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3DS:Installing software: Difference between revisions

From Hacks Guide Wiki
(changed installed/run to launched, removed installing .nds section and moved the text to the top, also made Twilightmenu clickable that links to twilightmenu install guide)
(some changes to wording, syntax changes as well, and added redirect to FBI/GodMode9 in CIA section)
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==3DS software formats==
==3DS software formats==
Software on the 3DS comes in two main formats: CIA and 3DSX.
Software on the 3DS comes in two main formats: '''CIA''' and '''3DSX'''.


*'''CIA''' (.cia) format software is usually installed with FBI and will end up on HOME Menu as a launchable title. Both homebrew and retail game dumps are available in the CIA format.
*'''CIA''' <code>.cia</code> format software is usually installed with [[3DS:FBI|FBI]]/[[3DS:GodMode9|GodMode9]] and will end up on HOME Menu as a launchable title. Both homebrew and retail game dumps are available in the '''CIA''' format.
*'''3DSX''' (.3dsx) format software is installed by placing the 3DSX file in the "3ds" (NOT Nintendo 3DS) folder and can only be launched from Homebrew Launcher. All 3DSX format software is homebrew.
*'''3DSX''' <code>.3dsx</code> format software is installed by placing the 3DSX file in the <code>3ds</code> folder (NOT Nintendo 3DS) and can only be launched from Homebrew Launcher. All '''3DSX''' format software is homebrew.


No format is inherently better than the other; it just depends on how you want to launch your software. If you'd prefer your application on HOME Menu, CIA format is the way to go. Otherwise, 3DSX is probably better.
No format is inherently better than the other; it just depends on how you want to launch your software. If you'd prefer your application on HOME Menu, '''CIA''' format is the way to go. Otherwise, '''3DSX''' is probably better.


There is also '''NDS''' (.nds) format software, which can only be used with [https://wiki.ds-homebrew.com/twilightmenu/installing-3ds| TWiLightMenu++]/nds-bootstrap and can be launched by placing the NDS file anywhere on the SD card visible to TWiLightMenu++. This format of homebrew is also compatible with the DSi and with DS flashcarts. Alternatively, you can create a forwarder that points to the <code>.nds</code> file on your SD card, which will show up on your HOME Menu. For instructions, see  [https://wiki.ds-homebrew.com/ds-index/forwarders here].
There is also '''NDS''' <code>.nds</code> format software, which can only be used with [https://wiki.ds-homebrew.com/twilightmenu/installing-3ds| TWiLightMenu++]/nds-bootstrap and can be launched by placing the <code>.nds</code> file anywhere on the SD card visible to TWiLightMenu++. This format of homebrew is also compatible with the DSi and with DS flashcarts. Alternatively, you can create a forwarder that points to the <code>.nds</code> file on your SD card, which will show up on your HOME Menu. For instructions, see  [https://wiki.ds-homebrew.com/ds-index/forwarders here].


Some other file formats you might encounter (but not as often):  
Some other file formats you might encounter (but not as often):  


*'''3DS''' (.3ds) is used for cartridge dumps, which you can make/install using [[3DS:Dump titles and game cartridges|GodMode9]]. This file format is also often used with [https://citra-emu.org/wiki/dumping-game-cartridges/ Citra].
*'''3DS''' <code>.3ds</code> is used for cartridge dumps, which you can make/install using [[3DS:Dump titles and game cartridges|GodMode9]]. This file format is also often used with [https://citra-emu.org/wiki/dumping-game-cartridges/ Citra].
*'''CXI''' (.cxi) is a generic executable format sometimes used for digital file dumps / preservation.
*'''CXI''' <code>.cxi</code> is a generic executable format sometimes used for digital file dumps / preservation.
*'''APP''' (.app) is the packed application format that you will see in the <code>Nintendo 3DS</code> folder. You won't be able to directly manipulate these very easily.
*'''APP''' <code>.app</code> is the packed application format that you will see in the <code>Nintendo 3DS</code> folder. You won't be able to directly manipulate these very easily.


In summary, if you want to install software on your 3DS, you should be looking for '''CIA''' or '''3DSX''' format applications — and sometimes '''NDS''' files.
In summary, if you want to install software on your 3DS, you should be looking for '''CIA''' or '''3DSX''' format applications — and sometimes '''NDS''' files.


