Also if I may make a request, could you remove the jagged edges from the icons and smoothen the sides? I feel like they add to the eye-strain over time.
Unfortunately, that's the game doing it, they get rescaled automatically. The other map marker mods I tested are the same. I assure you that nothing but high quality smooth assets were used, and that was actually one of the problems I had to resolve, the original assets were too big and too nice lol. But yeah, you can see here, they all beautiful:
I wasn't thorough in my testing of other options tho, so if you know of one I may have missed that managed to get some smoothness, I'd 100% be into trying to figure out how they did it and possibly updating this.
The jagged edges are there not because of bad quality images. The quality is great, no doubt. It's because the images are all bitmap, and it scales poorly. It would be better if it was in vector form. Any other map marker replacers (all those I know about) use vector images and have no such issue. I've already reported it to original mod author some time ago, sad it was not remade to this point. More info (copied from my comments on the original mod page):
Spoiler:
Show
I think all these gradient effects can be achieved in vector form (the software is free Inkscape or anything else). The file size would be significantly smaller without any quality loss. In addition, it scales much better than pixel images, with less jagged edges:Another map marker mod (SVG/vector images): https://i.imgur.com/JaHTOZj.png (attention on markers edges, not colors)Your map marker mod (PNG/bitmap images): https://i.imgur.com/jVgIZZY.png
The images inside the SWF of the mod are bitmap graphics (not SVG):https://i.imgur.com/QkyCSwa.png (if the SWF file contained native vector SVGs, there would be no "images" section).
The original author answered: "I already said that somewhere in the comments, I initially tried svg files because of course you can make gradient and stuff. I had all files in SVG (the .psd files use only shape object, nothing is pixelated) but the SWF seems to not handle gradients so, I went for PNG files instead."
I think the reason why he couldn't add the gradient to the existing shapes in SWF may be the fact that all colored shapes has the "DefineShape2" tag (it doesn't support gradients). You can try to add new shapes with "DefineShape3" tag and then re-link them in corresponding sprites (while deleting the old ones). Here is the short demonstration: https://imgur.com/a/grSLxgm
The original author answered: "Thank you for the DefineShape3 trick, I don't know anything about SWF files. It may work for gradients, BUT I'm using cubic Bezier curves for the shapes and SWF still doesn't support this, only quadratic Bezier curves (you used a Fort in your example, that has no cubic curves)... And I don't want to redraw every shape, using only quadratic curves in there because I'm lazy lmao"
Well, it would be really tedious to recreate all these images from scratch with vector editing software, but I just wanted to let you know if you are interested. If not, I'll try to make it myself sometime probably, anyway.
Okay this is fantastic information. My knowledge in this area is limited, but I was driven to figure out why the heck I was crashing and this is the result lmao.
Right now I'm currently working on getting my large load order up and working on a technical level, and this was one of the things along that path, but once I'm done getting everything functioning and I've played a bit (because I've been working on this for months now lol) then I planned on revisiting this to figure out the line issue and now, thanks to you, the edge issue. As you seem familiar, you can see that it's rather a tedious effort, which I'm okay to do, but I'm already juggling several tedious things, so I apologise, but I will not be fixing this immediately, though I will absolutely be finishing it at a later date.
Thank you for all this, It's greatly appreciated!
EDIT: It also occurred to me that when I update, the author of Undiscovered Means Unknown would be required to do a similar process, as I think they achieve things in a similar way? Hmm Anyhow, if you want to chat or anything, I'm always available on the r/skyrimmods discord.
EDIT2: I just realised I use most of your mods, I'd say you're more than 'seeming familiar`, whoops lol
So I have been fiddling around a little bit and just wanted to update on this post that using the gradiants with DefineShape2 Tag is very much possible. Although it is correct that when importing the .svg from Inkscape into the .swf the colors look quite differently. Tried using DefineShape3 the result ist just different, not really better. I think the finetuning of the gradiant has to be done in the .swf file anyway (so just adding the gradiant in inkscape, then importing and adjusting the gradiant in the .swf file). Nonetheless this still means that manual rework of all the files is needed, just the changing of the Tag is not necessary (although it might improve other things, I have no clue :D )
In the pictures you can see gradiant for a DefineShape2 marker (don't mind the colors... just testing)
Have you tried changing the tag? Easiest way I can think of trying is to export the flash to XML using one of the buttons at the top, then using a text editor to find+replace them.
That could be a good way to do it. I found that the editing of .xml is probably the way to go.
Just for comparison the original version and my recreated version. In game the difference is quite noticeable, all edges are sharp now (and file size is of course reduced). Gonna work on the markers , but this is gonna take a while, estimating around a month or so :D
Thanks for the reply. No worries, absolutely understandable.
