Config Files for Entire Ships?

[schnarff]

Hello All,

Was introduced to KSP a few days ago by a friend via Reddit. I've started tikering a bit, and realized just how difficult it is to build a proper rocket ship in the process. :-)

After being frustrated that I couldn't configure exact values for the position of, say, fins (much easier to take 360 degrees, divide by 3, and place fins at that exact spot than fiddle around with a track pad on a laptop trying to place things just right), I discovered the concept of mods, which are pretty cool. I was looking specifically at the Soyuz mod under here , when I realized that parts are just plaintext config files where you can set values, assuming you know the API.

Is there anywhere I could get access to the API for building out a ship? The mod I downloaded, for example, had pictoral instructions showing all of the parts necessary - but I can't just build one that tall in my vehicle assembly building using the mouse, so clearly I need to just describe it via a config file. Are there example config files I can download that describe entire ships, based on a specific parts configuration?

Sorry if this is obvious, it's just a rather broad forum to search, and Google wasn't being particularly helpful when I started looking for things.

[Capt'n Skunky]

After being frustrated that I couldn't configure exact values for the position of, say, fins (much easier to take 360 degrees, divide by 3, and place fins at that exact spot than fiddle around with a track pad on a laptop trying to place things just right)

In the top left of the viewport in the VAB are two circular buttons. These can be used to create symmetrically spaced parts around your ship. There is a setting for 2,3,4,6, and 8 symmetry on the left button and the right button is for angle snap.

...but I can't just build one that tall in my vehicle assembly building using the mouse...

By either left-clicking on the capsule or holding shift while left-clicking anywhere on the rocket, you can grab the rocket and move it up or down using the scroll wheel on your mouse.

While it's possible to edit .craft files to manually build a ship, it's not recommended. Try visiting the Spacecraft Exchange for .craft files you can download and load up in the game.

Happy Launching!

Arrr!

Capt'n Skunky

KSP Community Manager