User Interface templates for all F4 versions

[Snake Man]

User Interface templates for all F4 versions.

I was thinking that it would be good idea to make a basic template of the files for UI's for normal size 64 and large 128 segment theaters for all falcon versions and to perhaps put that UI template for download here.

What I mean is that for one falcon version, the only difference in the backbone UI files is the theater size, in 128 theaters we need to make the IA/campaign squadron selection/intel news maps larger. In normal sized maps we can leave them out completely. Then the TGA files need to be resized differently to fit the theater sizes.

Someone who just edits one falcon version dont really need to worry about this, he uses one set and thats it, however for me/us when we edit the official PMC theaters (and then some) for all falcon versions, it would be a real time saver to have a UI template directory set waiting which you just copy into new theater dir and change the graphic files.

In detail the SCF files would not need any editing, the theater.irc file would need to be set according to theater and campaign specifications and finally the rsc graphics files would need to be changed. I was thinking that this UI template dir would include all the directories and SCF files, the idx/rsc files would NOT be there, but instead sub directories with .irc file and the TGA graphic files. When user would take this template, he would just overwrite the TGA graphics files, then compile the .irc file into idx/rsc and put them into the resource directory. Easy.

Also as we tweak the UI SCF files for one falcon version, we would update the templates we have put for download so developers would have all the latest goodies for UI then.

Good idea?

Edit: PMC Editing Wiki: User Interface

[Couby]

I fully agree.

It would make easier ui modding and not having to worry about what can be modded, with which ui files, etc...
Artists would just have to work on graphic files, directly in a such structure. Easy to compile and build then with a script.

Sincerly, at the moment it's a bit a mess when you're looking to mod something from the ui...

[ranger822]

Great idea - RedViper tends to throw a bit of monkey wrench in that. The scf.s changed around a bit and colors too. Personally, I think change is good but I still like the old SP/FF3.1 style UI for myself and I have a bunch of PSDs already made to theater UI screens.

[T_Rex]

Ok gents. Guy from FF - NightFalcon - will probably be finishing up a new RV main UI soon. ("Soon" as in Falcontime, though.)

After that, he'll probably be able to work on helping make RV UIs for the various theaters.

:thumbs:

(BTW, I think you guys will really like the new RV UI. I had *nothing* to do with making it!)

[ranger822]

Hum . . . I know I will like it - the curent UI had a bit TOO MUCH red even for my twisted taste . .

[phoenix]

Ok gents. Guy from FF - NightFalcon - will probably be finishing up a new RV main UI soon. ("Soon" as in Falcontime, though.)

After that, he'll probably be able to work on helping make RV UIs for the various theaters.

:thumbs:

(BTW, I think you guys will really like the new RV UI. I had *nothing* to do with making it!)

Heh

Dont beat yourself up too much over it

Its bad but not a hanging offence

[Sherlock]

Actually, in the spirit of constructive critisism, I really like the Viper and the F-16 outline pics in the RV UI, it's just the overwhelming RED that kills the impact. Nice job otherwise!

[T_Rex]

LOL

Thanks guys.

I think I've told most of you that part of the rationale for the UI was to be "distinctive." Mission accomplished.

The next one will be more "normal."

In fact, seeing some preview pics, it is downright awesome!

[phoenix]

Yeh,

Gotta say the RV /UI works very well with regaurds to campaign play...

The large full screen map is a great idea

[NightFalcon]

The new one is bigger, I have to compensate for other things what can I say.



This is an old screenshot, improvements have been made. Let me just say how excited I am that this site has its crew again. I've been working on the new RV UI, its coming along.......I'm having to learn as I go, but the good news is that I'm leaving notes so the next person won't have as fun of a time trying to figure out which files do what.

Hopefully I will have this project wrapped up by the end of June then I can see about trying to get some help over this way.

[Snake Man]

That new RV UI looks very nice, good job!

[T_Rex]

Hey NF - show 'em that other one!

No, not THAT one, the other one.

Ok, well that one would be fine, too.

Ah hell, show 'em any of the other ones.

[NightFalcon]

I've changed, well.....a lot in the new RV UI. The new theater selection screen no longer has a background image of its own. Instead I have changed the theater files themselves to be 1024 x 768 in size. Pictures are subject to change as I am still waiting on permission for at least one of these photos.









Hopefully I will be done with the new UI by at least the beginning of next month, or well, let's just say T may be kicking my ass if I'm not .

[Sherlock]

@ Nightfalcon:
sorry to tell you this but "ISRAEL" is spelled ending in "AEL" not "ISREAL" (last pic).

THey look nice otherwise!

[NightFalcon]

DOH

[Snake Man]

I started to put together basic knowledge of AF/RV/OF user interfaces into PMC Editing Wiki: User Interface. There is now only RV UI basic files, but more is following lateron.