Atari ST Graphics Program Cross Reference Chart by Lee W. Benjamin =============================================== 12/31/92 Greetings! I've been collecting lots of graphics utilities over the years with my 1040ST and now my MegaSTE. One thing that I felt I needed was a way to easily figure out how to get from one graphics format to another with a minimum of fuss and hassle. The solution to this problem came about as a Lotus Comatible spreadsheet that cross references many of my graphics utilities to the over fifty picture file formats that I've identified. Note that in some cases, the file formats have "morphed" over the years and when I've recognized this fact, I'll list it as two (or more) separate entries. I have no special knowledge of these formats, I just know what I've seen and used. I used the MegaSTE to run the utilities and created the original version of the spreadsheet on the Portfolio. I noted all read/write options of each program. The spreadsheet was then moved to the MegaSTE and imported into VIP Professional. In VIP, I sorted the file type descriptions and added a dividing line after every fifth entry. The spreadsheet should be usable by any spreadsheet that can import a Lotus 1-2-3 .WKS format file. Included in the archive should be: STGRAPH.TXT - This file STGRAPH.WKS - The Lotus .WKS format file STGRAPH.PRT - An ASCII printout of the chart. Note that all products mentioned, copyrights, and tradmarks are the property of their respective holders. I accept no responsibility for the applicability of STGRAPH or it's dirvative works to any purpose. I'm just trying to be helpful and don't need to be in a legal bind for being a "good guy". HOW TO READ IT ============== When you open or print the chart, it lists the graphics programs across the top and the file formats down the left side, with the typical file extension for that file. At the intersection of a given program and file format there will be a code showing what the program can do with that type of file. The codes used indicate that the program in that column can: r - Read the file, may also display it. rd - Read and display ONLY - reserved for viewer programs w - Write a file of that format from whatever is in it's buffer area. rw - Read and Write this file format In addition, some entries contain numerical notes which indicate resolution related restrictions. The numbers indicate the standard ST video modes: 1 - ST Low Resolution (320x200x16 colors) 2 - ST Medium Resolution (640x200x4 colors) 3 - ST High Resolution (640x400x2 colors) Thus the program CVT2IMG contains the DEGAS entry "rw3" which indicates that it will read any of the three resolutions, but it will only write out DEGAS PI3 format files. As another example, BGIF which will read GIF files, contains the DEGAS entry "w1,2", indicating that it will only write DEGAS low and medium resolution pictures. Note that these programs may also read/write other formats. The printed version of the chart is designed to be printed on a 132 column printer. Most 9-pin printers can be put into a compressed print mode via a hardware switch or a control code (or both). There are no special printer codes included in the file, and it can thus be made compatible with any printer by either setting up the printer first, or by embedding the proper codes into the file. On my Panasonic KX-P1091i printer, I just used the front pannel switch to select the compressed print mode and printed it from within VIP Professional. I did have to tell VIP that I was allowing 132 columns to print and you may have to do the same with your spreadsheet software. As presented, the chart will currently consume six pages of paper and may be taped together to produce a chart roughly 24x22 inches. I hope this helps others in managing and moving graphics files between formats on the ST. If you would like to comment on, or correct any of the information in the chart, I can be reached at the Electronic Mail addresses listed below. Take Care, Lee B. ------ Member of the Middle Georgia Atari User's Group (MGAUG) GEnie: L.W.BENJAMIN Internet: benjamin@wrg031.wr.trw.com U Want What !?! BBS (912)471-7629 address: LEE BENJAMIN