Backgrounds - Revision history

Qent: /* Creating backgrounds from scratch */ Typos, rewerding.

2009-07-23T19:56:02Z

Creating backgrounds from scratch: Typos, rewerding.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:56, 23 July 2009
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	==Creating backgrounds from scratch==		==Creating backgrounds from scratch==
	~~Wether~~ you are using flashy custom nebulas or the stock nebulas, placing nebulas is rather hit-or-miss. For each background bitmap, you must line up the nebulas using the pitch/heading/bank edit boxes. After each significant change, you must test the mission to make sure your tweaks have worked to your desire. You must also make sure each nebula bitmap isn't ~~too streched~~ to ~~make it~~ distorted. Keeping the bitmap's scale values nearly equal will avoid this. Additionally, bitmaps that have really large scales look ~~too streched~~ even when the scale values are nearly square. As with any other topic in FRED, you will get good at this once you have experience.
			Whether you are using flashy custom nebulas or the stock nebulas, placing nebulas is rather hit-or-miss. For each background bitmap, you must line up the nebulas using the pitch/heading/bank edit boxes. After each significant change, you must test the mission to make sure your tweaks have worked to your desire. You must also make sure each nebula bitmap isn't so stretched as to be distorted. Keeping the bitmap's scale values nearly equal will avoid this. Additionally, bitmaps that have really large scales look stretched even when the scale values are nearly square. As with any other topic in FRED, you will get good at this once you have experience.

	==Using a background generation program==		==Using a background generation program==

Qent: /* Nebula background */ Typos.

2009-07-23T19:53:00Z

Nebula background: Typos.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:53, 23 July 2009
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	==Nebula background==		==Nebula background==

	You can create very nice nebula background if you are using many, low-scaled images. The optimal scaling factors are between 2 and 4, but you may choose to use larger scaling factors for more detailed (512x512, 1024x1024) images.		You can create very nice nebula background if you are using many low-scaled images. The optimal scaling factors are between 2 and 4, but you may choose to use larger scaling factors for more detailed (512x512, 1024x1024) images.

	You will also have to be familiar with how FRED handles the co-ordinates for the background images. You should move between the ~~horizintal~~ values of 60-280 approximately to get the nebula piece to the co-ordinates you typed in. Becoming familiar with the FRED background co-ordinate system requires experience. You can also use bank(rotation in another word), or pitch (for changing the height).		You will also have to be familiar with how FRED handles the co-ordinates for the background images. You should move between the horizontal values of 60-280 approximately to get the nebula piece to the co-ordinates you typed in. Becoming familiar with the FRED background co-ordinate system requires experience. You can also use bank (rotation in another word), or pitch (for changing the height).

	Using extreme-scaled ({6,6} or higher) nebula textures is simpler, covers more space, but produces blurry results. If you want to use large scaling factors, try using the large scaling for only one axis, and using a small factor on the another axis. (Examples: {5,2} and {6,1})		Using extreme-scaled ({6,6} or higher) nebula textures is simpler and covers more space, but it produces blurry results. If you want to use large scaling factors, try using the large scaling for only one axis, and using a small factor on the another axis. (Examples: {5,2} and {6,1})

	Mix RED with GREY, or BLUE with GREEN to achieve optimal nebula colour results. According to my experience, mixed nebulas of the colours RED and BLUE are somewhat ugly. But this is my opinion.		Mix RED with GREY, or BLUE with GREEN to achieve optimal nebula colour results. According to my experience, mixed nebulas of the colours RED and BLUE are somewhat ugly. But this is my opinion.
	~~<br><br>~~
	One should add planets to your backgrounds only after you are satisfied with your nebula background. The reason for this is simple: the game renders the background textures according to their place in the background bitmaps queue in FRED. Therefore, the first element in the queue will be painted first, the second will be painted second and so on. In addition to this, the later elements in the queue may be placed in the foreground compared to previous elements. Thus, if you have a planet first then a nebula, you may have the planet appearing behind the nebula, instead of the nebula appearing behind the planet. Afterall, the nebulas are supposed to be many lightyears away.


	There are three main ways to create ~~backrounds~~ for missions you create in FRED:		One should add planets to your backgrounds only after you are satisfied with your nebula background. The reason for this is simple: the game renders the background textures according to their place in the background bitmaps queue in FRED. Therefore, the first element in the queue will be painted first, the second will be painted second and so on. In addition to this, the later elements in the queue may be placed in the foreground compared to previous elements. Thus, if you have a planet first then a nebula, you may have the planet appearing behind the nebula, instead of the nebula appearing behind the planet. After all, the nebulas are supposed to be many lightyears away.


