Well, Gary... Thanks a million, and I'm absolutely envious.
I am not sure that my Microsoft Digital Image 9 program will allow be the options I seek (ignorant about that--but I'd like to do 3-D edges on the counters), but I will check that. An eon ago I downloaded a freeware graphics creator program--small but really effective--but can't seem to find it now. Most importantly, I will print and review your thoughtful and thorough reply--I deeply appreciate the time that you devoted to it. I will try my hand before bothering people again, but I'll be back... :) Thanks again, Whit --- In [email protected], Gary Krockover <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Hi Whit, > > Any graphics program should work for you - something as simple as "Paint" (that comes with Windows) to more complex programs such as Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro. Look up "The Gimp", which is an open source graphics program, that would work also. > > The size of the counter is completely up to you. Obviously, you'll want to make sure that your counter fits properly within the hex (or space where they go) and so you'll base the size off of your map. If the image program has a ruler, you should be able to tell the size of your hexes (in pixels) and thus will size your counter a bit smaller than that. Personally, I like my zoom level 1 (default zoom) to be a very close up of the map and counters (since I'm on a 22" screen and everything looks small on it @ 1600x1200!). So, my current choice for counter size is 65px X 65px. You may go smaller (51x51 for example). > > Typically, what I'll do is make a template for the counters (I use Photoshop). My template is sized 65x65, I put the border on it and then draw the various images and type the various numbers where they belong. I can then hide layers and change the type from counter to counter. That may be hard to imagine, would be better if I could demonstrate that for you. Here's a screenshot of the process as seen in Photoshop: > > http://www.garykrockover.com/uploads/counter-sample.jpg > > That may give you an idea of how I go about it. > > Also, look up the documentation for "AutoImages" that is now built into VASSAL. It will allow you to add typical NATO symbols and other layers "on the fly" (VASSAL builds the counters is the best way that I can explain it). > > As for the mouse-over viewer - that is a trait that you enable on your mapboards. What the viewer does is show you the level 1 zoom of the counter no matter what level zoom you have the map at. So, if you're zoomed out to level 3 on the map (smaller map) and mouse over a stack, the counters shown will be your 65x65 sized counters (or whatever size you use). Hope that makes sense. > > GJK > > At 12:10 AM 8/4/2006, you wrote: > >Hi, Everyone: > > > >I am absolutely new to creating anything within Vassal and thought > >that I might try editing a module by creating a new counter set for it. > > > >I reviewed the Vassal site documentation but am cloudy about a couple > >of things... > > > >First, how does one create the artwork for counters? Is there a > >useful program for this (preferably freeware)? > > > >Secondly, how does one make certain that the counters created are > >sized correctly? (It doesn't appear that there is an easy way to do > >this.) > > > >Thirdly, in certain mods placing a cursor over a counter reveals an > >enlarged view of the unit. How does one accomplish that little feat? > > > >Please excuse my ignorance about everything--I just thought that I > >would try counters first, and maybe that is a bit much. > > > >Regards, > > > >Whit > Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vassalengine/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
