units_32.pcx file

[zulu9812]

Ok. I can use the Multi-Tool just fine in order to add entries in the Editor for new units, resources, etc. However, in order to add a unit, once you've created it's own folder in the Art\Units folder and put in all the necessary files, I understand that I then have to add an entry to the units_32.pcx file. How do I do this? There's probably an example units_32.pcx with blank spaces somehere on Apolyton - but how do you add a specific unit? Copy & paste from another .pcx file?

[SpencerH]

You dont have to add anything to the units32 file. The new unit will use the same icon as the unit from which it was copied. If you want to add a special icon for your new unit its actually pretty easy if you use paint shop pro. Its just a cut and paste job (with some care). Once the new icon is added you can go back to the editor and change the icon for your new unit in the units section.

[zulu9812]

Thanks SpencerH. I'm actually using MS PhotoDraw but it sems to work well. I was just wondering: if copying & pasting from another .pcx file (say the Stormtrooper) how exact does the positioning of that icon need to be? It's a pain getting it bang on. Additonally, do I need to leave set number of blank spaces at the end, i.e I need to create new squares in which to put the custom icon?

[SpencerH]

I've found that its pretty forgiving, just make sure you leave the grid outlines intact. Of course you want to try to center it so that you can see it clearly in the game control windows. If you look at it in the editor thats what you'll see in the game. I tend to try to avoid having the icon go right to the edge especially at the top and bottom of the grid.

There's no need to leave any blank spaces. I put my first additions in the gap between the regular units and the leader icons though (I'm doing this from memory so I remember the gap but not necessarily what bookended the gap). Afterward I added more rows for more icons (there doesnt appear to be any real limit to this as long as you're careful when you add the new rows.

[zulu9812]

Erm, there is no gap between the 'regular' units and the leaders. Presumably I need to draw the new squares in? In case you're not sure what I'm talking about, I've attached my units_32.pcx file. Is it okay to add units after the modern worker?

[SpencerH]

I cant unzip the attachment and since I'm at work I cant look at my own file. I remember a gap but I had already started "fiddling with things" before I looked at it. I'm not sure what the difference is. It may have been a pcx file from someone who already increased the number of spaces. I do remember being surprised about the gap when I saw it.

In any case, if you dont have any spare spaces you'll have to make some. Measure the size of the Y axes of frame in pixels (I think it was around 52). Then increase the picture size in the Y direction by the right number of pixels to include as many rows as you want. Then copy an appropriate size piece from the bottom one or two rows to "fill in" the new space. Check that you haven't wiped out any of the "frame pixels" and that everything looks OK. You can check handiwork in the unit editor, where it used to go up to 72 (or something) it should now go up to 72+ the number you added. In your case the icons will have duplicates of the icons from the bottom rows (again no prob).

You should end up with a pcx file with one or two extra rows on the bottom with units in them. That wont matter. Just cut and paste your new unit overtop of the first duplicate and you should be OK.

Its cut and paste but you have to keep the pixel spacing correct. If you want, I'll post a version with spaces for around 120 units, I'll wipe out my added units for simplicity.

[SpencerH]

Heres the file. room for 140 units

[zulu9812]

Okay, (deep breath). SpencerH, cheers for the new units_32.pcx - it's a great help. But, I just tried adding a unit called Grunt - I think it's available in the Files section - which is basically a Marine with the Hidden Nationality ability. I copied the Grunt icon from it's zip into SpencerH's pcx file, copied the large & small icons into Art\Civlopedia\Icons\Units. I also created it's own folder in Art\Units and put in the appropriate .flcs and .ini. I didn't use Grampho's Multi-Tool; I simply used CivEdit's 'hidden' add/delete feature. I made it so that a Grunt could be built without any techs or resources (just so I could test it out), started up a new game, but as soon as the first city is built..."Civilization3.exe has generated errors and will be closed by windows".

AAARGH!!

Why is this so difficult to do? I know that the unit works because other people have commented on how great the unit is. Do they know something I don't?

[SpencerH]

..."Civilization3.exe has generated errors and will be closed by windows".

I've never seen that one, and I've added units both ways.

Did you rename the pcx file I posted back to units_32.pcx?
When you use the editor, was the unit icon you added in the last spot (after which it is blank)? It should be.

Make sure the ini points to the correct files. One thing I had problems with was that the unit names and files had to match and I found it easier to leave out the spaces in the names for the ini file name and the flc file names. ie Iron Spearman in the game; Ironspearman on the ini and flc.

I never bother with the civilopedia so I dont know if thats the problem. I know that NOT bothering with it doesnt cause that error.

Try undoing the civilopedia stuff and see if you get a little farther in the game. Try to work stepwise to determine where the error is.

Depending on how much other mod-ing you've done it might be worth your while to just go back to the standard bic file and make sure the game works again. Then start again with the copy tool and dont add the civilopedia stuff until after you're sure of the other components.