Create Your Own Shimeji-ee: Simple Step-by-Step Tutorial

How to install and customize Shimeji-ee characters

Requirements

• Windows 7–11 (or Java installed for older builds).
• Shimeji-ee ZIP or installer and character packs (.shimeji or folder).
• Recommended: Java 8+ if using Java-based versions.

Installation (simple, assumes ZIP package)

1. Download the latest Shimeji-ee release and character packs from a trusted source (official repo or Readme.wiki).
2. Extract the Shimeji-ee ZIP to a folder (e.g., C:\Shimeji-ee).
3. Inside the extracted folder, run the executable:
   • If there’s an .exe, double-click it.
   • If only a .jar, run:

     bash
     Copy CodeCopied
     java -jar shimeji-ee.jar 

4. On first run, Shimeji-ee creates a “shimejis” folder where characters live.

Adding characters

1. Copy downloaded character folders or .shimeji files into the “shimejis” directory created by the app.
2. Restart Shimeji-ee (or use its menu) so it detects new characters.
3. Use the tray icon/menu to spawn characters onto the desktop.

Basic customization (in-app)

• Tray/menu → Settings or Preferences:
  • Spawn count: increase/decrease number of active characters.
  • Behavior toggles: enable climbing, copying, group behavior.
  • Follow mouse / stay on top: toggle interaction and z-order.
  • Opacity / scale: if available, adjust size and transparency.

Advanced customization (edit character files)

1. Open the character folder inside “shimejis”. Key files:
   • images/ — PNG frames used by actions.
   • behavior.xml or scripts/ — defines movements, actions, triggers.
   • config.properties or .ini — spawn settings and defaults.
2. To change an action animation: replace PNG sequence in the relevant action folder (keep filenames/order).
3. To change timings/positions/AI: edit behavior XML or JavaScript files (back up first). Common parameters:
   • frameDelay / frameRate — animation speed.
   • action probability — likelihood of performing an action.
   • gravity / speed / jumpHeight — movement physics.
4. After edits, restart Shimeji-ee and spawn the character to test.

Making a simple custom shimeji pack

1. Create a folder named like myshimeji. Inside:
   • images/ (with subfolders for actions: walk, idle, climb, etc.).
   • behavior.xml (copy from an existing pack and modify).
   • manifest or meta file if required by your Shimeji-ee build.
2. Zip the folder (or leave as folder) and place into “shimejis”.

Troubleshooting

• Characters don’t appear: ensure files are in correct “shimejis” folder and restart app.
• App won’t run: install Java 8+ or use the bundled .exe release.
• Icons/animations broken: check filenames and PNG transparency; ensure correct folder structure.

Tips

• Keep backups before editing behavior files.
• Start by modifying small values (e.g., frameDelay) to see effects quickly.
• Use community packs to learn structure and scripts.

If you want, I can provide a ready-to-edit behavior.xml template or walk through editing a specific character—tell me which file or behavior you want to change.