Sorry if this has already been answered, but how do you animate things? I didn't see it anywhere on the first page, and I don't feel like searching through the rest.
Sorry if this has already been answered, but how do you animate things? I didn't see it anywhere on the first page, and I don't feel like searching through the rest.
Check the Mcpatcher page, and look for "info for texture pack makers"
You know Steel, it couldn't hurt to have external links to things like Mcpatcher.
What types of threads draw you in? HQ texture packs, just about any sort. I'm flexible in trying various themes.
What features (text, screenshots, videos, etc) grab your attention the most? Screenshots, every time. If it's just videos, I usually won't download the pack, mostly because I'm lazy in watching videos.
What do you look for in text, screenshots, videos, etc? Block textures, item textures, mob textures, what's being shown (:tongue.gif:). Everything, in other words.
What is the number one thing you look for (in a thread) when deciding whether or not to download a pack? Resolution. 32x is a maybe, 16x or less or 256x or higher are no-goes, byt 64x and 128x is just about an always.
What is your biggest turn-off in terms of pack presentation/thread organization? Presentation? If it's all messy, uncoordinated and there's random emoticons around the place. For some reason, grammar and punctuation are also big turn-offs for me.
What types of titles draw you in? Ones that say [64x] or [128x]. And anything with "Realistic" or "Rustic", as of late.
What types of titles make you grimace/avoid the thread? Anything with [16x] or [256x] that doesn't have any of my 'drawing-in' tags in it.
Where do you go trolling for new packs? I look for packs usually on this forum, but sometimes on random sites I find through Google if I'm bored. I troll for packs when I'm really bored.
Do you try to avoid links that direct you to another page (aka, if the link states 'go to this other website to download')? Not usually, unless it's someone's blog or it's a really suspicious website no one's ever heard of.
Do you avoid links that use adf.ly? Mediafire? Sometimes adf.ly, but only if the pack doesn't really deserve money. I'll give adf.ly hits for well-done texture packs,, but if it's a sloppy rush job, then I'll avoid any sort of link.
1)How is your thread currently organized? Do you think the layout could be better? What would you change?
I try to use good grammer. I like to keep sections divided up for different things like credit and screen shots. I also try to keep screen shots in spoilers, because it can take a while to load on some browsers if they aren't.
What types of threads draw you in? What features (text, screenshots, videos, etc) grab your attention the most? What do you look for in text, screenshots, videos, etc?
I prefer screen shots to videos, but if the video is well done its ok. Some you-tubers do terrible jobs and do it just for veiws though, so I try to avoid videos.
2) What is the number one thing you look for (in a thread) when deciding whether or not to download a pack?
The theme and size. I like small HQ(32x32,64x64) video game themed packs. Also WIPs, its fun to help someone with their own texture pack ^^
3) What is your biggest turn-off in terms of pack presentation/thread organization?
Bad grammer, no screen shots, screen shots not in spoilers, bad videos.
4) What types of titles draw you in? Long titles? Short titles? Titles with fancy symbols? Catchy subtitles or informative subtitles?
Infomitve. With tags for resolution and version if its a WIP.
5) What types of titles make you grimace/avoid the thread? Long titles? Short titles? Titles with fancy symbols? Catchy subtitles or informative subtitles?
Did you see that thread a while ago titled: "The worst texture pack ever"? That would be a bad one.
6) Where do you market your pack? Do you link back to one thread, or do you put download links on every site? Which seems to work better for gaining more downloads/fans?
On MC forums, as well other forums that are related to the theme. (Ex. My sonic pack is on serveral sonic forums)
Where do you go trolling for new packs? Do you try to avoid links that direct you to another page (aka, if the link states 'go to this other website to download')? Do you avoid links that use adfly? Mediafire?
Mostly just MC forums. Sometimes a friend will give me one. I like to support texture makers, so I have no problem with adfly.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Click the banner for my sonic themed texture pack!
I'm SO glad I discovered this post. Working on my first pack, got to the chest bit and sort of drooled on myself for awhile, trying to figure out what to put where. I've been editing on the fly and figuring things out on my own up til now, but I finally hit a wall. Ty so much for this guide!
