Cobra Utilities for Doom & Doom II

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Text File | 1994-09-13 | 17.3 KB | 368 lines

─────────────────────────────── -= WADED =- A DOOM Map Editor ─────────────────────────────── Programmed by Matthew Ayres I've cut most of the documentation that used to be included here. It was all out of date and incomplete. What's left is sort of a mess. Better documentation is in the works (with help from Michael Giles). For now, this, along with WADED.REG and DMSPEC13.TXT should be enough. ┌───┐────────────┐ ──│ 1 │ Overview │────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── └───└────────────┘ WADED was designed to be an easy and decent DOOM map editor. It is completely mouse controlled, and run from DOS. The obvious goal was to write a good editor, so people would be able to create some good new DOOM levels from scratch that could be distributed in small patch .WAD (PWAD) files. Understanding of the structure of WADs is very helpful in creating them. With WADED I've included the "Unofficial DOOM Specs 1.3" by Matt Fell (DMSPEC13.TXT). Understanding how WADED works is also important, the WADED.REF file includes important information. It isn't complete either, and future versions of WADED will include better documentation and on-line help. Please read over the Main Functions before using WADED, you can't just enter a pitch-black forest without a flashlight. Hopefully it shouldn't be too hard for you get used to the interface. Once you've fiddled with it for a while, it's easy to use. All effort has been taken to make WADED easy and simple to use, but parts might not appear simple at first. WADED can be run from any directory on your hard drive. It needs no data files, nor does it create any configuration files. All WADED's information is kept within itself. It will attempt to locate your main .WAD file, but if it can't, you'll be prompted for one. WADED requires a mouse, VGA video card, and at least 460k of lower memory free. Tired of having to load Windows to use a map editor? Tired of programs that are hard to figure out, and offer little ease in designing levels? Tired of editors that don't use the mouse to it's fullest extent? Tired of editors incapable of generating the NODES? Tired of reading this? Then give WADED a try and see whatchya think. PLEASE!!! REPORT ANY BUGS, MISTAKES, IDEAS, REMARKS, PROBLEMS, DISLIKES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS, NOTES..... TO ME IMMEDIATELY! SEE THE SECTION BELOW ABOUT CONTACTING ME, THANKS! ┌───┐──────────────────┐ ──│ 2 │ Main Functions │──────────────────────────────────────────────────── └───└──────────────────┘ Throughout the editor, there are many buttons (like "+" and "-" or arrow buttons/selections). There is an important mouse feature to remember. That is, if you click the left mouse button on one of these screen buttons/selections, it will do nothing more than that operation once. Holding down the right mouse button will perform that operation until you let go. This is handy to scroll quickly through a set of numbers or a list of wall textures, etc. Sometimes the right mouse button is used to increment a value by one, and holding down both mouse buttons will perform the operation Another note about the mouse, sometimes a middle mouse button is mentioned. If you only have a two button mouse (like I), you can emulate the middle mouse button by hitting both the left and right mouse buttons at the same time. Yet another IMPORTANT NOTE about the mouse... If you're just coming out of Windows, the mouse cursor movement rate is set to like intervals of 8. Some other programs do this too. They for some reason don't reset the mouse upon exiting. WADED doesn't reset the mouse, and if it in that mode, the mouse will bounce around insanely when you try to move it. To counter this, exit by hitting "Q", then run the DOS program "EDIT" and exit that. That program will reset the mouse. Sorry for the inconvenience that WADED doesn't (YET) properly reset the mouse. Once WADED is run, on the right edge of the screen, there are many selections. The top four are: THINGS, LINEDEFS, SECTORS, and Draw Map. Editing features and commands for each are listed further on in this document. WADED starts out on the THINGS editing selection. Below these four selections are arrows that allow you to scroll the map view around. Also note that using the arrow keys on the keyboard will do this. Under the arrows are plus and minus buttons that will adjust the zoom level of the map view. The plus and minus keys on your keyboard will also do this. Next the current X and Y coordinates are displayed. They represent exactly where the mouse is currently pointing to on the map, while the mouse is in map view area. Under this is the "Grid" selection button. By clicking this you can toggle the grid on and off. Grid lines are every 128 units. Then come four more selections: Pick Map, Load WAD, Save WAD, and Quit. The "Pick Map" selection will let you select which map to edit from the currently loaded .WAD file. Use "Load WAD" to load map WAD files created by WADED or any other map editor. "Save WAD" obviously saves your map to a WAD file, and "Quit" exits WADED. The selection windows in the lower part of the screen, usually have four buttons, and a list of items, wall textures, etc. The top and bottom buttons will scroll the list one page up and down at a time. The middle two buttons will scroll the bar up and down one at a time. Also note