Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Custom Skins => Topic started by: Skuzzy on October 09, 2017, 12:27:18 PM
-
Just have some details to add and clean up, but this is what I have so far for the skins display page. Everything should be functional. Just have to make it pretty.
Any feedback?
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/skins
-
I love that the reference info and picture is included.
Would there be any benefit to adding the count to the drop down menu such that
## P51D would show the number of skins in the ## field?
It's the only thing I can think might be missing.
-
Very cool, Skuzzy.
-
FWIW, I keep wanting to click the icon image to go to the skin. That might be worth adding--a borderless hotlink.
-
FWIW, I keep wanting to click the icon image to go to the skin. That might be worth adding--a borderless hotlink.
Done.
-
Done.
Good change. Some of the icons aren't enabled yet but for those that are it is slick. (The N/As work but the custom thumbnails do not.)
-
Appreciate your hard work. :salute :cheers:
-
I'm nitpicking, too, but I figure that's what you want.
Since the standard thumbnail height is 128 you may want to force the table height to a standard so that shorter thumbs don't scrunch upward and throw your column stack out of whack.
-
The size of the image is not going to be the issue. The fonts are the issue.
I switched back to the text being to the right of the image to keep the text from wrapping and leaving an image alone at the bottom of the page.
Good change. Some of the icons aren't enabled yet but for those that are it is slick. (The N/As work but the custom thumbnails do not.)
Done.
-
As a slight side issue - downloading the complete skin installer results in:
(https://i.imgur.com/uCoM4aM.png)
(for me).
-
If you were downloading it while I was uploading a new file, it would cause that. Or if you tried to run the installer remotely, instead of downloading the file to your local storage, it would also cause that.
-
My feedback: I wouldn't list the text file we use to submit. That's not formatted or intended for public use and things I've included such as old forum discussion links for peer review, etc, don't need to be dredged up at this point.
My question: Will there be suggested guidelines? Such as putting the name of the skin in the thumbnail like some P-51s do? Profiles vs angle shots? Angle shots slightly top-down? Some kind of standard?
-
The submitted info has always been intended to be used for the WEB page. It is easy for a skinner to change that. I went through all the entries and removed any personal data the skinner may have included.
The thumbnails and other images of the skin are left up the skinner. I really do not care for the text information being embedded in the thumbnail, but I am not going to get worked up about it.
When it comes to the images of the skin, I think the skinner will do the best they can to show their skin in the best light possible.
EDIT: I went ahead and added a bit to the skin admin page about the information being supplied.
-
I really do not care for the text information being embedded in the thumbnail, but I am not going to get worked up about it.
Do you want me to take those out?
-
The size of the image is not going to be the issue. The fonts are the issue.
I switched back to the text being to the right of the image to keep the text from wrapping and leaving an image alone at the bottom of the page.
Done.
The shorter thumbnails skew the row height.
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=389770.0;attach=28480)
-
Do you want me to take those out?
It is up to you. I do not care. I just figure it is a bit distracting from what we are supposed to be focused on.
-
The shorter thumbnails skew the row height.
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=389770.0;attach=28480)
Yes, I know. Still looking at that.
-
I've always tried to reflect skinner's works in the best possible way (but it is indeed their ... and your ... call):
(https://i.imgur.com/vpH6nEF.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/EdxAXIe.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/xSaYiE4.png)
-
I still love those, Arlo. Very professional looking. (I just updated that Mustang. Check it out in this section of the forums.)
-
I still love those, Arlo. Very professional looking. (I just updated that Mustang. Check it out in this section of the forums.)
Will do.
-
Yes, Arlo. Those are quite nice.
Just a bit of advice. Be sure to use zoom mode (Z key) when setting up the shots. Otherwise you will have distorted planes. The Zeke above and the B-24 you made come to mind.
:cheers:
-
Yes, Arlo. Those are quite nice.
Just a bit of advice. Be sure to use zoom mode (Z key) when setting up the shots. Otherwise you will have distorted planes. The Zeke above and the B-24 you made come to mind.
:cheers:
I do use zoom .... every time. :) The two planes you mentioned were distorted in Gimp, not through the screenshot.
-
I do use zoom .... every time. :) The two planes you mentioned were distorted in Gimp, not through the screenshot.
Ah, that makes sense. :aok
-
Variation for smaller size yet readable text:
(https://i.imgur.com/cbwf0U8.png)
400 x 323 px
-
Variation for smaller size yet readable text:
(https://i.imgur.com/cbwf0U8.png)
400 x 323 px
Those are really slick. I wish HTC would consider using those. They would make fabulous click bait. (I seem to recall page size/data being a concern though.)
-
The only other thing that occurs to me is that it would be a little easier to read if the skin title were separated from the skin file name.
So change: 357FG/363FS by Vraciu p51d_30
To: 357FG/363FS by Vraciu
and then somewhere else have: p51d_30
-
The only other thing that occurs to me is that it would be a little easier to read if the skin title were separated from the skin file name.
So change: 357FG/363FS by Vraciu p51d_30
To: 357FG/363FS by Vraciu
and then somewhere else have: p51d_30
Oops, that was for debugging.
-
Looks great, functioned perfectly in testing.
The only suggestion I could make is that you might be able to fit 3 skins across per row if you moved the skin name to be centered below each image. That could reduce scrolling for aircraft with many skins available.
Really nicely done skin detail page with info and reference images as well.
