Yep, it's finally here! This program will convert your geoPaint files into IBM PCX format. The most common use for this will be to port pictures to geoDraw (PC/GEOS). It can be used for other things too - the PCX format is a common IBM graphics format, and can be used in many programs.
Upon running geoPCX you can select the image conversion options (if you so desire). The default settings are for conversion of color pictures to import to geoDraw. Under the "options" menu you can change these. The "color" selection will select between 16-color or 2-color (B/W) PCX files. For images where color isn't used, turn it off - the PCX file will be a lot smaller, and will import cleaner. (With color on, the image will look EXACTLY as it does on the 64/128 - the background will be light grey, etc.) The "PC/GEOS palette" option is only effective when color is enabled. When selected, it will optimize the colors for geoDraw. When off, it will make PCX files that perfectly resemble the original. PC/GEOS doesn't use the same color palette as the VIC chip uses, so not all of the 16 Commodore colors can be displayed properly on the PC. With the palette optimization on, geoPCX will map the unavailable colors to the nearest one. When off, you may notice a few wild color schemes when importing in geoDraw. If you don't care about geoDraw though and just want a PCX version of the geoPaint (to convert to a GIF, or whatever) then turn off the palette optimization.
To convert the file just pick "convert" from the "file" menu. Pick a file, then select a name for the output file; then the file will be converted. You'll see a bar graph showing the progress of the conversion. When done, you can convert another or quit.
This program is shareware!!! I know some of you will get good use out of this (the only other way to import files to geoDraw (MacAttack to convert to MacPaint format, then Graphics Workshop on the PC to convert the MacPaint to PCX) is clumsy, cuts off part of the image, and doesn't support color at all. The 'requested donation' is $5-$10 but as always, send whatever you feel appropriate (new cars, Sun workstations, etc. are welcomed as well). Even if you just send E-Mail or a postcard it's a nice gesture. My address is:
Jim Collette (Q-Link: GEOREP JIM / America Online: GWRepJimC / GEnie: JIM.COLLETTE)
6782 Junction Road
Pavilion, NY 14525-9755
Thanks to my fellow beta-testers for their help: Dale Beach, Bobby Dacunta, Dave Gibson, John Howard, Paul & Peter Hughes, Jim Kirkpatrick, Marshall Kragen, Susan Lamb, Steve Main, Terry Morgan, and anyone I forgot (sorry!). And last but not least - Angie, Eric, Keva, and the others at GeoWorks for their help in getting me information.
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