There is alot of wasted room where the graphics are displayed, and the tool bar buttons
have an odd size.
This has to do with a fault in VB where it ignores when a Windows user has configured a custom or unusual font size, so that the dpi is different. Check that your Windows_Settings_ControlPannel_Display_Settings. I recommend you set to FONT SIZE SMALL and use a 800x600 desktop. (although this is not required in GTACars 3)
> How do you make programs like GTAcars? I want to be a programmer!
I'm glad to have inspired you! You can program too with some experimentation, research on the internet, and education. Make sure you check out the programming sources on the internet, and try to understand all source code and examples you can find. This includes the examples that come with your compiler and the available Microsoft SDKs(Software Developement Kits).
> The saucer cop is fantastic although it's quite hard to control as you
> sometimes don't now which is the front or back!
>
> Also how do I uninstall it?
I was thinking this too just after I made it... Then I wondered... how do aliens drive so well? --- You can copy the original style001.g24 file back on from the CD. OR go into dos mode an type cd \gta\gtadata binpatch style001.g24 saucer.pat -0
> When I import a car in a STYLE.G24 and I choose to modify the sprite's palette why do > some of the cars look funny colors, while others are fine? > [What is a ReMap and do they work?]
ReMaps are the technical name for the 6 unparked-car and 6 resprayed-car color variations. When you import a car and you have changed the palette, only the main entry is modified. There are acutally 12 more palettes! You must go to Edit_Car and reset each of the ReMap palettes.
> is it possible to make the helicopter fly? [Drive the Boat, Chopper, or Model Car]
You may have already hacked the mission.ini to allow you to place a chopper so you can drive it. But can you fly it? Sort-of, you can drive it... You can use GTACars to swap the model number between the chopper and someother car. Or for that matter between the Boat and a regular car, or the Model Car and a regular car. If you want to "fly" the chopper... Edit the chopper's width to 4, height to 4, and depth to 32 (or even higher). You will be able to pseudo-fly over things (sometimes through them). Note: to drive the Chopper you need to add model 88 - Chopper to the FXT file. (See FXT2TXT, and TXT2FXT). Also don't mess with the cops when you're driving a car without doors, as when to cop goes to grab you and the game can't find a door on these "cars", it will crash the game.
> I have just created a life like 'Mini Cooper' and after drawing the
> graphics, chrome bumper and all. Then I noticed in the game, the
> re-mapped versions of my Mini Cooper cars had there bumpers sprayed as well.
(24bit) Use shades of grey for things you don't want resprayed. (ie R=G=B) Check out the Bug's bumpers.
> when I run the game..the car loks fine, but has the black background
> included...how can I get rid of the black background..
Transparency color! You must insure that the color you intend to be transparent is the first color in the bmp's palette. This is specific to your graphics editor - I have no step by step instructions for this at this time.
> How do i load the GTA palette?
This is an odd question because you probably have already! The sprite.BMP file you have exported already contains a palette. 8bit: it IS the GTA palette 24bit: it is the sprite's particular 8bit palette (note all sprites are imported and exported into GTACARS as 8bit BMP files)
> When i load one of the green cars from DMA's page, (cars3.gif) it makes the
> thing look all messed up and cruddy!
This is in the readme.doc isn't it? I will elaborate... Palettes are a difficult issue with GTACARS, it has more to do with your knowledge of palettes and how to modify and use them in your graphics editor than anything else. Follow this general procedure using your own Graphics Editing Software: (8BIT) [How to retain the GTA Palette] -Load the original sprite.bmp. -Load the new car from DMA's page. -Select all in the new car. -Hit copy -Select the original GTA car. -Hit paste. (This performs the color remaps if necessary, and retains the original "GTA" palette that was existing in the original sprite.bmp) -Import into GTACars Note: you cannot simply import your new image with a random palette into 8bit! (24BIT) [How to write a new sprite palette] -Load the new car with ANY palette -Resize to correct size. -Save as 8bit BMP. -Import into GTACars and hit "yes modify CLUT" Note : Also check notes in this FAQ on correct transparency color, and ReMaps
> How do I retain the original sprite palette in PhotoShop when I export/import it?
[usefull for GTA8bit (GRY style files) and GTA24bit GTACars version 2.]
I have a tip for anyone who has PhotoShop on how to keep the cars' colors as close as possible without screwing up the other pallets. Open the .bmp file in PhotoShop Select IMAGE>MODE>COLOR TABLE Save this color table (.ACT file) Convert the image to 24 bit RGB (IMAGE> MODE>RGB) Edit the file to your liking Convert the file back to an Indexed Color (IMAGE>MODE>INDEXED COLOR) Select "CUSTOM" for the pallet type (hit OK) Load previous color scheme OR if you've made radical changes, try using the .ACT colors located in the gtadata directory. This way you use the factory settings and don't screw much up. -Robb Allen
> Is it possible to edit the sprites in colours other than the range that is
> already there. I use paintshop pro and when i tryed to put some yellow on a
> dark green mundeo, i could only select colours in the light to dark green
> range, and black.
Yes, IF you are editing the 24bit files. This sounds like a specific quesiton about your paint program. But in general make sure you switch to RGB color mode to get all the colors, when you're finished editing convert your image to an 8bit palette then save. Import with GTACARS. Answer yes when it asks if you want to modify the CLUT.
> Is there some way in which to separate the bit of file that you have
> modified, as a friend wants a souped up car sent to him, but 4.5mb (the whole
> style file) is too much to upload and download?
Binpatch (available in several places) allows you to patch sprites into the files. This however doesn't currently work when deltas are edited. The best bet is to distribute the BMPs with a text file describing where to place the car with GTACars. This text file would usually include the style name, replaced sprite name, and car info settings.
> when i load gangsta city up i get an error
> that says ERROR 139.159 unable to place car type 27 at (7,7,7)
You have deleted model 27 which is the Pickup. When the map calls out to the style to place that model, it can't find it because you've taken it out, causing this error. If you change the ModelNumber of car sprites with GTACars, you must swap them but not delete them.