Level Director - Level creation tool for windows

Level Director
#101

Hi Mo,

It sounds like you are having some trouble but setting up your first project can be tricky.

You’re correct, you do need to create a main.lua file but I’ve just added to my todo list to detect if one exists and create one for you.

I think you have copied a main.lua file from an example that uses the asset management feature hence why you get the error i.e. your export does not contain this function as this needs to be turned on in the export settings under tools->options.

The best place to start is to copy the example1 project folder and rename it to whatever you want.
Comment out the code after the CreateLevel call.
Export your level to this folder and call it ‘level’ and try running the project (if you use a different name then change it in the main.lua file in the require line).

In the images folder remove the current images from the example and replace with your own.

The image sub folder is optional (see export settings) and just allows you to set this in the config.lua file. If you do not set this it will look for your images in the project root folder.

Give this a try and let me know how you get on.

In a future release I will try and make this a simple process when starting a new project.

Thanks.
[import]uid: 175213 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136571[/import]

#102

Hello,

THANKS so much! It worked. I was wondering about couple things (sorry, it is the first time I have used a level maker)

1- I know there is limit on the number of images (10 I believe) in the trial version. I had put more than that and I see that the last ones are shown. I then remove some and even renamed to make sure is under 10 but I still cannot see them? Is that normal? Do I need to start a new project?

2- I am assuming I need to use Lua code to make some objects on the scene spawned randomly?

3- Can you talk more about “animation sequences” how to use them?
In any event, this is a great tool!

Mo [import]uid: 100814 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136626[/import]

#103

Hi

I’m pleased you got it working.

Yes the trial version does restrict you to 10 assets but there are some loop holes when using sprite sheets, this has been addressed in the next version. In case you wanted to purchase the full version there is a $5 off code LD5OFF which is valid until the end of December.

If you want to spawn objects randomly then I suggest you use the export asset feature which gives you a function to spawn a object by its name, check out the examples, but remember you will need to set the export asset to on in tools-options.

Animation sequences require you to load a sprite sheet i.e. an asset that contains multiple frames. you set this when prompted for width and height.
a sequence then needs a name, start frame which would normally be the selected frame , the number of frames and speed.
Again if you look at the example with the dog running this demostrates animation sequences. The main.lua shows you how to prepare the sequence and play it.

Let me know how you get on.
[import]uid: 175213 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136690[/import]

#104

@ retrofitProductions

Wow, this is really a nice tool. But I have two important questions for you. :slight_smile:

  1. When is support for widgets implemented
  2. When is a MAC version released?

Keep up the good work! [import]uid: 106768 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136303[/import]

#105

Hi!

It would be really nice to be able to create a mirrored bezier curves (in x or y plane) from an existing curve. Like creating a copy of an existing curve using copy&paste and then flipping it in x or y direction.

Another thing: There seems to be no way to edit bezier curve point that is outside the boundaries… Like if I accidentally create curve that has one point outside its boundaries I can’t move it anymore. Maybe I’m missing something or could this be changed somehow? Of course for now I can recreate the curve to make it right but still.

Anyways this is a nice tool and has helped me a lot :slight_smile:

Br,

Kalle [import]uid: 55867 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136316[/import]

#106

Thank you for all your help! I tried to enter the discount code LD5OFF but for some reason it says it is invalid?

Mo [import]uid: 100814 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136725[/import]

#107

Apologies it is actually 5OFFLD [import]uid: 175213 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136760[/import]

#108

THANKS! I bought it. I am still waiting for the email with the licence key. Not sure how long that takes. I am just worry that I gave you the wrong email since it is different from the one on my Paypal account. You can send it to my Paypal account email or here:

lemsim @ gmail .com

Thanks.

Mo [import]uid: 100814 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136814[/import]

#109

That is strange as it should be emailed to you automatically.
I will get the key sent to you as soon as I get back to the office.

Thanks. [import]uid: 175213 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136822[/import]

#110

Thanks! Yes please send it to the above email. Can’t wait to “play” with it!

Mo [import]uid: 100814 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136825[/import]

#111

Hi,

Thanks for your comments.

Widgets are low on the priority at the moment as they will probably take the most time to do but I’m hoping to have something by 2nd QTR 2013.

I created Level director for Windows because I do not own a MAC so a MAC version is unlikely at the moment, plus there is also more competition on the MAC with Level Helper and Levels but you never know…

[import]uid: 175213 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136484[/import]

#112

Hi Kalle,

The mirror and flip options are on my list of things to do so hopefully I’ll have something for you soon.

With regards to the points outside the curve you simply need to extend the rectangle using the little drag box on the bottom right to make sure it covers all the points and you should be ok.
This is also my list in that if a point is outside the bounding rectangle then it should automatically be extended.

Thanks [import]uid: 175213 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136486[/import]

#113

Congrats for a great tool! I am looking at the free version first (1.8 I believe) and i have an issue and a probably a stupid question!

1- When I try to open an example, I get an error message saying something like:

“access to C:/…/Assets.idf is Denied” and below is rest of error message.

2- How I do add an image to the layer? I mean i can see can add text, rectangle and circle shape, but image?

Thanks. I am really hoping to use this tool for my next project.

Mo

[lua]See the end of this message for details on invoking
just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box.

