A quick guide to moving parts by Persistent file editing

[Tw1]

As you may know, the position data of every part is stored in a "persistent" file. I'm going to show you how to manipulate that info, to move parts on vessels for giggles and profit. This may be considered "cheating" by some.

First, save editing basics:

• 
  Always make a backup copy of the persistent file before you start. Mistakes happen.
  Remember the name of the ship you want to edit, and the save file name of the part you want to move. Parts are called different things in the save file, so check their CFG file if you're not sure.
  Save file editing is best done by editing the "quicksave" file. First, make a quick save with F5, do your edits, then save the file, and press F9 to apply.
  

Moving parts:

The position of parts is controlled by three coordinates. Like this:

"Position = 1.12140202522278,2.950028836727142,1.13252248468143E-07"

Or in the file, like this:

The directions are determined by the orientation of the root part.

Here, I altered the center up/down value. (Y axis in unity itself.)

Where they are in relation to the root part determines if their coordinate will be negative or positive. Parts above/infront will have positive coordinates, while those below/behind will have negative ones.

With this, you can tweak those legs which were to short, spread out those wheels, and do lots of other useful things.

Careful though, as it's not precise. Keep your wits about you, you might want to fill a bit before you achieve what you want. Memorising the coordinates you were altering last (to a few decimal points at least) will help you identify the parts you want to/are modifying. It works both with radially attached and stack attached parts.

Good luck!

Edited June 1, 2014 by Tw1