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Dear PM,

For the PC users out there what software would you recommend be used in the construction of standard multiplayer map? Is there a more inexpensive alternative to photoshop? What programs do you use? What are their primary functions?

Hopefully these questions aren't too stupid! If you want me to elaborate further I would be more than happy.

Peace

First you go to this page :
http://hl.udogs.net/files/Gaming/%20Myt ... Utilities/


Here's a list of good utilities you need. I also suggest you read the readme's of each app to know how they work.
Fear and Loathing - You probably have those sitting in your myth folder already. Fear lets you modify myth "tags". Tags tell myth how stuff reacts in game. Loathing let's you place units on a map, trees, flags, balls, hills, terrain and script for coop/solo.
Jade - Helps you import overhead maps and pregame pictures.
Topaz - Extract tags from other plugins, useful if you know what you are doing
Tahoe - Let's you modify some collection tags on units, not as useful as Amber, but it's a good alternative until we get OAK.

Commercial applications.
If you want to make good looking colormaps or units, here are the best applications for that. Naturally, you have to buy them yourself.

Adobe Photoshop - For colormapping and working with unit bitmaps
3Dstudio max, Cinema 4D, Maya, Lightwave - Those are popular 3d programs that are very good and have tons of tutorials online to learn. Mainly for creating new units. Expect hours or learning for that!

For a free Photoshop alternative, you might check out GIMP. It's cross platform (mac/windows/linux) and has layers and stuff you definitely need to make a quality map, and there are lots of tutorials for it online.

Photoshop Elements probably also has the various tools you'd need to make a basic colourmap.

Depending on what your personal view is.... All those commercial applications are available someplace online for free no doubt...

Thank you gentlemen,

I appreciate the information. I'll likely give it ago this summer.

As far as photoshop, I would love to own that program; however, its just too damn expensive right now. I'll probably check out some of those other alternatives.

Peace.