Online Objects Catalog

FoxTamer · Post by **FoxTamer** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:45 pm

I want to float the idea of an oline objects catalog I have been toying with. I've already made it, but it's still pretty skimpy in content.

The program is an exectuable which you would run in the background as you work in the TES editor. It has categories like "Hlaalu Buildings" and "Trees" and "Textures," which you select in a menu.

When you select a category, for example "Hlaalu Buildings," the program shows you a screenshot of every Hlaalu Building, its filename in TES, and its origins (original game, Tribunal, or Bloodmonn). Or you coiuld select "Textures" and see them all laid out.

The point is to avoid randomly dragging objects out of the file list to see what it looks like. You could save tme by choosing exactly which static you want by selecting it from the catalog.

I'd like to know if there would be interest in this, before I put more time into it.

Eraser · Post by **Eraser** » Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:18 pm

I think something like this would be absolutely great.

Will you be able to include all the newly made objects?

FoxTamer · Post by **FoxTamer** » Sat Feb 07, 2004 2:26 am

Sure, I could include any visible object that anyone wants. All I need is a screenshot. I could do them myself, but it sure would be helpful if people could send me screenshots that I could just stick in the database.

When get this prototype working enough to demonstrate, I'll upload it here.

Garland · Post by **Garland** » Sat Feb 07, 2004 4:32 am

You don't know about the preview window I assume?

Just select an object while you have the window open and it shows you what it looks like.

If you have seen it, then nevermind me.

prometheus · Post by **prometheus** » Sat Feb 07, 2004 1:16 pm

this could be a must have program ..u could even add the one who made the mesh? just for rthe right credits

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sat Feb 07, 2004 1:24 pm

Nice idea, me likes!

prometheus · Post by **prometheus** » Sat Feb 07, 2004 1:52 pm

yes credits could even give info on how and to who ask for info on thast mesh or any things to be reported

Greybeard · Post by **Greybeard** » Sat Feb 07, 2004 2:08 pm

If you're doing what I think you are, you're asking for a TON of work! Sounds like you're going to take screenshots of every static in the game and set them up in a kind of multiple-reference database. If/when you get it going, I'd really love it. I'm so tired of clicking through 20 or 30 moldrock items to find the one I want! And sure, I'll send screenshots of the statics I've made. Just let us know when you're ready.

Post by **Haplo** » Sat Feb 07, 2004 11:02 pm

huge undertaking, but it's worth baking the cake to see the icing put on.

good luck!

FoxTamer · Post by **FoxTamer** » Sun Feb 08, 2004 12:31 am

Seems like there's interest, so I'll tinker a little more. I'm focusing on exterior objects right now (just because I mostly do exteriors myself), but will expand to other objects if there is interest.

When I get all the textures, and all the buildings for Hlaalu, Redoran, and Indoril in the database I'll release it, so I can get some feedback and decide if it's worth continuing. I'll post a prototype here in a few days.

GARLAND:

I'm aware of the preview window. However, my approach is to arrange individual images like a slideshow, but arranged thematically. So in other words, whereas chair statics are scattered throughout the lists, I would have them all together for easy and quick viewing. Also, I'm going to allow the user to select a view that shows all the objects in a class at once (for exampe, all Hlaalu buildings together) so you don't have to click through each one. Also, the prevew window doesn't cover textures, which is a source of headaches to me anyway.

Also, because the images are in a database, you can cross-reference in different ways (for example, all Hlaalu statics together, or all statics created by Greybeard, etc).

But if this program doesn't seem to imrove on the preview window, I'll just give it up, and go back to my life of quiet desperation....

PROMETHUS:

Sure, I can list credits and whatever other information for custom meshes, such as where to get it maybe...

GREYBEARD:

Yeah, you got it. It's basically a GUI (with a Daedric-style skin) siting on top of a large database which can be refeenced many different ways. It IS a ton of work, but I was hoping for some help if people like the idea...

Unfortunately, the program is getting awful big with all those graphics files. I'm not a graphics expert, but maybe there's a way to compress them...