Fundamentals of 'Skinning'

Required Tools

There are a few tools you should first acquire to begin skinning.

First, you need a graphics package. Something like Photoshop, Paintshop or Fireworks is ideal. If you have none of these, you can download the GIMP for free.

Next you need a file converter. This is used to convert Warcraft image files (.BLP) into editable image files (such as .TGA, .JPG, .BMP). Generally, you want to be working with .TGA rather than .BMP or .JPG. Download one or all of Yobgul's file convertor and/or Magos' Model Editor, Warcraft 3 Viewer.

Assumably, you have a copy of Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne. If you don't, buy it.

You need a program to extract model and texture files from Warcraft archives, known as Mo'PaQ (.MPQ). Download WinMPQ.

Finally, to be able to view models, skins and your changes, download the Warcraft 3 Viewer.

Acquiring and converting a skin

Extracting with WinWPQ

• Load WinMPQ.
• Choose the File | Open command.
• Navigate to your Warcraft 3 folder.
• Find the files War3 and War3x.
• Select one and click Open. Wait for the archive to load.
• In the Compact box, enter *.blp and press enter. Wait for the file list to update.
• Right click a file in the list and select Extract. Choose a folder to extract the file to.

Extracting with Warcraft 3 Viewer

• Load Warcraft 3 Viewer
• Choose the File | Open MPQ command.
• Navigate to your Warcraft 3 folder.
• Find the files War3 and War3x.
• Select one and click Open.
• Ensure the Treeview is displayed. (Choose the View | Treeview window command or press Ctrl + H)
• Check the BLP bullet option at the top of the treeview.
• Expand the folders in the treeview by clicking the [+] buttons.
• Browse the BLP files in the treeview.
• To extract a texture, right click it and select Extract (and Convert) BLP.

How to: Import skins

How to: Find and edit a model's textures

Skinning tutorials.

I recommend MPQ Master, it is faster than WinMPQ.

I use warcraft 3 viewer for all my file converting needs and it works perfectly, so I highly recommend it.

Way to resurrect a 6 month old thread, and give non-helpful information:P If your going to resurrect it atleast post something useful about wc3viewer!

Viewer sucks, get Magos.

And use the Warcraft III file converter for converting files. And the Image extractor. Both oldschool and both reliable.