-
Size and legibility test:
(https://i.imgur.com/PsLnhwl.png)
200 x 161
-
Okay, made some changes.
1) Added the header image.
2) Added a "Return to selection" link in the top panel.
3) Moved the text for the selection thumbnails to the bottom of the image.
4) Removed the folder name from the skin description.
5) Tweaked the CSS for all the pages.
I am considering a 3 column layout for the thumbnail page, and possibly giving each thumbnail its own background color to make it clearer in the list. Maybe an alternating color scheme.
-
I'd have thought you could even go to four columns without it being too cluttered. The alternating scheme sounds good so long as it is kept fairly subtle to avoid it becoming a distraction to the content.
-
Showing on my end as a single column with varying row heights. I'm using Firefox. Let me try Explorer.
-
Explorer showing two columns, aligned left, with varying row heights.
I'd recommend centering the table if you decide to use two columns, but I am sure you are already are thinking that way.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/olQ4zpQ.png)
150 x 150
or
(https://i.imgur.com/ZpfkH3F.png)
-
I think Greebo is right, there is room for four columns. The images probably stand out sufficiently against the background, and use of white space is enough to separate them - an alternating color scheme might be distracting.
Quick example:
(https://i.imgur.com/JmliNMv.jpg)
-
I prefer that four column layout, the longer lines of text descriptions makes the half height images seem a lot less distracting.
-
I prefer that four column layout, the longer lines of text descriptions makes the half height images seem a lot less distracting.
Done.
-
Done.
Looking good. Can you center the half-height images within the rows and see how that looks? Seems that having them aligned down makes them look out of sorts. Maybe I am wrong.
-
Cool page!
Will be referencing it a lot flying planes im not familiar with to find one of these awesome skins to use... rather than clicking through a list of 30 in game.
-
Cool page!
Will be referencing it a lot flying planes im not familiar with to find one of these awesome skins to use... rather than clicking through a list of 30 in game.
This is an excellent point. I wonder if these icons can be featured in the game on the clipboard... :headscratch:
-
Looking good. Can you center the half-height images within the rows and see how that looks? Seems that having them aligned down makes them look out of sorts. Maybe I am wrong.
Tried it that way and it looked scattered. Having the text line up seemed easier to follow.
-
Tried it that way and it looked scattered. Having the text line up seemed easier to follow.
I mean just the photo. Leave the text as it is (edit in: or center it based on column width) and center the image. I think it will look better. (I used to code this when I did the manual HTML thing years ago but I can't remember what it's called. You probably have something that does it for you any way though...) Things look bottom/left aligned vs. center/center. Nitpick of course.
Here's an example of what I mean regarding centering the image within the row height. I didn't move the text.
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=389770.0;attach=28487)
-
I think I prefer it as it is, with the pictures touching their descriptions.
-
I think I prefer it as it is, with the pictures touching their descriptions.
It looks unbalanced to me. If you wind up putting row colors or borders in I don't see the point either.
Whatever is decided it's a really cool new feature.
I wonder if N/A is misleading. The skin is available just not the thumbnail. "Preview Not Available" or "Thumbnail Not Available" might be a better way to denote this.
-
I wonder if N/A is misleading. The skin is available just not the thumbnail. "Preview Not Available" or "Thumbnail Not Available" might be a better way to denote this.
Good call. :aok
-
(https://i.imgur.com/zdK8AsZ.png)
V3
(https://i.imgur.com/78762mi.png)
skin screenshot template
-
(https://i.imgur.com/zdK8AsZ.png)
V3
(https://i.imgur.com/78762mi.png)
skin screenshot template
Good stuff, Arlo. :cheers:
-
I really do not care for the skin name being embedded in the thumbnail. It is redundant.
-
I really do not care for the skin name being embedded in the thumbnail. It is redundant.
It's only redundant if the skin name is also below the thumbnail. But here's without:
(https://i.imgur.com/tz4BTqV.png)
-
I was making the comment in case anyone decided to use the template for their thumbnail.
The skin name will always be below the thumbnail. Otherwise we would have to come up with rules on how the thumbnails should be done (font, color....). Really trying to avoid that. I would hate to reject a submission due to the thumbnail.
-
I was making the comment in case anyone decided to use the template for their thumbnail.
The skin name will always be below the thumbnail. Otherwise we would have to come up with rules on how the thumbnails should be done (font, color....). Really trying to avoid that. I would hate to reject a submission due to the thumbnail.
I'm recommending that the thumbnails actually have uniformity (font, color, size, design) and volunteering to do just that if skinners and you agree. What's to reject then?
-
The problem with embedding the text comes from search engines. They cannot read that text in the image.
Other than that, go for it. It is up to the skinners.
-
Are you wanting skins to be found individually on search engines? I thought this was going to be a one stop 'shop' for all skins either as a complete download, group downloads or individual downloads. My images are named '(unit description) by (player) [ie: 2ACG 1 Sqdn by MachNix (image size).png] but that certainly can be left off the image.
-
Someone finding us when they were searching for information about a WW2 squadron is not a bad thing. We give up that chance without the text.
-
Understood, but when you host the image does the image name change (like on Imgur) or does it stay the same? When I research images (like many do) it also gives me the option to visit the page the image is on (which I often do). I find my images on search engines with search phrases like 'F4U VF-17 1943' or 'B-17 formation dropping bombs.' I often pull up images I, myself, posted as screenshots on web pages (even pages that aren't functional anymore). It's not that I'm trying to actually talk you out of having text under the image .... I'm wondering why the image name, itself, doesn't work the way you want in a search engine when it seems to work for me.
