Difference between revisions of "How to create smooth levels using Inkscape"
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Inkscape works with bezier curves, but the converter only use vertex, so you have to smooth objects. | Inkscape works with bezier curves, but the converter only use vertex, so you have to smooth objects. | ||
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− | + | Select the first tool (pressing F1), then select every objects with Ctrl-a. In order to add plenty of vertex to the objects, use the Effect 'add nodes' which is available from the ''Effect'' -> ''Path modification'' -> ''add nodes'' menu. Choose a maximum lenght value of 10.0 for example. | |
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[[Image:inskcape-smooth.png]] | [[Image:inskcape-smooth.png]] | ||
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Feel free to add plenty of vertex because the converter will remove unnecessary vertex. For example, here are the remaining vertex in the sample level: | Feel free to add plenty of vertex because the converter will remove unnecessary vertex. For example, here are the remaining vertex in the sample level: |
Revision as of 16:25, 31 August 2006
Contents
Caution: this software is still in early development stage.
It's more a proof of concept for the time.
Please report bugs on the irc
Required softwares
- Inkscape (>= 0.44)
- Python (>= 2.4)
- Svg2lvl converter and inkscape extension (available in xmoto cvs)
$ cvs -z3 -d:pserver:anonymous@xmoto.cvs.sourceforge.net:/cvsroot/xmoto co -P xmoto/tools/svg2lvl/
Pre-requesites
You have to install the svg2lvl inkscape extension.
GNU/Linux
$ cd the_rep_where_you_ve_done_the_cvs_checkout $ cd xmoto/tools/svg2lvl/ $ mkdir -p ~/.inkscape/extensions/svg2lvl/ $ cp svg2lvl.inx ~/.inkscape/extensions/ $ cp *.py ~/.inkscape/extensions/svg2lvl/
Then, you can launch inkscape.
Windows
Go to the share/extensions/ directory inside your inkscape installation. Create a directory called svg2lvl. Copy the .py files inside that new directory. Then copy the .inx file to share/extensions/
Then, launch inkscape.
Draw the level
Open Inkscape.
You're ready to draw your level using Inskcape. See Inskcape howto's from the help menu.
Transform all objects into paths
Inskcape deals with its own shapes like stars, circles, ... so you have to convert them to path of vertex.
Disclaimer: don't put objects properties before transforming them to paths ! Else properties will be lost... Inkscape remove them.
Then, Shift+Ctrl+C (or use the menu)
And you got a path of vertex
Repeat this process for every inskcape shape (rectangle, circle, star, ...)
Level objects properties
Once your level is drawn, you have to put entities, blocks and sprites properties. Select an object, right click on it, then select 'object properties'.
Properties are put inside the 'label' box. They are seperate with a '|'. If no properties are set, then the object is put as a block with default texture. You can also fill the 'id' box, it's useful if you write a lua script for the level, because you got the blocks, zones and entities names to use in your script.
WARNING : properties are case sensitive ! Write them with the exact case as show below.
Block properties
- background
- dynamic
- usetexture=texture_name
Examples
A background block (it's a block in the background and the player can't interact with it) using the Dark Dirt texture:
background|usetexture=DarkDirt
A dynamic block using the default texture:
dynamic
A block using the default texture:
(you have nothing to put in, let it blank (or let what inkscape puts in it))
A block using the Dark Dirt texture:
usetexture=DarkDirt
Entity properties
- typeid=[PlayerStart|EndOfLevel|Strawberry|Wrecker|ParticleSource|Sprite]
- size=float_number (the entity colision radius)
- param_name=param_value available params name are (there's more of them):
- z (for Sprite)
- name (for Sprite)
- style (for every entity)
- type (for ParticleSource)
For example
A particle source throwing smoke:
typeid=ParticleSource|type=Smoke
A strawberry:
typeid=Strawberry
A tree sprite put under foreground blocks
typeid=Sprite|name=Tree1|z=-1
Player start:
typeid=PlayerStart
End of level:
typeid=EndOfLevel
Zone properties
- typeid=Zone
- The only possible value for a zone
- typeid=Zone
Generate level file
Inkscape works with bezier curves, but the converter only use vertex, so you have to smooth objects.
Select the first tool (pressing F1), then select every objects with Ctrl-a. In order to add plenty of vertex to the objects, use the Effect 'add nodes' which is available from the Effect -> Path modification -> add nodes menu. Choose a maximum lenght value of 10.0 for example.
Feel free to add plenty of vertex because the converter will remove unnecessary vertex. For example, here are the remaining vertex in the sample level:
launch the converter
In order to save your level in the .lvl file format, use the menu File -> Save as... (or use Shift-Ctrl-S) and choose the X-Moto Level file extension, put the level file name then press Save.
A new window pops, you have to put:
- level width : the level width in xmoto unit. play with it until you find the right value for your level
- smoothitude : the higher the value, the smoothest the level. But don't add to much vertex, because xmoto doesn't scale very well with big levels made with thousands of vertex... and became quite slow...
- lua script : the absolute path to your lua script (leave blank if your level doesn't have a lua script)
- level id : the level id (each level got a unique one)
Then your level file will be save in the place you choose in the Save as... window.
You can also use the command line.
$ python svg2lvl.py --width=100.0 --smooth=95.0 --lua= --name=myLevelId svgfile > levelfile.lvl
Params are:
- level width in xmoto unit
- smooth percent (play with it)
- absolute path to lua script file (optional)
- level id
- absolute path to the svg file
Then, put your lvl generated file into your xmoto Levels directory, and you can play it:
Files used in this howto
- svg file: Media:sample.svg
- lvl file: Media:sample.lvl