SO MANY COMING COMING SOON'S!!! At least fill in the "Common Mistakes (and how to avoid them)" in "Making Textures" that's the thing I most want fixed. But the parts that ARE there deserve
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
We're officially a work in progress and we could always use some extra hands.
How is your thread currently organized? Do you think the layout could be better? What would you change?
My thread is currently organized with small section titles with the contents in spoiler tags. I think it could have a few more sections, but as of right now I'm happy with it.
What types of threads draw you in? What features (text, screenshots, videos, etc) grab your attention the most? What do you look for in text, screenshots, videos, etc?
I like threads that look professional. Which means carefully laid out threads that contain screenshots and ample information. If its easy to navigate and looks good, then it gets my attention.
What is the number one thing you look for (in a thread) when deciding whether or not to download a pack?
The number one thing in a thread that convinces me to download a pack is the thread itself. If it looks like it was made with love, (like the title of my thread states :tongue.gif: ) then I can appreciate the work the person has put into it and can expect the pack itself to look just as good.
What is your biggest turn-off in terms of pack presentation/thread organization?
Well, I have two biggest turnoffs. They are sort of opposites, but I feel they are both valid "turn-offs".
1. When a thread is really sloppy. If the spelling/grammer is terrible or there is a lack of information and screenshots/videos then a will avoid it as much as possible.
2. When people edit their screenshots. It bothers me because I feel as though I'm being tricked into thinking the pack is prettier than it actually is. Just like those video game trailers that feature no actual gameplay, I feel as though the artist is trying to keep people from seeing what their pack actually looks like.
What types of titles draw you in? Long titles? Short titles? Titles with fancy symbols? Catchy subtitles or informative subtitles?
I like titles that are professional and informative with funny or catchy subtitles.
What types of titles make you grimace/avoid the thread? Long titles? Short titles? Titles with fancy symbols? Catchy subtitles or informative subtitles?
I don't like titles that have very long descriptions or have a lot of fancy symbols. Its intrusive and annoying when I look at the forums and randomly see titles that look like a keyboard threw up on them.
Where do you market your pack? Do you link back to one thread, or do you put download links on every site? Which seems to work better for gaining more downloads/fans?
I market mine on this forum and PlanetMinecraft. My pack also gets marketed by random websites that link back to my forum thread, which is always nice.
Where do you go trolling for new packs? Do you try to avoid links that direct you to another page (aka, if the link states 'go to this other website to download')? Do you avoid links that use adfly? Mediafire?
I look for packs mostly on these forums. I usually am ok with downloading from anywhere unless its a shady website. I'm totally fine with adfly or adcraft as long as its a good pack.
What texture editing program do you use and why?
I use photoshop. Mainly because I am lucky enough to own a copy and because its very efficient and easy to use. It also has plenty of great features.
What do you think are the basic 'styles' of texture packs?
I personally think there are too many styles to name in this survey. Technically everyone has their own style, don't they?
What defines those styles?
I think that it depends on the style, but I would say color and detail are the biggest factors.
To Be Simple, Or Not to Be Simple: What is a 'simple' pack?
I think there are a lot of different types of simple packs. There's simple, Simple simple, low-res simple(8x8,4x4,etc), and then there is simplistic.
What are the common mistakes of simple packs? How can they be avoided?
Its usually a lack of any kind of shading, which makes them look extremely ugly. The other biggest mistake is color. People tend to pick terribly ugly colors because they are "simple".
Should simple packs even be made at all?
It depends on the type of simple pack. I think that outlined bucket filled packs shouldn't be made, but "simple" packs like TinyPixels or Dollhouse should.
What are your favorite techniques and tricks for basic texturing problems,
such as correcting tiling issues and creating the 'feel' of certain
materials (wood, stone, etc)?
I make my textures tile nicely with a quick and easy process. I'll write out the steps, hopefully it wont be too confusing!
