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danielpryor
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| Posted: 06/23/2011 at 5:16pm | IP Logged
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I am switching my programs around to Campaign Cartographer and Dungeon Designer 3 by Pro Fantasy. The first project on it will be Expedition to Ravenloft. I had done some of the originals fo Ravenloft but stopped.
I think it will take me some time to learn the new software but we will see. I'm hoping that it will move faster than the DJ software which of late has been giving me fits! If the new programs prove difficult to use I'll switch back but from what I've seen so far with the program that doesn't seem likely.
I'm thrilled with the fact that I can use all the objects, textures, etc in the DD3 program simply by linking the file(s). It looks like you can use things like filters too which is awesome. So anyway, we will see if this new software will be worth while or not.
I will still post up objects, maps etc. here and all my maps will be posted on the rpg maptools gallery. wish me luck....
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Lordippon
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| Posted: 06/24/2011 at 3:24am | IP Logged
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Good luck with the switch.
I have used CC3, but there is a very hard learning curve. And I did not like it. I use Photoshop now for all my maps. Way more powerful software.
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mercutio
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| Posted: 06/24/2011 at 4:38am | IP Logged
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I have also tried CC3, and although I had some training in
using CAD programs, I found the learning curve to be too
steep.
But now I pretty much use GIMP for all my mapping (my
computer with DJ is in storage)
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danielpryor
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| Posted: 06/24/2011 at 9:59am | IP Logged
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mercutio wrote:
I have also tried CC3, and although I had some training in
using CAD programs, I found the learning curve to be too
steep.
But now I pretty much use GIMP for all my mapping (my
computer with DJ is in storage) |
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funny you should mention GIMP because I've been using it as my map viewer while playing. I am almost starting to think that it would be easier to use either PSP7 or GIMP and simply put down a grid on the screen, etc. and load seperate pieces in and whatnot as I need them. Even though shifting through items might be kinda annoying it would still be a faster draw method than what DJ uses. And filtering and shadowing effects would be easier. I would just have to be sure to put down floors first, then walls, then objects, then retouch lighting. All I know is that DJ is a really pathetic piece of junk program compared to what's out there.
I am concerned about DD3 learning curve and I don't see any easy to use commands for wall shadows, etc. Once I figure out the shadows though the rest should be ok. Thanks for the feedback guys.
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mercutio
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| Posted: 06/24/2011 at 10:25am | IP Logged
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The best thing about GIMP, and something I was really
hoping for from DJ2 (not that it's ever going to happen
now), is the layers. You don't have to do things "in order"
since it can all go on its own layer. I can post up an
example XCF file I have with floors, objects, shadows, etc,
if you're interested.
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Lordippon
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| Posted: 06/24/2011 at 12:16pm | IP Logged
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Just do everything in its own layer in photoshop, and you can assign all the proberties. Shadows for walls, Light for torches and fires, deeper shadows for holes. Best of all you can automate it all, so it all happens at the touch of a button.
I did this map some time ago, and it took like 10 min. in photoshop. This is just a low res example. But imo it looks a 100 times better than anything DDJ can produce.
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ProBono
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| Posted: 06/25/2011 at 3:16am | IP Logged
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Lordippon wrote:
| ...Just do everything in its own layer in photoshop... |
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Hi LordNippon,
I appreciate PhotoShop is powerful, but is it not a pain trying to locate and position
individually each object, relative to Dundjinnis "stamp them wildly about"? In DJ, want
to reposition an object, drag it. Even in Paint.net with small object pics I'm sometimes
up to two dozen layers, so would imagine on a full map that just finding the right layer to
Photoshop would be cumbersome. Or if all objects in one Photoshop layer might you
not need to cut out each object again just to reposition it slightly (disasterous if they have
merged)? In an empty dungeon it looks fast but in a "busy" one...?
For stamp-it-down type, waggle-it-about type person (like me), DJ may still appear superior...
Also:
...Learningcurve...
...artistic talent level required...
...and...
...Photoshop V12 £611.99.
(even the cut down version Photoshop Elements 9 - £56.99.)
