The new 'snaprectangle' layer type
Posted: March 22nd, 2007, 11:21 pmIn build 79 and later you will be able to use a layer type called 'snaprectangle'
The Layer name reference has been updated to include this.
For a demo, download http://www.r2.com.au/reference/SnapRectangle.psd
Once you have it loaded up in build 79 or later, you will see that when you drag it close to the edge of the screen, that it snaps as per usual, however if you look closer, you will see that its actually snapping to the solid colour you see and not the drop shadow like it usually does!
You can now define layers to be used as snapping rectangles. You can have as many as you like, but Xion will only use the first VISIBLE one it comes across. This means that you can show and hide them in order to change the snapping rectangle in case the shape of your skin changes.
There are two buttons that you can click. One to hide and one to show the snapping rectangle (you can't actually SEE it, you're basically showing and hiding it from Xion's snapping check)
If Xion can't find any visible snapping rectangle layers, it will resort back to calculating it itself. Depending on the size of your skin, this can actually slow your skin down slightly. This feature has been in there for quite some time. By using snaprectangles you can further optimize your skin.
I would recommend you use at least one 'snaprectangle' layer in your skin in order to inform Xion of the rectangle to use when snapping to the screen.
It doesn't have to be a rectangle if you don't want it to, however Xion will still use the bounding rectangle of the layer you create. Photoshop applies a form of compression when saving layers. The compression works best when there are lines of the same colour, therefore using a complete rectangle will actual use up less room than say a circle or a multicoloured rectangle.
You don't HAVE to use this. Its more of an advanced concept for skinners who want more control over where their skin snaps onto the screen, or for those looking to ensure their skin will run a little faster.
Enjoy!
Cliff
The Layer name reference has been updated to include this.
For a demo, download http://www.r2.com.au/reference/SnapRectangle.psd
Once you have it loaded up in build 79 or later, you will see that when you drag it close to the edge of the screen, that it snaps as per usual, however if you look closer, you will see that its actually snapping to the solid colour you see and not the drop shadow like it usually does!
You can now define layers to be used as snapping rectangles. You can have as many as you like, but Xion will only use the first VISIBLE one it comes across. This means that you can show and hide them in order to change the snapping rectangle in case the shape of your skin changes.
There are two buttons that you can click. One to hide and one to show the snapping rectangle (you can't actually SEE it, you're basically showing and hiding it from Xion's snapping check)
If Xion can't find any visible snapping rectangle layers, it will resort back to calculating it itself. Depending on the size of your skin, this can actually slow your skin down slightly. This feature has been in there for quite some time. By using snaprectangles you can further optimize your skin.
I would recommend you use at least one 'snaprectangle' layer in your skin in order to inform Xion of the rectangle to use when snapping to the screen.
It doesn't have to be a rectangle if you don't want it to, however Xion will still use the bounding rectangle of the layer you create. Photoshop applies a form of compression when saving layers. The compression works best when there are lines of the same colour, therefore using a complete rectangle will actual use up less room than say a circle or a multicoloured rectangle.
You don't HAVE to use this. Its more of an advanced concept for skinners who want more control over where their skin snaps onto the screen, or for those looking to ensure their skin will run a little faster.
Enjoy!
Cliff