you can select any item in the selection window by clicking on it. ┌───┐────────────────────────┐ ──│ 4 │ Keyboard Equivalents │────────────────────────────────────────────── └───└────────────────────────┘ For those of you who aren't mouse dependent (like me), here are the keyboard equivalents of most features: F1 » Edit THINGS F2 » Edit LINEDEFS F3 » Edit SECTORS F4 » Map Drawing Utilities ("Draw Map" selection) F5 » Drawing mode F6 » MakeSector mode F7 » SECTORS Definer F9 » VERTEXES move/create/delete mode F10 » LINEDEFS move/create/delete mode F11 » SECTORS move/delete mode DEL » Delete currently highlighted LINEDEF B » Build NODES, SEGS, and SSECTORS C » Clean up extra VERTEXES F » Flip currently highlighted LINEDEF G » Grid toggle on/off I » Info window on statistics of current map L » Load .WAD created by WADED or other map editor M » Pick Map from currently loaded .WAD file Q » Quit WADED S » Save .WAD (and builds everything needed, NODES, etc.) T » LINEDEF two-sided toggle V » View currently select wall texture or floor/ceiling tile ] » Go to next selection in lower right selection window [ » Go to previous selection in lower right selection window } » Go to next page in lower right selection window { » Go to previous page in lower right selection window + » Zoom in map - » Zoom out map ARROWs » Scroll map around ┌───┐──────────────────────────┐ ──│ 5 │ About DOOM Map Editing │──────────────────────────────────────────── └───└──────────────────────────┘ Drawing and editing level maps for DOOM isn't as easy as one might think. A good sized, decent level can take 50 or more hours to complete. If you're already familiar with the basics of how DOOM maps work, you can skip this section. WADED has been designed so you don't have to worry about every aspect of a DOOM map, yet, there are still some things that you must understand. In brief, they are: THINGS, LINEDEFS, and SECTORS. I'd highly suggest reading over the "Unofficial DOOM specs" if you don't completely understand THINGS, LINEDEFS, and SECTORS. The latest version of the specs is 1.3, and is included with WADED as DMSPEC13.TXT. To use a map you've created with WADED or any other fine DOOM map editor, simply have the .WAD file that the editor creates in your DOOM directory. Then type "DOOM -file filename.WAD" (without quotes of course) on the DOS command line. So, if you saved a level called "TEST", you'd run it by typing "DOOM -file TEST.WAD" ┌────┐───────────────────┐ ──│ 6 │ SECTORS Definer │────────────────────────────────────────────────── └────└───────────────────┘ This feature is out of date... please use the 'MakeSector' feature. If for some reason it isn't working properly, or there is something special you need to edit as far as sector definitions go, this feature is here to do that. The command option "Sec Definer" stands for SECTORS Definer. This is probably one of the hardest parts to understand and actually do when creating a map. WADED now has two ways to define SECTORS. Hopefully with those two ways, and with the first one improved, SECTORS defining shouldn't be as hard as it used to be. However, keep in mind that almost all of this SECTOR defining can be avoided be using the "Smart Draw" feature (meaning the main purpose of the SECTORS definer should be to fix or define something the "Smart Draw" feature couldn't handle). The SECTOR you're currently defining will be highlighted. To add a LINEDEF to this current SECTOR, click on it with the left mouse button. If the LINEDEF has never been defined to a SECTOR, then the front side of it will automatically be chosen. Otherwise you'll be prompted as to which side of the LINEDEF you want to become part of the currently highlighted SECTOR. ┌────┐───────────────────┐ ──│ 7 │ Authors's Notes │────────────────────────────────────────────────── └────└───────────────────┘ Well, another new version is here again! Once again, I'm sorry it's taking so long to progress on WADED. However, I don't always have all that much time on my hands to work on WADED. That, and sometimes I'm just not in the mood for programming! I'm doing my best to work on it though. With ideas from other people, and a ton more I have in mind, you should be seeing plenty more versions of WADED. There just seems to be an endless river of things to add to it, but someday they'll all be added. And some (later?) day all the bugs will be gone. But now I'm starting to dream on... WADED was completely programmed by me (Matthew Ayres). The only information I have used in creating WADED is from the "Unofficial DOOM WAD Specs" released by Hank Luekart and written by Matt Fell (very helpful!). And also I'd like to mention, I've obtained some information from Alistair Brown regarding NODES, SEGS, and SSECTORS. Of course I've gotten a few ideas from other DOOM editors, and I'd like to thank those authors for writing such excellent programs. Also thanks everyone else that has pestered me to continue writing this. Oh yeah, for those of you who are interested in knowing, I'm 18 years old. Why am I telling you this? I don't know, it just seems every time I read the documentation to someone else's program, I would just like to know how old the person is. Strange isn't it? Maybe not... or maybe... ┌────┐────────────────┐ ──│ 8 │ Registration │───────────────────────────────────────────────────── └────└────────────────┘ Please register WADED! If you continue to use WADED for more than two weeks, you are required to register it. I can't demand that