-
The image name is always "thumbnailimg.jpg" for all the images.
Take a look at the page source in your browser. Images for this page are not accessible via the WEB server. I had to come up with a creative method to get them to display.
-
For what it's worth. .
You can make the image searchable. It's that tag you use to make it display what you want on a mouse hover. I can look it up if you don't know what I mean. I forgot the code for it.
-
ok
-
For what it's worth. .
You can make the image searchable. It's that tag you use to make it display what you want on a mouse hover. I can look it up if you don't know what I mean. I forgot the code for it.
I do know, and that is going to be done. Details are coming slowly. Just got the meta data done.
However, Google places more weight on displayed text in a page, versus alternate tags.
-
I do know, and that is going to be done. Details are coming slowly. Just got the meta data done.
However, Google places more weight on displayed text in a page, versus alternate tags.
Understood. You're doing a great job on it. A nice feature.
Did you see my post about the N/A image? Something to think about. :salute
-
Understood. You're doing a great job on it. A nice feature.
Did you see my post about the N/A image? Something to think about. :salute
I never meant for the N/A image to be permanent. It was/is a placeholder for the moment.
-
I never meant for the N/A image to be permanent. It was/is a placeholder for the moment.
:aok
-
:rock :cool:
Just a dumb question. Are the skins with thumbnails indicative of those that have the AH3 added layer (vs. conversion / shiny skin w/out thumbnails)?
In any case, it was only a side thought to what I preview could be a wonderful place to showcase the continued coordination between producers and customers, and is without a doubt, a magnificent piece of work.
-
I have been looking at how to effectively quantify the skins as to their graphic support. Still not happy with any solution, yet.
-
:rock :cool:
Just a dumb question. Are the skins with thumbnails indicative of those that have the AH3 added layer (vs. conversion / shiny skin w/out thumbnails)?
In any case, it was only a side thought to what I preview could be a wonderful place to showcase the continued coordination between producers and customers, and is without a doubt, a magnificent piece of work.
None of my skins have thumbnails. so you can't use the lack of image as a judge.
-
None of my skins have thumbnails. so you can't use the lack of image as a judge.
Slacker. :rofl
-
None of my skins have thumbnails. so you can't use the lack of image as a judge.
I got you covered. ;)
-
Are the skins with thumbnails indicative of those that have the AH3 added layer (vs. conversion / shiny skin w/out thumbnails)?
In the case of my skins I am fairly sure that those skins displaying a thumbnail will not suffer from the shiny effect and those skins that lack a thumbnail will.
-
Slacker. :rofl
maybeeeeeeeeeeeeee......but I only fly his skins now
(he beats us if we do not)
-
Slacker. :rofl
Yup! :devil
-
I got you covered. ;)
Appreciate it.
:cheers:
-
:D I already have the page bookmarked and using it a bunch.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/7XOOXTq.png) (https://i.imgur.com/UcFEsEN.png) (https://i.imgur.com/2xyC8Ax.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Su9Swb7.png) (https://i.imgur.com/8zGZvQL.png) (https://i.imgur.com/66ay6Fd.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/HmFOmJE.png) (https://i.imgur.com/4rW5ebS.png) (https://i.imgur.com/7UcP4wD.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/qGLGNwk.png) (https://i.imgur.com/UlvlVHa.png) (https://i.imgur.com/e5CztSI.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/ZrpbgcG.png) (https://i.imgur.com/e3TwUVA.png) (https://i.imgur.com/sJWgMdx.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/wbs21GC.png) (https://i.imgur.com/Ix8x3es.png) (https://i.imgur.com/8stjmnT.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/39Vikyq.png) (https://i.imgur.com/miakgW5.png) (https://i.imgur.com/wdRpVcb.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/p8IB94R.png) (https://i.imgur.com/MR4vV35.png) (https://i.imgur.com/xsnpFuY.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/AEYxLQF.png) (https://i.imgur.com/EvBJGGf.png) (https://i.imgur.com/EYgHlQO.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/QIWxNku.png) (https://i.imgur.com/rnGA4Ot.png) (https://i.imgur.com/vqtIC58.png)
-
Full size examples:
(https://i.imgur.com/pyGWVHp.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/kEnrmoV.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/UiEwn3o.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Nwpo2Df.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/6HTPi3l.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/etXbd36.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/QlveYv2.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/n2aYHgT.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/itQ4XFs.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/2z874CN.png)
-
maybeeeeeeeeeeeeee......but I only fly his skins now
(he beats us if we do not)
:rofl
-
Drool-worthy, Arlo. :aok
-
Skuzzy, the full size images are now being shown as thumbnails in the skins description. Is this intended? Seems to defeat the purpose of the full size screenshot. Apologies in advance if you're working on it. I figure you might be. :salute
-
I am not seeing that. There was a brief period of time, yesterday, when I was making some CSS adjustments I inadvertently changed the wrong class, but fixed if pretty quickly.
Try flushing your browser cache.
-
Skuzzy, the full size images are now being shown as thumbnails in the skins description. Is this intended? Seems to defeat the purpose of the full size screenshot. Apologies in advance if you're working on it. I figure you might be. :salute
Same thing on my end (with page refresh).
-
I am seeing the larger skin screenshots as normal, with both Opera and IE.
-
Hmmmmm.
I need to go through the skins. I appear to be missing one. I downloaded and used the installer yesterday.
