INSTANT GRAPHICS AND SOUND EDITOR (Version 2.5) This is a simple and direct overview of each of the commands for the IGS Editor. Most are self-explanatory, however, I will go over them one by one "just incase". FILE ---- IGS - Load and Save commands for IGS scripts. You may load and save any IGS script files with these commands. However, if you have an IGS script loaded already and you follow through with the load command, it will erase anything you had in the buffer at that time. You will be warned if anything is in the buffer when you hit the load command. DEGAS - Load and Save commands for DEGAS picture formats. This is resolution independent, however, be advised that the IGS Editor will not run in Low Rez. Multiple DEGAS pictures maybe loaded into the Editor, but only what is visible within the window can be saved. You can use the sliders to scroll around the LARGE screen area. For example, you may display and IGS script and then save the display in DEGAS format! This is useful for compiling a library of IGS pics to show off to friends or you can simply use the IGS Editor as a DEGAS Editor whichever you prefer. Unfortunately, IGS script and DEGAS pics are not compatible. NEW - This command will clear out the IGS buffer and reinitialize it. It will also clear the large screen area and reset the sliders, ready for new work. QUIT - Will prompt you with an alert box before exiting. Just incase you haven't saved your work. BEWARE! The window CLOSER button will exit the program immediately! No save on the way out. OPTIONS ------- 9600 BAUD - 2400 BAUD - 1200 BAUD -> Depending on which one is checked, these choices allow you to see how fast your IGS scripts are performing on the callers end. You will find very little difference in speed between 9600 and 1200 except when the 'plot' command is used. Then you will definitely notice it! Use the draw or pencil tool as little as possible! It will slow your menus down. CHECK ON/OFF SOUND - If checked, any imbedded sound commands in your IGS script file will NOT be played back. Silent picture. SNAP - When selected, keeps the mouse on pixel positions that are multiples of 8. Incase you have shakey hands. (Smile) ZOOM - For use with DEGAS only. Anything done in the ZOOM window will be reflected on the screen and the picture can be moved with the sliders. No IGS script code is generated! Because of the size of the screen area, ST screen X,Y coordinates are not possible. UTILITIES --------- UNDO - This utility will POP off one IGS command at a time until there is nothing left at which time you will be alerted. After it pops off one IGS command, it will redisplay the script without that command. It is a quick and dirty way to erase mistakes. ANIMATION - This is probably the most interesting tool the IGS Editor has to offer! You can create a graphics image on the screen and then use this animator to move it around on the screen! Be forewarned though! It will take some practice to get good with it. You will have to vary the distance and speed to come up with a right combination that suits your purpose! Enjoy... BIT BLITZ - With this you can make copies of complexed graphics images and place them anywhere on the screen instantaneously! If you need multiple copies of an image, this is the tool to use! You can copy screen to screen or screen to memory and back again. It works perfectly! IGS VT52 - This will display a dialog box of basic choices. There is a help ICON to give you further information. This area covers Clear Screen commands, Colors, Cursor commands and more! GIST->IGS - This command will call up a utility written by Larry Mears to convert GIST generated sounds saved in C format to IGS format. There are some sample C GIST files on the disk. However, if you have GIST from Antic, you can create your own and add them to your menus! EDIT BUFFER - This utility will allow you to edit the IGS script by hand. It is a slow and painful process, but should go faster since you can play back the code instantaneously! There is a file called EMACS.RF that will display the commands to EMACS.TTP. MicroEmacs is probably the most popular screen editor for the Atari ST. It is also the easiest to use! Control Z to save anything you have changed or UNDO to exit without changing anything, simple. Your IGS script will be played back instantly with or without the changes depending on how you exited the program. If you have another editor that will accept an argument filename, ex: EDHAK.TTP filename, or TVX.TTP filename, etc, then all you have to do is rename it to EMACS.TTP and your editor will be loaded! Whatever works for you. VIEW GRAFIX - Self explanatory, this will allow you to view any IGS script in the buffer. ------------------------------------------------------------------ HELP - Can be called with the Help Key or by clicking on the Window Move Bar. WINDOW CLOSER - Will exit the program instantly without saving anything! Be careful when using. You could lose all your work. WINDOW FULLER - This will call up the IGS Toolbox! Simply select the tool you wish to use! SLIDERS & ARROWS - Will move you around the large screen area, remember, only what is visible in the window can be saved. ------------------------------------------------------------------ FUTURE PLANS ------------ 1) An text editor that will access any IGS commands and any associated commands that accompany it for more defined editing. 2) A built in piano player to compose music to work with IGS' note player! 3) I am open for suggestions! If you have any please send them to me at the following address: ANTHONY S. RAU AIMD/IM3/SHOPS 9-12 USS INDEPENDENCE CV-62 FPO, AP 96618-2760 On GEnie, I can be reached in E-Mail under A.RAU2 I hope to hear from you! Only you the IGS users can make the editor better. Enjoy!