Custom faction graphics messed up

[Oddgamer]

I'm trying to create a new faction, and I've just spent several ages doing the graphics for the thing. ... But when I play the game, the graphics are distorted. Specifically the colors come out all wonky and the parts that should be transparent... aren't. I edited in Photoshop and Paint, saved through Photoshop. I've attached the file. Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

[Mart]

SMACX uses its own palette of colors (256 values). You need to keep it. There are programs, that allow you to keep the original palette from a file, which you intend to modify.

[Oddgamer]

That fixed it. Thanks.

[Buster's Uncle]

!?!  I go AFK for a while, and someone solves a graphics problem for a new member without me?  That's my signature piece!  Huh.   (Keep up the good work, Mart.)

Oddgamer, I had a look at your file, and you've got the basics soundly conquered - that's an nice, attractive faction graphic that should be serviceable in practice.  There's a writeup of how I work-around the pallet problems in GIMP here http://alphacentauri2.info/My%20Custom%20Factions/Custom%20FactionsPage2.htm#Transparent%20Colors,%20the%20AC%20Palette%20Problem%20in%20GIMP%20and%20a%20Transparent%20Layer%20workaround

-Which I suspect you may have already seen, as you've clearly found some of my art resource files.  Elsewhere on that same page (there's a whole course in the graphics there), I describe how to save a copy of the SMACX palette in PhotoShop, which will save you some aggravation, though using the blank faction .pcx I linked in the article will solve almost all problems, as PS is good about taking care of palette issues under the hood for you, and a simple sampling of unaltered transparent background and doing a fill on the problem areas usually is all that's needed in 'the shoop'.

I notice that you've got no credits in the empty area of the .pcx -although I'm sure that that's only because this is a working copy you're having a problem with, not a finished one- but I always nag everyone about this: take pride in your work and put a name on it if anyone's going to see it.  -Also, due credit for my goodie file contributions.


Please be back in the future to talk about and share your work, Odd.  I love talking shop.

[Buster's Uncle]

-Also, I just realized the thread wasn't in Modding, where it belongs.  I'm averse to using my housekeeping powers on people, so regrets, but this is the right place.   (I made that smilie and I do give lessons, incidentally.)

[Metaliturtle]

More EC in modding?

[Buster's Uncle]

[thinks]  No, but more in Planet Tales (double) and AARs (quadruple).

[Metaliturtle]

unfortunate

[Buster's Uncle]

Naw, modding has always been strong, here.  We have me.

Those other two could use more action...