Transparent Tricks and Image Management

[krizmn]

So with Ace I found myself able to import a file and make it transparent with ease.

1.  Work on image, import.

Now with MV this is the quickest way I have found.  

2. Work on my images.  Open Ace.  Import file to Ace, set as a transparent.  Export image into MV image folder.

The other option is online. 

3. Work on image, open browser, upload image to site, set as transparent, download file.  Rename file.  Copy file and draw into MV folder.  

I am fine with not having a resource option in MV, but it is sad that it is quicker for me to have the old version: Ace open at all times so I can manage my images.  It would be really nice if future builds had this.  I am not saying that the end of the world is coming cause of this.  But heck, most of us are doing ALL the work solo.  So now having to script outside of RPG maker.  Having to file manage outside of RPG maker.  And then having to do all audio outside of manager and also convert them all to OGG and MP4.  This file manage system is eating a lot of time.  

 

[Andar]

The problem is that the resource conversion for transparency had a lot of disadvantages, it is much better to use true transparency (alpha-channel).


That requires that both the picture format and the image program you're using support transparency - MS Paint does NOT, and neither do JPG or BMP.


Shortest and easiest way to get transparency in a picture is as follow:


1) Open a good image program like GIMP, Photoshop, Paint.net or similiar


2) Work on the image with a transparent background in the image program (can be set on new image or by using layers for an existing image)


3) Save as PNG


4) use in MV or Ace or any other Maker without any additional steps.

 

[wizaerd]

The fact that you're working on images means you're using an editor.  Use one that supports transparent PNGs and all your resource management worries goes away.  Work on image, export to RPG Maker folder as transparent PNG, done.

 

[krizmn]

With all that aside there are other issues too.  I noticed when I make changes to a tileset the changes won't occur on the RPG maker.  I have to shut it down and reload it.  

 

[wizaerd]

With all that aside there are other issues too.  I noticed when I make changes to a tileset the changes won't occur on the RPG maker.  I have to shut it down and reload it.  

Makes sense, so the app will reload everything it loaded at startup time...  Would be nice if there was a refresh button or menu option... But even with a resource manager you'd still have to refresh your image.  And the startup for the app is so quick, I don;t see the problem.

 

[krizmn]

I guess if I bought a better computer it would be ok.  I don't mean to argue.  I just need to adjust a few things I am doing.  I think it's the combination of the lag, graphic glitches, longer process for resource management(on my end),  having to convert all audio files to ogg and mp4 , re-sizing every graphic has gotten me crabby.  Give me a few days and a new computer and I will be ok

I know that the direction of RPG Maker is for the better.  Just need to get over the growing pains.

 

[Darkmint13]

With all that aside there are other issues too.  I noticed when I make changes to a tileset the changes won't occur on the RPG maker.  I have to shut it down and reload it.  

I haven't used it for tilesets( I've been messing with customizing the window) but what I do to reload it is :

1.Go to File

2. go to Open Project

3. Then I "reopen" my project

Seems to refresh it just fine. Don't know if it'll cause problems down the road but it seems to work fine. 

 

[Prescott]

I haven't used it for tilesets( I've been messing with customizing the window) but what I do to reload it is :

1.Go to File

2. go to Open Project

3. Then I "reopen" my project

Seems to refresh it just fine. Don't know if it'll cause problems down the road but it seems to work fine. 

Probably the best method make sure you save the game data, then import what you want, then re-open though, because if you import first and then save, I think some assets will be overwritten.