Question About Ren'Py Text Box

[Neko Hibiki]

Is there any way to make the text box vanish and then return if you want to look at the picture for awhile?

[PyTom]

Yes. Either middle click, or press the 'h' key.

[Neko Hibiki]

Yes. Either middle click, or press the 'h' key.

Thanks!^_^ Now I can look at the pictures.

By the way, since I can't draw do you know of any sites that offer free anime-like backgrounds for games like these hmmm?

[parvenue]

By the way, since I can't draw do you know of any sites that offer free anime-like backgrounds for games like these hmmm?

Check the OELVN Community Wiki.

[Neko Hibiki]

By the way, since I can't draw do you know of any sites that offer free anime-like backgrounds for games like these hmmm?

Check the OELVN Community Wiki.

Thanks. But most of their character links led to .psd files there. I don't have photoshop, and I'm not willing to shell out six-hundred_and_something bucks just to make a few characters for a Ren'Py game. Can you direct me to where there are characters already made in .jpg, .bmp, or .png format? Thanks!^_^

[PyTom]

I'll note that the GIMP can read psd files just fine, as can other programs.

[bloodywyvern]

To add to PyTom that something like GIMP or another program will also allow you to save it in to another format, so you can convert it yourself just by downloading a free program instead of overpriced adobe.

[Neko Hibiki]

I'll note that the GIMP can read psd files just fine, as can other programs.

Well, it opened the file. But what is this 'layer' thing I keep hearing about anyway? How does that work on the files?

[bloodywyvern]

Image layers are basically just transparent pieces that you can do work on, and by using them in conjunction with each other they allow you to do a high degree of image manipulation. Some simple things include: Adjusting colors based on different images and placements, and making sure certain parts stand above others,

Those are very small things, and it takes a lot of work to really figure the in's and out's of layers actually. Easy to pick up on, hard to master. You shouldn't need them if your just using the provided images without adjustment. If you save an image with multiple layers in a different format, most will automatically flatten the image down to a single layer based on the placement.

[EvilDragon]

Download IrfanView, it's a small, portable and excellent free program which reads tons of image formats and lets you save in either one of them. Also can save transparent GIFs and PNGs. Very cool tool I use

[DaFool]

Use show/hide the layers until you have an image you like, then export as png.

(commentary)
Hmmm... no wonder the Blade Engine sets are specified as individual pngs... they're as simple as they come. The "Ren'Py sets" tend to assume the user has worked significantly with artwork before and offer more customizability at the expense of user-friendly-ness.

[bloodywyvern]

Download IrfanView, it's a small, portable and excellent free program which reads tons of image formats and lets you save in either one of them. Also can save transparent GIFs and PNGs. Very cool tool I use

Any program that let's save in GIF or PNG will allow you to keep transparency...it's built in to the format, a program can do nothing new with any format except create a new one (like adobe created theirs).

(commentary)
Hmmm... no wonder the Blade Engine sets are specified as individual pngs... they're as simple as they come. The "Ren'Py sets" tend to assume the user has worked significantly with artwork before and offer more customizability at the expense of user-friendly-ness.

Well, I'd call the Blade Engine a very simple system all on it's own. They did a great thing by offering variety, helping the english VN community...but in the end Ren'Py trumps it in every area I've seen. It's not to say the Blade Engine is bad...just that Ren'Py is better (More bang for your buck, which is no bucks. Even better!). Yeah I'm cheap >.>

[PyTom]

I'll note that this has nothing to do with Ren'Py or Blade Engine in particular. I mean, you can use the blade pngs in Ren'Py just fine, or you can save a PSD to a PNG and use it in blade.

[bloodywyvern]

Well your right, I personally went off topic with that. The point was that the Blade Engine and it's resources were simplified right from the start, and Ren'Py resources have opted for a more customizable approach. It's less the event of final product as it is the approach to the same product.