you pay, I can only hope you're willing to help out. Registering is what keeps up my will to program this, it isn't always a bundle of joy. As you could have probably guessed, this program has taken quite a bit of my time, and I think that I only rightfully deserve some compensation. Registration is only US$10. It entitles you to a personal copy of WADED, without the beginning delay. Your name will be placed on the opening screen in a graphical font. You only have to register WADED once. Once you register, you'll be given WADEDREG. It will register any future version of WADED that you obtain, with your name. If you'd like WADED sent to you via mail, please add an extra $5 (making the total $15). WADEDREG will be sent to you on a 3.5" diskette. Send, in an envelope, your full name and address, along with cash or check to the address listed below. Be sure to tell me if you want WADED sent to you via mail, or if you plan on downloading the latest releases from my BBS. The address listed below is similar to a P.O. Box, but from a private company (Mail Boxes Etc.). Please be sure that you get all the information on the envelope correctly. ────────────────────────────────────────────── Matthew Ayres 977 E. Stanley Blvd., Unit 349 Livermore, CA 94550 ────────────────────────────────────────────── Thanks to all those who register and I hope you enjoy WADED. ┌────┐───────────────────┐ ──│ 9 │ Acknowledgments │────────────────────────────────────────────────── └────└───────────────────┘ Kirk Yokomizo (internet: kirk@wc.cdrom.com) Handles distributing WADED on the internet, and should be able to answer most general questions about WADED. He's also very good at pestering me to work on it. Alistair Brown (internet: a.d.brown@bradford.ac.uk) Great deal of help with the NODES. My node generating algorithm is almost completely based on information from him. Also came up with some very good ideas to add. Nathan Kidney (Morgoth) Talks to me voice all the way across the continent, to discuss bugs and great ideas concerning WADED. Much thanks! Michael Giles (Dwarf) Testing and pestering. Is now working on the new documentation for WADED, much thanks for that! "Unofficial DOOM Specs" Written by: Matt Fell (internet: matt.burnett@acebbs.com) Released by: Hank Leukart (internet: ap641@cleveland.freenet.edu) Nothing was possible without these specs that explain the structure of the WAD file that DOOM uses. ID Software Seems WADED would be completely useless if the group of people at ID Software hadn't created a great game like DOOM. Thanks to all the original beta testers of the early, buggy, prerelease's of WADED, and to all of those who have tested the public releases and reported back to me. ┌────┐─────────────────────┐ ──│ 10 │ Upcoming Features │──────────────────────────────────────────────── └────└─────────────────────┘ There really are so many you wouldn't believe me... WADED v2.00 is slated to be out pretty soon, it will be a lot better. ┌────┐─────────────────────────┐ ──│ 11 │ Contacting the author │──────────────────────────────────────────── └────└─────────────────────────┘ I can be contacted through my BBS, or through the Internet: BBS: Lithium BBS (510)455-0425 4 nodes, call hunting 28.8k V.FAST support Internet: ayres@cdrom.com IRC: WhiteFang, usually in #doom channel ;) ┌────┐────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ ──│ 12 │ Distribution and where to get the latest version │────────────────── └────└────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ The latest version of WADED can always be found on my BBS, the name and number for it are listed above. Hopefully it will get spread around on other fine boards. It can also be found on the Internet at: Address: ftp.cdrom.com Directory: /pub/doom/wad_edit/editors/ Address: infant2.sphs.indiana.edu Directory: /pub/doom/wad_edit/editors/ WADED will be always be distributed in a ZIP file, and it's filename will always be the format of: WADEDxxx.ZIP of course the "xxx" standing for the version number (i.e. 099 means version 0.99, duh). The files within the WADED archive will be: WADED.EXE, WADED.DOC, WADED.REF, WADED.HIS, README.1ST, FILE_ID.DIZ, and DMSPEC13.TXT. If you're going to distribute WADED, please leave it in its original format. Do not add nor delete any files from the archive. Do not tamper with or otherwise modify any of the files. Thanks. You may NOT charge any fee for distribution of WADED. You may NOT sell or bundle WADED with any product in a retail environment (shareware disk distribution, CD-ROM, profit business BBS system.) You may give WADED to your friends, upload it to a BBS, or ftp it to another internet site, as long as you don't charge anything for it. ┌────┐──────────────┐ ──│ 13 │ Disclaimer │─────────────────────────────────────────────────────── └────└──────────────┘ Usage of WADED is at your own risk. Running it is at your own will, and therefore you are completely responsible for anything that happens after you run WADED. Anything you do or create with WADED is your responsibility, and not the author's. Any damage caused to any person, computer, software, hardware, company, or business by running WADED is your responsibility, and not author's liability, since you have chosen to run it. If you don't understand these terms, or are not sure of something, or are afraid something bad might come of using WADED, don't use it. You are here forewarned. DOOM is a registered trademark of id Software WADED is (c)1994 by Matthew Ayres