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Post by sammo on Mar 1, 2012 23:03:43 GMT -9
The Into the Fray layout changes have just been released!
The changes include moving the miniatures and cards to seperate files, layered miniature PDFs (allowing the minis to be printed without the tags for those who want to use them in other games) and .studio cut-files (for the miniatures only).
If you have already purchased the product you should be able to re-download the new format.
For those of you who have been waiting for the cut-files, now is the time to purchase, especially this weekend with the GMs day sale!!!!
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Post by sammo on Feb 27, 2012 21:40:00 GMT -9
So the EDocPrinterPDFPro... after a week or so of use, a quick review for those who might be interested.
This software has solved a few problems for me. It is cheap ($30 bucks) and it does make layers. It runs as a printer and I have had better luck with it in most respects than the free version of Nitro/Primo.
But it does have it's downsides...
It only runs as a virtual printer. Which means you can't do any editing with it, you must set your PDFs up in some other software and print them into PDFs with EdocPDF (it does print well form GIMP though).
Though it does layers (by printing layers into an existing PDF), since all it does is the virtual printing you are once again to set all of your layers up "perfectly" in some other software and then print (one layer at a time) into your PDF.
It also stacks the layers kind of backward, though it doesn't really limit the functionality of the PDF at all, the layers seem to be "listed" backward and the "bottommost" layer is the one that is visible. Odd, but as I said, still functional.
Finally, you can't build a layered PDF that is more than one page at a time, or if you can it is an involved process that I have not been able to understand yet.
So the short version, a cheap and dirty way to produce one page layered PDFs, but in no way a substitute for a full blown PDF editor like Acrobat. Still it might tide some of us over until Scribbus finally adds layers to its functionality.
For 30 bucks you get what you pay for, for me, I'm making layered PDFs now, and it is making my work better, but it is by no means the "perfect" solution.
Also, try it for free before you buy, if you are interested, it will show you it's benefits and shortcomings without having to dip into your wallet.
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Post by sammo on Feb 27, 2012 21:26:51 GMT -9
So I am a new owner of a silhouette, and it is pretty cool. I've been making cut files, and it is super nice to watch the minis fall out of the card-stock...
But then what, I have all of these loose, unglued minis?
Glue-sticks in my hands seem only to mangle the minis, spray adhesive tends to blast the minis all over my spray area unless I am super careful (which I am getting better at).
Anyone have any advice for the post-cutting assembly?
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Post by sammo on Feb 27, 2012 21:09:23 GMT -9
Just a quick update.... I'm a little behind my personal deadline ( I was hoping to be done today, but the weekend got away from me a bit ). All of the new PDFs are ready to go, and I've got 4 out of 10 cut-files ready. Another couple of days and these will be ready to go!
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Post by sammo on Feb 27, 2012 11:15:34 GMT -9
I was hoping to get to a few more poses, but with the deadline rapidly approaching and a few other things that I need to get done, I think I am going to put these out as is. Attachments:
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Post by sammo on Feb 23, 2012 13:39:50 GMT -9
I really like these guys. Alternate poses so they don't look like they're asking permission to go to the bathroom? (Although that fits with the original character's pointing!) Good idea, if I get some time in the next week I'll make that happen. Perhaps they were all asked who wanted to get a snack consisting of delicious braaaaiiinnnnnssssss
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Post by sammo on Feb 23, 2012 9:23:04 GMT -9
Just about have these guys done
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Post by sammo on Feb 21, 2012 15:32:20 GMT -9
I love the Orc Space idea, then on some remote backwater world they run into these disgusting pink fleshy creatures, Humans!! Here is the current WIP of the Cybermancer....
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Post by sammo on Feb 21, 2012 15:30:14 GMT -9
I like that idea Jose, I'll definitely add that to the plan!
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Post by sammo on Feb 20, 2012 14:02:56 GMT -9
Despite the large number of solo games I played during playtesting I don't have a solid system for solo play I did find that playing with 1500 points (so there would only be one hero per army) made the games a bit more manageable. Other than that, once I made the faction choices, I flipped a coin a few times, once for a basic attack based or defense based strategy, once to see if the forces would generally stick together or split up and then once for each group to see if they would make for the center of the battlefield or take an edge. A quick version of solo play rules are definitely on the to-do list with the scenarios, just haven't made the time for it yet.
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Post by sammo on Feb 20, 2012 13:48:47 GMT -9
Gilius... Thanks for your purchase. As for waiting for the new layout, there is no need to wait for the changes. The only real difference is that that the unit markers (the numbered/colored domed tags at the minis feet) are being replaced with a smaller numbered/colored oval on the back hip of the units. Old unit style... New unit style... I made the change so I wouldn't have to generate 2 different cut files since the tag doesn't change the figures outline. Also, there were some who wanted minis without the tags to use for other games. Other than that the only changes are that the cards are appear 4 to a page in their own PDF, while the minis are in a separate layered PDF for choosing the marker color (or omitting the markers entirely). If you prefer the new style of marker, or want minis whith no marker then you might want to wait for the new layout (if all goes well, available next Monday 2/27), otherwise print away!
