error editing units.gif

[birdy]

i need some help here. i tried editing units.gif with microsoft paint. but everytime i start civ2, a prog error occurs and it couldn't start at all. even putting one extra dot with paint will casue that to happen. is it that paint is not compatible for editing units.gif?

[The ANZAC]

First of all, if your not using FW or higher you can't use bitmap files. If you put it into gif, I don't know what happened. Second, all of the graphics files have to be in 16 bit, I think.

[WarVoid]

Your best bet is to buy FW. The editing options you get with this are exceptional. Plus, you can use bitmaps which make editing alot easier.

[BeBMan]

ANZAC, Civ2 displays 8-bit graphics (=256 colors), 16-bit is only for Test of Time.

[mindseye]

Quite often the problem which causes this is found in the color palette of the GIF file you edited. The file MUST use the Civ2 color palette it was originally created with.

I use a different editor (Photoshop), so I can't give you the specifics on handling the pallete. I believe in Paint Shop Pro (from JASC) you can open up the original file and choose "Save Palette". After making your changes, you can "Load Palette" or some similar command.

Perhaps someone else can provide the specifics. Gee, we should have some sort of repository for solutions to common Civ2 problems like this!

Good luck!

- mindseye

[Sten Sture]

Hi neighbor, we do have a repository for info like this. Apolyton hosts a site called The Scenario League and on that site there are detailed instructions on how to do most scenario stuff. I will go get the link... be back soon...

[Cam]

lol - a link to the Scenario League is at the foot of this page. Please feel free to check out the Design Tips section - sleague.apolyton.net/Guides/sldt_sort_group.shtml

[mindseye]

Of course (slapping forehead) - the Scenario League! A wonderful source of design tips! You can find many great documents there including this excellent piece on Civ2 graphics and the color palette:

http://sleague.apolyton.net/Guides/sldt_palette.shtml

- mindseye