Making my own counter files

[Hoplite1963]

Hi
As I see that many of the scenarios have their own actual counter sets in folders in the Graphics override folder, can I make up my own actual counter set files and icon mask file in photoshop for a scenario I am designing from scratch and use it for it providing I do this as well?

One of my main reasons for doing this is so I can put copies of the MG unit icon onto the “Rocket Artillery” & “Missile Artillery” icon slots for ranged MG units so that these will pick up the hard coded bombardment attributes of these counter slots for use in my 250 meters per hex Great War Scenarios.

Many thanks
Ian

[rhinobones]

I prefer using the program Paint.net for working on png formatted files, such as Counter Units. It’s a freeware download. Suggest you get a copy and learn to use it. You’ll be able to make the modifications you described.

Regards

[Hoplite1963]

Thank you for this its very encouraging. Have Paint.net and have used it in the past for moding the "Pike & Shot" game.

Also, I don't think I explained myself very well here it was the s_units_1_blue_0 units_1_blue_0 and h_units_1_blue_0 type files that sit in some of the scenario folders in the Graphics Override folder that I was proposing to work on.

Kind regards
Ian

[rhinobones]

Also, I don't think I explained myself very well here it was the s_units_1_blue_0 units_1_blue_0 and h_units_1_blue_0 type files that sit in some of the scenario folders in the Graphics Override folder that I was proposing to work on.

Those are bmp formatted files used in TOAW III and earlier versions. If you are working with TOAW IV, and I assume you are, disregard the bmp unit counter files. TOAW IV only uses png unit counter files.

[Hoplite1963]

Hi Rhinobones
Thanks for that yes that would be fine in this case can I make the files in the old way and then save them as PNG ones or do I need to make my on versions of

h_CounterUnits
CounterUnits
s_CounterUnits

Or should I do both of these things ?

Thanks again for your input.

Kind regards
Ian

[sPzAbt653]

the s_units_1_blue_0 units_1_blue_0 and h_units_1_blue_0 type files that sit in some of the scenario folders in the Graphics Override folder that I was proposing to work on.

Tragically, TOAW IV sent the flexible 'units' files to the gas chamber. Therefore, you are restricted to using the one 'h_CounterUnits, CounterUnits and s_CounterUnits' files to accomplish your goals.

[Hoplite1963]

Thank you for your quick reply. I don't see this as a problem as I only need to swap / duplicate some unit symbols that are already there. In terms of detailed counters if things work out I also at a later stage plan to use the i#### series slots to make larger 44 by 44 pixel board game stile countered which will then be matched up with equipment units to effectively create a more detailed super huge counter scale when you switch to 3D view. This counters ware based on a modular system I am developing for another mod for the WDS "Squad Battles First World War" covering the same time period in a 100 meters per hex scale.

All that is for the future however as I need to see if I can make scenarios in this scale with the ranged MG units work first.

Kind regards
Ian

[rhinobones]

Thanks for that yes that would be fine in this case can I make the files in the old way and then save them as PNG ones or do I need to make my on versions of

h_CounterUnits
CounterUnits
s_CounterUnits

Or should I do both of these things ?

If you haven’t done so already, suggest you create a test scenario, copy the three unit counter png files into its graphics override folder, mod, test and repeat until you like the result. Not sure what you mean by doing it the old way, but I would work directly on the png files and not bother with any other file format. Since you’re familiar with Paint.net you’re way ahead of where I began.

Regards

[Hoplite1963]

Yes indeed, I have a small (11 by 11 hex) “Massacre of the Innocents” scenario from the first battle of Ypres already partially worked on which I will use for this. A reinforced British brigade defending against a German division.

Thanks again for you help and advice.

Kind regards
Ian

[sPzAbt653]

This may be of assistance if you don't already have it. The red highlighted icons have specific functions, the rest do not.

[Hoplite1963]

Thank you for this. Yes I and seen it and was going to save it in my workshop folder but now you have made this even quicker it do. Quite encouraged by all the none WW1 era artillery slots I can raid I have to. Not that I think that more than 3 to 4 will be needed at most.

Kind regards
Ian

[rhinobones]

Thank you for this. Yes I and seen it and was going to save it in my workshop folder but now you have made this even quicker it do. Quite encouraged by all the none WW1 era artillery slots I can raid I have to. Not that I think that more than 3 to 4 will be needed at most.

Ian

Curious about your progress on this project. If possible, please post a picture of the new/revised icons.

Regards