|
Post by n00b on Feb 4, 2020 14:51:20 GMT -6
I think you can make something better than PS or Gimp. I already like the simplicity of the interface. I think it would benefit from a little more color in the interface but for an early start this is pretty awesome.
A toolbox is probably not as hard as you might think. Just start with simple tools like a line and box tool and gradually add more as time goes on. If you run into any issues feel free to ask.
|
|
|
Post by johnno56 on Feb 4, 2020 23:11:34 GMT -6
Hmm... You seem to have a better understanding of my abilities than I do... lol. Thank you, but I'm not aiming for another PS or Gimp... Just a simple editor... I like the idea of a Toolbox and may just as well take you up on your offer of assistance... I will do some more research to see how difficult it would be...
Just had a thought... (Ok. Stop laughing...) You know how you added the bmpload.bas using 'include'? If ever the program was getting too big, do you think it would be wise to keep everything in one listing, or perhaps 'include' various aspects of the program? Would breaking up the program into external 'includes' have a overall impact of program performance?
I agree with your description of the interface as 'simple'... I think that is a polite way of saying, "Spartan"... lol Either one is fine by me... When you mentioned 'a little more color' what did you have in mind? I'm planing on a simple logo and trying to convert my sdlbasic 'button' library into a message box routine... (I have my doubts... maybe more work than its worth) I could always just manually add rectangles and text... lol Any suggestions to make the editor's 'look or feel' better would be gratefully appreciated - and duly noted in the "History" comments... wink, wink.
I have only had one coffee today... There is far too much blood in my caffeine system... lol
|
|
|
Post by n00b on Feb 5, 2020 1:16:47 GMT -6
To answer your question on include, it doesn't effect performance at all. When you include a file it just copies the contents of that file into the current file when it compiles so its like you had one giant listing. It is generally a good idea to split your code up into multiple files when working on large projects for better organization.
As far as the suggestions I made on the interface, I was thinking about making the buttons stand out more. If the interface is what you were shooting for then just ignore my rambling. I am interested in this project though.
|
|
|
Post by johnno56 on Feb 5, 2020 3:30:42 GMT -6
I'm probably going to breakup the program into it main parts and use include. As is is, the program is not very big, but I find myself continuously scrolling up and down to find stuff. Or it could be an example or poor organizational skills... lol I will probably persevere for the time being... So indecisive.... lol Make the buttons stand out? Hmm.. Maybe I 'will' revisit the button routine... I will make a separate sample and post it if and when I get it converted. No point adding it if it doesn't look right... lol
|
|
|
Post by johnno56 on Feb 5, 2020 16:02:33 GMT -6
I managed to convert my sdlbasic button routine, but I do not think it will be the right fit for the editor... All the buttons in the editor are basically the same size with the text placed within them. The routine configures the size of the button based on the length and font of the button text. Perhaps the routine may be best suited for a 'message box'....
|
|
|
Post by johnno56 on Feb 6, 2020 15:39:06 GMT -6
This is a sample logo. Of course, I cannot use RC PIXEL as a name, because it is already taken. This is just a sample of the style. If you have any suggestions as to the style, content, size etc. I am as they say (and it is never said who 'they' are) all ears.
|
|
|
Post by n00b on Feb 7, 2020 13:06:39 GMT -6
I think the font and colors you chose are perfect. If I get sometime later today I will make some modifications to that ExportBMP function so it will support any resolution. I looked at the documentation on the format some more and I think I understand what changes I need to make.
Have you made any progress on adding more tools yet?
|
|
|
Post by johnno56 on Feb 7, 2020 16:16:02 GMT -6
I have no idea as to how to code more tools... I do have a Basic256 graphics editor that has a toolbox. I can't run it, so as to compare results, because the program was written for an older version of Basic256. I may be able to glean some ideas from that...
In regards to making the buttons "stand out more", I figured I might try to use a style similar to the buttons routine...
I through together a quick change to the interface so as to display several colours... Let me know which colour(s) you like and I will make it permanent...
Mouse-over changes the text to a lighter shade of the same colour. If this style looks okay then I can make the buttons any colour you like. Multiple or the same colour. What ever you think looks best.... A different style? I'm open to suggestions...
|
|
|
Post by johnno56 on Feb 7, 2020 21:18:25 GMT -6
I install the old version of Basic256 and the paint program still did not run... nuts... Oh well...
