View source for Content Dev:CTA5 G3 Character Addendum

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{{Parent|Content_Dev:CTA_Actor|Content Dev: CTA Actor}}

== Program-Specific Operations ==

=== Embedding Images ===

==== Illustrator (SVG) ====

Perform '''File > Place''' and import an image.

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_01.PNG]]

==== CorelDraw ====

Drag and drop to the template file.

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_02.PNG]]

==== Affinity Designer ====

#Open your vector character file and copy it.
#Open the template file.
#Paste your character to the template file.

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_03.PNG]]

==== Inkscape ====

Drag your character onto the template file in Inkscape and choose
'''Include SVG images as editable object(s) in the current file'''.

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_04.PNG]]

=== Custom Skeleton Creation (including Extendbone) ===

In order to add extra bones to the default templates:

Duplicate any bone layer under '''RLBone''' and name it according to its functionality. '''ExtendBone''' naming convention is “Bone::ExtendBone:” the prefix is the parent layer while the suffix is the child layer. For example, if you want to add an earring ('''REarRing:''') to the ear ('''REar:'''), you'll need to change its name to '''REar::REarRing:'''.

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_05.PNG|frame|left|SVG default template on the left and raster version on the right.]]

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=== Workspace Settings ===

Template files are designed with the best settings in mind. Even so, you'll need to give precaution to the following settings.

==== Illustrator ====

Keep in mind that only English version of Adobe Illustrator and SVG 1.1 are currently supported. Use the following software settings:

{| class="wikitable"
! Menu Item !! Settings
|-
| '''File > Document Color Mode''' || Enable '''RGB Color'''.
|-
| '''File > Document Setup''' || Select 'Pixels'.
|-
| '''File > Preferences > Unit''' || Switch to 'Pixels' for '''General''', '''Stroke''', and '''Type'''.
|}

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_07.PNG]]

==== CorelDraw ====

Use the following settings:

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_08.PNG]]

==== Affinity Designer ====

Adjust the 'Pixels' and 'sRGB' settings.

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_09.PNG]]

==== Photopea ====

Perform '''Open > Svg'''.

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_10.PNG]]

=== Export Procedure ===

==== Illustrator ====

Use SVG1.1 for export: 

#Perform '''File > Export > Export As''' to export SVG.
#Activate '''Use ArtBoards''' to select all elements.
#Use the following '''SVG Options''' configuration:

{| class="wikitable"
! Menu Item !! Settings
|-
| '''Styling''' || 'Presentation Attributes'
|-
| '''Images''' || 'Embed'
|-
| '''Object IDs''' || 'Layer Names'
|-
| '''Decimal''' || 2
|-
| '''Minify''' || Disabled
|-
| '''Reponsive''' || Disabled
|}

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_11.PNG]]

==== CorelDraw ====

#Perform '''Export > Export as > SVG'''.
#Use the following SVG export options:

*SVG 1.1
*Unicode - UTF 16
*Presentation Attributes

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_12.PNG]]

==== Affinity Designer ====

#Perform '''Export… > SVG'''.
#Set '''Preset:''' to its default: 'SVG(digital - small size)'.
#Set '''Raster DPI:''' to 72.

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_13.PNG]]

==== Inkscap ====

You have two options:
*Open Svg in Inkscape.
*Import Svg in Inkscape.

Select '''Open SVG image directly using its path'''.

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_14.PNG]]

Perform '''Export as > SVG'''. Do not use '''Save''' to replace the SVG as it will corrupt the file structure.

[[File:cta5_g3_svg_character_creation_settings_15.PNG]]

== Troubleshooting ==

In the later stage of production, there may be opportunities to readjust the character for various reasons. Some ways to quickly adjust the character are mentioned in this section.

=== Object Profile ===

Suitable for minor adjustments to the character's appearance but with the head turn, spring bone, and '''Color Groups''' settings already applied. After applying the OBJ profile, select the parts you want to restore the bone structure or choose to restore the entire character.

=== 360 Head ===

Save the head turns (in facial profile) and apply them back to the character. It's best applied when the whole character is reassembled from the SVG file (before the head has changed and the Spring settings configured) in order to skip one step in the process.

=== Color Group ===

Save a '''Color Group''' Profile for reapplication. Usually, the front profile is saved and applied to the side view or for making small adjustments; so you don't need to set up a '''Color Group''' folder from scratch. The same circumstances apply to props.

=== Replacing Parts ===

Modify only a single feature of the face/hair, or replace the entire head. Import the modified character SVG into CTA then save the graphics or head turns and other settings as a part and then put it on the character. This type of modification is the fastest and most minimal. Almost all CTA5 characters save their heads and put them back into shape. Because not all original SVGs of characters are modified and assembled in CTA, it is recommended to keep track of the individual items used for assembly. The '''Color Groups''' need to be properly named in order to properly apply.

== Limitations == 

SVGs that contain pixel images and fonts will not appear. It's recommended to perform '''Convert to Outline''' to turn strokes into fills before exporting.

=== Pitfalls ===

In Illustrator, Photoshop Effects, Pattern Brushes, and Free Gradients will cause Illustration to export a raster image.

[[File:cta5_svg_character_creation_limitations_01.PNG]]

In CorelDraw, transparency tools will cause Illustration to export a raster image. 

[[File:cta5_svg_character_creation_limitations_02.PNG]]

=== Design Suggestions ===

Only linear and radial gradients are supported. Freeform gradients brought into CTA are unsupported and will be converted to raster.

[[File:cta5_svg_character_creation_limitations_03.PNG]]

If the image is cropped once it is imported, you can change '''Composer > Bone Editor > Mask Shape''' to “Full Image” to uncrop it or increase '''Expand'''.

[[File:cta5_svg_character_creation_limitations_04.PNG]]

Change '''Weight''': to '1 px'. Design-wise, line and stroke should not be lower than 1 pixel.

[[File:cta5_svg_character_creation_limitations_05.PNG]]

Even though SVG does not lose quality with scaling, CTA subdivides meshes based on pixel width and height. Too few pixels may result in inadequate subdivision for the mesh; too many pixels will create overly dense subdivisions. It's recommended to just use the '''Artboard''' template. For manual setting, use the following values (in pixels):

*Actor recommended size: 2400 x 3100
*Scene recommended size: 5100 x 3400
*There is no recommended size for props. Start with the minimum 400 x 400 and adjust according to your needs.

[[File:cta5_svg_character_creation_limitations_06.PNG]]