************** Exception Text **************
System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at Director.LDObjectLevelPack.LoadPicture(String file_name)
at Director.frmDraw.mnuFileOpen_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e)
at Director.frmDirector.OpenFile(Object sender, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.RaiseEvent(Object key, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripButton.OnClick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.HandleClick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.HandleMouseUp(MouseEventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.FireEventInteractive(EventArgs e, ToolStripItemEventType met)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.FireEvent(EventArgs e, ToolStripItemEventType met)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip.OnMouseUp(MouseEventArgs mea)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMouseUp(Message& m, MouseButtons button, Int32 clicks)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)
************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.5662 (QFE.050727-5600)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll

Level Director
Assembly Version: 1.7.0.26369
Win32 Version: 1.8.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/retrofit%20Productions/Level%20Director/Level%20Director.exe

System.Windows.Forms
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3623 (GDR.050727-3600)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll

System
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3620 (GDR.050727-3600)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll

System.Drawing
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll

Microsoft.VisualBasic
Assembly Version: 8.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 8.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.VisualBasic/8.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualBasic.dll

Aga.Controls
Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/retrofit%20Productions/Level%20Director/Aga.Controls.DLL

PropertyGridEx
Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/retrofit%20Productions/Level%20Director/PropertyGridEx.DLL

System.Xml
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3074 (QFE.050727-3000)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll

System.Design
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Design/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Design.dll

System.Drawing.Design
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing.Design/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.Design.dll

System.Configuration
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Configuration/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Configuration.dll

aknkbie9
Assembly Version: 1.7.0.26369
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3620 (GDR.050727-3600)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll

0rykpvy4
Assembly Version: 1.7.0.26369
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3620 (GDR.050727-3600)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll

Accessibility
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.3053 (netfxsp.050727-3000)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Accessibility/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Accessibility.dll

************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this
application or computer (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.

For example:


<system.windows.forms jitdebugging=“true”></system.windows.forms>

When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer
rather than be handled by this dialog box.[/lua] [import]uid: 100814 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136497[/import]

#114

Hi Mo,

I sent you an email with the license key, let me know you received it ok.
Also, you may want to check your junk/spam folder if you don’t see it.

Thanks.
[import]uid: 175213 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136879[/import]

#115

Hi LairdGames,

  1. if you’re using Windows 7 X64 or Vista you will need to run Level Director as an Administrator (right click on icon and click ‘Run as Administrator’).
    You should then be able to use the examples ok.

  2. To add an image, you need to add an asset. The asset panel is on the left and you should see a paper type icon at the bottom, this is the add asset button.
    Select your image and it will be added to the asset panel.
    You can then simply drag your assets onto your layer.
    Note: if you have multiple layers then you must select the layer first from the layer window so it knows which layer to add the asset to.

I hope this helps, let me know if you have anymore questions.

Thanks

[import]uid: 175213 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136501[/import]

#116

Thanks so much! Yes I got it and it works great. I am having so much fun playing with the tool and thinking about future games using LD. I know it will make it much easier to design them now with LD. I really like how you can quickly see the effect of changes. The only thing I can think of making this tool is even better is more documentation on all the great features. I know that i am using probably only 10% or less what I can do with LD!

Congrats and thank you for coming up with such a great tool.

Mo [import]uid: 100814 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136883[/import]

#117

THANK YOU! for the info and the speed of response! I got it. I am having another issue which I am sure I am doing wrong (sorry for being dense today!) The test app crash because it cannot find the field “LoadAssets”? I copy/past the files main, config and build to a new folder (test folder) then change the line in main as:

levelDirector = require (“New Level”)

I export the project and then run the simulator from the LD.

I am sure I am doing something but what?

Thanks again. I think I will have a lot fun with this tool once I get the hang of it:)
Mo
[lua]Windows simulator build date: Nov 15 2012 @ 11:08:01
Copyright © 2009-2012 C o r o n a L a b s I n c .
Version: 2.0.0
Build: 2012.971
Runtime error
c:\users\clairdm\desktop\mytest\main.lua:22: attempt to call field ‘Load
Assets’ (a nil value)
stack traceback:
[C]: in function ‘LoadAssets’
c:\users\clairdm\desktop\mytest\main.lua:22: in main chunk
Runtime error: c:\users\clairdm\desktop\mytest\main.lua:22: attempt to call fiel
d ‘LoadAssets’ (a nil value)
stack traceback:
[C]: in function ‘LoadAssets’
c:\users\clairdm\desktop\mytest\main.lua:22: in main chunk

Copyright © 2009-2012 C o r o n a L a b s I n c .
Version: 2.0.0
Build: 2012.971
Runtime error
c:\users\clairdm\desktop\mytest\main.lua:22: attempt to call field ‘Load
Assets’ (a nil value)
stack traceback:
[C]: in function ‘LoadAssets’
c:\users\clairdm\desktop\mytest\main.lua:22: in main chunk
Runtime error: c:\users\clairdm\desktop\mytest\main.lua:22: attempt to call fiel
d ‘LoadAssets’ (a nil value)
stack traceback:
[C]: in function ‘LoadAssets’
c:\users\clairdm\desktop\mytest\main.lua:22: in main chunk[/lua]
[import]uid: 100814 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136505[/import]

#118

Hi Mo,

Glad you got the key ok and are enjoying using LD.
You are right though I do need to spend some time on the documentation which i will update and I have plans to do some video tutorials in the new year too.

Thanks and happy new year.

[import]uid: 175213 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136895[/import]

#119

Hey Everyone - I just created a new forum just for Level Director, and moved this thread under it. Just FYI. [import]uid: 10668 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136529[/import]

#120

I must be dense but I am trying to figure out to best start a new project with Level Director. I am assuming I need to make my own main.lua (and config, build) LD seems to produce a level.lua fine but I try to run in the simulator, it says he cannot find the main.lua in LevelTestFolder/Images/main.lua? Not sure why LD is looking main.lua in the Images folder? I probably setup something wrong. Maybe I do not understand what LD is really about:)

Any suggestions on how to actually start a new project rather than just starting from the example?

Thanks again and sorry for all these questions!

Mo [import]uid: 100814 topic_id: 30669 reply_id: 136568[/import]