Thanks to xEdit, this is an extremely easy, safe and fool proof way to convert many mods to ESL flagged files, which means they no longer use one of the 253 plugin slots.
Permissions and credits
Credits and distribution permission
Other user's assetsAll the assets in this file belong to the author, or are from free-to-use modder's resources
Upload permissionYou are not allowed to upload this file to other sites under any circumstances
Modification permissionYou must get permission from me before you are allowed to modify my files to improve it
Conversion permissionYou are not allowed to convert this file to work on other games under any circumstances
Asset use permissionYou must get permission from me before you are allowed to use any of the assets in this file
Asset use permission in mods/files that are being soldYou are not allowed to use assets from this file in any mods/files that are being sold, for money, on Steam Workshop or other platforms
Asset use permission in mods/files that earn donation pointsYou are not allowed to earn Donation Points for your mods if they use my assets
Console modding permissionThis mod will not be available on Bethesda.net for console users
Author notes
Translations: Permission Granted If you would like to translate this guide into your language you are welcome to do so. (Permission Granted) I recommend uploading your translation to both the Fallout 4 and Skyrim Special Editions of Nexus since this guide works for both games. I would also recommend that you include FAQ posted above as this will answer the most common questions your readers will have.
Once you have uploaded your file send me a PM with the link and I will add the info to both of my pages.
File credits
ElminsterAU - Author of xEdit https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/users/167469
Thanks To: (In Alphabetical Order) (A-Z)
~Nexus Caretaker Service~ SirSalami - Nexus Community Manager https://www.nexusmods.com/users/6499047
TerrorFox1234 - Nexus Community Manager https://www.nexusmods.com/users/9950988
* Removed Advanced Users / Mod Authors section from the guide.
* Guide streamlined and PDF version added. (Thank You BigandFlabby)
* Credit to underthesky for bringing missing information in the original version to my attention.
How to convert ESPs into ESLs using xEdit Step by step "How to Guide" with pictures.
Thanks to ElminsterAU and the xEdit team this is an incredibly easy, safe and fool proof way to convert many of your mods to ESL flagged files, this means it is now possible to have up to 253 "full" (ESP flagged) modules and 4096 "light" (ESL flagged) modules loaded at the same time.
* ESP flagged files are the default way a mod is created by the CK and xEdit, now some mods can be converted to ESL flagged files by the Mod Author or end user.
This guide works for Fallout 4 and Skyrim Special Edition. This is a detailed step by step guide anyone can use to simply set the ESL flag on an existing mod plugin to free up a load order slot, using this method of converting an ESP flagged file (game default) into an ESL flagged file has no effect on your save games and allows the most compatibility as it leaves the file named as original so mods that use it as a master in any way will continue to function.
* Fallout 4VR and SkyrimVR do not support ESL flagged files.
DISCLAIMER: * I do not claim any type of credit for the information I am sharing with you, my friend "BigandFlabby" showed me how to do this, and I'm paying him back by paying it forward. (Credit goes to ElminsterAU and the xEdit team.) * 100% of the Donation Points received from this guide go directly to the International Committee of the Red Cross. * I am not qualified to answer questions regarding the usage and features of xEdit beyond the information in this guide.
Version 2.0 now in PDF With this update, I (BigandFlabby) rewrote part of the document to help with the flow a bit. As such, all of the stuff originally intended as advanced detail for Mod Author's to make their mods into ESL files has been removed at this time. The main use of this document is now targeted towards more novice users who just need to open up some load order slots. The reasoning for this is that the procedure required for the advanced use cases need to be done with deep understanding of the inner workings of each mod. This would typically be the Mod Author, and generally not the average mod user.
Please check out the Permissions and Credits for a list of "Credits and Thanks". And don't forget to come back and give us and endorsement if you like this guide.
