Network PC/Network PC.iso/windows 95 utilities/games/gaming utilities/wadauthor/wtfguide.txt

Text File | 1996-07-25 | 35KB | 863 lines

_______ _____ _____ __   ___  _____________ _____ _____ _____ _   _ ______
| ___  \  _  |  _  |  \ /  |  |  ____|  _  \_   _|_   _|_   _| \ | |  ___ \
| |  \ | | | | | | | . V . |  | |__  | | | | | |   | |   | | |  \| | |   \/
| |  / | \_/ | \_/ | |\ /| |  |  __| | | | | | |   | |   | | | . ` | | ___
| | / / \   / \   /| | V | |  | |    | |/ / _| |_  | |  _| |_| |\  | | \  \
| `' /   \_/   \_/ \_|   | |  | |____|___/  \___/  |_|  \___/\_| \_| \__| |
|___/    and DOOM II     \_|  \_____/           G U I D E           \_____/


                 By Jan-Albert B. van Ree ([e-mail])
                                Version 1.1

===========================================================================
Disclaimer
===========================================================================


        This info is to aid in informing the public about editing the
games DOOM and DOOM 2, by id Software.  In no way should this promote you
killing yourself, killing others, or killing in any other fashion.
Additionally, the author does not claim ANY responsibility regarding ANY
illegal activity concerning this file, or indirectly related to this file.
The information contained in this file only reflects id Software
indirectly, and questioning id Software regarding any information in this
file is not recommended.

        The author shall not be responsible for any damage done by using
information contained in this file.

        I am not in ANY way connected to id software. So don't ask them
for help.  Instead mail me at [e-mail] for questions about this
file.

        I do not gain any profit writing this guide. All of these programs
were tried as well as I could, and tested version was always shareware. If
anyone thinks his/her creation is not mentioned or mentioned wrong, please
email me. Don't bother the creaters of the discussed programs with
questions about this guide, send them to ME. I just love to get some email
from you DOOM fans!


===========================================================================
Copyright notice
===========================================================================


This article is Copyright 1996 by Jan-Albert van Ree.  All rights reserved.

        You are allowed to make copies of this file as long as it's a copy
of the original text, with my name, this statement and the rest of the
header included.  You may distribute this through a BBS or the Internet, as
long as no profit is made. Only exception made is for Compuserve. So watch
it Mr. Shovelware!  Put this on a CD or disk without my permission, and if
I find out I'm coming after you.

        You may not distribute this work by any non-electronic media,
including but not limited to books, newsletters, magazines, manuals,
catalogs, and speech.  You may not distribute this work in electronic
magazines or within computer software without prior written explicit
permission.  These rights are temporary and revocable upon written, oral,
or other notice by the author. If you would like additional rights beyond
those granted above, write to the author at "[e-mail]" on
Internet.

        This version of the DOOM editing guide was made specially to be
included in the WadAuthor package, by Williston Consulting. Don't
distribute this file only, but distribute the whole package.


===========================================================================
Contents
===========================================================================


Chapter 1 : What is DOOM and why do I want an editor

        1-1 DOOM by id Software
        1-2 Editing for DOOM

Chapter 2 : What can I edit

        2-1 Levels
        2-2 Graphics
        2-3 Music and Sound
        2-4 DOOM.EXE editing

Chapter 3 : Most used editors with background info

        3-1 Level Editors
            A) DEU
            B) DCK
            C) Deep
            D) EdMap
            E) Deth
            F) DoomEd
            G) DoomCad
            H) Renegade Graphics DoomED
        3-2 Graphics, Sound and Music Editors
            A) DeuTex and DeuSF
            B) WinTex
            C) MIDI2MUS and MUS2MIDI
        3-3 Nodebuilders and more
            A) IDBSP
            B) BSP
            C) Reject
            D) Warm
            E) Zennode

Chapter 4 : Authors experience

        4-0 Before we start editing : required for editing
        4-1 Level editing
        4-2 Graphics editing
        4-3 Music and sound editing

Chapter 5 : Where to get the stuff

        5-1 FTP-sites
        5-2 WWW-sites

Chapter 6 : People who have helped me with this "guide"

Appendix A : WAD author template


===========================================================================
Chapter 1 : What is DOOM and why do I want an editor
===========================================================================


[1-1] DOOM by id software

        DOOM is a three dimensional, virtual reality type action game
created by id Software. In some ways, it is similar to Wolfenstein 3-D
(id Software, Apogee).

