Modding help?

[lukerduker123]

Alright, I'm working on a little niche mod for a buddy of mine, but I've ran into two, maybe three problems.

First problem, how do LBMs work? That is, how do I change them? I want to add a few new pictures to the game, but I don't know how.

Secondly, how do I add new unit sprites to the game? I tried to use the whole conversion tool but that turned into a cluster f-. Do I have to use a specific colour palette for sprites or something? And what do I do to import then? Oh, and how do turrets work? I'm using Paint.net for the BMP files-- is that what I should use?

Thirdly, how do I change the flag of a nation?

Thanks for the help!

[scorpio_rocks]

There are a couple of really good how to guides on the forum written by Cross, well worth a look. (I will add links when I'm back at my PC).

I use paint.net to create the icons, but you MUST use the spcamo palette. Use the supplied with the game program shpedit to add hull and turret icons to the relevant *.shp file.

Flags are handled the same way.

Lbm pictures again use paint.net to create and then Lbm converter in cross' thread.

Pm me if you need more help. I will be back at my PC on Sunday

[MarkSheppard]

Originally Posted by lukerduker123

First problem, how do LBMs work? That is, how do I change them? I want to add a few new pictures to the game, but I don't know how.

....

Secondly, how do I add new unit sprites to the game? I tried to use the whole conversion tool but that turned into a cluster f-. Do I have to use a specific colour palette for sprites or something? And what do I do to import then? Oh, and how do turrets work? I'm using Paint.net for the BMP files-- is that what I should use?

LBM is an old and obsolete file format that very few programs read.

As for what to use to work on Icons, I highly suggest you buy Paint Shop Pro 9 -- you can get a copy for $20 bucks off ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Corel-Paint-...kAAOSwQjZXPqmV

I have a copy myself (been using it since it was 4.12 or 7.12 and upgraded to 9 a few years ago); and it's what SPCAMO uses to make their icons with.

Thirdly, how do I change the flag of a nation?

National flag(s) are in several SHP files -- for MBT they are:

Icon0016.shp
Icon0061.shp
BATBUT.SHP
BATTLE.SHP

Attached is a complete set of flag graphics for both Mexico and Venezuela to give you an idea of what to create.

[DRG]

Originally Posted by MarkSheppard

I have a copy myself (been using it since it was 4.12 or 7.12 and upgraded to 9 a few years ago); and it's what SPCAMO uses to make their icons with.

I use 7.04 and nothing else since it came out in 1991 and I do not forsee ever changing. I use it for photography as well . I Bought 8.0 when it came out and (EDIT---) did NOT like it and have stuck with 7.04 since

Don

[MarkSheppard]

Originally Posted by DRG

I use 7.04 and nothing else since it came out in 1991 and I do not forsee ever changing. I use it for photography as well . I Bought 8.0 when it came out and did like it and have stuck with 7.04 since

Over on my side, I'm sticking with 9.0 until Windows makes it no longer work anymore, because the Corel versions of PSP have IIRC copy protection bloatware silently installed. I'm only willing to tolerate that in specific applications with no other alternative (actual working OCR program(s) or Adobe Photoshop).

[MarkSheppard]

Originally Posted by MarkSheppard

As for what to use to work on Icons, I highly suggest you buy Paint Shop Pro 9 -- you can get a copy for $20 bucks off ebay

Actually, I can front you a copy of PSP 8 (Dell Edition) -- I got a copy of it for only $2.00 at my local Friends of the Library Bookstore just noticed that now -- and even though it's the branded DELL PICTURE STUDIO edition, it still installs on a non-dell computer (verified this by installing it on a XP virtual machine).

[MarkSheppard]

Originally Posted by lukerduker123

Do I have to use a specific colour palette for sprites or something?

Yes. The sprite palettes are in your SPCAMO game folder.

\Game Data\Design\Palettes

The one you want is JASC_WINSP_ICON_PALETTE.pal for sprites.