Yes, the jagged markers is an issue.
Sounds actually pretty interesting, although I am totally new to creating a mod for Skyrim. Could you maybe point me in the right direction? Would I need the Adobe CS4 program for the editing of these files? I have used the JPEXS to open the files, but there is no possibility to edit them. Sorry, but I am really new to this.
Thanks for the hint! I have seen this mod, though I am using Dear Diary Dark and it doesn't really fit the theme unfortunately, although the map marker art ist great.
AFAIK, the original Skyrim swf decompile/source is CS4, where SkyUI stuff is CS6. In my opinion I'd suggest CS6.
That being said, you don't need Flash to edit these. I think I mentioned below? Can't remember. But yeah, you use JPEXS. You can import/export images and icons by right clicking them individually (it's been a while) in the program, and you can also export it to XML, do a ctrl+F to find the BitmapLossless2 tage and change it to 3 I think? Ah, uranreactor helped me in posts below, I have it saved for reference.
So if you can colour the resources provided by CoMAP, then import them into the swf they provide, that should cover that. The jaggedness would be covered by ensuring SVG images are used on icons in the file here, and changing the Flash tags in exported xml, then reimporting.
Great, thank you for the starting adivce. Will consider it my beginner project then :)
Tried exporting the files and it worked as you mentioned. Will have to play around with the .xml export and reimporting to try out if i can get it to work before recouloring the marker to then find out i can't get it to work :D
Yeah, as far as I know exporting and changing the tags would be the easiest way with find+replace, but I could be wrong, I didn't get around to solving the problem so it's theory.
Also decompiling to the .fla file may also allow changing of the type.
I would suggest seeing if you can scrounge anything up from the old comments here, as it's all certainly not fresh in the mind anymore lol.
This shouldn't be too difficult overall, it's more just a bit of tedium. I wish you luck!
I have you know the reason American English drops extra letters is because in the early colonial days of the printing press you were charged by the letter and it was cheaper to print. (I'm not joking this is a documented fact)
Any tips on getting the coloured compass markers to show up? I'm using SkyUI and Dear Diary. I don't have any file conflicts to overwrite. Hudmenu.gfx appears to be present in the right place.
I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with any colour-blind markers? These markers are the same ones in the original mod by WildGoat that I've linked to on the description page.
If you're referring to the other markers in the 2nd image labelled 'Pastel Map Markers' that would be this mod here:
Oh sorry, I smoke a lot of weed and I entirely mis-read your comment lol
The compass markers should show up if you install the SkyHud patch, because I think Dear Diary uses it. Though I'm not sure it will look right, I don't know if Dear Diary needs a patch.
Your file is in the right place but the coloured markers still aren't showing up on the compass. Very strange.
I wonder if this is a load order thing. I have MoreHud, TrueHud, SkyHud and Atlas Markers. As far as I know the only 2 that play with the compass are SkyHud and Atlas.
Thanks for Great Mod work perfectly for me :D Im using Customizable UI Replacer for SkyHUD Download the main file and overwrite with the optional file then let Customizable UI Replacer for Skyhud overwrite this mod and let the thing done.
If you're using the extra notification file, then you need top open it in JPEX and set the framerate lower, it will slow the notifications. The file I put here is set to 30, but I believe 24 is default.
The other place you can try is here, this is also where you can change the quantity from 15 to whatever, with some timing numbers you can fool around with:
135 comments
I've already reported it to original mod author some time ago, sad it was not remade to this point. More info (copied from my comments on the original mod page):
The images inside the SWF of the mod are bitmap graphics (not SVG):https://i.imgur.com/QkyCSwa.png (if the SWF file contained native vector SVGs, there would be no "images" section).
The original author answered: "I already said that somewhere in the comments, I initially tried svg files because of course you can make gradient and stuff. I had all files in SVG (the .psd files use only shape object, nothing is pixelated) but the SWF seems to not handle gradients so, I went for PNG files instead."
I think the reason why he couldn't add the gradient to the existing shapes in SWF may be the fact that all colored shapes has the "DefineShape2" tag (it doesn't support gradients). You can try to add new shapes with "DefineShape3" tag and then re-link them in corresponding sprites (while deleting the old ones). Here is the short demonstration: https://imgur.com/a/grSLxgm
The original author answered: "Thank you for the DefineShape3 trick, I don't know anything about SWF files. It may work for gradients, BUT I'm using cubic Bezier curves for the shapes and SWF still doesn't support this, only quadratic Bezier curves (you used a Fort in your example, that has no cubic curves)... And I don't want to redraw every shape, using only quadratic curves in there because I'm lazy lmao"
Well, it would be really tedious to recreate all these images from scratch with vector editing software, but I just wanted to let you know if you are interested. If not, I'll try to make it myself sometime probably, anyway.