        If you have ever played DOOM, you'll know it's a major step forward
compared to Wolfenstein 3-D. Even the level editing has improved. This
guide will try to give more information about most popular editors. It will
be updated every now and then, so if you want something mentioned /
reviewed please let me know. This guide is not just for you, a lot of stuff
is done BY you.

[1-2] Editing for DOOM

        After having finished all the levels, most people start looking for
more to play. Since the map-format of DOOM (this is the WAD-file) is pretty
easy to understand, and id has created options for adding extra levels, a
lot of people started making editors to create new levels, add new music
and sounds, textures and even new weapons and stuff like that.

        id has requested people not to make any maps that will work with
the shareware version of DOOM, to keep the sales going. Please respect
this! You can easily do this by using monsters / textures which are only
in the registered version of DOOM. So if you want to start editing and
want to feel good about yourself, register DOOM. It pays,  id Software :)
This does not go for DOOM II, which doesn't have a shareware version.
More about this in the level design FAQ by Tom Neff ([e-mail]).

        You may have heard of the Ultimate DOOM, featuring a new episode.
The main WAD file has changed somewhat, a patch to upgrade your version of
DOOM to The Ultimate DOOM with the 4th episode is at id's web- and
FTP-site. More on this in chapter 4.0.

        The same goes for Heretic. Look for Heretic Shadow of the Serpent
Riders. A patch to upgrade Heretic 1.2 to Heretic SOSR is also available.

        Everything in the DOOM.WAD file is copyrighted. So do NOT extract
textures or anything from it to use in your own work, original or modified.
Same goes for the DOOM.EXE file. You can only point at their resources,
like in a PWAD, with entries pointing to the main IWAD (DOOM.WAD) Also
copyrighted is the layout of the maps. So don't copy id Software's map
layouts, but be original and do your own layout! This also goes for DOOM ][,
Heretic and Hexen.


===========================================================================
Chapter 2 : What can I edit
===========================================================================


        There are two ways of editing. You can change the DOOM.EXE file,
with a utility like DeHackEd, or make / modify a WAD-file. By changing
the EXE file, you can change stuff like weapon damage or firing speed.
Editing WAD-files gives you the possibility of changing music, textures,
sound and maps.

[2-1] Levels

        One of the most fun things to edit is a map. There are a lot of
editors around to edit a map. You have a few options :

- Editing one of the original maps (from the DOOM.WAD file)

- Editing a map from someone else

- Create your own map from scratch

        The first two can give a problem. The original maps are
copyrighted. Also a lot of people don't give you the right to alter their
maps. More info is usually in the TXT-file which comes with the WAD-file.

        Also when you create a map, use the template discussed in appendix
A to give other people information about their rights regarding your
files.

        There are a lot of map-editors on the Internet. Some of them
require a separate nodebuilder. Most editors are shareware so you can try
before you buy. Where to get the files is described in chapter 5.

[2-2] Graphics

        DOOM allows changing graphics, like a wall or a monster. Again the
legal part: You are not allowed to change the original graphics and put
them in a separate patch WAD (PWAD) file.

        For texture changing you'll need a good photo-editing program. DOOM
uses its own color palette, so your drawing program should support non-
default palettes. All graphic inputfiles should be in BMP or GIF format.

[2-3] Music and sound

        Thanks to id, who released the MIDI2MUS utility, we are able to
make our own music. A MIDI file can be converted to a MUS file, which is
the DOOM format for music. This is pretty easy stuff, and can change to
mood of a level completely.

        If you have a SoundBlaster (TM) or 100% compatible soundcard you
can also record your own WAV-files and insert them in a PWAD file. So next
time a sargeant sees you, you could make him yell "He you there!" instead
of the growling noise. As far as I know, the Adlib and PC-speaker sound-
effects can not be changed. But I don't think they can be improved due to
the quality of these devices. If you're into DOOM and want some excellent
sound and music, go get an Gravis UltraSound Max or a SoundBlaster AWE 32.

[2-4] DOOM.EXE editing

        The last thing I will discuss is the EXE file editing. There are
just a few utilities for this, since this is one of the hardest parts of
DOOM editing. The only two I know are DeHackEd and D2, which are not
reviewed, since I do not have enough knowledge about EXE-editing.

