Making Bitmap-formatted details (MAXIS)

Bmp for simple transparency

The advantage of making .bmp details, instead of Targa .tga format, is that most image editors support this format - including Windows accessory program Microsoft Paint. Also, the entire process is much more direct and easy to understand.

Bmp details use a simple process of directing a specific color in your image to be transparent when used as a building detail. Any places in the image that you have used that color will become transparent.

What you'll need

Just about every graphics-editing program supports the .bmp format. If you are totally new to graphics editors, then use the Paint program that was installed with Window.
{Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Paint)

Making new details

File requirements

If you are creating new detail files from scratch, there are a few guidelines you need to follow to ensure that the files will load properly into the Building Architect. If you don't follow these rules, you may not see your details in the palette, or worse -- the Building Architect may not function!

• Details must have a height and width that is some multiple of 16 pixels on a side. For example, 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, 16x32, 32x48, etc. Look for image size options on your graphic program's menu to correct your image size.
• Transparent areas of your detail must use the specific transparent color: RGB value 255, 0, 255 (hot pink).
• You will need to close the Building Architect and reopen it for any new details to appear in the palette.

Let's go!

1. Start a new file. Make sure that it is the right size (see above) and that you are drawing in RGB colors.
2. Create your detail, whether by painting from scratch or pasting in an image you've copied from elsewhere.
3. To create transparent areas, set your color palette to RGB 255, 0, 255 (full saturation Red and Blue, zero saturation Green). Paint your areas in this color. (Note: Be sure not to blend or alias to this pink color, or you will end up with pink "halos" around your details in the Building Architect).
4. Save your detail to the custom details folder in \\Maxis\SimCity 3000 Unlimited\Apps\BACustom\Details\. If asked, save your file at 24 bits/pixel.
5. Restart the Building Architect and look in the "custom" folder in the Detail mode. Happy detailing!