[ project ] [ map editor ] [ tile editor ] [ spherescript ] [ F.A.Q. ]

Map editor

Sphere's map editor is where places that range from towns to forests are built.
Yet its simple and GUI (graphical user interface) like, the map editor has more to explore like layers and entities.
layers column

> The left hand side column of the map editor is the layers column.
> This is where you add and edit layers.

tileset column

> The right hand side column of the map editor is the tileset column.
> This is where you choose what tile you want to use.

> To edit the tiles properties you have to open the tile editor.

layers

> By default a map only has one layer.
> But with more layers you can add clouds that you can walk under and buildings that you can walk behind, etc.
> Layers are sort of like maps that under and overlap.

layer boxes

> A box in the layers colomn that represents a layer.

layer menu

> If you right click on a layer box it brings up a menu; this menu is the layer menu.

> insert new layer

> > By default a map only has one layer, but if you want you can insert a new layer by selecting insert new layer on the layer menu.
> > Now that adds a layer below the layer you selected, called 'unnamed layer'.
> > You can now add clouds, treetops, buildings that you can walk behind etc.

> delete layer

> > Use the layer menu to delete unwanted layers.

> layer properties

> > To access layer properties open the map and right click on the box for the layer you wish to edit and select properties:-

> > name

> > > Give the layer a name. (useful for spherescript and warping to)
> > > e.g. base, treetops, clouds, basement, second floor, ground floor.

> move up

> > Moves the layer up, layers above the characters location could be for skyscapers through to clouds.

> move down

> > Moves the layer down, layers below the characters location could be for basements through to bridges.

map column

> This is where the tiles are all put together like a jigsaw puzzle, to make towns, dungeons, worlds, traverns and more.
> Left clicking will put down a tile; right clicking will bring up the entity menu.

entity menu

> This is where entities are born, switches, treasure chests and doors are all controlled by entities.
> There are several entity types, including people, triggers and more.

> set entity point

> > This is where you can set the starting point for the party when they enter the map.

> > At current no spherescript function for this is avialable.

> triggers

> > This is where you can link to a function in your maps script file.
> > If you were linking it to:-
> > void battle();
> > {
> > 'battle code
> > }

> > You would type 'battle' but you must make sure the function has no parameters and the operater is void.

> people

> > This is where you can place sprites on the map.

> > At current, no more information on people entities.

> delete entity

> > You can delete an entity with delete entity.

> edit entity

> > You can edit previously placed entities with edit entity.

map properties

> To access map properties open the map:-
> map > properties
> background music

> > A drop down list of all the music in the project. To have no music simply select none.

> map script

> > A drop down list of all the scripts in the project, so that functions from that script can be used in the map in the form of triggers. To have no script simply select none.