1. Make a texture on a separate layer of everything else.
2. Copy and paste the texture under the original.
3. Merge the layers.
4. Make corrections to the area the textures meet.
5. Once you are done, copy the bottom texture and then delete it.
6. Paste the bottom texture and then move it over the original and delete the bottom half.
7. Merge the layers.
8. Repeat, but horizontally this time.
This should make your texture seamless very quickly.
Time to reveal your juiciest texturing secrets! What is the one
brush/filter/technique/approach you couldn't live without?
Why is it so awesome?
I could not texture without my burn and dodge brushes. They are what all of my textures are made of. They are a great way to add shading and texture all in one brush!
What are the most common 'noob' mistakes that you see?
How can they be avoided?
Shading and tiling. People could avoid these by simply looking at some tutorials, but most juts go make textures without any prior knowledge. I think that this could be fixed by just providing constructive criticism in their thread and providing them with some sort of tutorial/information they could use to fix these things.
What are some annoying and hard-to-debug errors?
(such as almost transparent stray pixels) How do you go about
fixing these errors?
I hate almost transparent pixels. I sometimes forget to change my eraser to "pencil" rather than "brush" and it always screws stuff up. Its pretty easy to fix if its just a few stray pixels though, I just open up my texture pack in minecraft and look at the texture from there to find those sneaky bastards.
Sorry for the kind of derpy question, but I'm wirking in Paint.NET, and some texturesthat are supposed to be see-through (webs, windows, leaves, and so on) have all the empty space filled in white, and I'm not sure why. Any help?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"I often think about that old metaphor, the one that says we are all islands on a wide sea. Especially these days, now that things are more difficult than before and the world appears to be harsher than we once imagined it to be. We are all like islands, the philosopher said. Perhaps it's true. Yet I cannot help but remember an older saying, scratched on a cave wall somewhere by a long-forgotten prophet: in the end, the sea will claim everything."
You mean white and grey squares? That is the texture for transparncey in Paint.NET, it means that you can see through those parts of the block. And I use paint.NET too, if you have any other questions you could ask me. Which reminds me, SteelFeathers, If you want any help on anything I have been helping a few people get started making texture packs so I could fill in some of the holes in the beginer section.
Also, is there a map for the book on top of the enchantment table? I am currently working my way through it trail-and-error and it really sucks. If not, when I do finnaly figure it out I'll make a map for you.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Click the banner for my sonic themed texture pack!
You mean white and grey squares? That is the texture for transparncey in Paint.NET, it means that you can see through those parts of the block. And I use paint.NET too, if you have any other questions you could ask me. Which reminds me, SteelFeathers, If you want any help on anything I have been helping a few people get started making texture packs so I could fill in some of the holes in the beginer section.
Also, is there a map for the book on top of the enchantment table? I am currently working my way through it trail-and-error and it really sucks. If not, when I do finnaly figure it out I'll make a map for you.
Found the problem- When I saved the image, I had the transparency settings messed up so it would automatically make them solid.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"I often think about that old metaphor, the one that says we are all islands on a wide sea. Especially these days, now that things are more difficult than before and the world appears to be harsher than we once imagined it to be. We are all like islands, the philosopher said. Perhaps it's true. Yet I cannot help but remember an older saying, scratched on a cave wall somewhere by a long-forgotten prophet: in the end, the sea will claim everything."
To texture users (non-artists are artists alike): +What types of threads draw you in? What features (text, screenshots, videos, etc) grab your attention the most? What do you look for in text, screenshots, videos, etc?
I look for screenshots and thread presentation. I like to see a variety of screenshots, so not just a test track, but also actual terrain and buildings.
+What is the number one thing you look for (in a thread) when deciding whether or not to download a pack?
Whether it is my style or not.
+What is your biggest turn-off in terms of pack presentation/thread organization?
Big text and screenshots in spoilers. Main screenshots not in spoilers and "other" screenshots in spoilers is fine, but I have to wait for the page to fully load in order to use those spoilers, and it is very annoying for me.
+What types of titles draw you in? Long titles? Short titles? Titles with fancy symbols? Catchy subtitles or informative subtitles?