			There are three main ways to create backgrounds for missions you create in FRED:

	==Creating backgrounds from scratch==		==Creating backgrounds from scratch==

Qent: Reworded for clarity. I hope it's saying the same thing.

2009-07-23T19:41:02Z

Reworded for clarity. I hope it's saying the same thing.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:41, 23 July 2009
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	'''Backgrounds''' are extremely important when designing a mission. In addition to breaking up the constant blackness of space, backgrounds set the mood for the mission. If you are creating a standalone (non-campaign) mission, you can use whatever colors you like, ~~regardless~~ the colors ~~don't~~ clash. If the mission takes place in a system featured in ~~the single-player~~ campaign, it is ~~ok to~~ base your nebula ~~backgrounds based~~ on ~~that particular mission~~.~~<br><br>~~		'''Backgrounds''' are extremely important when designing a mission. In addition to breaking up the constant blackness of space, backgrounds set the mood for the mission. If you are creating a standalone (non-campaign) mission, you can use whatever colors you like, provided the colors do not clash. If the mission takes place in a system featured in a canon campaign, it is recommended that you base your nebula background on the original system.
	If you are creating a campaign, be sure to create templates before starting work on ~~ANY~~ missions. It would also be a good idea to write down the number of planets, the ~~bitmap~~ associated with them ~~along with~~ their ~~orbit~~. This will come in handy if you have a mission taking place closer to the star, and therefore the closer planets will be larger or only be seen. Make each system unique to give the player more than just the same color backgrounds over different systems. Some ways to vary systems include different numbers, colors and sizes for suns; different nebula patterns and planet systems.~~<br><br>~~
	Whatever you do, make sure to create your backgrounds first so you won't have to worry about getting killed while admiring your nebular handiwork.~~<br><br>~~		If you are creating a campaign, be sure to create templates before starting work on <i>any</i> missions. It would also be a good idea to write down the number of planets, the bitmaps associated with them, and their orbits. This will come in handy, for example, if you have a mission taking place closer to the star, and therefore the closer planets will be larger or possibly the only ones seen. Make each system unique to give the player more than just the same color backgrounds over different systems. Some ways to vary systems include different numbers, colors and sizes for suns; different nebula patterns; and different planet systems.

			Whatever you do, make sure to create your backgrounds first so you won't have to worry about getting killed while admiring your nebular handiwork.

	==Nebula background==		==Nebula background==

Shade: removed category

2006-04-13T23:26:18Z

removed category

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:26, 13 April 2006
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	A recent addition to the Source code project, skyboxes allow users to create a skybox model and place it around the field of play much like the background bitmaps. They are rendered in addition to the [[nebula background\|background nebulas]], so be sure to include either a skybox or nebula bitmaps, but not both. To create a skybox, read the [[Skybox\|Skybox Option]] page.		A recent addition to the Source code project, skyboxes allow users to create a skybox model and place it around the field of play much like the background bitmaps. They are rendered in addition to the [[nebula background\|background nebulas]], so be sure to include either a skybox or nebula bitmaps, but not both. To create a skybox, read the [[Skybox\|Skybox Option]] page.

	~~[[Category:FRED]]~~
	[[Category:FRED Tips]]		[[Category:FRED Tips]]

Shade: consolidating all background creation tips here for easy access and to avoid overlap

2006-04-13T21:10:46Z

consolidating all background creation tips here for easy access and to avoid overlap

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 If you are creating a campaign, be sure to create templates before starting work on ANY missions.  It would also be a good idea to write down the number of planets, the bitmap associated with them along with their orbit.  This will come in handy if you have a mission taking place closer to the star, and therefore the closer planets will be larger or only be seen.  Make each system unique to give the player more than just the same color backgrounds over different systems.  Some ways to vary systems include different numbers, colors and sizes for suns; different nebula patterns and planet systems.<br><br>
 Whatever you do, make sure to create your backgrounds first so you won't have to worry about getting killed while admiring your nebular handiwork.<br><br>
 There are three main ways to create backrounds for missions you create in FRED:

Shade: Added category

2006-04-13T20:21:48Z

Added category

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:21, 13 April 2006
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	[[Category:FRED]]		[[Category:FRED]]
			[[Category:FRED Tips]]

