3DO Custom Plug-Ins and CCMs


This document provides tutorial-style and reference information for the custom plug-ins and custom code modules that are available on the 3DO\xaa Toolkit CD-ROM for use with Adobe Photoshop and DeBabelizer.

You can use the custom plug-ins and custom code modules to create 3DO images and cels. You can also create anti-aliased cels and work with special effects such as translucency.

How to use this document

This document helps you perform certain file conversions. Don't read it cover to cover; instead, go to the appropriate section, for example, "Converting art to a 3DO image," and follow the step-by-step instructions. For more detailed information about the individual dialogs see Plug-In Dialogs.

This document is written primarily for graphic artists who prepare the still art and animations for a 3DO title. A rudimentary knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and DeBabelizer is helpful but not required.

Select one of the topics below for more information:

Working with 3DO Images steps you through creating a basic 3DO image, a 3DO image for a PAL screen, and creating images with custom VDLs.

Working With 3DO Cels steps you through creating several different cels: coded cels, uncoded cels, and 8-bit coded cels. You also learn about loading 3DO cels back into Photoshop and displaying an image and a cel on a 3DO Station.

Using Transparency and Special Effects steps you through creating an irregularly shaped cel and creating a cel with a special effect (translucency) using P-mode.

Plug-In Dialogs gives more detailed information about many of the dialogs used in the examples in the previous chapters.

3DO Custom Code Module for DeBabelizer," steps you through creating animations and streamed animations and creating a list of cel files from an animation.

Installing the Custom Plug-Ins and CCMs

Custom plug-ins or custom code modules work correctly only if they are in the right folder on the Macintosh hard drive. To install them correctly, follow one of these procedures:

  1. Use the Easy Install option for installing the Toolkit.

  2. If you want to use custom plug-ins, drag all files in the Artist Tools: Photoshop Plug-Ins folder into the Adobe Photoshop:Plug-ins folder.

  3. If you want to use the custom code modules, drag all files in the ArtistTools:CCMs into DeBabelizer Folder:Custom Code.
If you perform installation using the Custom Install option, don't install the plug-ins or CCMs but drag them directly from the folder on the CD-ROM to the folder on your hard disk.