Properlly formatted titles with informative subtitles, like saying what style it is.
+What types of titles make you grimace/avoid the thread? Long titles? Short titles? Titles with fancy symbols? Catchy subtitles or informative subtitles?
Titles with all caps are a turn off for me.
+To texture users (non-artists are artists alike):Where do you go trolling for new packs? Do you try to avoid links that direct you to another page (aka, if the link states 'go to this other website to download')?
I don't like having to go to another website to download it, but it's not something that would greatly affect whether I download it or not, unless I have to sign up or something.
Do you avoid links that use adfly? Mediafire?
No, I don't. I prefer direct downloads, but if there is an adf.ly link to a texture pack that I think a lot of work has been put into it, then I use the adf.ly link.
How often is this updated? Because one this is fully finished it would be amazing, because this topic covers everything. I can't find much on "Biome shading". Which, i have no idea how to do...........<Forever Alone>
For photoshop use 'nearest neighbor'
For GIMP use 'none'.
Check the Mcpatcher page, and look for "info for texture pack makers"
You know Steel, it couldn't hurt to have external links to things like Mcpatcher.
For refernce, that is also what it says in paint.NET.
...which?
Sorry about that...
And where do I find this?
Stickied in the texture pack forums, linked in most HD texture pack threads, a google search, or here
What features (text, screenshots, videos, etc) grab your attention the most? Screenshots, every time. If it's just videos, I usually won't download the pack, mostly because I'm lazy in watching videos.
What do you look for in text, screenshots, videos, etc? Block textures, item textures, mob textures, what's being shown (:tongue.gif:). Everything, in other words.
What is the number one thing you look for (in a thread) when deciding whether or not to download a pack? Resolution. 32x is a maybe, 16x or less or 256x or higher are no-goes, byt 64x and 128x is just about an always.
What is your biggest turn-off in terms of pack presentation/thread organization? Presentation? If it's all messy, uncoordinated and there's random emoticons around the place. For some reason, grammar and punctuation are also big turn-offs for me.
What types of titles draw you in? Ones that say [64x] or [128x]. And anything with "Realistic" or "Rustic", as of late.
What types of titles make you grimace/avoid the thread? Anything with [16x] or [256x] that doesn't have any of my 'drawing-in' tags in it.
Where do you go trolling for new packs? I look for packs usually on this forum, but sometimes on random sites I find through Google if I'm bored. I troll for packs when I'm really bored.
Do you try to avoid links that direct you to another page (aka, if the link states 'go to this other website to download')? Not usually, unless it's someone's blog or it's a really suspicious website no one's ever heard of.
Do you avoid links that use adf.ly? Mediafire? Sometimes adf.ly, but only if the pack doesn't really deserve money. I'll give adf.ly hits for well-done texture packs,, but if it's a sloppy rush job, then I'll avoid any sort of link.
I try to use good grammer. I like to keep sections divided up for different things like credit and screen shots. I also try to keep screen shots in spoilers, because it can take a while to load on some browsers if they aren't.
What types of threads draw you in? What features (text, screenshots, videos, etc) grab your attention the most? What do you look for in text, screenshots, videos, etc?
I prefer screen shots to videos, but if the video is well done its ok. Some you-tubers do terrible jobs and do it just for veiws though, so I try to avoid videos.
2) What is the number one thing you look for (in a thread) when deciding whether or not to download a pack?
The theme and size. I like small HQ(32x32,64x64) video game themed packs. Also WIPs, its fun to help someone with their own texture pack ^^
3) What is your biggest turn-off in terms of pack presentation/thread organization?
Bad grammer, no screen shots, screen shots not in spoilers, bad videos.
4) What types of titles draw you in? Long titles? Short titles? Titles with fancy symbols? Catchy subtitles or informative subtitles?
Infomitve. With tags for resolution and version if its a WIP.
5) What types of titles make you grimace/avoid the thread? Long titles? Short titles? Titles with fancy symbols? Catchy subtitles or informative subtitles?