        Changing the EXE file has one big disadvantage, the DOOM.EXE file
will be modified so it can't be patched to a higher version. So back up
the EXE file before editing it! WAD-files are easier to edit and to
distribute and don't make any changes in the original game files.

        Editing the EXE file is also only possible for DOS and Linux. It
can be used to cheat, by making faster weapons or getting more health, but
it also be applied to change the behaviour of monsters and create all sorts
of cool effects.

        Just like the DOOM.WAD file, the executable is copyrighted and
you should not distribute a modified version. id has however unofficially
accepted that DHE/D2 patches to produce modified executables can be
distributed.

---Conclusion---

        Probably the best thing for you, after you have read the DOOM FAQ
by Hank Leukart and The Unofficial DOOM specs by Matt Fell is to start
with the level editing. Then work your way up editing sounds, music, and
then the graphics. If you are still not satisfied, try the EXE editing.
Also keep the DOOM level design FAQ by Tom Neff at hand, this can be one
of your biggest "DOOM editing books". Additionally, see the WAD Designers
Handbook by Bill McClendon. But please remember before you start to MAKE
A BACKUP OF ALL THE GAME FILES!

For more information look in the RGCD FAQ by Frans P. de Vries, which is
posted weekly in the rec.games.computer.doom.* newsgroups.


===========================================================================
Chapter 3 : Most used editors with background information
===========================================================================


[3-1] Level editors

        The first thing you will have to decide is to get an editor that
will run on your system. If you are running under Linux or OS/2 you won't
have as much choice as when you were running under DOS.

        Editing under Windows is something special. It is very hard to run
DOOM under Windows, so if you get yourself a Windows editor, you will have
to realise that you'll keep switching between DOS and Windows, which will
take much time and can be frustrating.

        I will try to give you the latest version number, but I can't get
everything right the first time. If you want your editor here or you see a
version which is outdated, please contact me.

---DEU---

Written by Raphael Quinet ([e-mail])
and Brendon J Wyber ([e-mail])
The current version is 5.3 beta 9. Also available is a 32-bits version,
5.21 GC.

        This was one of the first editors around. It runs under just about
all platforms since you have to compile it yourself using a C compiler
and features all the necessary options for creating a good WAD file. It
allows you to insert DEMO files, edit maps, check maps for errors and
much, much more.

        My biggest problem with DEU was the user-unfriendly interface. You
have to keep the manual with you the first weeks you work with DEU to look
up the right way to get things done.

+ Very powerful
+ Allows editing of DOOM, DOOM II, Heretic
+ Lot of graphic modes supported (VGA, SVGA in 640x480 and 800x600)

- Not a very userfriendly program
- Doesn't support stuff like autobuilding of stairs

A lot of people have written tutorials for DEU. Get one of them and save
yourself a lot of trouble.

For people who don't like the interface of DEU there is a Windows version
called WinDEU.

        I've only tried version 5.9 (the new 32-bits test version) but I
must say that it's quite an improvement over the older versions. The big
increase of speed is very welcome, specially on large maps. This could
become even more populair than DOS DEU, if they can get all bugs out and
make it a bit more stable.


---Deth---

Written by Antony Burden ([e-mail]) and Simon Oke
Current version is 3.92

        Also a DOS editor, pretty much the same possibilities as DEU
and other DOS-based editors since it was based on the DEU source code.
Again pretty easy to use. For Hexen editing get Heth, this is a special
Deth version for Hexen.

+ Good user interface
+ Fast (pretty much because it is a DOS program, like other DOS programs)

---DeeP---

Written by Sensor Based Systems ([e-mail])
Reviewed version 8.40
Current version is 8.50

        DeeP is a DOS based editor with (wat a change) a nice user inter-
face and a lot of tutorial stuff included. But again no install file. This
is very powerful stuff. Also a 32-bits version out. It can put a lot of
separate PWAD files into one big one. The editor allows you to see the
textures you can use for e.g. a wall. It also contains some info about DOOM
itself. The interface looks somewhat like Windows. Support for DOOM,
DOOM ][, Heretic, Hexen and Strife. Hexen support is superb : built in
Hexen script support (only in registered version)

+ Easy to use
+ Works under DOS and still has a good interface
+ Very fast

- Can't think of anything right now

---DCK (DOOM constuction kit)---

Written by Ben Morris ([e-mail])
Current version is 3.4

        Another DOS based editor, but with a better user interface. One of
the most powerful editors I have come across yet. It has built-in functions
for building doors, stairs and elevators. Really good. If you hate Windows,
this is probably the best editor for you. It works on all id games for now.