Right now I'm currently working on getting my large load order up and working on a technical level, and this was one of the things along that path, but once I'm done getting everything functioning and I've played a bit (because I've been working on this for months now lol) then I planned on revisiting this to figure out the line issue and now, thanks to you, the edge issue. As you seem familiar, you can see that it's rather a tedious effort, which I'm okay to do, but I'm already juggling several tedious things, so I apologise, but I will not be fixing this immediately, though I will absolutely be finishing it at a later date.
Thank you for all this, It's greatly appreciated!
EDIT: It also occurred to me that when I update, the author of Undiscovered Means Unknown would be required to do a similar process, as I think they achieve things in a similar way? Hmm
Anyhow, if you want to chat or anything, I'm always available on the r/skyrimmods discord.
EDIT2: I just realised I use most of your mods, I'd say you're more than 'seeming familiar`, whoops lol
In the pictures you can see gradiant for a DefineShape2 marker (don't mind the colors... just testing)
Properties (DefineShape2)
Marker in JPEXS
In-game:
Have you tried changing the tag? Easiest way I can think of trying is to export the flash to XML using one of the buttons at the top, then using a text editor to find+replace them.
Nice to see :D
Just for comparison the original version and my recreated version. In game the difference is quite noticeable, all edges are sharp now (and file size is of course reduced). Gonna work on the markers , but this is gonna take a while, estimating around a month or so :D
You have the psd files for the icons from the original mod page, right?
Thanks!
What's your Discord name? I can't tell to ping you.
Any chance there will be CoMap markers added for this?
Similar to this mod: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/70086
Would be awesome :)
I also need to try and fix the scaling so they don't look as jagged, as discussed below.
I could suggest it as a good beginner's project though as this is the first thing I released!
They have not done CoMAP either, but Cyb has this here which may also interest you:
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/76981
Yes, the jagged markers is an issue.
Sounds actually pretty interesting, although I am totally new to creating a mod for Skyrim. Could you maybe point me in the right direction? Would I need the Adobe CS4 program for the editing of these files? I have used the JPEXS to open the files, but there is no possibility to edit them. Sorry, but I am really new to this.
Thanks for the hint! I have seen this mod, though I am using Dear Diary Dark and it doesn't really fit the theme unfortunately, although the map marker art ist great.
AFAIK, the original Skyrim swf decompile/source is CS4, where SkyUI stuff is CS6. In my opinion I'd suggest CS6.
That being said, you don't need Flash to edit these. I think I mentioned below? Can't remember. But yeah, you use JPEXS. You can import/export images and icons by right clicking them individually (it's been a while) in the program, and you can also export it to XML, do a ctrl+F to find the BitmapLossless2 tage and change it to 3 I think? Ah, uranreactor helped me in posts below, I have it saved for reference.
So if you can colour the resources provided by CoMAP, then import them into the swf they provide, that should cover that.
The jaggedness would be covered by ensuring SVG images are used on icons in the file here, and changing the Flash tags in exported xml, then reimporting.
Tried exporting the files and it worked as you mentioned. Will have to play around with the .xml export and reimporting to try out if i can get it to work before recouloring the marker to then find out i can't get it to work :D
Also decompiling to the .fla file may also allow changing of the type.
I would suggest seeing if you can scrounge anything up from the old comments here, as it's all certainly not fresh in the mind anymore lol.
This shouldn't be too difficult overall, it's more just a bit of tedium. I wish you luck!
Also feel free to join us here:
r/skyrimmods Discord
I have you know the reason American English drops extra letters is because in the early colonial days of the printing press you were charged by the letter and it was cheaper to print. (I'm not joking this is a documented fact)
Nyeh.
(Tag you're it.)
If you're referring to the other markers in the 2nd image labelled 'Pastel Map Markers' that would be this mod here:
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3195
The compass markers should show up if you install the SkyHud patch, because I think Dear Diary uses it. Though I'm not sure it will look right, I don't know if Dear Diary needs a patch.
I wonder if this is a load order thing. I have MoreHud, TrueHud, SkyHud and Atlas Markers. As far as I know the only 2 that play with the compass are SkyHud and Atlas.
Download the main file and overwrite with the optional file then let Customizable UI Replacer for Skyhud overwrite this mod and let the thing done.
I also use this mod so I have a log I can check: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27707
You need SkyHUD for that file. It also will not work with other mods like DearDiary or whatever that also changes the HUD.