RPG Maker MV/MZ Extended Generator - Version 0.68 - Update on the 10th April 2021

[Schlangan]

Hello everybody.

As we know, RPG Maker MV brought in a nice character editor, also available in RPG Maker MZ. However, adding new assets is somewhat challenging if you don't know exactly how the numbering of items is made. Even by knowing it, it is annoying to deal with a specific naming of files in order to make sure to not mess up everything. Also, there is no option for the addition of new colors, only gimmicks to replace the current gradients.

After thinking about it for a while, and seeing as no specific project has been achieved on this topic yet, I decided to give it a go. I'm currently coding an extended version of the character generator, currently for Microsoft Windows operating system though. The generator has been revamped, but as usual, bugs may exist. I'm counting on you guys to find them so I can fix that as soon as possible


Screen capture of v0.55

The editor behaves like the current MV/MZ editor, with the following additions:
- The software will help you import all your current assets from your RPG Maker MV/RPG Maker MZ folder
- You can import resource packages (RXGE2) files from resources creators who use the generator
- You can manually add new resources without having to think about the default generator naming conventions
- You can add more "categories" and "parts", for example, Accessories 3, something different than Male/Female/Kid
- You can add new templates for resources who do not match the dimensions of RPG Maker MV/MZ default resources
- You can redefine the drawing order of elements over others (by default the current MV/MZ generator priorities will be set)
- All gradients can be used for any item, and you'll be able to add new, whether by importation or by generation
- You can add many elements of the same part (ex. two accessories A) and use any category (Male, Female, ...) on the same character
- You can move the elements by a few pixels to create different faces
- You can easily see who to credit through the importation of resources
- You can create/add character sets, which are partial characters
- Better randomization of characters with rules

Tutorials are directly accessible from my website :
- Access to the website here
- Direct link to tutorials

Download Link: Version 0.68

- The link points to a zip file in which the executable is. I didn't create an installer yet, but the file should be readable by most people on windows operating systems already. If it won't, try to install .Net Framework 4.5+
- Antiviruses hate standalone files; yours may complain when trying to launch the generator.
- Download Link

You want to follow what is being developed and give suggestions elsewhere than this forum? Here is a discord link: https://discord.gg/ZV4WHB5

Known bugs :
- None for now

Changelog - Version 0.67 (2021, March, 1st)

• Fix: Since MZ changes to their face pictures, going from 144x144 pixels to 160x160, the faces were distorted after importation. Now, the generator can properly display those files.

Older versions :

Spoiler

Version 0.66 (2020, September, 8th)

• Fix: When importing resources from RPG Maker like folders from a database setup for MZ, a crash occurred due to the hidden key names of mask colors.
• New: When exporting character pictures, the path for each template is saved. After your first export, you don't need to change folders every time anymore.
• New: Zoom level 150% added. Buttons + and - for zoom level.
• New: Duplication of gradient colors
• New: Custom colors in the color selection window are saved as long as the software remains open
• New: Button to add subdivisions to the gradient data

0.65 (2020, September, 3rd)

• Addition: Gradients can be imported/exported to a new file format, RXGG2. That one allows sharing your gradients and gradient categories, including generated gradients.
• Fix: In case of errors in the RXGE2 files, the file can still be imported, skipping the erroneous parts.

0.64 (2020, August, 28th)

• Addition: The generator now tries to guess if the file names have missing/exceeding capitals letters when importing a MV-like folder.

0.62 (2020, August, 20th)

• New: Possibility to import RPG Maker MZ resources, like MV (including the gradient files)
• New: Possibility to import a RPG Maker MZ Character JSON File
• Addition: Categories can be moved up and down in the database window
• Addition: When clicking "New category" or "New part", the textbox becomes automatically selected

0.61 (2020, August, 17th)

• Fix: Generated gradient colors were partially saved; changing only slider positions wasn't considered as a modification of the gradient.
• Fix: The save dialog was appearing twice if you chose Yes for save but clicked Cancel thereafter.

0.60 (2020, August, 14th)

• Fix: Safety to prevent the user from adding two identical gradients to the same color category.
• Addition: Menu to completely erase the database, so you don't have to do it manually.
• Addition: Ability to import the database and resources from the old 0.10 version.

0.59 (2020, August, 12th)

• Fix: Correction for MV default resources importations to be able to deal with DLCs with bad filenames too.
• Change: Attempt at signing the executable files so the antiviruses will have fewer complaints against the generator.

0.58 (2020, August, 11th)

• Fix: Index out of range error when importing a MV-like folder with mismatched names
• Fix: Better analysis of the filenames of the MV-like folders if additional underscores are in the names.

0.57 (2020, August, 3rd)

• Addition: Comeback of the importation of MV-like folders
• Fix: Index out of bounds when removing a resource
• Fix: Browse button not working in the import MV resources window.