I managed to cobble together an RC version of the icon draw routine - basic256 did not use icons, it actually drew them - who knew?
Here is a capture of some of the toolbox icons. (actual size) What do you think? Use something like these or go with a minimalist style (outline - unfilled)?
The actual coding behind these beasties is another mater. I will start with a 'simple' routine - no promises.
Oh. On another note. The Basic256 version has an extra menu button - Undo. The function is quite simple. When an image is loaded it is copied as say,'undo.png'. Click 'undo' and the existing creation is scrubbed and the 'undo' image is loaded... Not exactly a multi-step undo but an undo none the less....
ps: If you would like a copy of the Basic256 paint program, let me know, and I will send it.
|
|
|
Post by n00b on Feb 9, 2020 1:20:37 GMT -6
The icons look professional. They would be a great fit for your app. I think the buttons with the change on mouse over is also a great addition.
I don't think I need to see the Basic256 paint app. Most of the basic tools make sense from a logic point of view. Things like the eraser, color picker, and the shapes are probably easy to implement. The paint bucket tool is another story. Even the FloodFill function was fairly difficult for me to write. The bug you discovered in it is proof that I did not completely know what I was doing on it either.
|
|
|
Post by johnno56 on Feb 9, 2020 2:04:12 GMT -6
The icons were just a duplication of the '256' graphics commands. Basically circles, rectangles and lines. They end up fitting into 24x24 pixels.
I didn't plan on including a fill, mainly because the program would be creating sprites up to maybe 64x64 at max. I would be quite happy to just draw with pixels. Trying to find and convert recursive and non-recursive fill was a real headache. I am not surprised that you had difficulty with floodfill... SDLBasic seems to be limited to a 256 byte stack for it's paint command. '256' paint program defines a much larger stack (about 1meg). But I think performance is compromised as a result...
I have the area below the main grid that can be used to house a toolbox. The "Menu" buttons are about 40px in height. I will create 40x40 'pidgeon-holes' for the toolbox icons. I think I will just keep them to pencil, eraser, line, rectangle and circle for starters. Just to see how they look. I will mock up a 'single-row' and a 'double-row' toolbox... Time to fire up Gimp... and a coffee...
|
|
|
Post by johnno56 on Feb 9, 2020 3:36:20 GMT -6
Hey n00b,
'Toolbox' added... Images only - no coding yet... lol
Reworked 24x24 icons to 32x32 to be placed inside 40x40 boxes.... Plenty of room for extra buttons... assuming the coding can be done... lol
|
|
|
Post by johnno56 on Feb 9, 2020 8:37:04 GMT -6
I have added "Pencil" and "Picker". Cannot draw on main grid unless "Pencil" selected and a colour chosen by "Picker". Picker can be de-selected and continue drawing with current colour. Selecting "New" will reset the current color to Black and reset the "Pencil" and "picker" flags to False.
Selection via mouse is a little 'flaky' and toolbox 'indicators" need work... It's just gone 1:30am... Hopefully I will post an updated version after some sleep...
|
|
|
Post by tbird on Feb 9, 2020 12:35:09 GMT -6
This is looking awesome johnno56, great job. Keep it up.
|
|
|
Post by johnno56 on Feb 9, 2020 16:27:08 GMT -6
Here is my attempt at coding a toolbox... For want of a better phrase... lol
Only "Pencil" and "Colour Picker" are working... Selection is still a bit flaky...
It's not rocket science - well maybe for me - Select Picker then choose a colour. Select Pencil... You know what to do next... lol
I have chosen only 6 tools - mainly because they stand the best chance of being coded...
I am trying to implement a 'message system' to let the use know what's what... Well it's better that just a "blatt" sound when a mistake is made... lol
As usual, any constructive criticism or suggestions or maybe a collection of toolbox routines... lol, would be appreciated. Really. The layout is so 'simple' that it's almost 'barren'. Suggestions about the 'look' and 'feel' are more than welcome...
Suggestions about the how the listing should "look" or the way it needs tidying up would also be helpful. I make changes; scroll up scroll down; repeat over and over. The program "feels" like a "dog's breakfast".
Anyway, let me know what you think (let's keep it PG13 shall we? lol)
Coffee time!!
|
|