.LFD

Science Manual

.LFD stands for "Lucas Film Data" and is basically a container file like .ZIP. This format was used in older LucasArts games, for storing material varying from graphics, sounds, animation and texts. Early use was for adventure games like Zak McKracken and the Alien MindBenders but they eventually made their way into the X-Wing Series and Dark Forces games as well.

Components

You can use DF2 to disassemble .LFD files into their components. Mostly these are data files and a bit of text (header etc).

• .ANIM
• .BM
• .DLT
• .FILM
• .FME
• .MID
• .VOC

Editting

Depending on what you want to do, there are multiple ways to edit your .LFD files.

• The most direct way is used in TIE Fighter patch creation, where for example TIETEXT0.LFD is editted straight via a Hexeditor: TIETEXT0.LFD contains names and tech-room names for non-flyable craft and you simply change the texts you see to what you want to have it changed to. The same process goes for SHIP1.LFD to SHIP7.LFD for flyable craft. (These files actually act as a battle file for the Combat Chamber missions for these craft as well).
• You can also use DF2 to diassemble your .LFD file, make the changes to the components and then use 2DF to reassamble to .LFD.
• TIE Fighter Workshop allows you to do simple edits to the BATTLE*.LFD files of TIE Fighter. This is limited to listing the .TIE files used by the battle, their text descriptions, the battle description and the picture shown in the Battle Room. (But only at small size and in the format for the MSDOS versions of TIE fighter.)
• TIE Fighter Mission & Resource Editor allows you to take the .LFD files that make up the cockpits for the older X-Wing Series games and edit them - or even make completely new ones.

Use

The main use within the Emperor's Hammer releases custom .LFD files with TIE Fighter custom battles, to allow custom information to appear ingame regarding the battle and to direct the game to the right .TIE files.