Wanderer: added category

2006-04-03T17:16:21Z

added category

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:16, 3 April 2006
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	==Skyboxes==		==Skyboxes==
	A recent addition to the Source code project, skyboxes allow users to create a skybox model and place it around the field of play much like the background bitmaps. They are rendered in addition to the [[nebula background\|background nebulas]], so be sure to include either a skybox or nebula bitmaps, but not both. To create a skybox, read the [[Skybox\|Skybox Option]] page.		A recent addition to the Source code project, skyboxes allow users to create a skybox model and place it around the field of play much like the background bitmaps. They are rendered in addition to the [[nebula background\|background nebulas]], so be sure to include either a skybox or nebula bitmaps, but not both. To create a skybox, read the [[Skybox\|Skybox Option]] page.

			[[Category:FRED]]

81.182.83.170 at 23:03, 10 January 2006

2006-01-10T23:03:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:03, 10 January 2006
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	Backgrounds are extremely important when designing a mission. In addition to breaking up the constant blackness of space, backgrounds set the mood for the mission. If you are creating a standalone (non-campaign) mission, you can use whatever colors you like, regardless the colors don't clash. If the mission takes place in a system featured in the single-player campaign, it is ok to base your nebula backgrounds based on that particular mission.<br><br>		'''Backgrounds''' are extremely important when designing a mission. In addition to breaking up the constant blackness of space, backgrounds set the mood for the mission. If you are creating a standalone (non-campaign) mission, you can use whatever colors you like, regardless the colors don't clash. If the mission takes place in a system featured in the single-player campaign, it is ok to base your nebula backgrounds based on that particular mission.<br><br>
	If you are creating a campaign, be sure to create templates before starting work on ANY missions. It would also be a good idea to write down the number of planets, the bitmap associated with them along with their orbit. This will come in handy if you have a mission taking place closer to the star, and therefore the closer planets will be larger or only be seen. Make each system unique to give the player more than just the same color backgrounds over different systems. Some ways to vary systems include different numbers, colors and sizes for suns; different nebula patterns and planet systems.<br><br>		If you are creating a campaign, be sure to create templates before starting work on ANY missions. It would also be a good idea to write down the number of planets, the bitmap associated with them along with their orbit. This will come in handy if you have a mission taking place closer to the star, and therefore the closer planets will be larger or only be seen. Make each system unique to give the player more than just the same color backgrounds over different systems. Some ways to vary systems include different numbers, colors and sizes for suns; different nebula patterns and planet systems.<br><br>
	Whatever you do, make sure to create your backgrounds first so you won't have to worry about getting killed while admiring your nebular handiwork.<br><br>		Whatever you do, make sure to create your backgrounds first so you won't have to worry about getting killed while admiring your nebular handiwork.<br><br>

Wanderer: link fix

2006-01-10T18:16:52Z

link fix

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:16, 10 January 2006
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	Backgrounds are extremely important when designing a mission. In addition to breaking up the constant blackness of space, backgrounds set the mood for the mission. If you are creating a standalone (non-campaign) mission, you can use whatever colors you like, regardless the colors don't clash. If the mission takes place in a system featured in the single-player campaign, it is ok to base your nebula backgrounds based on that particular mission.		Backgrounds are extremely important when designing a mission. In addition to breaking up the constant blackness of space, backgrounds set the mood for the mission. If you are creating a standalone (non-campaign) mission, you can use whatever colors you like, regardless the colors don't clash. If the mission takes place in a system featured in the single-player campaign, it is ok to base your nebula backgrounds based on that particular mission.<br><br>
			If you are creating a campaign, be sure to create templates before starting work on ANY missions. It would also be a good idea to write down the number of planets, the bitmap associated with them along with their orbit. This will come in handy if you have a mission taking place closer to the star, and therefore the closer planets will be larger or only be seen. Make each system unique to give the player more than just the same color backgrounds over different systems. Some ways to vary systems include different numbers, colors and sizes for suns; different nebula patterns and planet systems.<br><br>
	If you are creating a campaign, be sure to create templates before starting work on ANY missions. It would also be a good idea to write down the number of planets, the bitmap associated with them along with their orbit. This will come in handy if you have a mission taking place closer to the star, and therefore the closer planets will be larger or only be seen. Make each system unique to give the player more than just the same color backgrounds over different systems. Some ways to vary systems include different numbers, colors and sizes for suns; different nebula patterns and planet systems.		Whatever you do, make sure to create your backgrounds first so you won't have to worry about getting killed while admiring your nebular handiwork.<br><br>

	Whatever you do, make sure to create your backgrounds first so you won't have to worry about getting killed while admiring your nebular handiwork.

