MODULE : CharGen.EXE
PURPOSE : The PicClip maker is
an Explorations support to which enables you to create animation strips for Sprites &
MapGroups within Explorations.
DATABASE : (none)
TAB : PicClip
Type
PROPERTIES :
Select the Animation Type. This setting controls the style of animation clip that is being generated & and default layer is is placed.
The PicClip Tool will automatically remove dead space from any animation sequence. "Dead" space is any excessive black background area that makes the animation frames larger than necessary.
By default, the PicClip Tool optimizes each animation independently. In the case that layered sprites are created, each sprite layer must be optimized to a standard size. When sprite layers are used, clothing, and weapons layers must be rendered and sized at the identical position on each frame so they may be layered accurately.
These are the frames cells of the animation. You may preview the animation on the Preview Tab. An Explorations sprite clip is arranged in six frames starting with the sprite facing 12 o'clock and turning clockwise.
BUTTONS :
REPEAT SEQUENCE :
The Repeat Sequence button will repeat the current animation frames in the next sequence of frames.
FILL SEQUENCE :
The Fill Sequence button will repeat the current animation frames continuously until the entire PicClip sheet is filled.
LOAD REINER SPRITES :
The PicClip Tool has special Reiner Sprites frame loading sequence. It can load 8 direction Reiner sprites into a compatible Explorations PicClip format.
LOAD FRAMES :
You may load individual frames as long as all the frames are the same size to form a seemless animation.
SAVE FRAMES :
You may save any animation into its individual frames. Frame will be numerically labeled.
LOAD CLIP :
You may load a pre-existing PicClip file. A PicClip file can be in the following file format. (.BMP, .GFX, .CLP, .PNG) If you are loading a PicClip file in any of the standard graphics formats, (.BMP,.PNG, .GFX) you must specify the frame settings manually. The .CLP format is the Explorations default/optimized PicClip format and offers advanced features when used. (recommended)
SAVE CLIP :
You may save the frames as a complete PicClip file. A PicClip file may be saved in the following file formats. (.BMP, .GFX, .CLP, .PNG) The recommended sprite format is .CLP. It offers optimized memory and animation retrieval functions.
CLEAR:
Clear all Frames on PicClip sheet.
TAB : Preview