Custom Templates Question

[MwMFantasArtist]

Im not planning on doing modding right away; since, I want to finish the game first. Or maybe at least most of the way through. Also, then maybe I'll get more inspiration of what to create. I bet the mod communities ideas will be endless.

But since I want to practice the editing a little I was trying the basic template and messing around. But, I don't remember any tutorials that showed you how to load up your own level template. Is there a tool that you use to erase black area, or do I have to create a layer of sorts in a graphics program to do this?

[TheBear]

MAP TEMPLATES

Once you've created an empty map file and a tileset, go into the "maptemplates" folder. Create a new image in that folder using a paint program (e.g. MSPaint), or use an existing map template as a base. Name the map template the same as your map and save it as a png file (e.g. "mymap.png").

IMPORTANT: All map templates must have a width and height that is the same power of two! E.g. 256x256, 512x512, 1024x1024, etc.

Edit the maptemplate in a paint program. Black for walls, white for open areas.

Now, open up your mod and hit TAB to enter the Level Editor. Press F11 to load the map from your map template, and press F12 to fill in the edges of the walls with tiles. The tiles used to fill the edges are taken from tiles 1 - 4 in the corresponding tileset (e.g. "mymap.txt").

More mod/map  info here.

[MwMFantasArtist]

Thanks, that helped a lot. Needed to start practice somewhere, and that's testing level layout.

Good thing I have Photoshop.

[MwMFantasArtist]

Thanks, that helped a lot. Needed to start practice somewhere, and that's testing level layout.

Good thing I have Photoshop.

Ok, I tried hitting F11 to load my map, but no load screen came up.
I also tried the load level F1, but thats probably for saved level works, if Im not mistaken.
I start by loading the default template, through the mod menu, which gives me that circle shaped thing. Am I using the wrong option?

[TheBear]

I assume you just replaced the .png file and didn't create a new map. If so go to menu and hit regen rock from maptemplate.

[Danger Mouse]

There are a lot of threads already covering these topics since the game has already surpassed it's one year mark. Try using the search feature, I guarantee you all issues for modding have been discussed already, unless you want more indepth discussions about scripting.

[Hiro]

F1 load level is for already saved levels, yes.

And do be aware that hitting F11 doesn't bring up any menu at all. The template that is loaded is the one with exactly the same name as the map file you are currently using; so make sure that you named your template and map the same.
You will also probably not see much of a change untill you press F12 aswell, which adds the rocks you need.

[MwMFantasArtist]

Thanks, I figured it out. Wasn't sure were to look for the info, but I found the mod guide.

As far as any modding goes, Im fairly new. Tried some 3D mods before this in other games, but nothing special, and they were never released.

Realized I forgot an XML file. Starting to get a handle on it now, but need to practice a little. LOL

[Hiro]

Mmhmm. Good good.
Yeah everyone has to start up somewhere. It takes a while to get used to using the editor and stuff.

[Chibi]

I've never been into modding myself - all that tinkering with files; *ugh*    I've done enough of that transferring files from my old (but stalwart) computer to this new laptop.
I'll be closely watching your career MwMFantasArtist - I love playing mods if not making them. 

[Danger Mouse]

The modding portion tools and such of aquaria still need a lot of work. Alec has focused his attentions to more important aspects of the game for the time being.. which is good, because it's sure getting a larger user base. Hopefully he'll eventually get around to making the animation editor nicer, and the particle effects section nicer, the map editing could use a few tweaks here and there... for easier tile selection and such.