Modding for Mac OS X? Can't create new map template?

[Hubalaboo]

Anyone with experience modding with Mac OS X?
I found the _mods folder in the Aquaria package folder located in the macinstall folder. Modifying the map template in the maptemplate folder had no effect when using the Aquaria editor.  Is the _mods folder only used during the install process?  Does the _mods folder need to be moved? Or is there some missing step to get new information from the _mods folder?

I'm sure somebody knows... It's frustrating not having a template to work with other than the big circle one.

Thanks!

[Edwards]

The template is only used when the editor is specifically told to generate the map geometry- after that, everything is saved in the [mapname].xml file.  In order to change the map's shape, first edit the template image, then load the map in the editor, and select the "regen rock from maptemplate" option from the editor's menu.

- Edwards

[Halo364]

I am going to use this thread as a springboard for my [VERY] noobish question. In the blank circle template, there is a black area that I can't swim outside of. I can't find any way to edit it. What am I missing? Forgive my stupidness, but you have to start somewhere...

[Edwards]

You'll need to open up the template.png image file in the mod's "templates" folder in your favorite image editor, and change it.  You can swim in the white areas, you can't swim in the black areas.  Once you've changed that file, save it, open the mod in Aquaria, and use the "regen rock" menu item I mentioned above to make the game re-build the map based on the image you just edited.

You may want to check out the official mod guide for more information, particularly in the maps section.

- Edwards

[Hubalaboo]

Thanks for the quick reply! 
I've basically been doing what you're saying, Edwards, and it still has the large circle template:
I created a new black and white image in a paint program (Pixen), saved it as template.png, replaced the circle template in folder aquariatemplate/maptemplate with the one I created.
Ran Aquaria, selected mod "Template Mod", pressed tab to get the editor, selected "load level", typed in "template", selected "regen rock from maptemplate". Result: Still a circle. 

I've even put the large circle template in the trash and it still manages to load it instead of my own new template. Very frustrating.

Another thing I tried: Modified the mod-icon for one of the already available mods (the test map) and there was no change in the image.

I am guessing the changes won't take effect until the game is reset or reinstalled but I don't know how that would work and I do not want to lose my saved games.  Does the _mods folder need to be moved somewhere else instead of in the "resources/macinstall" folder?

[Edwards]

Does the _mods folder need to be moved somewhere else instead of in the "resources/macinstall" folder?

Erm, that might be your problem.  That folder is not actually used by the game after it's installed- the _mods folder you're supposed to be using is in ~/Library/Application Support/Aquaria.

- Edwards

[Hubalaboo]

Oh, that must be it!
Unfortunately, there is no 'Aquaria' folder in 'Application Support'...    Really, there is no 'Aquaria' folder anywhere that I can find, only the contents package in Applications... Urgh.

[Edwards]

There has to be a folder somewhere- that's where Aquaria hides the saved games.  Have you checked both the Library folder in your home folder, and the one at the base level of your hard drive?

Also, don't trust Spotlight to find the folder- by default, it excludes all system folders, including the Library folders.  It's rather annoying that way.

- Edwards

[Hubalaboo]

Found it in the home folder! Thank you very much for your help!