-
I am seeing the larger skin screenshots as normal, with both Opera and IE.
Same here using Firefox and Pale Moon. There is no reason why they should be smaller. Looking at the actual HTML code, everything appears normal.
Arlo, what skin do you think you are missing?
-
Just tried Safari and it looks back to normal. :salute
-
Another stupid question.
I know I've submitted reference images for a number of skins but they are not displayed. Are they lost because they were uploaded back in AH2? Should I resubmit any that dnt show on the skins page?
-
Just tried Safari and it looks back to normal. :salute
I made a slight change to show a different background color around the fullsize image and text. I did that so I could get those who were not seeing a full size image to send/post a screenshot of what they are seeing.
Another stupid question.
I know I've submitted reference images for a number of skins but they are not displayed. Are they lost because they were uploaded back in AH2? Should I resubmit any that dnt show on the skins page?
Back before we had the skin admin page, skins came in with all manner of images with no consistent naming convention. I am not sure I can find all of them and rename them.
It will not hurt anything if you upload thumbnails, fullsize, or reference images. Those do not change the skin and do not cause a lock to be placed on changes to the skin.
-
I made a slight change to show a different background color around the fullsize image and text. I did that so I could get those who were not seeing a full size image to send/post a screenshot of what they are seeing.
Back before we had the skin admin page, skins came in with all manner of images with no consistent naming convention. I am not sure I can find all of them and rename them.
It will not hurt anything if you upload thumbnails, fullsize, or reference images. Those do not change the skin and do not cause a lock to be placed on changes to the skin.
Oh, that's good to know. Awesome.
-
More changes. Should be obvious.
-
Arlo, what skin do you think you are missing?
Dunno yet. Going through the list one by one. A'' I know is I have 30 P51D skins but there's 31 listed on the page.
-
Oh, that's good to know. Awesome.
I made an error. Any image submission does lock the skin. The text information can be updated instantly and does not lock the skin.
-
Dunno yet. Going through the list one by one. A'' I know is I have 30 P51D skins but there's 31 listed on the page.
I just went through every location where we have skins and manually counted the P51D skins and found 31 at each location. I also installed the skins from the download and found 31 P51D skins as well.
Now, the P51B only has 30.
-
I have been looking at how to effectively quantify the skins as to their graphic support. Still not happy with any solution, yet.
I think anything that lists the various present or missing normal, specular, power and environmental maps would be no use without a lengthy explanation as to what those files do. So instead I'd suggest listing below each skin "Lighting effects:" and a description of "None" (diffuse only), "Partial" (diffuse, specular/converted normal) or "Full" (all five maps).
Then at the top of each page a brief explanation along the lines of:
Very old skins that were originally submitted with no lighting effects tend to look too shiny as they do not tell the game how shiny or dull each part of the skin should be. Those with partial effects enabled have a much more realistic finish and those with full effects look better still.
-
It is a thought.
However, if a skin only contains the diffuse (very old skin), then the game will use the default specular, power, environment, and normal maps for that object.
If the skin contains a normal or specular or environment or power or alpha map, then none of the default maps are used.
EDIT: Hmmmm,...I have an idea. Give me a minute, or three.
-
I made an error. Any image submission does lock the skin. The text information can be updated instantly and does not lock the skin.
Thanks for the clarification.
-
It is a thought.
However, if a skin only contains the diffuse (very old skin), then the game will use the default specular, power, environment, and normal maps for that object.
If the skin contains a normal or specular or environment or power or alpha map, then none of the default maps are used.
EDIT: Hmmmm,...I have an idea. Give me a minute, or three.
Power Map - Default
Specular Map - Default
Environment Map - Default
Normal Map - Default
(Or "Derived"?)
Something like that?
-
Had it, just didn't post it. 2ACG/1FS MachNix
(https://i.imgur.com/GxuoVqU.png) (https://i.imgur.com/uZLx0bh.png)
-
F4U-1A skin thumbs (full size avail per):
(https://i.imgur.com/LZcza6o.png)
18 Sqdn RNZAF Greebo
(https://i.imgur.com/C9s5GLy.png)
1835 NAS FAA Greebo
(https://i.imgur.com/X2lcoYl.png)
1836 NAS FAA Greebo
(https://i.imgur.com/og6r4l3.png)
1842 NAS FAA Greebo
(https://i.imgur.com/kTnr9Nm.png)
VF-17 #17 Fencer
(https://i.imgur.com/e5RYxWJ.png)
VF-17 #29 Saxman
(https://i.imgur.com/0hka2y1.png)
VF-24 Greebo
(https://i.imgur.com/fBrGsL3.png)
VMF-122 Saxman
(https://i.imgur.com/T4phrCJ.png)
VMF-213 Greebo
(https://i.imgur.com/mpR412P.png)
VMF-214 #740 Saxman
(https://i.imgur.com/XoLIsgV.png)
VMF-214 #883 Saxman
(https://i.imgur.com/yjZkYJ1.png)
VMF-225 Greebo
(https://i.imgur.com/TUCBs8u.png)
VMF-321 Saxman
-
Very good stuff, Arlo.
-
EDIT: Hmmmm,...I have an idea. Give me a minute, or three.
Ruh roh. :noid
Duck and cover!! :bolt:
:rofl
-
Thanks Arlo, I didn't realise you were going to make images for my skins. To be honest though I'd rather keep my skin images how they are as I put some effort into getting the lighting and background framed how I want it and don't want to lose that.