[It's like Totte on his website teasing folks with a 3D city maker. Beautiful effects,
price $4,950, need super-computer and zillion hours render time....3D CityEngine HERE on 4-Eyes... ]
Of course, DJ should be getting annual updates. Even this forum website is marked "Copyright © 2003-2007". 
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mercutio
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| Posted: 06/25/2011 at 4:55am | IP Logged
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ProBono wrote:
I appreciate PhotoShop is powerful, but is it not a pain
trying to locate and position
individually each object, relative to Dundjinnis "stamp
them wildly about"? In DJ, want
to reposition an object, drag it. Even in Paint.net with
small object pics I'm sometimes
up to two dozen layers, so would imagine on a full map
that just finding the right layer to
Photoshop would be cumbersome. Or if all objects in one
Photoshop layer might you
not need to cut out each object again just to reposition
it slightly (disasterous if they have
merged)? In an empty dungeon it looks fast but in a
"busy" one...?
For stamp-it-down type, waggle-it-about type person (like
me), DJ may still appear superior...
Also:
...Learningcurve...
...artistic talent level required...
...and...
...Photoshop V12 £611.99.
(even the cut down version Photoshop Elements 9 -
£56.99.)
[It's like Totte on his website teasing folks with a 3D
city maker. Beautiful effects,
price $4,950, need super-computer and zillion hours
render time....3D
CityEngine HERE on 4-Eyes... ]
Of course, DJ should be getting annual updates. Even this
forum website is marked "Copyright © 2003-2007".
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This is specifically why I mentioned GIMP over
PS. GIMP is free, and has almost the same power as PS
(all it's really missing is CMYK support, which doesn't
affect most people anyway).
Learning curve is slightly steeper than DJ, but if you're
already a DJ user who does post-work to add shadows or
whatnot, you've already got the skills to work in GIMP.
The locating thing is not an issue. You can use your DJ
folder structure. As for the waggle and stamping, that's
something that you can't replicate, but you can simply
shift things around and turn them by layers.
About the only thing DJ can really do that GIMP can't is
the raise walls/shadows function.
I'm not trying to sell anyone on abandoning DJ, so don't
take it that way. All I know is that DJ is comatose, and
likely in a permanent vegetative state. The things I was
looking forward to with DJ2 aren't out yet, but most of
those functions are available in GIMP. I got tired of
spending all my time making a map and then having to pull
it into GIMP for post-processing, or else pre-processing
all my shadows in GIMP first and then importing them into
DJ, which amounts to the same work, especially when I
could do it all in GIMP, using the DJ user art, and have
the ability to "post-process" while I was still creating.
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aegean
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Location: Turkey
Posts: 2201
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| Posted: 06/25/2011 at 5:54am | IP Logged
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Dundjinni WILL live again . . . .
Like a phoenix from the flames . . . .
ae has spoken . .
seriously
it will
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danielpryor
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Location: United States
Posts: 810
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| Posted: 06/25/2011 at 1:47pm | IP Logged
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aegean wrote:
| Dundjinni WILL live again. a phoenix from the flames . has spoken . seriously it will |
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Sorry but after waiting TWO YEARS for this promise I've given up on DJ. It is true that the stamp method and wall raising, etc is why I'm still concerned about not using it. All my techniques focus on the strengths of DJ. BUT until they fix:
1) Memory issue with 64bit machines (allow for 4gb+
2) Fix the size of the map issue (I want to go 2x2 pages not just a lame 32x40 grid.
3) Dump Javascript and go to C++ to increase speed of drawing 3000%.
Then DJ just plain sucks and I have to move on. I know I'm going to have a learning curve on some of the software. I'm going to be playing with PSP7.0, GIMP 2, and DD3 back and forth to figure out how I want to procede. So far it's looking like DD3 will win me over BUT I am uncertain about things like walls shadows, rotating objects, etc. BUt I've only just scratched the surface on it. I have a feeeling that if I learn the program, customize the buttons, etc. that the DD3 will probably end up being ultimately what I'm looking for.
I am currently doing the Expedition to Ravenloft series (even though someone has already done it) as a test of what the programs can do.
I appreciate this discussion by the way guys it's always helpful to get feedback.
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Dundjinni Mapping Software - Forums : Maps
Topic: Switching to CC3 / DD3