Did you see that thread a while ago titled: "The worst texture pack ever"? That would be a bad one.
6) Where do you market your pack? Do you link back to one thread, or do you put download links on every site? Which seems to work better for gaining more downloads/fans?
On MC forums, as well other forums that are related to the theme. (Ex. My sonic pack is on serveral sonic forums)
Where do you go trolling for new packs? Do you try to avoid links that direct you to another page (aka, if the link states 'go to this other website to download')? Do you avoid links that use adfly? Mediafire?
Mostly just MC forums. Sometimes a friend will give me one. I like to support texture makers, so I have no problem with adfly.
We're officially a work in progress and we could always use some extra hands.
How is your thread currently organized? Do you think the layout could be better? What would you change?
My thread is currently organized with small section titles with the contents in spoiler tags. I think it could have a few more sections, but as of right now I'm happy with it.
What types of threads draw you in? What features (text, screenshots, videos, etc) grab your attention the most? What do you look for in text, screenshots, videos, etc?
I like threads that look professional. Which means carefully laid out threads that contain screenshots and ample information. If its easy to navigate and looks good, then it gets my attention.
What is the number one thing you look for (in a thread) when deciding whether or not to download a pack?
The number one thing in a thread that convinces me to download a pack is the thread itself. If it looks like it was made with love, (like the title of my thread states :tongue.gif: ) then I can appreciate the work the person has put into it and can expect the pack itself to look just as good.
What is your biggest turn-off in terms of pack presentation/thread organization?
Well, I have two biggest turnoffs. They are sort of opposites, but I feel they are both valid "turn-offs".
1. When a thread is really sloppy. If the spelling/grammer is terrible or there is a lack of information and screenshots/videos then a will avoid it as much as possible.
2. When people edit their screenshots. It bothers me because I feel as though I'm being tricked into thinking the pack is prettier than it actually is. Just like those video game trailers that feature no actual gameplay, I feel as though the artist is trying to keep people from seeing what their pack actually looks like.
What types of titles draw you in? Long titles? Short titles? Titles with fancy symbols? Catchy subtitles or informative subtitles?
I like titles that are professional and informative with funny or catchy subtitles.
What types of titles make you grimace/avoid the thread? Long titles? Short titles? Titles with fancy symbols? Catchy subtitles or informative subtitles?
I don't like titles that have very long descriptions or have a lot of fancy symbols. Its intrusive and annoying when I look at the forums and randomly see titles that look like a keyboard threw up on them.
Where do you market your pack? Do you link back to one thread, or do you put download links on every site? Which seems to work better for gaining more downloads/fans?
I market mine on this forum and PlanetMinecraft. My pack also gets marketed by random websites that link back to my forum thread, which is always nice.
Where do you go trolling for new packs? Do you try to avoid links that direct you to another page (aka, if the link states 'go to this other website to download')? Do you avoid links that use adfly? Mediafire?
I look for packs mostly on these forums. I usually am ok with downloading from anywhere unless its a shady website. I'm totally fine with adfly or adcraft as long as its a good pack.
What texture editing program do you use and why?
I use photoshop. Mainly because I am lucky enough to own a copy and because its very efficient and easy to use. It also has plenty of great features.
What do you think are the basic 'styles' of texture packs?
I personally think there are too many styles to name in this survey. Technically everyone has their own style, don't they?
What defines those styles?
I think that it depends on the style, but I would say color and detail are the biggest factors.
To Be Simple, Or Not to Be Simple: What is a 'simple' pack?
I think there are a lot of different types of simple packs. There's simple, Simple simple, low-res simple(8x8,4x4,etc), and then there is simplistic.
What are the common mistakes of simple packs? How can they be avoided?
Its usually a lack of any kind of shading, which makes them look extremely ugly. The other biggest mistake is color. People tend to pick terribly ugly colors because they are "simple".
Should simple packs even be made at all?
It depends on the type of simple pack. I think that outlined bucket filled packs shouldn't be made, but "simple" packs like TinyPixels or Dollhouse should.
