diff --git a/userguide/en/applications/apps-icon-o-matic.html b/userguide/en/applications/apps-icon-o-matic.html index 279bfba2..144cfecc 100644 --- a/userguide/en/applications/apps-icon-o-matic.html +++ b/userguide/en/applications/apps-icon-o-matic.html @@ -63,7 +63,7 @@

Before we come to the actual creating of icons in Icon-O-Matic, a few words on Haiku's icons in general.

-contents +index BeOS bitmap vs. Haiku vector icons

Contrary to the BeOS, Haiku uses vector icons instead of bitmap icons. A special Haiku Vector Icon Format (HVIF) was developed that is highly optimized for small file sizes and fast rendering. That's why our icons are for the most part much smaller than either a bitmap or the widely used SVG format. Also, unlike BeOS' bitmap icons, Haiku isn't limited to an 8bit palette (256 colors).
Take this icon of the Terminal, for example:

@@ -102,13 +102,13 @@ width="128" height="128" />

-contents +index Icons are attributes

Icons are stored as an attribute with their file. However, that doesn't mean that every file has to have this attribute to appear with an icon in a Tracker window: data files inherit their icon from their filetype. To globally change the filetype's icon you use the FileTypes preferences. If you only want to add a special icon to an individual file, you use the FileType Add-On on it instead. See topic Filetypes for more information.

Being an attribute, it follows that only filesystems supporting metadata can retain a file's individual icon. So, if you move files off your BFS volume, consider zipping them up so you don't lose icons or other attributes.

-contents +index Creating icons with Icon-O-Matic

Icon-O-Matic is Haiku's icon editor that can save your work as HVIF, SVG or PNG. The icon can also be directly attached as attribute to an existing file or exported as a resource or source file used by developers. Since the application was tailored to the optimized HVIF format, its usage reflects the inner workings of this format.

Other than your normal vector graphics software, you don't deal with separate objects that each include all their specific properties like path, stroke width, stroke and fill color etc. Rather, you assemble your objects ("shapes") from shared paths and colors ("styles") and set certain properties. This re-using of elements is one secret of HVIF's efficiency. Although that imposes some constraints on the icon designer, there are a few advantages, too.
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ For example, by re-using a path, several objects can be modified together by man

-contents +index Path

A path consists of several points which are connected with lines or Bezier curves. To add or change points, make sure, the path is selected in the path list.

@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ width="16" height="16" />

-contents +index Shape

A shape groups together one or more paths with a style. Practically, it's the object that you'll actually see on the canvas. The grouping is done with the checkboxes in front of the paths and styles: Just select your shape and tick off the desired path(s) and a style.

A shape defines how a path and style is applied, e.g. if the object is filled or only stroked (which is done by using Transformers on the shape, we'll get to that later). Also, a shape can be moved, rotated or resized without touching the used path. That way, you can re-use a single path and get different, but related, shapes.

@@ -260,7 +260,7 @@ For example, if Shape 1 were to be shown below 48px and Shape 2 from 48px upward

-contents +index Style

A style can either be a solid color or some type of gradient.
Besides the predefined colors under Swatches, you can mix your own by clicking on the current color. Also, note the slider under the color spectrum which sets the alpha-channel (transparency).

@@ -279,7 +279,7 @@ Of course you can move these indicators to change the gradient to your liking. Y

-contents +index Transformer

A shape can have Transformers which change its appearance. The effects, however, are more subtle than a truck turning into a battle robot...

@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@ Of course you can move these indicators to change the gradient to your liking. Y

-contents +index Saving an icon

There's your usual menu bar at the top, File, Edit, Options. The usage is pretty much self-explaining, so we'll only look at how to save your work.

File | Save As... will save in a special Icon-O-Matic format that retains additional information like the names of paths, shapes and styles. These will be stripped from the actual icon once you export it to save space. It's a good idea to back-up your work like this, because without named objects everything's named "<path>/<shape>/<style>" which makes specific changes tedious.

@@ -323,7 +323,7 @@ Of course you can move these indicators to change the gradient to your liking. Y

-contents +index Tips & Tricks

A few things you should keep in mind when working with Icon-O-Matic and some general tips for its usage: