myvgaspec:

[Timballisto]

Thanks!  That fixed it.  I'm working on a special level already, and aside from confusing one color with another when my pallete's color is extremely similar to the default, the seven colors thing hasn't been much of a problem.  In fact, it kind of forces that "classic" feeling to be in your levels.  This program is great!

[JM]

I take it that your level will be located in Pack 4 will it?

[Timballisto]

...Good idea.  I didn't think of that.  Sure, why not?  Thanks JM!

[JM]

I'm glad I though of that idea.

[Conway]

Awesome program! B)

  Just a few questions:

  So you can't actually edit the level in LemEdit? But you have to draw the entire level terrain as a bitmap then save it in MyVGAspec, then transfer a level already using that style into your set using LemEdit?

  I suppose it would be simpler if it were possible to edit the VGAGRx.DAT files, so we could build the level in LemEdit using our own graphics and objects.

  Still, it looks like a very useful program.

  I look forward to getting some levels done with it.

[Mindless]

I suppose it would be simpler if it were possible to edit the VGAGRx.DAT files, so we could build the level in LemEdit using our own graphics and objects.

With the information posted on this board, you could actually write your own editor.

[ccexplore]

With the information posted on this board, you could actually write your own editor.

True, but a style editor would probably have more UI involved, so it'd be more work on my part.  And the color limits now applies to every terrain piece and interactive object animation frame you wish to include (meaning together they cannot go over the limit), so it becomes more necessary than ever to have a proper color reduction algorithm implemented so that the bitmaps can share the same palette while minimizing the effects of reduced color.

So in other words, later, much later.

[ccexplore]

So you can't actually edit the level in LemEdit? But you have to draw the entire level terrain as a bitmap then save it in MyVGAspec, then transfer a level already using that style into your set using LemEdit?

Well, you can edit the level in LemEdit, but since LemEdit doesn't recognize the VGASPECx format, the terrain won't display.  (I do have a partial solution to this though, stay tuned.)

The vgaspecX format is kinda like the Cheapo's handling of terrain.  There is no concept of terrain piece, instead the entire terrain is stored as a single 960x160 bitmap.  So yes, you'll have to draw the entire terrain as a bitmap.  I know it can be annoying, sorry.

I suppose it would be simpler if it were possible to edit the VGAGRx.DAT files

Oh sure it's easy for you to say "simpler"...  Maybe later down the road.  Just not now.  

[Conway]

With the information posted on this board, you could actually write your own editor.

  I could, and I would, if I knew the first thing about coding and writing programs! You are clearly the master in this area, so I will leave it in your capable hands for your own convenient time, if you wish to create one.

[Mindless]

I could, and I would, if I knew the first thing about coding and writing programs! You are clearly the master in this area, so I will leave it in your capable hands for your own convenient time, if you wish to create one.

ccexplore's abilities exceed mine by quite a bit. (s)he deserves the title of Master

(I do have a partial solution to this though, stay tuned.)

As you can see, (s)he's got quite a few tricks up his/her sleave.

@ccexplore: *hint* setting your gender in your profile makes it easier to refer to you

[Mindless]

And the color limits now applies to every terrain piece and interactive object animation frame you wish to include (meaning together they cannot go over the limit), so it becomes more necessary than ever to have a proper color reduction algorithm implemented so that the bitmaps can share the same palette while minimizing the effects of reduced color.

You'd probably want to let the user set the palette, instead of creating the palette based on bitmaps.  Although, you might let the user import a set of colors from a bitmap...
But, as you said, later...

[ccexplore]

@ccexplore: *hint* setting your gender in your profile makes it easier to refer to you

Why, I'm happy with "it".  

Well ok, I'm a "he" (looks down there and check...yep).  

[JM]

I enjoy creating VGASPECx.dat files. I really should upload some good VGASPECx.dat graphics and people can try them out.

[JM]

Is there a program that converts VGASPECx.dat files into BMPs?

[Shvegait]

Is there a program that converts VGASPECx.dat files into BMPs?

You could take screenshots of the level, and save them as .BMPs.