

Avoiding the double tail bug with addball tails

How ears work in catz and dogz

Addballz per breed

Other interesting things

Swapping breedfile SCPs

Using raw LNZ files to make 2nd gens look different

Beyond breedfiles: exploring the resource.dll files

The Research Zone

Assorted notes and discoveries from delving into the unknown depths of the game's workings. Not tutorials, but may be of interest to some.

SCP/Personality Research Notes (outdated)

SCP Reader

Weird Animations

Back