To expand the bottom Layout Parts window all you need to do is click the up arrow in the right hand corner. Additionally, if you want to make the window bigger/smaller move your mouse right about Layout Parts and you will be able to change the window size. Expand Layout Parts so you can see it while I explain the 4 different tabs.
Gadget/Item Tab
Allows you to view and select any Gadget or Item on the canvas.
When you select a Gadget/Item you’re presented with the above information for the selected Gadget/Item.
Display Settings
Positioning - The location where the Gadget/Item is, if you want to move it I suggest you do it on the canvas. Its way easier and less time consuming.
Display Layer - The layer the Gadget/Item is on.
Display Layer - The layer the Gadget/Item is on.
Gadget Settings
Designating the Starting Action Program - By checking this you can select a different animation to be displayed instead of the default one.
Luminance Adjustment - Allows you to change the color of the gadget, use the sliders to select the different colors for each section.
Luminance Adjustment - Allows you to change the color of the gadget, use the sliders to select the different colors for each section.
I hope it’s obvious that the Gadget Adjustment section is only for Gadgets...
Designating a Course
Courses - You can select a pre-defined course for the Gadget/Item to follow. Setting the path for a moving platform is a good example.
Starting Points - Allows you to select the point for your course.
Starting Points - Allows you to select the point for your course.
Cameras Tab
Display Settings
Positioning - The location where the camera is, if you want to move it I suggest you do it on the canvas. Its way easier and less time consuming.
Display Layer - The layer the camera is on.
Display Layer - The layer the camera is on.
Designating a Course
Courses - You can select a pre-defined course for the camera to follow. Good for creating shooting games.
Starting Points - Allows you to select the point for your course.
Starting Points - Allows you to select the point for your course.
The Camera's Tracking Target
Gadget - Allows you to have the camera follow a gadget.
Effective Range (Full-Screen Rectangle Selection)
Positioning - Allows you to define where the camera is.
Size - Allows you to change how big/small the cameras view is. The cameras view is the view the player will see when playing the game.
Size - Allows you to change how big/small the cameras view is. The cameras view is the view the player will see when playing the game.
Courses Tab
Display Settings
Positioning - The location where the course is, if you want to move it I suggest you do it on the canvas. Its way easier and less time consuming.
Course Types and Colours
You can select the course color; the course color won’t show up in the game. It’s used to keep your courses organized if you use a lot.
Linear - Creates a straight path.
Curved - Creates a curved path.
Circular - Create a circular path.
Curved - Creates a curved path.
Circular - Create a circular path.
Circular Course Settings (Only available if you selected the circle option above)
Radius - You can define the circles radius.
No. of breaks (angled) - Will create additional points in your circle.
Starting Angle - Define the starting angle. You can use the wheel to get an idea of where it will start.
Ending Angle - Define the ending angle. You can use the wheel to get an idea of where it will end.
Counterclockwise - Allows you to create a course that goes reverse.
No. of breaks (angled) - Will create additional points in your circle.
Starting Angle - Define the starting angle. You can use the wheel to get an idea of where it will start.
Ending Angle - Define the ending angle. You can use the wheel to get an idea of where it will end.
Counterclockwise - Allows you to create a course that goes reverse.
Loop Settings
Join ending and Starting Points - Will connect the starting and ending points.
U-Turn from ending point - When the course has reached the end it will repeat the course but in reverse.
No. of Loops - You can select how many times you want the course to loop.
Infinite Looping - Checking this box will make the loop loop forever.
U-Turn from ending point - When the course has reached the end it will repeat the course but in reverse.
No. of Loops - You can select how many times you want the course to loop.
Infinite Looping - Checking this box will make the loop loop forever.
Memory Settings
Memories to be changed at Points - Allows you to select the memory to change at that point.
Setting Points
Here you can add additional points to your course. A point is displayed on the canvas as a circular object.
Time To Next Point - Allows you to define how long it takes to get from 1 point to another. The units are seconds so make sure your number is in seconds.
Offset - How far away it is from the points on its left and right.
Memory Value Increments - Allows you to select the time the memory will change if you've set it up to have the course change a memory.
Offset - How far away it is from the points on its left and right.
Memory Value Increments - Allows you to select the time the memory will change if you've set it up to have the course change a memory.
Links (For Confirmation) Tab
This section only shows links that link to another canvas. It will not show links that are used to take the player from one spot to another on the same canvas. You cannot create or edit the links here, only view them. To create and edit them click the Link tab at the very top.
*Any link used on the canvas to take the player from one spot to another on the same canvas will be displayed on the canvas itself.
*When adding a Gadget, Item, Text, Camera or Course to your canvas the object properties window will appear. This is the same information as explained above.
*For information about using layers on your canvas read my "Basic Understanding of Layers" tutorial.
That’s it! You’re ready to start creating your own canvas! I've attached an example .GPD file with a makeshift canvas that you can use to mess around with what I explained above. It will only work on the retail version of Indie Game Maker.
If I've missed anything or something’s not clear enough let me know so I can make the needed changes. Also feedback is greatly appreciated! I do these tutorials for you guys and knowing they actually help encourages me to write more.
.GPD File
Understanding_and_Using_the_Canvas___Tutorial_Demo.rar (3.24MB)
Number of downloads: 51
