These are the programs you will need or can use for basic and advanced skinning.

These are the links to all the tools and programs I use and talk about in my tutorials.

Milkshape 3D - The more popular 3D program for advanced meshing. The new version just released supports .skn format as well as .obj, and the updates are free once the program is registered for about $20. It's very affordable and very useful.

SimShow- The basic staple of my skinning. It's in the Get Cool Stuff section of the official Sim Site.

SKN2OBJ -will convert .skn files into editable .obj formats and back again, or make .obj acessories like hats into .skn format as well.

BMF2SKN - "This utility will change skin models from binary BMF format to ascii SKN format, making them readable (and editable, sorta) by humans." -The Sims Utilities

Skin Packs - Get the official packs here for more body meshes to mess around with, with the least amount of risk of plagarizing any one else's work, which is a huge NO-NO. Also in the get cool stuff/ make cool stuff section.

Simpose - Kind of like simshow, except you can use this to pose your sims and get cool preview shots or make up screenshots with it.

Sim Wardrobe: Edit's the wardrobe, nude skins, hand color, .etc for your sims. Compatible for all expansion packs.

SimMetamorphoser- Want to give your sims a gender change? Fix the skintone?

NPC Replacer - Think of the fun you can have with your creations with this little tool....

FAROut: An excellent .far extracting tool for digging those cool textures out of your game files.

CMX Maker (New!): Will write .cmx files for you, from basic bodies to additional acessories.

FAREdit: Another .far program that will extract and create .far files

Edit Pad: Very superior to Notepad! Have multiple .cmx files open with a tab index navigator all in one window! *Postcardware* (Should you decide to keep it, send the creator a postcard to say "Thank you")

WinRAR: Like Winzip, only better. Has a 40 day trial period, but keeps working beyond that.

BodyWarp: Warp bodies, and export them with their own .cmx files. Hosted at TSR.

SkinShrinker: (New!): Have skin files with names too long for your Mac? Drag-and-drop and have working skins!