Easy editing/use of expanded gamefont files using GIMP

[kevinman4404]

There are currently utilities for easily editing the normal gamefont, but it does not work with the expanded gamefont. This is a tutorial for easy editing of the expanded gamefont by Johnnysmith using GIMP2.6

With this tutorial, you do not have to download Johnnysmith's expanded gamefont files seperately.

REQUIREMENTS
1) GIMP 2.6 http://www.gimp.org/downloads/.
2) Basic graphics/GIMP knowledge
3) Basic DLL knowledge (including how to compile)
4) Basic knowledge of how to use your own gamefont files

INSTRUCTIONS
1) open my GIMP gamefont template (GameFontTemplate.tga), which is attached, using GIMP.
2) edit the squares you want to change. Draw a rectangular selection so that you stay within the box and keep the file safe. The easiest ways to add an icon are to go on google, and either lasso/copy/paste, or, if the image has a white background, to select by colour/invert selection/copy/paste.
3) select by colour, in the toolbox set the threshold to 0, select the magenta grid, use the eraser tool (size 10.00, opacity 100%), erase all of it
4) repeat for gamefont_75.tga. Use the proper template for this, which is also attached. The easiest way to do the icons is just to copy/paste/resize icons from the full-sized gamefont file.
5) you will need to edit the DLL to handle the extra icons, as per the instructions at http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=340123&langid=1. As-is, iCurSymbolID will need to be set to 9200. If you add new lines of bonuses, just follow Sephi's instructions in the link. Save, compile, use. I have attached a DLL with this already done (9200), if there are no other DLL modifications in your mod.

Enjoy

 

[stolenrays]

Thanks so much for posting this.

 

[Asaf]

There are currently utilities for easily editing the normal gamefont, but it does not work with the expanded gamefont.

The game font editor does support WoC (expanded) game font files...
It has a bug that if you rename the file it won't identify it properly and you will receive an error message, and you must enable line fixing (max corrupted pixels > 0, but this is already like that by default), but other than that it seems to be working.

BTW, do the font files you attached work? because their alpha seems corrupted, at least when compared to other WoC and 'normal' font files I've seen. The editor fixes those, though

EDIT: I fixed these 2 bugs, and will hopefully release the fix soon.

 

[kevinman4404]

I'll try your program out- I actually don't remember why I haven't used it

This guide will be updated shortly, it is actually incorrect. Sephi's instructions in the link are wrong. The reason for this is the fact that the expanded-font images are ordered differently than in a regular gamefont- it also throws the numbers off. Working versions exist, but are difficult to borrow. I've made the neccessary changes in the DLL, but just haven't bothered uploading yet. I will update this thread soon.

The template shouldn't be corrupt but it's possible. It works perfectly in-game. If there is a problem, I will just fix it with your editor and reupload, like you suggested

EDIT: oh, I remember- your program does not fix the problems with the code- ie your program can edit the expanded gamefonts, but you won't be able to use it properly in-game unless you fix the DLL (which is half of what this guide does... well I have to fix it). Also, to me, the way I edit the fonts, to me, seems hardly more difficult than using your program. But your program has the nice advantage of making sure the file is not corrupted