0.55 (2020, August, 2nd)

• Change: Rework of the main UI
• Change: Rework of the database windows
• Change: Rework of the way the database works
• Addition: Resources now have tags for filters on the main window
• Addition: A resource can have several categories/authors
• Addition: Categories for colors
• Addition: Undo/Redo
• Addition: Character sets
• Addition: Randomization rules
• Addition: Recent files
• Addition: Gradient parameterization
• Addition: RPG Maker MV JSON character importation
• Fix: Export window snap points
• Fix: Index out of bounds
• Fix: Dead files remaining in folders
• Fix: Many other crashes

Alpha 0.10 - 7th September 2019
- Fix : Changing icons for resource was crashing the editor instead of properly saving the change
- Fix : Removing pictures for templates was crashing the editor and corrupting the data file if one of the mask color was to be removed due to the suppression
- Addition : Filters are now remembered in the managing resource section (advanced mode) as long as the window is kept opened
- Addition : Select All and Select None buttons for categories / parts / authors in the managing resource section (advanced mode)

Alpha 0.09 - 4th January 2018
- Addition : Once a character has been saved/open, the Save character menu (shortcut CTRL+S) will overwrite the file. The Save character as menu still exists.
- Addition : If a character is not saved, a confirmation is asked before opening another character, creating a new character and closing the software.
- Fix : While using randomize, the same series of random characters won't appear anymore after a restart of the software.

Alpha 0.08a - 24th August 2017
- Fix : The generator won't try to summon an obsolete form window when importing default MV resources, the error will disappear.
- Fix : The generator will try to skip picture files that do not belong to the normal MV naming convention in the generator folder.

Alpha 0.08 - 7th August 2017
- Addition : Modes for the generator, MV and advanced. Advanced corresponds to all what available before, while MV only possesses the default MV templates and far less options for an easier use.
- Addition : The resource list panel can be resized vertically to display more resources if necessary.
- Addition : The generator window will now remember its size and position, as well as the size of the left and top panels.
- Fix : RPG Maker MV default ears resources are now properly imported, but will require a complete reimportation of the resources.

Alpha 0.07a - 28th December 2016
- Fix : If the importation failed, the generator will only display as mission icon the erroneous files. The crash is avoided until a better solution is found.

Alpha 0.07 - 26th November 2016
- Addition : Resources can now be edited : changing/adding/removing pictures/mask colors. It can be used to add pictures to existing resources for new templates.
- Addition : Kid resources can now be imported from the default MV generator folder.
- Addition : When importing a MV-like resource folder, you can also import new template resources if their folder name is the key of your template.
- Addition : When importing a MV-like resource folder, new template resources will merge with existing resources. (It also works with RPG maker default resources provided that the importation name is "Generator" or "Kadokawa".
- Addition : New option for managing templates : you can now rename them, change their parts and drawing orders. You can also move them, while being protected from overlap.
- Change : The default RPG resources will now have the prefix "Kadokawa" when being imported.
- Fix : The switch from one textbox to another with the Tab key during resource addition is now properly fixed.
- Fix : The generator won't crash anymore if there are no resources in for a Part.
- Fix : The Replace button will not be enabled anymore if the character is empty.
- Fix : When deleting resources, the files in the Resource folder are now properly deleted.
- Fix : The About window won't crash anymore if it is opened several times in a row.
- Fix : Position errors while exporting pictures with a small windows size have been removed.
- Fix : Added safety checks to prevent crashing while importing MV's folder, if somthing has been altered. Wrongly named files/folders will now be skipped.

Alpha 0.06b / Alpha 0.06c - 31st August 2016
- Fix : When adding resources for only template with Mask color IDs, the software won't crash anymore when trying to use those resources on a new character.
- Fix : Selecting a blank mask id won't make the software crash anymore either.

Alpha 0.06a - 30th August 2016
- Fix : The default MV resource import window made the software crash if RPG Maker MV was not installed on the computer.

Alpha 0.06 - 29th August 2016
- Change : Modification of the main window interface. Now, the left panel displays character details while the right panel is used to select parts and preview the window
- Addition : The main window contents can be resized in two panels. One panel for character details, one panel for picture view.
- Change : You now add elements by double-clicking or pressing the "Add" button. You can replace them by right-clicking or pressing the "Replace" button.
- Change : To remove an element, select it in thre TreeView, then right click on it.
- Addition : A zoom function has been added, allowing the following scaling : 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 200%, 400%, 800%
- Addition : The main window has now a "See credits" button to list the credits for the current character, from the used parts.
- Addition : One character can now possess many elements of the same part (ex: several Accessories A) and elements from other categories (ex: Male and Female elements)
- Addition : You can now shift all elements by a few pixels in order to make changes to the initial positions.
- Addition : Random generation of characters. Body, Face, Eyes, Nose, Mouth and Ears always appear, while other elements have 50% of chance to be blank.
- Change : Removal of the "Manage assets" window as it was known before. It has been replaced by a new window : Manage Assets wizard.
- Change : The many "Update" buttons have been removed, you won't have to bother with them anymore.
- Addition : The assets management window can now be resized.
- Addition : Templates have a new property : "Elements per sheet". This will allow to export many elements of the same file, for example like MV's charsets (4x2 charsets on a single picture)
- Change : You won't hear about "Priorities" anymore but simply "Drawing Order" for a better understanding.
- Addition : Mask colors now have names, which makes importation of resources easier
- Addition : Mask colors have now the new option "Apply everywhere". If yes, changing the color will affect all other elements with the same mask. For example, the skin or eyes color.
- Addition : You can now reorder the gradients color as you wish, as well as deleting several of them at once.
- Addition : You can now create new gradients color directly from the Manage Assets wizard.
- Change : When importing a new gradient file, duplicate gradients are not added anymore.
- Change : When importing a folder, you can directly type the folder path
- Addition : When opening the default MV generator importer, the software automatically looks for RPG Maker MV's generator folder from the registry
- Addition : Resources now have a "Credits" value. You'll be able to keep track of whose parts you have used in your character.
- Addition : You can now delete/reorder many resources at the same time, and filters have been added to the resource window