-
Thanks Arlo, I didn't realise you were going to make images for my skins. To be honest though I'd rather keep my skin images how they are as I put some effort into getting the lighting and background framed how I want it and don't want to lose that.
Understood, though I, too, was seeking the best lighting and framing for each skin. Since I was specifically looking to offer Skuzzy some uniformity (each thumbnail 150 x 110 with identical framing along with larger images for the info pages - a rather large project) the original intent of the project is no longer applicable (uniformity goes out the door).
I appreciate your work and admire your talent. You are obviously the most prolific skinner in AH and you do, indeed, provide thumbs and larger images for your skins. I look forward to many more. My smaller contribution hinged on agreement from HTC and all skinners and I regret that my stated intent wasn't clear on that. Carry on, good sir.
(https://imgur.com/3Cn1o2b)
-
Understood, though I, too, was seeking the best lighting and framing for each skin. Since I was specifically looking to offer Skuzzy some uniformity (each thumbnail 150 x 110 with identical framing along with larger images for the info pages - a rather large project) the original intent of the project is no longer applicable (uniformity goes out the door).
I appreciate your work and admire your talent. You are obviously the most prolific skinner in AH and you do, indeed, provide thumbs and larger images for your skins. I look forward to many more. My smaller contribution hinged on agreement from HTC and all skinners and I regret that my stated intent wasn't clear on that. Carry on, good sir.
Yours is the more professional presentation, regardless. None of us have been able to approach that. (Not a swipe at anyone, btw.)
Perhaps this is the solution for Skuzzy's dilemma on how to denote orphans. :headscratch:
-
If the rest of the Mustang Mafia approves I am willing to use this format for the thumbnail at the least.
Oboe? Fencer? FTJR? (Who did a miss?)
-
Sorry I didn't tell you earlier before you put time and effort into doing those images Arlo. I think the standard screenshots show off the terrain graphics as well as just the skin and are a good advert for the game.
-
Mustang Mafia. I like that. I'll be continuing the project .... but for different reasons. I think they'll look great on cups and shirts. I was thinking of doing a cup and/or shirt for each skinner (of their favorite skin). Granted, I'll have to dig out and dust off both the shirt press and cup press. I'm down to less than 10 minutes per image, now (leaving off the AH logo and image/skinner attribution may account for some of that but I also think my image trimming method combined with a standard background also helps). It's a hobby/project that seems manageable (barely) with my school workload and honey-do responsibilities. If I spent as much time playing the game I might become a decent stick. :D
-
Sorry I didn't tell you earlier before you put time and effort into doing those images Arlo. I think the standard screenshots show off the terrain graphics as well as just the skin and are a good advert for the game.
For a thumbnail terrain graphics are clutter (to me) and the extra time and effort needed to trim that much more was unmanageable for the thousands of images involved. I have done images that highlight terrain as well as the plane or vehicle. Also, for bombers that have extensive nose art I was going to focus on zoomed in profiles of the nose then full fuselage profiles. Ground vehicles were going to have grass but to speed up the process I was going to use carefully pasted in terrain. The more I do this, the more techniques I've developed. I use GIMP, exclusively. I'll gladly share what techniques I use for anyone else to give it a try (or show me some tricks I've managed to avoid, to date).
-
Sorry I didn't tell you earlier before you put time and effort into doing those images Arlo. I think the standard screenshots show off the terrain graphics as well as just the skin and are a good advert for the game.
I respectfully disagree in regard to thumbnails. They look random. They are not uniform in size or presentation--and the former throws off alignment. A theme would be a good thing, IMHO. Argo is onto something. (But I understand the desire to allow skinners latitude.)
Full size images are a different story since they are on a sub page. Those show off terrain, etc. as you noted.
-
Mustang Mafia. I like that. I'll be continuing the project .... but for different reasons. I think they'll look great on cups and shirts. I was thinking of doing a cup and/or shirt for each skinner (of their favorite skin). Granted, I'll have to dig out and dust off both the shirt press and cup press. I'm down to less than 10 minutes per image, now (leaving off the AH logo and image/skinner attribution may account for some of that but I also think my image trimming method combined with a standard background also helps). It's a hobby/project that seems manageable (barely) with my school workload and honey-do responsibilities. If I spent as much time playing the game I might become a decent stick. :D
I agree they would look good.
-
Looks good, Skuzzy.
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/skins/index.php?skobj=p51d&display=P51D0104182015&skinname=84S/RAAF%20by%20ftJR
If you want previews surely people like Arlo will make some. Let us know.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/FX8eVFb.png)
This image does not, in any way, mean that I will provide images against the will of Skuzzy or the skinner. I'm still hesitant to offer any more without universal support for such. I respect the skinners (all) efforts in making this a beautiful game to record and display. I just had this one already made.
-
FTJR is cooler than the other side of the pillow. I assure you, he is not offended.
-
I think Greebo is cool, too. I understand his retaining ownership of how his skins are displayed on the HTC skin page. It's me, now, that has issues. I get kinda anal about uniformity. If the page were mine I'd try to make sure that everything looked like choices of the same product (AH skins), packaged and displayed, as such. This is a volunteer relationship in the AH community and I don't skin, myself. The least I can do is not be the guy on the dancefloor stepping on any toes.
P.S. I'm glad to see your skins increasing the product line.
-
Added more information to the skin page;
1) Displaying the original release date.
2) Displaying the last update date.