There is 3 software that can be used to install 3DS software:
There is 3 software that can be used to install 3DS software and homebrew:
<tabber>
<tabber>


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<span>
<span>
'''FBI''' is an application that can install CIA files. To use it:
'''FBI''' is an application that can install '''CIA''' files. To use it:


<ol>
<ol>
<li>Place your <code>.cia</code> file anywhere on your SD card. (You may want to create a "cias" folder for organizational purposes.)</li>
<li>Place your <code>.cia</code> file anywhere on your SD card. (You may want to create a <code>cias</code> folder for organizational purposes.)</li>
<li>Open the FBI application (if you followed 3ds.hacks.guide, it will be on your HOME Menu)</li>
<li>Open the FBI application (if you followed 3ds.hacks.guide, it will be on your HOME Menu)</li>
<li>Navigate to SD Card -> (wherever you put the .cia file)</li>
<li>Navigate to SD Card -> (wherever you put the <code>.cia</code> file)</li>
<li>Navigate to <code>Install and delete CIA</code>
<li>Navigate to <code>Install and delete CIA</code>
<ul><li>The CIA file itself does not need to be kept after it is installed, hence "install and delete"</li></ul>
<ul><li>The '''CIA''' file itself does not need to be kept after it is installed, hence "Install and delete"</li></ul>
</li>
</li>
<li>Wait for the CIA to install</li>
<li>Wait for the '''CIA''' to install</li>
</ol>
</ol>


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<span>
<span>
<p>'''GodMode9''' is an application that can install CIA files. To use it:</p>
<p>'''GodMode9''' is an application that can install '''CIA''' files. To use it:</p>


<ol>
<ol>
<li>Place your <code>.cia</code> file anywhere on your SD card. (You may want to create a "cias" folder for organizational purposes.)</li>
<li>Place your <code>.cia</code> file anywhere on your SD card. (You may want to create a <code>cias</code> folder for organizational purposes.)</li>
<li>Power on your 3DS while holding {{B|Start}}</li>
<li>Power on your 3DS while holding {{B|Start}}</li>
<li>Navigate to <code>[0:] SDCARD</code> and press {{B|A}}</li>
<li>Navigate to <code>[0:] SDCARD</code> and press {{B|A}}</li>
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<ol>
<ol>
<li>Open the Universal-Updater application (the blue down arrow icon)</li>
<li>Open the Universal Updater application (the blue down arrow icon)</li>
<li>Use the <code>D-Pad</code> to navigate between applications and the {{B|A}} button to select an application</li>
<li>Use the <code>D-Pad</code> to navigate between applications and the {{B|A}} button to select an application</li>
<li>Use the <code>Search</code> or <code>Filter</code> function (the magnifying glass) to look for a specific application</li>
<li>Use the <code>Search</code> or <code>Filter</code> function (the magnifying glass) to look for a specific application</li>
<li>Under <code>Available Downloads</code>, select either the .cia, .3dsx, or .nds file, then press {{B|A}} again to install the application</li>
<li>Under <code>Available Downloads</code>, select either the <code>.cia</code>, <code>.3dsx</code>, or <code>.nds</code> file, then press {{B|A}} again to install the application</li>
<li>Check the queue (the button with the number in it) to see download progress
<li>Check the queue (the button with the number in it) to see download progress
<ul>
<ul>
<li>CIA files will appear on your HOME Menu in a gift box after you exit Universal-Updater</li>
<li>'''CIA''' files will appear on your HOME Menu in a gift box after you exit Universal-Updater</li>
<li>3DSX files will become available in the Homebrew Launcher application</li>
<li>'''3DSX''' files will become available in the Homebrew Launcher application</li>
<li>NDS files will need to be launched from [https://wiki.ds-homebrew.com/twilightmenu/installing-3ds.html TWiLightMenu++]</li>
<li>'''NDS''' files will need to be launched from [https://wiki.ds-homebrew.com/twilightmenu/installing-3ds.html TWiLightMenu++]</li>
</ol>
</ol>


Once the install has finished, press {{B|Start}} to exit the application, if you installed a CIA file and it doesn't immediately appear, you may have to power your console off and on to get it to appear.
Once the install has finished, press {{B|Start}} to exit the application, if you installed a '''CIA''' file and it doesn't immediately appear, you may have to power your console off and on to get it to appear.
</span>
</span>


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To run a piece of homebrew in <code>.3dsx</code> format:   
To run a piece of homebrew in <code>.3dsx</code> format:   


#Place your <code>.3dsx</code> file in the <code>3ds</code> folder (NOT <code>Nintendo 3DS</code>) on your SD card  
#Place your <code>.3dsx</code> file in the <code>3ds</code> folder (NOT <code>Nintendo 3DS</code>) on your SD card    
#*Some pieces of homebrew may require additional support files. You may have to consult the README / documentation of that software if this is the case
#*Some pieces of homebrew may require additional support files. You may have to consult the README / documentation of that software if this is the case
#The homebrew should now appear when you open the Homebrew Launcher (the blue "h" icon) on your HOME Menu   
#The homebrew should now appear when you open the Homebrew Launcher (the blue "h" icon) on your HOME Menu   
#* Navigate between homebrew applications / folders using the D-Pad and press the {{B|A}} button to launch it
#*Navigate between homebrew applications / folders using the D-Pad and press the {{B|A}} button to launch it


==Uninstalling software==
==Uninstalling software==