Creating a Raster Set dimensions.

Just seeking opinions.

Is there an actual pixel layout for the four differing resolutions?

Or do you just create your first symbol at the 400x400 and let CC do all the work? (also saw that VH.png is not really used and then it states H.png divides by 2.5 this confused me and make them that size)

Are you allowed to make it any size is there an upper limit?

I am interested in making new raster symbols but didn't see any specific numbers when reading the directions.


Thanks for the info

Comments

  • MonsenMonsen Administrator 🖼️ 81 images Cartographer
    edited January 15

    Technically, they can be any size, because you need to enter the size in the png import dialog when importing the symbols into the symbol catalog. The most important thing is actually to A) know what your size represents, i.e what distance on your map 1 pixel represents, and B) keep internal scaling consistent. If 5' object is 500 pixles, then a 10' object needs to be 1000 pixels.

    However, there are standard guidelines used for official PF artwork. Here are the pixels per drawing unit used for the VH version of the symbols. Don't think about the other resolutions, CC3+ will create those from the VH originals:

    • Overland: 20
    • City: 40
    • Dungeon: 100

    Note that if you follow these values, they also need to be entered into the import png dialog when importing the symbols, don't just leave it at the default option of 40.

    Keep in mind that a drawing unit varies between map types. For overland, it is a mile, for city and dungeon it is a foot. (All symbols are made in imperial, then scaled for use in metric maps).

    So as an example, if you wish to create a city symbol that will be 30 feet by 20 feet, the pixel dimensions for the VH version should be 1200 by 800.

    Loopysue
  • LoopysueLoopysue ProFantasy 🖼️ 40 images Cartographer

    A lot of artists (including me) work at twice the final size to make it easier to draw.

    So if you want a tree to appear to be 0.5 of a map unit wide in an overland map (20 pixels per map unit), it will need to be 10 pixels wide when you import it using the Symbol Manager. I would draw it 20 pixels wide and scale it down as I export it to png to 10 pixels.

  • Remy did a two part video tutorial about this several years ago own his own channel if you want a bit more: Part 1 and Part 2.

    Loopysue
  • Perfect thanks everyone.

    Thanks Monsen, I saw that chart in the Tome, but it didn't click in my brain, until you mentioned to multiply it to get the proper scale.

    Yes when I do any art I always make it super large and scale stuff down, makes crappy art more forgiving. Thanks Sue.

    Scribe I will check those out. So many videos, I have watched a ton, but I don't think I've seen the 2 part Remy ones. What I hate is I watch a video describing something, then I forgot which video it was in.

    Loopysue
  • MonsenMonsen Administrator 🖼️ 81 images Cartographer

    What I hate is I watch a video describing something, then I forgot which video it was in.

    So what you really want is a 24-hour long super-video that covers absolute everything so you only have to remember one video? :)

    Royal ScribeLoopysueDon Anderson Jr.Mapjunkie
  • Scribe I will check those out. So many videos, I have watched a ton, but I don't think I've seen the 2 part Remy ones. What I hate is I watch a video describing something, then I forgot which video it was in.

    Me too! Even worse, sometimes I forgot whether it was one Ralf, Remy, or Joe Sweeney did. But I had more own questions about custom symbols a few months ago and went back to rewatch them more recently.

  • So what you really want is a 24-hour long super-video that covers absolute everything so you only have to remember one video? :)

    Yes! If it comes with a searchable transcript with timestamps. 😉

    Don Anderson Jr.Mapjunkie
  • LoopysueLoopysue ProFantasy 🖼️ 40 images Cartographer

    It would definitely have to be time-stamped and indexed clearly!

  • MonsenMonsen Administrator 🖼️ 81 images Cartographer

    I think such aids is best left as an exercise for the watcher to create. And I'll probably put it on VHS tape to make jumping around in the video more interesting.

    LoopysueRoyal Scribe
  • Does anyone know what VHS is anymore?

    I should pull one out and see how fast the daughter can set the clock.

    Just remember those days of having to rewind a tape to return to Blockbuster. Thank goodness for Blue Rays and streams.

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