What are your favorite techniques and tricks for basic texturing problems,
such as correcting tiling issues and creating the 'feel' of certain
materials (wood, stone, etc)?
I make my textures tile nicely with a quick and easy process. I'll write out the steps, hopefully it wont be too confusing!
1. Make a texture on a separate layer of everything else.
2. Copy and paste the texture under the original.
3. Merge the layers.
4. Make corrections to the area the textures meet.
5. Once you are done, copy the bottom texture and then delete it.
6. Paste the bottom texture and then move it over the original and delete the bottom half.
7. Merge the layers.
8. Repeat, but horizontally this time.
This should make your texture seamless very quickly.
Time to reveal your juiciest texturing secrets! What is the one
brush/filter/technique/approach you couldn't live without?
Why is it so awesome?
I could not texture without my burn and dodge brushes. They are what all of my textures are made of. They are a great way to add shading and texture all in one brush!
What are the most common 'noob' mistakes that you see?
How can they be avoided?
Shading and tiling. People could avoid these by simply looking at some tutorials, but most juts go make textures without any prior knowledge. I think that this could be fixed by just providing constructive criticism in their thread and providing them with some sort of tutorial/information they could use to fix these things.
What are some annoying and hard-to-debug errors?
(such as almost transparent stray pixels) How do you go about
fixing these errors?
I hate almost transparent pixels. I sometimes forget to change my eraser to "pencil" rather than "brush" and it always screws stuff up. Its pretty easy to fix if its just a few stray pixels though, I just open up my texture pack in minecraft and look at the texture from there to find those sneaky bastards.
"I often think about that old metaphor, the one that says we are all islands on a wide sea. Especially these days, now that things are more difficult than before and the world appears to be harsher than we once imagined it to be. We are all like islands, the philosopher said. Perhaps it's true. Yet I cannot help but remember an older saying, scratched on a cave wall somewhere by a long-forgotten prophet: in the end, the sea will claim everything."
-Jonas Kyratzes
Also, is there a map for the book on top of the enchantment table? I am currently working my way through it trail-and-error and it really sucks. If not, when I do finnaly figure it out I'll make a map for you.
Found the problem- When I saved the image, I had the transparency settings messed up so it would automatically make them solid.
"I often think about that old metaphor, the one that says we are all islands on a wide sea. Especially these days, now that things are more difficult than before and the world appears to be harsher than we once imagined it to be. We are all like islands, the philosopher said. Perhaps it's true. Yet I cannot help but remember an older saying, scratched on a cave wall somewhere by a long-forgotten prophet: in the end, the sea will claim everything."
-Jonas Kyratzes
+What types of threads draw you in? What features (text, screenshots, videos, etc) grab your attention the most? What do you look for in text, screenshots, videos, etc?
I look for screenshots and thread presentation. I like to see a variety of screenshots, so not just a test track, but also actual terrain and buildings.
+What is the number one thing you look for (in a thread) when deciding whether or not to download a pack?
Whether it is my style or not.
+What is your biggest turn-off in terms of pack presentation/thread organization?
Big text and screenshots in spoilers. Main screenshots not in spoilers and "other" screenshots in spoilers is fine, but I have to wait for the page to fully load in order to use those spoilers, and it is very annoying for me.
+What types of titles draw you in? Long titles? Short titles? Titles with fancy symbols? Catchy subtitles or informative subtitles?
Properlly formatted titles with informative subtitles, like saying what style it is.
+What types of titles make you grimace/avoid the thread? Long titles? Short titles? Titles with fancy symbols? Catchy subtitles or informative subtitles?
Titles with all caps are a turn off for me.
+To texture users (non-artists are artists alike):Where do you go trolling for new packs? Do you try to avoid links that direct you to another page (aka, if the link states 'go to this other website to download')?
I don't like having to go to another website to download it, but it's not something that would greatly affect whether I download it or not, unless I have to sign up or something.
Do you avoid links that use adfly? Mediafire?
No, I don't. I prefer direct downloads, but if there is an adf.ly link to a texture pack that I think a lot of work has been put into it, then I use the adf.ly link.