3) Displaying all the map information supplied with the skin.
Getting down to the wire now.
-
Added more information to the skin page;
1) Displaying the original release date.
2) Displaying the last update date.
3) Displaying all the map information supplied with the skin.
Getting down to the wire now.
If I haven't said so, I appreciate your effort in this every bit as much as the skinners. I think this is part of what makes the AH community unique - it's relationship with HTC.
-
Example of M4A3 (75):
(https://i.imgur.com/wGhuVsN.png) (https://i.imgur.com/rn1j5s8.png)
3 RTR Fencer
(Egypt terrain)
-
(https://i.imgur.com/LMrcDfn.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/CYkHM0t.png)
(With .50 cal not cut off)
-
M3:
(https://i.imgur.com/mAQfvOo.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/6ZzXj4L.png)
1RS BEF by TGG93
(Italy terrain)
-
Added more information to the skin page;
1) Displaying the original release date.
2) Displaying the last update date.
3) Displaying all the map information supplied with the skin.
Getting down to the wire now.
Looks good, man.
-
Panther G:
(https://i.imgur.com/waK3uGo.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/s3h1r7s.png)
3rd Panzer Regt. 2nd Panzer Div. Fencer
(Germany terrain)
-
Added more information to the skin page;
1) Displaying the original release date.
2) Displaying the last update date.
3) Displaying all the map information supplied with the skin.
Getting down to the wire now.
Also, what's an Alpha Map? I don't seem to know or remember.
-
Some planes use an alpha map to make parts of the skin see-through. When an alpha map is used, the power map cannot be used.
-
The file list on the 109E lists the Power map twice.
-
Oops, fixed.
By the way, the list of files the skins reports to have is not accurate when there are multiple versions of any of the maps. I'll look at doing that differently, later.
-
Also found another odd case (thanks for pointing out the 109e4 issue).
If there is a normal map, but no specular map, then the game will assume a fixed value for the specular map, rather than use the default specular map.
I updated the utility to show that now.
-
Some planes use an alpha map to make parts of the skin see-through. When an alpha map is used, the power map cannot be used.
Interesting. I saw that on one of the P-51Ds and wondered. Thanks.
-
Really? Which one? The P51D should not have any alpha maps and I cannot find it in the database.
-
Just have some details to add and clean up, but this is what I have so far for the skins display page. Everything should be functional. Just have to make it pretty.
Any feedback?
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/skins
Is there any remedy for the substitution of " with "? When I copy and and paste out of a text file the skin detail page renders it wrong. I can manually try to square it but am hoping it's a simple fix on your end.
-
Also found another odd case (thanks for pointing out the 109e4 issue).
If there is a normal map, but no specular map, then the game will assume a fixed value for the specular map, rather than use the default specular map.
I updated the utility to show that now.
Is this the root of the super gloss seen on the skins without spec maps?
-
If it is, the M3 skin needs looking at.
-
Is there any remedy for the substitution of " with "? When I copy and and paste out of a text file the skin detail page renders it wrong. I can manually try to square it but am hoping it's a simple fix on your end.
I do not know what you mean here. What is being rendered wrong? The " string is the correct way to display the " in a WEB page. It also prevents the PHP code from getting a literal " which will blow it up.
Here is what your first P51D text looks like on the skin details page. What is wrong with it?
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=389770.0;attach=28509)
I am not seeing the quotes messing up anything. So where is the problem you are talking about?
Is this the root of the super gloss seen on the skins without spec maps?
Could be, but I cannot be certain.
-
Yes, I know about that coding but for some reason the page keeps turning my quotation marks into partial code. I think it depends on where I copy and paste from, Word or Notepad.
Some look right others do this:
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=389770.0;attach=28511)
I will see if it's my fault somehow. Maybe I caused it somewhere.
-
Really? Which one? The P51D should not have any alpha maps and I cannot find it in the database.
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/skins/index.php?skobj=p51d&display=P51D9011008&skinname=353FG/352FS%20by%20Mus51
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/skins/index.php?skobj=p51d&display=P51D8011008&skinname=55FG/343FS%20by%20Mus51
-
Ahh, the default map. There is no way for me to know which map (Power or Alpha) is being used as a default.
Hmmm,...maybe I should just combine those two (i.e. Power/Alpha) as they are mutually exclusive.
The "quot" error is in the text itself. It may have been passed through the filter twice as the & has been converted to & which is causing the "quot" to appear as text, and not the ".
You should be able to fix it yourself and see the change instantly take place. If not, then let me know.
-
I seem to recall that the overly-glossy appearance of old skins occurs when there are no other effects files included in the folder. If just one of the normal, specular, power or environment files is added to the folder then the problem goes away. Presumably at that point the game or viewer uses the default files for the remaining effects.
-
Here are the rules, in a nutshell.
If there are no maps supplied with the skin, then the game uses all the default normal, specular, power, and environment maps.
If there is only a normal map, then the game uses a fixed value for the specular, and no other maps are used.
If there is a normal and specular map, no other maps are used.
-
I'll have to check when I get home from work, but I think the way I just described it is how it is actually working. So far too glossy with no other effects files present, but this goes away with any one file added.
-
Ahh, the default map. There is no way for me to know which map (Power or Alpha) is being used as a default.
Hmmm,...maybe I should just combine those two (i.e. Power/Alpha) as they are mutually exclusive.
The "quot" error is in the text itself. It may have been passed through the filter twice as the & has been converted to & which is causing the "quot" to appear as text, and not the ".
