Azure's Modding Tools Reference

[Azurian]

Welcome, to the Caveman2Cosmos Modding Tools Reference.

We will cover:

• Notepad++ (with TextFx, Spell-Checker, Waher-style Skin)
• Clover 3
• GrepWin
• Pixlr Online Photoeditor
• DXTBump
• XnConvert (Post 4)
• Deskpins (post 7)

Notepad++

Notepad++ is a text editor and source code editor for Windows. It aims to be a lightweight and robust editor for a variety of programming and scripting languages. One advantage of Notepad++ over the built-in Windows text editor Notepad, is that Notepad++ supports tabbed editing, which allows working with multiple open files. Notepad++ opens large files significantly faster and can be used as a replacement for Windows Notepad

If you can use Notepad, Notepad++. One of the main reasons I recommend Notepad++ is because it has the ability to multiple tabs open and edit multiple files really easily. You can edit almost all major programming languages including XML and Python. If you are still using Notepad++ you are doing it the hard way.

One of the best plugins is Spell-Checker that is very useful to spell check Civilopedia entries. you click the down error and easily correct spelling mistakes, and also includes mass spell checking abilities.

To save time, open a new tab and post a snippet of code that is similar to the code you are going to work on. Use the Find and Replace to rename things instead of typing them. An example if you just did the code for Crafts Hut and now want to do Toy Hut, copy the Crafts Hut code to a new tab and Press CTRL+F. Go to the Replace Tab and in Find type CRAFTS_HUT and in Replace type TOYS_HUT. Then copy the TOYS_HUT to were ever you want.

I highly recommend the Waher-Style Theme because it color codes elements beautifully, and the black is easy on the eyes.

Download:Notepad++ http://notepad-plus-plus.org/download/v6.5.html
Waher-Style Theme :http://waher.net/archives/1013

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Clover 3

Clover is an extension of the Windows Explorer, to add multi-tab functionality similar to Google Chrome browser. After install Clover, you will be able to open multiple folders within the same window, and you can also add folder bookmarks.

Having a muti-tab Windows Explorer makes editing files in multiple folders easier. Clover 3 uses a lighter version of the Google Chrome engine, and it is very fast, responsive, and a more productive way to mod. This is a standard program for most programmers along with Notepad++.

Download:
http://ejie.me/

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Grepwin

grepWin is a simple search and replace tool which can use regular expressions to do its job. This allows to do much more powerful searches and replaces.

What I love about this program is that it can search for a word in multiple files and can rename a word in multiple files at ONCE with its Find and Replace feature.

Download:
http://code.google.com/p/grepwin/


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Pixlr Online Photoeditor

Pixlr is a free online photo editor. Edit, adjust and filter your images. No registration jump right in!

Even thou I have Photoshop, Pixlr Editor is the easiest and most simple way to create buttons, anywhere without having to bring Photoshop with me..

The first step is to crop the best part of your image to a square by dragging your mouse on the image..
Link:
http://pixlr.com/editor/

Button Tutorial

Then click on the image. The message "Do you want to apply the changes" appears, click yes. If you are unsatified go to Edit-->Undo or Press CTRL +Z.

Then go to Image--->Image Size.

This popup will appear. Change the pixels to 64x64 and press ok.

Your image should appear as a 64x 64 square.

Go to File --> Open Image and find the Empty Button border. If you don't have it ask Hydro.

Then follow instructions below.
Click Image, Press CTRL+ A, then CTRL + C.
Click Empty Button, and press CTRL +V.

The next step is to move the empty button on top of your image. If you don't see it, click on Empty button. The panel is on the far right, and can be dragged around.

The next step is to go to File ---> Save and save yout image as a .jpg. After you get the hang of it, it shouldn't take you more than 30 seconds to do it.





DXTBump

This is the fastest way to convert you .jpg button into .dds, and it takes me about 10 seconds max.

Download:
http://www.mwgfx.co.uk/programs/dxtbmp.htm

Converting to DDS Tutorial

After you open your 64x64 .jpg edited with Pixlr, go to Alpha --> Import Alpha Channel.

When this message comes up select Yes.

Select your Alpha Channel, if you don't have it ask Hydro.

After the Alpha Channel is loaded, go to Alpha--> and click on Apply Alpha to Image.

Then go to File-->Save--->DDS Texture

Save as DDS DXT3. Very important that you check its DDS DXT3 every time.

That's it, and you are done.

 

[Thunderbrd]

Cool
I use all but pixlr and clover3. Clover looks interesting but I don't have need for pixlr with the way I go about taking the same steps if I wish. It's worthy of note that one should use google or yahoo image search to find those kinds of neat pics that could be valuable for projects like that. Pretty amazing how many applicable images you can find if you use creative yet specific search terms.

 

[SargontheGreat2]

Paint.net and DXTbimp, for coding, notepad++

 

[Azurian]

XnConvert

XnConvert is a powerful and free cross-platform batch image processor, allowing you to combine over 80 actions.

This allows for batch conversions of many image files. It can currenty convert to DDS DXT5 which Caveman2Cosmos reads perfectly.

The images below were converted to DDS DXT5 with XnConvert and as you can see they load perfectly.

Download Link:
http://www.xnview.com/en/xnconvert





XNCovert DDS Batch Convert Tutorial

1.First I load my 64x64 art files with the Border already on them. Can be .jpg or .png.

Then under Actions, I add a Mask.

I find my Alpha Channel and add it.

I scroll down and click Use Mask as Alpha.

I make sure Filename is Empty.
I make sure DDS- Directdraw Surface is Selected

I then press Convert and its done.

[/SPOILER]

 

[Thunderbrd]

hmm... now that looks very interesting. I'll have to try that eventually.

 

[platyping]

I believe dxt 3 is enough.
Dxt 5 is a waste of space

 

[Azurian]

Deskpins

DeskPins allows you to keep any window on top of others with just a few clicks. While many programs offer this as a feature, others do not, and in such cases DeskPins comes in handy. In addition, you can also define rules that use the window title (with wildcard support) and can automatically keep any window on top if they matches you rules.
The `On top` window is marked with a colored pin that can be quickly removed by simply clicking on it, returning the window to its normal state.

This program is extremely useful when you are editing code and don't want to go back and forth to see what you have to edit.

Download http://deskpins.en.softonic.com/

How to Set a Pin

1. Go to the Status Bar (click the arrow by Time) and right click on DeskPins.

2. Right Click om DeskPins and click on Enter Pin Mode.

3. On any program click on the left of the Minimize Button.
You will see a red thumbtack. You program will now be on top of other windows.

4. To remove the Pin, click on the Red Thumbtack. Your arrow will show an X under it.

5. If your program requires admin rights, run Deskpin as admin from the Start Menu.

6. The best setup is to have the left half of your screen what code you need to edit and the right half your editing program like Notepad++.

Example:

Spoiler :