	There are three main ways to create backrounds for missions you create in FRED:		There are three main ways to create backrounds for missions you create in FRED:
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	==Skyboxes==		==Skyboxes==
	A recent addition to the Source code project, skyboxes allow users to create a skybox model and place it around the field of play much like the background bitmaps. They are rendered in addition to the background nebulas, so be sure to include either a skybox or nebula bitmaps, but not both. To create a skybox, read the [Skybox Option] page.		A recent addition to the Source code project, skyboxes allow users to create a skybox model and place it around the field of play much like the background bitmaps. They are rendered in addition to the [[nebula background\|background nebulas]], so be sure to include either a skybox or nebula bitmaps, but not both. To create a skybox, read the [[Skybox\|Skybox Option]] page.

TopAce at 18:21, 13 November 2005

2005-11-13T18:21:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:21, 13 November 2005
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	~~==Backgrounds==~~
	Backgrounds are extremely important when designing a mission. In addition to breaking up the constant blackness of space, backgrounds set the mood for the mission. If you are creating a standalone (non-campaign) mission, you can use whatever colors you like, regardless the colors don't clash. If the mission takes place in a system featured in the single-player campaign, it is ok to base your nebula backgrounds based on that particular mission.		Backgrounds are extremely important when designing a mission. In addition to breaking up the constant blackness of space, backgrounds set the mood for the mission. If you are creating a standalone (non-campaign) mission, you can use whatever colors you like, regardless the colors don't clash. If the mission takes place in a system featured in the single-player campaign, it is ok to base your nebula backgrounds based on that particular mission.

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	There are three main ways to create backrounds for missions you create in FRED:		There are three main ways to create backrounds for missions you create in FRED:

	=Creating backgrounds from scratch=		==Creating backgrounds from scratch==
	Wether you are using flashy custom nebulas or the stock nebulas, placing nebulas is rather hit-or-miss. For each background bitmap, you must line up the nebulas using the pitch/heading/bank edit boxes. After each significant change, you must test the mission to make sure your tweaks have worked to your desire. You must also make sure each nebula bitmap isn't too streched to make it distorted. Keeping the bitmap's scale values nearly equal will avoid this. Additionally, bitmaps that have really large scales look too streched even when the scale values are nearly square. As with any other topic in FRED, you will get good at this once you have experience.		Wether you are using flashy custom nebulas or the stock nebulas, placing nebulas is rather hit-or-miss. For each background bitmap, you must line up the nebulas using the pitch/heading/bank edit boxes. After each significant change, you must test the mission to make sure your tweaks have worked to your desire. You must also make sure each nebula bitmap isn't too streched to make it distorted. Keeping the bitmap's scale values nearly equal will avoid this. Additionally, bitmaps that have really large scales look too streched even when the scale values are nearly square. As with any other topic in FRED, you will get good at this once you have experience.

	=Using a background generation program=		==Using a background generation program==
	A few background generation programs can be downloaded that will randomly place background bitmaps for you. After running the program, it would spit out a mission file that contains the background. Some tweaks are necessary to get a realistic background, since you may need to change the background's bitmp, pitch, bank and/or heading. This method is much faster than creating backgrounds from scratch. Documentation for each generator varies and it would be a good idea to read it before using.		A few background generation programs can be downloaded that will randomly place background bitmaps for you. After running the program, it would spit out a mission file that contains the background. Some tweaks are necessary to get a realistic background, since you may need to change the background's bitmp, pitch, bank and/or heading. This method is much faster than creating backgrounds from scratch. Documentation for each generator varies and it would be a good idea to read it before using.

	=Skyboxes=		==Skyboxes==
	A recent addition to the Source code project, skyboxes allow users to create a skybox model and place it around the field of play much like the background bitmaps. They are rendered in addition to the background nebulas, so be sure to include either a skybox or nebula bitmaps, but not both. To create a skybox, read the [Skybox Option] page.		A recent addition to the Source code project, skyboxes allow users to create a skybox model and place it around the field of play much like the background bitmaps. They are rendered in addition to the background nebulas, so be sure to include either a skybox or nebula bitmaps, but not both. To create a skybox, read the [Skybox Option] page.