+ Real easy to use
+ Lots of work is done for you when building stairs and elevators

- Can't think of anything right now

---EdMap---

Written by Jeff Rabenhorst ([e-mail])
Reviewed version 1.31
Current version is 1.40, but this is still pretty unstable.

        Again a DOS based editor, but the interface could use some extra
work. The tutorial files are pretty good. This editor (also) looks a bit
like DEU. All important functions for building maps are included. All
pretty standard I guess. Contains some fun stuff, like autobuilding of
stairs, elevators and teleporters.

+ Lots of extra's for levelediting
+ Nice config. program

---DoomEd---

Written by Geoff Allen ([e-mail])
The current version is 4.2 which is for Windows 3.1

        DoomEd is one of the first Windows based editors. It features
almost everything you expect from an editor. It is very easy to use and
has a lot of handy tools for standard procedures like building stairs.
DoomEd can handle multilevel WAD-files, demo's, music and much more. If
only a good online help was included. Best is you get to choose the way
of nodebuilding!

+ Very easy to use
+ Almost everything can be inserted / removed
+ Can make PWAD files and DWD files (for IDBSP nodebuilder)

- Can crash at the most weird times
- Editing things on big levels is a bit shaky sometimes
- Sometimes doesn't save correctly

---DOOMCad---

Written by Matt Tagliaferri ([e-mail])
Current is 6.1 which is for both versions, and runs under Windows 3.1

        I have had a hard time getting this editor up and running, but it
was worth the effort. This is a very nice Windows editor, and although not
with as many possibilities as DoomEd, DCK or DEU, still more than enough
for beginners to "get the hang of it".

        Unfortunately it doesn't allow you to make multilevel PWAD files,
but there are several utilities that can combine a bunch of lose PWAD file
into one big PWAD file. Also scrolling of the map isn't very easy since
there are no scrolling bars (why?)

+ Very easy to use
+ Clear and useful online help file

- Hard to set up (no nice setup file included!)
- Not enough stuff in it for advanced editing

---Renegade Graphics DoomED---

Written by Renegade Graphics ([e-mail])
Current version is 2.20 for running under Windows 3.1

        This is a nice editor, with a good install program and a nice
looking editor screen. It runs under Windows. And again, no online
helpfile. But there is a nice textfile included with more info on building
your own map.

        I have has some trouble working with this one. For instance, you
can't move around in your map very easy with a scrollbar or something like
it. Also making multilevel PWAD files is very difficult or even impossible.

+ Easy to use
+ Lots of things can be adjusted to your own taste

- Editing multilevels is (nearly) impossible
- Only good for maps

---WadAuthor---

Written by Williston Consulting
Current version 1.2 for Win95/Windows NT or Win32S 1.3 or higher

        This is definately one of the most stable and easy to use Windows
editors around. It features multimap making and lots more. After
registering the authors even give you a bonus, some DOS utilities to list
and change WAD files.

        The editor has some very nice things, like showing a picture of
the thing instead of some coloured dot. The help files are very clear
even to newbies :)

+ Easy to use
+ Can edit almost all maps (Hexen and Ultimate DOOM also!)

- Zooming isn't very comfortable


And last there are some editors now for Apple users. No review since I
don't know one little thing about Apples. Anyone....? Same goes for Linux
and other platforms.

[3-2] Graphics, Sound and Music Editors

        When people make their own WAD files, they usually want to change
the graphics as well, to make something that is really their own product.
This can be done with a graphics editor. Wall textures are made out of
patches. We have wall textures existing of one patch, like the ashwall
texture, and textures that are created by combining more patches like all
the switch textures. A flat (floor or ceiling graphic) is always one entry.

        So it is possible to get a picture, convert it to a GIF or BMP
file that is 128x128 pixels (or any power of two) and put it in DOOM as a
graphic, to make a patch out of it. The patch can be used to create a
texture. DOOM uses a different color palette, so your photo-like pictures
may turn out to be terrible once you get to see them in DOOM. Best is to
get a program like Paint Shop Pro and extract the palette from a picture
and use this for creating new graphics. To make something in a graphic
transparant use a unique color and pass on the RGB value for this color
to your importing tool. The tool will change the graphic so DOOM can use
it the way you want it.