You should be able to fix it yourself and see the change instantly take place. If not, then let me know.
Will ddo, thanks, Skuzzy.
-
Here are the rules, in a nutshell.
If there are no maps supplied with the skin, then the game uses all the default normal, specular, power, and environment maps.
If there is only a normal map, then the game uses a fixed value for the specular, and no other maps are used.
If there is a normal and specular map, no other maps are used.
I'll have to check when I get home from work, but I think the way I just described it is how it is actually working. So far too glossy with no other effects files present, but this goes away with any one file added.
Wouldn't a blank or minimal Normal map cure most of this issue for the orphans? It's not ideal, but it is better than the glossy finish we have at the moment. Just an idea.
-
Yes, it would fix the issue and blank maps would add practically nothing to the download size as they would compress to virtually nothing. However I have made that suggestion before and it isn't going to happen. If the game is supposed to use the default effect maps if none are present with a skin then it is a bug for it to go as glossy as it does and hopefully that will get fixed.
-
Yes, it would fix the issue and blank maps would add practically nothing to the download size as they would compress to virtually nothing. However I have made that suggestion before and it isn't going to happen. If the game is supposed to use the default effect maps if none are present with a skin then it is a bug for it to go as glossy as it does and hopefully that will get fixed.
Well, here's my take in a crude or unrefined form. Since most of the orphans were optimized for AH2 graphics then less is more. So a blank Normal would eliminate some of that "panel line overkill" we see since the older skins were using artistic effects to achieve the illusion of lighting and 3D. (Sorta.) And I think the default setting being turned down a hair might also help. Lower the Spec, Env, and Power levels some.
This is based purely on playing with stuff offline.
The Normal map is really screwing with the visuals on those orphans, which is too bad, because a lot of them are still viable with a little help until something "better" comes along. :salute
-
Ahh, the default map. There is no way for me to know which map (Power or Alpha) is being used as a default.
Hmmm,...maybe I should just combine those two (i.e. Power/Alpha) as they are mutually exclusive.
The "quot" error is in the text itself. It may have been passed through the filter twice as the & has been converted to & which is causing the "quot" to appear as text, and not the ".
You should be able to fix it yourself and see the change instantly take place. If not, then let me know.
Well, this seems to be a problem with the OPERA browser on smart phones. My other browsers (so far) render it properly but Opera is trying to spit out HTML code. Since that (Opera via "smart" phone) is the only place it is messed up I guess it isn't a big deal.
-
I'll have to check when I get home from work, but I think the way I just described it is how it is actually working. So far too glossy with no other effects files present, but this goes away with any one file added.
I am just going by what Hitech told me how it worked.
-
Ahh, the default map. There is no way for me to know which map (Power or Alpha) is being used as a default.
Hmmm,...maybe I should just combine those two (i.e. Power/Alpha) as they are mutually exclusive.
The "quot" error is in the text itself. It may have been passed through the filter twice as the & has been converted to & which is causing the "quot" to appear as text, and not the ".
You should be able to fix it yourself and see the change instantly take place. If not, then let me know.
Okay so......... On the Skin Update page it displays normally but on the Skin Display page it shows the " thing again. I'm using Firefox. Will give Explorer a try and see...
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/skins/index.php?skobj=p51d&display=P51D0108022014&skinname=325FG/319FS%20by%20Vraciu
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=389770.0;attach=28535)
-
Let me rifle through that code and see if I am passing the text through the filter twice.
-
Let me rifle through that code and see if I am passing the text through the filter twice.
I think I found a work-around for that.
-
I think I found a work-around for that.
Thanks, man. :aok
-
Looks like it's working.
-
The page is looking very good.
I'll also suggest that the skins be displayed in skin name order instead of .res file order. That way, multiple skins for a particular fighter group will be displayed next to each other, rather than spread out over the page.
btw, one of Fencer's 3 4th FG skins is named incorrectly - its listed as 334FS/4FG (squad listed first) rather than 4FG/334FS (fighter group first) as the others are.
-
The page is looking very good.
I'll also suggest that the skins be displayed in skin name order instead of .res file order. That way, multiple skins for a particular fighter group will be displayed next to each other, rather than spread out over the page.
btw, one of Fencer's 3 4th FG skins is named incorrectly - its listed as 334FS/4FG (squad listed first) rather than 4FG/334FS (fighter group first) as the others are.
I PM'd him (Fencer) about that nine months ago.
There is a B at the top of the list with the same problem.
-
I PM'd him (Fencer) about that nine months ago.
There is a B at the top of the list with the same problem.
May 10, 2017.
I cannot get Skuzzy to respond to my question, he obviously has too much to do to fix something as minor as that.
-
I really do not remember hearing about it and I could have easily just put it off as it really is a minor issue.
-
May 10, 2017.
I cannot get Skuzzy to respond to my question, he obviously has too much to do to fix something as minor as that.
Wow, only May??????????????????????? Okay, almost seven months ago. Must be these long days. Seems a lot longer ago than that! LOL! :salute
-
I really do not remember hearing about it and I could have easily just put it off as it really is a minor issue.
Can the names be changed in the Update page? I thought that was an option. I am probably confusing myself with the Submission page.
-
The skin names cannot be changed short of deleting the skin from the game and then resubmitting it with a new name.
-
The skin names cannot be changed short of deleting the skin from the game and then resubmitting it with a new name.
Oh crikey!