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Post by sammo on Feb 17, 2012 20:19:13 GMT -9
Anyone else think it's a little weird that the whole town seems to spend all their time in the tavern? Even weirder is the mysterious absence of the bartender. This is starting to make me very concerned. I worked in a lot of different bars in my younger days and trust me, you see the same folks day in and day out. As for the bartender, am sure he is a retired adventurer... some surly dwarf with an axe or some such.
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Post by sammo on Feb 17, 2012 20:13:20 GMT -9
I may once again be indebted to Parduz for pointing me in the right direction ;D
The initial results are promising. eDocPrinter PDF Pro work much like primo PDF, standing in for a printer, though it has many more options.
The feature that is most interesting is that when you print to a file a second time you can add the new page as an overlay and create a new layer. It's not fancy, you have to lay your layers out perfectly in whatever software you use to build your pages, but it does work.
I haven't messed around enough yet to fully endorse it, but on the surface the $30.00US price tag makes it seem like a good fix for those that want to make layered PDFs but don't want spring for high dollar software.
The download is free and has full functionality, but it adds a huge ugly watermark to all the pages until you pay for a registration code. For those who want to see if it will work for them you can try before you buy.
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Post by sammo on Feb 17, 2012 14:11:01 GMT -9
Just an update,
layout changes are in the works.. the tags have changed a bit so that they don't alter the outline of the mini (so there only needs to be one cut file) and users will soon have the option to print with no tags or one of the colored tags and use a robo cutter on the minis.
A similar layout change is underway with the cards as well.
Once I get the whole layered PDF thing figured out and get cut files made it'll be a snap.
Like many things with ITF the delays occur while I figure out how to make things better, but they tend to be worth it in the long run.
Thanks to Nik for offering to make some layered PDFs for me (I may still take you up on your offer), but I am looking at a couple of options for being able to make layered PDFs myself, which would be a better long term solution.
I'll let everyone know when there is progress.
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Post by sammo on Feb 17, 2012 14:05:16 GMT -9
I had an issue printing layers via the work printer before and the solution was to switch one of the advanced printer setting from "send graphics as vector" to "send graphics as raster."
I'm not sure the tech behind the solution, but the problem you are describing sounds like the same one I was having and the printer was also an HP.
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Post by sammo on Feb 17, 2012 13:18:03 GMT -9
Thanks Parduz, that looks promising, I had a few others on the list (Corel PDF Fusion and Nitro PDF) but they don't seem to support layers.
When I get a chance I'll check out the trial of this software, if it will make a layered PDF, then it will be worth the price.
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Post by sammo on Feb 17, 2012 7:59:39 GMT -9
So I am realizing that I need to be able to make some layered PDFs. I've had at least 2 offers for others to do it for me (which is awesome thanks guys!) but I am realizing that in order to get where I want to go I need to be able to do it myself.
So...
What software can handle the creation of a layered PDF. I know that Adobe Products (Acrobat and InDesign) can handle it, but I can't really get over the price tag of $300 plus dollars.
I'm willing to purchase some software, but not at that price...
Is there any other software that people here have had experience with making layered PDFs?
Is there any non Adobe software that can even make a layered PDF?
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Post by sammo on Feb 9, 2012 8:46:26 GMT -9
Awesome Nik!!!
I really appreciate the added help.
So it looks like layered PDFs for the minis with an added cutfile. Good news for Into the Fray. I am getting ready to head out of town for the weekend, but I expect my cutter will be here when I get back and I can work on getting the Layout/Cutfiles ready for everyone.
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Post by sammo on Feb 7, 2012 11:26:37 GMT -9
I'd love to do a layered PDF, it would certainly solve quite a few issues with the colored tabs and layouts. However, I don't have access to software that will support layers.
I am using almost entirely freeware (GIMP, InkScape, PrimoPDF and Scribus) for Into the Fray and can't spring the $$$ for a PDF editor that will do layers.
Unless someone has a free/super cheap option for doing layered PDFs that I don't know about I am probably not going to be able to use them. I basically used what resources I have available right now to buy a cutter, so I am more or less broke (at least as far as gaming is concerned) for a little while.
I think that I will re-design the tags so that they are a bit smaller and will fit onto the mini without changing the outline, at least that way there sill not have to be more than one cut file.