 

[Zortik]

This would be a pretty awesome product once it gets going

As a suggestion, why not visit the new topic made by whtdragon




His thread adds in a vast array of emotional options for the sprite itself. He was kind enough to put in just the faces near the bottom but his poses create a pretty fun opportunity to expand on the finished 3x9 sprites and/or the SV battler sprites with poses and emotions.

 

[Dainiri.Art]

Woot! this is cool! I'm creating my own generator too, tho not as cool as this one  I'm still working on my generator parts.


Can this output a Bust or can I import my custom parts here? This is what keeps me busy this past week.


[IMG]http://dainiri-art.weebly.com/uploads/5/7/2/6/57267355/3921044_orig.png[/IMG]

 

[Schlangan]

The way I'm coding the generator, you can import any kind of resources, as long as they respect the current RPG Maker MV format. For faces, it is 144×144 pixels. If your pictures fit in that format, you can use them. Creating new categories will help you being more organized.

 

[Dainiri.Art]

I see, then I can't import mine since its 400x400 because its a Bust not a Faceset. Still this is cool!

 

[Schlangan]

You cannot for now. But I can maybe work on a separate system for that too. If many people ask me for busts with a common format, I'll add it.

 

[NeoPGX]

Can I make a suggestion? (Although it might be too difficult to implement)

 

[Schlangan]

I take all suggestions. Whether I'll be able to implement them or not will be decided later  

 

[NeoPGX]

Believe it or not, 8 directional movement and graphics is a very popular thing for RPG Maker. Despite it's popularity however, it still wasn't implemented in MV and as is it cant so that without plugins so here I'm thinking you should implement a feature for the enhanced character generator that would ultimately put plugins like this one:
 




to good use.

 

[Schlangan]

Basically, this suggestion is the same as the two previous ones. Adding more possible templates to the generator. I already have a global idea on how to do this. But of course, you'll have to add the resources by yourselves, since there won't be any default resources for this

 

[NeoPGX]

As long as you have the base diagonal sprites for both genders available, I imagine the rest would be easy for custom parts creators. That is assuming you have any content you'll be adding yourself.

 

[Schlangan]

I've started preparing a way for the user to add new templates and the ability to reorganize the editor window as it seem fit. Doing so, everyone will be able to customize the editor with their own templates/resources.

 

[Ghost of Christmas Kloe]

This seems like it has great potential!


I look forward to it, due to (the already mentioned) lack of certain functions in the current generator, mainly stuff like animation sprites and different SV_Actor bases for each, like different sheets!
This would also make resources like (see below), more usable and therefore content creators can make resources like this that are easier to use other than image editing (trust me, I did all my animation sprites manually )
I personally feel it would make content for the generator be greatly increased and give so many new options for it! As mentioned before Good luck and I can't wait to see it when it's done!

-The 'see below' topic-
​

Spoiler

Oh and something I played around with earlier...

 

[whtdragon]

hey whtdragon here o 3 o/ just wanna let you know if you wanna use my template sprites that other people have mentioned here for a generator program you're more then welcomed to them~ you got my okay ( o w o)-b   good luck!

 

[Schlangan]

@whtdragon : Thanks, it will help me to test a few things when I'll be coding that part then  

 

[Schlangan]

Little update


I've started working on a form to deal with the addition of new templates. On this screen capture you have the four RPG Maker MV templates. Using this window, you can add new templates, and position them in accordance to your preferences. 

 

[NeoPGX]

Oh wow, great work! I look forward to seeing more updates from you soon. 

 

[Schlangan]

A little update of what I'm doing. The window to deal with new resources and everything is 90% done. Now, I am aware that the GUI is complex, but it was necessary to be able to deal with any kind of template. I'll make a system to easily import/export resources for users. That way, only the resource creators will have to make full use of this interface.


Here come some screen captures of the current interface:


Adding categories and parts:

Spoiler

Dealing with the priority in which the elements are drawn per template, as well as the mask color used for coloring the elements:

Spoiler

And finally the resource manual importation window. Typically you specify all the files per resource, including the masks file or the mask color used (especially for facesets)

Spoiler

 

[Zanshoo]

Hi, i just want to say :

#include<stdio.n>
int main(void)
{
int say;
for(say=1;say<=till_the_screen_die;say++)
   printf("THIS IS AWESOME !");
return 0;
} 

 

[dhofari9]

I love this ..


keep the good work man