diff --git a/en/chapters/creating_textures.md b/en/chapters/creating_textures.md index 30da588..4c9509f 100644 --- a/en/chapters/creating_textures.md +++ b/en/chapters/creating_textures.md @@ -6,29 +6,68 @@ root: ../../ ## Introduction -In this chapter we will learn how to create and optimise textures for -Minetest. We will use techniques relevant for pixel art. +Being able to create and optimise textures for Minetest is a useful skill +when developing mods. There are many techniques relevant to working on +pixel art textures, and understanding these techniques will greatly improve +the quality of the textures you create for Minetest. -* Resources -* Editors -* Common Mistakes +* [Resources](#resources) +* [Techniques](#techniques) +* [Editors](#editors) ## Resources * [16×16 Pixel Art Tutorial](http://www.photonstorm.com/art/tutorials-art/16x16-pixel-art-tutorial) -## About MS Paint +## Techniques -You need to be aware that MS Paint does not support transparency. -This won't matter if you're making textures for the side of nodes, -but generally you need transparency for craft items, etc. +### Using the Pencil -## Editing in GIMP +The pencil tool is available in most editors. When set to its lowest size, +it allows you to edit one pixel at a time without changing any other parts +of the image. By manipulating the pixels one at a time, you create clear +and sharp textures without unnecessary blurring. It also gives you a high +level of precision and control. + +### Tiling + +Textures used for nodes should generally be designed to tile. This means +when you place multiple nodes with the same texture together, the edges line +up correctly: + +[IMAGE NEEDED - cobblestone that tiles correctly] + +If you fail to match the edges correctly, the result is far less pleasing +to look at: + +[IMAGE NEEDED - node that doesn't tile correctly] + +### Transparency + +Transparency is important when designing textures for special nodes, +such as glass or water, which players should be able to see through, +and for craft item textures. +It's important to remember that not all editors support transparency, +so make sure you choose an editor which is suitable for the textures +you wish to create. + +## Editors + +### MS Paint + +MS Paint is a simple editor which can be useful for basic texture +design; however, it does not support transparency. +This usually won't matter when making textures for the sides of nodes, +but if you need transparency in your textures you should choose a +different editor. + +### GIMP GIMP is commonly used in the Minetest community. It has quite a high -learning curve as lots of its features are hidden away. +learning curve because many of its features are not immediately +obvious. -### Use the pencil tool to edit individual pixels +When using GIMP, the pencil tool can be selected from the Toolbox:
Pencil in GIMP @@ -37,18 +76,11 @@ learning curve as lots of its features are hidden away.
-### Set the rubber to hard edge +It's also advisable to select the Hard edge checkbox for the eraser tool:
- Rubber in GIMP + Eraser in GIMP
Rubber in GIMP
- -## Common Mistakes - -### Blurred textures through usage of incorrect tools - -For the most part, you want to manipulate pixels on an individual basis. -The tool for this in most editors is the pencil tool.