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Post by sammo on Feb 7, 2012 11:20:17 GMT -9
These will be at 30mm (give or take like most of my minis are). As for previews of my other stuff, I'm just buying time while I wait for my cutter to arrive to get the ITF figures fully modernized, also working on the new faction on the side
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Post by sammo on Feb 7, 2012 11:16:40 GMT -9
I started a new thread to talk about layout and cutfiles HERE if anyone is interested...
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Post by sammo on Feb 7, 2012 11:15:36 GMT -9
These guys pretty much summed it up. I pulled these minis as freebees once I decided to move forward with Into the Fray. I'm figuring out cut files and layout as we speak (which you can read about HERE if you are interested).
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Post by sammo on Feb 7, 2012 6:50:13 GMT -9
So, Into the Fray has a few layout issues that I need to address. I’m looking for some input from you guys to get the layout so it will be the most useful for the most people.
For starters, the demand for cutfiles seems to be pretty high, so I have a cutter on the way and will be generating cutfiles for at least the minis. Probably not the cards or counters since they are relatively easy to get cut out the old fashioned way, (well the box counters will get a cutfile, they are a bit trickier). So while I wait for my cutter to arrive, I’ll try and get some feedback about what to do with the layout…
Initially I laid out the cards and minis to match up to make it easier for army building, the color coded card and the minis that went with it printed on the same page. Need another unit of Highpeaks Dervish? Just print that page, get the card and all.
However, I am receiving requests for just the minis (no numeral markers) and for having cutifles. So that puts me in a position of having minis in one PDF, cards in another. That should work out well, since I can get more cards on a page and get more minis per page.
I suppose that my real issue is the number markers for each unit. Here are some options:
1. Just use the minis with white markers, cards have the white markers, those who want to use multiples can use a colored pencil to match up all of the units that belong with a given card.
2. Just minis with no markers, use a separate page of unit “tags” that can be glued to the minis and cards to make them match up with colors.
3. Have minis with no markers and just let people “figure it out,” like most other games seem to do.
4. Option 1 and 3, one set of minis with the white tags for those that want to play ITF, and a set with no tags for those who just want the minis.
Any obvious ideas that I am missing? Any preference from those of you who have purchased already? Any people holding off on purchasing that might be won over by a change in layout?
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Post by sammo on Feb 6, 2012 21:32:25 GMT -9
These all look pretty sweet! I think I've got time to get a few minis done for this hoard.... Cybermancer with cyber-zombie lackeys. Here is some line art...
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Post by sammo on Feb 6, 2012 21:03:21 GMT -9
For all of those who have been asking about cut-files----
I have just ordered a cutter today, so I'll be generating cut files for these in the not too distant future.
I'll let everyone know when this starts to develop more. I'll have to learn how to use the software and such first, but I will be making cut-files.
Anyone know where there is a decent tutorial?
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Post by sammo on Jan 31, 2012 7:40:35 GMT -9
Happy Birthday!!, Hope its the best one yet!!
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Post by sammo on Jan 30, 2012 21:35:43 GMT -9
Thanks all… Yes, it is very exciting to finally have ITF hit (virtual) shelves, not to mention the sense of completion… labratI didn’t have the time/resources to get a cover that I really loved, so I went for the minimalistic ink saving covers. Getting some really striking cover art is definitely on the to-do list. aviphysicsIf ITF gains any kind of traction at all, there are quite a few different things that I’d like to bring to the table, including a system for running a series of battles campaign style. But, in all honesty something like that is still a little ways down the raod. glennwilliamsIf only I can experience enough success to make being a layabout writer, designer or publisher, a full time gig, I would experience true euphoria. But until then, I’ll be heading headed out tomorrow for a long shift at the “day job.” Thanks for the support everyone!! and Thanks everyone who picked up a copy!
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Post by sammo on Jan 30, 2012 21:18:17 GMT -9
Yeah Rhannon, the cards and figures are laid out to print out the units for the army, not very useful if you want only miniatures.
I will add a “just minis” PDF with no cards and no numbering when I get caught up a bit.
Thanks for the support!
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Post by sammo on Jan 30, 2012 7:33:58 GMT -9
Hi all, Finally Into the Fray is experiencing the light of day... Complete print and play fantasy skirmish style wargame currently available over at RPGNow. You can see all of the products HEREBut if you want to get the complete set I am offering a bundle that makes the whole lot about 30% off (it works out to US$8.50) and you can find that HEREThe core rules are free if you want to see what it's all about before you buy (get those HERE) and there is a fairly extensive preview of the game in this THREAD. and of course have a look over at MOSS GAMES if you want to see more. Thanks everyone who helped me along the way!
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Post by sammo on Jan 30, 2012 6:19:35 GMT -9
Yes, there was an issue (proabbly my error) in getting all the products to go "live" at once, it should be fixed now.
Let me know if there are any other issues, despite all of my planning I am still an RPGNow rookie!
Thanks for your support!
I'll likely start a proper "release" thread in a few minutes...
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