New User - is a basic hexmap REALLY this difficult with CC????
I've used several mapping software programs before, and drafted several maps for wargames by hand as well.
I was very impressed by the colors and options available in CC3. So I purchased it.
I'm stunned at how clumsy, unfriendly and difficult it is to use it for a SIMPLE HEX MAP.
Honestly, this can't be THAT hard to do, can it?
All I want to do is:
1. Add a hex grid.
2. Draw a FREEHAND COASTAL BORDER of an island.
3. Fill those hexes NOT crossed by the coastline with the beautiful terrain options of my choice.
4. Fill those hexes CROSSED by a coastline half with water, half with land.
I find the manual, frankly, terrible in helping me do this very, very simple process.
For the record, I write and edit manuals for Fortune 100 companies, so I'm no novice regarding good documentation. I am a novice at this software, however, and perhaps the answer to my very, very easy request is simply not apparent to me.
Honestly, this CAN'T be a difficult thing to do, can it? Do I have to go back to the less attractive software packages I own, and use them and their easy & obvious tools to do it? I love the CC3 symbols and visuals, but if it takes ridiculous arcane steps to do a very, very simple map, then CC3 is not the right product for a wargamer, and I seriously need to request a refund.
Any help on these very, very simple steps would be appreciated. And please, please, don't just say "read the manual".
Thanks,
- KB
I was very impressed by the colors and options available in CC3. So I purchased it.
I'm stunned at how clumsy, unfriendly and difficult it is to use it for a SIMPLE HEX MAP.
Honestly, this can't be THAT hard to do, can it?
All I want to do is:
1. Add a hex grid.
2. Draw a FREEHAND COASTAL BORDER of an island.
3. Fill those hexes NOT crossed by the coastline with the beautiful terrain options of my choice.
4. Fill those hexes CROSSED by a coastline half with water, half with land.
I find the manual, frankly, terrible in helping me do this very, very simple process.
For the record, I write and edit manuals for Fortune 100 companies, so I'm no novice regarding good documentation. I am a novice at this software, however, and perhaps the answer to my very, very easy request is simply not apparent to me.
Honestly, this CAN'T be a difficult thing to do, can it? Do I have to go back to the less attractive software packages I own, and use them and their easy & obvious tools to do it? I love the CC3 symbols and visuals, but if it takes ridiculous arcane steps to do a very, very simple map, then CC3 is not the right product for a wargamer, and I seriously need to request a refund.
Any help on these very, very simple steps would be appreciated. And please, please, don't just say "read the manual".
Thanks,
- KB
Comments
CC3 is more designed to create a "natural" map, with an optional hex overlay. For example, using the default landmass tool, you can draw an island in any shape you wish, and overlay it with a hex grid. The default landmass tool uses a fractal path to create a jagged "naturally-looking" coastline. Obviously, when you overlay a hex grid on this, you get some filled hexes (land), some empty hexes (water), and some partially filled hexes (those at the edge of the landmass), but you don't get the clear half/half division you are asking for.
Now, CC3 does allow you to make more traditional hex maps as well, like in this example. These kinds of maps are mad by manually placing each hex symbol, so they are still not automated like you seem to want. Also note that while you can technically do this in the base CC3 package, it doesn't come with any hex symbols, so you would need to make these yourself, or own one of the add-ons that adds such symbols.
Now, for how I would approach drawing the kind of map you describe
1. Start a new map of the desired size in CC3 standard overland size. Leave the background as a water bitmap. Don't set up your grid during the wizard, that sometimes causes a minor issue with snap settings.
2. Select Draw -> Hex or Square overlay, and set up your hex grid. Make sure to place a checkmark in "set snap grid", and check all the three options under "Snap". Click ok.
2. Right click the default landmass button, this shows a list of the available landmass drawing tool. As I understand, you'll want straight edges, so let us make one.
3. Click the advanced button, select Land, Default from the list, then click new. Name it Land, Straight edges. Change the draw method to Path/Polygon, then hit the options button, and switch to straight. Hit Save, then OK.
4. Make sure the snap button (lower right) is on (depressed). If not, click on it.
5. Now, when you draw with your drawing tool (click to place points), you will only be able to place nodes on hex corners and the middle of the lines, making it easy to create a polygon that follows hex lines, or neatly cuts them in two. When done placing nodes, right click, and CC3 will complete the polygon by drawing a line from the last point placed to the first.
Repeat as necessary, making other drawing tools with other fills if you need/want.
Note that from a visual point of view, you can actually skip making the straight-edged drawing tool, and just use the fractal-based Land, Default one. As long as you have to click on each hex corners, the random variations made from the fractal lines are so small that they never would introduce any uncertainty if this is a filled, half or empty hex, but can still enhance the visual look of the map. But that is up to you and your need. Both options are possible.
Check out how I have adapted for hex maps and see if that helps any.
If yes I can easily explain how this is done.
Its pretty simple.
If you visit my own blog, here you'll find an example of this style from my Tolrendor campaign, and a brief guide to how I use it to create Hex Maps for my campaign. This is probably a bit specific, but does give some tips on how to achieve a smooth coastline (which I prefer, and which seems to be what you want), rather than having it follow the hex outlines.