-
Any way to add a Download-All option?
Even all per-plane set would be nice too.
Coogan
-
Any way to add a Download-All option?
Even all per-plane set would be nice too.
Coogan
That is already on the page.
You can download all, or by object type, or one at a time.
The name of the skin cannot be changed by the skinner. I'll fix it when I get back into the office.
-
That is already on the page.
You can download all, or by object type, or one at a time.
It appears I'm not seeing an option to download all skins.
I went to the Homepage and selected Downloads/Skins and can see a complete listing of all of the skins, but only have the
option to click on one skin at a time.
Coogan
-
That's the old skin page, the new one Skuzzy is working on can be found here:
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/skins (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/skins)
-
That's the old skin page, the new one Skuzzy is working on can be found here:
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/skins (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/skins)
That's what I'm talking 'bout!
Thanks Greebo. :rock
Coogan
-
Oh, sorry. I linked it in the first post of this thread. I just assumed,.....yes I know.....yada-yada-yada.
-
Oh, sorry. I linked it in the first post of this thread. I just assumed,.....yes I know.....yada-yada-yada.
:rofl
Maybe I might start reading the first couple of pages first.
Coogan
-
Oh, sorry. I linked it in the first post of this thread. I just assumed,.....yes I know.....yada-yada-yada.
:rofl
:rofl
Maybe I might start reading the first couple of pages first.
Coogan
:rofl :rofl
:aok
-
The page is looking very good.
I'll also suggest that the skins be displayed in skin name order instead of .res file order. That way, multiple skins for a particular fighter group will be displayed next to each other, rather than spread out over the page.
btw, one of Fencer's 3 4th FG skins is named incorrectly - its listed as 334FS/4FG (squad listed first) rather than 4FG/334FS (fighter group first) as the others are.
Actually, there were two skins like that. Both are fixed.
-
Awesome, thanks for fixing that Skuzzy.
-
Just have some details to add and clean up, but this is what I have so far for the skins display page. Everything should be functional. Just have to make it pretty.
Any feedback?
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/skins
Any chance of pinning this link? I think it's a good thing to have at the top. :salute
-
Following a wishlist item http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,390234.msg5184257.html#msg5184257 (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,390234.msg5184257.html#msg5184257) to be able to select specific skins IN GAME, brought me to ponder if this link was intended to replace the CUSTOM SKINS placeholder in the current hangar helpscreen?? :pray
Note: This only allows one to download. IN GAME is there the slightest possibility of linking to the auto updater for a single selected skin???? :pray :pray
(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=389770.0;attach=28731)
-
Ok, I read this a few times and still do not understand what you are asking for.
-
Ok, I read this a few times and still do not understand what you are asking for.
Can't speak for Chilli, (I like his idea too) but here is my proposal when first installing the game.
(https://i.imgur.com/rk0sI2e.png)
Edit: Didn't mean to make the image so big...
Coogan
-
I think the OP is looking to be able to look at his skins, see one that he would like that is red. Double click that skin and get the download of just that skin while in game.
Some people leave the auto downloader off and may want to grab just the one skin say to load up in a mission, or for the new guys to grab a single skin here or there instead of waiting for ALL the skins to download. Yes you can grab them at the website, but they are looking to do it IN GAME.
-
I think the OP is looking to be able to look at his skins, see one that he would like that is red. Double click that skin and get the download of just that skin while in game.
Some people leave the auto downloader off and may want to grab just the one skin say to load up in a mission, or for the new guys to grab a single skin here or there instead of waiting for ALL the skins to download. Yes you can grab them at the website, but they are looking to do it IN GAME.
That's a good idea too, if you only want a few select skins and not want to download the whole library.
Coogan
-
Ok, I read this a few times and still do not understand what you are asking for.
What Fugi said for OP request.I think the OP is looking to be able to look at his skins, see one that he would like that is red. Double click that skin and get the download of just that skin while in game. Don't think red highlighted skin descriptions are present if there is no .res file, so it I think it is more like I said, must go through Skins Page in order to select the desired specific skins.
Some people leave the auto downloader off and may want to grab just the one skin say to load up in a mission, or for the new guys to grab a single skin here or there instead of waiting for ALL the skins to download. Yes you can grab them at the website, but they are looking to do it IN GAME.
Exactly how I perceive the request.
As for my question, I see that the IN GAME HELP that was newly instituted with AH3, has the ability to open web browser IN GAME. The button click on the words "custom skins" on the hangar help page currently links to a placeholder page and video. Actually I posed 2 questions.
First, would you like to hyperlink "custom skins" to the new "Aces High Skins Page"?
The auto downloader checkbox IN GAME will actually update the proper AH folder, but when you select them from the Skins Page, there is some manual locating and placement of files on players' hard drive and it is necessary to relog.
Second, if possible, giving a player IN GAME the ability to
a) navigate from the browser to the Skins Page
b) player wishes another option on the Skins Page to auto update the downloaded file when operating from the hangar
c) player wishes he may grab specific skin file without exiting game or having basic knowledge of where to properly locate or place the skins *.res files (helpful in special events where hopping in and out of arenas is risky or not allowed, but is a desirable squad option).
-
Just have some details to add and clean up, but this is what I have so far for the skins display page. Everything should be functional. Just have to make it pretty.
Any feedback?
http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/skins
Can we pin this link, Skuzzy? I think it would be good to do so at least for a bit. :salute
-
I'll take that as a no. :cry :uhoh
:salute