Hi, Brent: I hope that I didn't leave you hanging too long.
Wow, help from AU... Well, I can tell that I will sink or swim w/ this, the idea of new counters for the AH classic, Blitzkrieg, becoming a neurosis. Your counter size parameters are most helpful, as is the Wikipedia link. I am scouting these ideas and will post again when I settle on a program. I do have another question, though. Suppose I wind up layering text and such in another program. First, does Vassal require .bmp images (that's what I want to use anyway)?; second, once I save the layers in the graphics program, Vassal cannot activate them, can it? What I mean is that, for ex. the Blitzkrieg mod conveniently allows one to change the text w/ a right click. (This helps w/ substitute counters in that particular game.) It seems that to allow such an option, one must use the default text editing features within Vassal. The idea that I had for the counters is an up-tempo graphics scheme w/ much easier to read counters that "jump" a bit. I guess, without knowing more, that I'll just have to supply a ton of individual counters through cloning, or soemthing. (I.e., one won't be able to amend them on the fly during a game.) That is just one issue I've got--I've thought of a thousand more but will wait until I can put up or shut up about those. Thanks so much, Whit --- In [email protected], "Brent Easton" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Hi Whit, > > > >*********** REPLY SEPARATOR *********** > > > >On 4/08/2006 at 5:10 AM conjunction02 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)? > > Basically, you can use any Image program you like. Even Paint in Windows XP can be used. More advanced programs will give you more control and allow you to add better looking effects and do things like create partially transparent images that can be used in layers to show on top of counters to mark thinks like 'Out of Supply' or 'Has moved'. > > The Vassal FAQ has some details of free programs available. Personally, I use the Gimp, which is free and very powerful, but also quite complicated. It is not a program you become proficient with overnight, but there are extensive online tutorials to assist you. > > > >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.) > > > Well this is really up to you. I assume you are not asking how do I make all my counters the same size :) > > The 'right' size for the counters depends on the size of the hexes on the map. Or, the size of the hexes on the map determines the size of the counters...Which come first? > > Basically, you want both the map and the counters small enough so that small details are easily distinguished at full magnification. Usually, the counters is the limiting factor, they cant go any smaller without being unreadable. From there, that determines you map hex size. Typical sizes for counters are 45x45 (small) to 75x75 (large). Other modules may use smaller or large counters. > > By far the best way is to learn is to find a module you like the look of and take it apart to see what makes it tick. > > > >Thirdly, in certain mods placing a cursor over a counter reveals an > >enlarged view of the unit. How does one accomplish that little feat? > > This is a 'Mouse-over Stack Viewer' that can be added to any Map component. > > >Please excuse my ignorance about everything--I just thought that I > >would try counters first, and maybe that is a bit much. > > No problems. Have a look at the FAQ at http://wiki.vassalengine.org/doku.php?id=faq which has a lot of tidbits. > > Cheers, > Brent. > > >Regards, > > > >Whit > > ____________________________________________________________ > Brent Easton > Analyst/Programmer > University of Western Sydney > Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > 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/
