Graphics+Tools--Some+Notes


 * GRAPHICS TOOLS --Some Notes**

DOS tools (See explanation below) For example, __gpmTpc2Pcx.exe Pp47dtex.tpc Pp47dtex.pcx__ Available at Sandbagger's "Tally-Ho" and elsewhere. The gpmTpc2Pcx.exe program must be in the same directory as your aircraft type. In the example above, the P-47d graphics are being converted. Note the spaces.
 * gpmTpc2Pcx.exe** -- As the name suggests, this tool dumps the TPC files into a PCX picture format so they can be loaded into your graphics program and edited.


 * PICPAC** --The main EAW conversion tool. Used for almost everything else. Compresses files into EAW format and uncompresses them. Details are in the "Art Kit" on your EAW CD. Also see below.

Some modders like to work in the larger size first because 256x256 pictures are very small--and then reduce the size back down for the game. Makes for finer lines and details. All graphics MUST be reduced to 256 colors in your graphics program before they can be used by the game. Some other notes: 1) PCX files that can be edited in PhotoShop or other graphics programs are NOT always the same as PCX files shown for an aircraft by EAW for some reason. If you try to open an EAW pcx file in your graphics program, you may get an error message. Use the **gpmTpc2Pcx.exe** to get a PCX file that can be used in your graphics program.
 * GENERAL COMMENTS
 * Graphics work on aircraft skins and other objects are usually done on 256x256 pixels size. Some modders do them on 512x512 size, but not all machines will use the larger size.

2) TPC files are the main compressed graphic type used by EAW. To convert your PCX drawing to TPC files--- Use one of the two DOS window commands below. For example, a Bf-190: picpac -P p190dtex.pcx p190dtex.tpc picpac -8 p190dtex.pcx p190dtex.tpc

The -P shifts the color pallette two bytes, according to some EAW experimenters, even though this is recommended in the EAW "Art Kit" for keeping the color pallette. The -8 does NOT shift the colors. Considered "safer" for keeping the same colors.

Example: GermanAircraft.bat These Windows "click on" batch files are probably available for every situation. Look for .bat "batch" files at //TALLY-HO// (Sandbagger's website) or other EAW sites. Batch (.bat) files work by a double-click. They happen so fast you can't usually read them. To open them up and read them, use one right-click and choose "Edit" from the pop-up window. Don't forget to save with the .bat extension at the end.
 * DOS TOOLS** For convenience, a type of batch file called .BAT files (or .bat files) have been created so you don't have to open a DOS window (Command Prompt) and type in each of the commands. They open in regular Windows with a couple of clicks.

Comments by Wudpecker (Wallace Wood) September, 2006