        Due to some fault (??) in the DOOM engine the flats (floor and
ceiling textures) can't be changed like this. There are two ways to
(legally) do this. One is to make a WAD file with only the necessary new
flats and let the user use DeuSF to include all other flats in the WAD so
it works. Method number two is to change ALL the flats and put them in your
PWAD. Floors and ceilings CAN'T be animated.

        The most tricky part is replacing sprites. All monsters and some
objects have 8 views. To replace the graphics correctly you need to
replace all of the views or things will look weird. Some things are
animated, like barrels. You CAN'T make the animation cycle bigger without
changing the DOOM.EXE file.

---DeuTex and DeuSF---

Written by Olivier Montanuy (?.?@compuserve.com)
Current  DeuTex version 3.6
         DeuSF  version 3.8

        DeuTex is a DOS utility which is run from the command prompt.
There is a Windows shell, but this doesn't improve things very much. This
utility is very powerful and can import to and extract graphics from a WAD
file. Picture format is BMP or GIF. It can also build/rebuild PWAD files.
It basically can extract or import ALL entries in a WAD file.

        DeuSF is for making PWAD files with changed sprites or flats. This
is normally not possible. Supports GIF, BMP, WAV, AU and MUS.

+ Can do almost everything
+ Good manuals available

- Not very easy to learn

---WinTex--

Also written by Olivier Montanuy
Current version is 4.2

        To make up for the inconvenience using DeuTex, DeuSF and other DOS-
based utilities, this neat Windows program controls all these DOS programs
by running them using a PIF file. The program is just a shell that sets up
the programs parameters. It is very easy to use and all of your knowledge
from the DOS utilities can still be used.

+ Combines the good things from the DOS utilities and the Windows interface

- I don't really know

---NWT (New WAD Tools)---

Written by Denis Moeller
Current version 1.3. NWTpro 1.4 beta 1 is out but still a beta...

        Just like WinTex, this is something you just have to get and try.
It does almost everything Wintex can, and runs under DOS. This is really
great stuff you guys. Go get it!

+ Importing/Exporting almost everything in WAD files.
+ Very clear menu structure
+ Also for Heretic, with a different palette!
+ Plays soundeffects on a SoundBlaster

- Why not a cfg-file, but a -file parameter????


        By changing music and sound in DOOM, you can create a totally
different atmosphere. This is very easy, specially if you have some MIDI
device like a keyboard. Make your own MIDI file and convert it to DOOM
music. You can also extract MUS files from DOOM and convert them to MIDI.
You CAN'T use a WAV file as music in DOOM or related games. Same goes for
VOC and AU files. MOD files might work if they can be converted to MIDI.

        To record sound for DOOM you need a SoundBlaster or 100% hardware
compatible soundcard. Recording is done in MONO on 11kHz. DOOM makes its
own stereo-effect if needed. Maximum length is about 6 seconds.

---MIDI2MUS---

Written by id Software

        As far as I know this is the only way to make music for DOOM. Use
a MIDI file as input, and out comes your MUS file. Easy to use. There is
no alternative, but if this is still to difficult, it can be controlled by
Wintex.

+ Easy to use

- Don't know anything

---MUS2MIDI---

Written by Jochem Erdfelt ([e-mail])
Version 0.9

        Now let's go the other way! This is a bit trickier. Best is to use
Wintex, since you will not be bugged with questions about the tempo of the
song. This information is required if you run it from the command prompt.

+ Only one (again) but pretty good.

- Not to easy to use (unless run from Wintex)

[3-3] Nodebuilders and more

        If your editor can't build its own BSP tree you'll need a builder
like BSP or IDBSP. Input is a DWD or WAD file. If your editor gives you a
WAD file, and your nodes builder needs to have a DWD don't worry, this can
be converted to a DWD file. Some builders also build a good reject map, to
speed up the game by reducing the line-in-sight calculations.

---IDBSP---

Written by id for NextStep and ported to DOS by
Ron Rossbach ([e-mail])
Current version is 1.10

        The original. Builds the smallest levels, and also the fastest. But
still has some bugs, even admitted by id. Source code is available, so if
you have the guts, give it a shot. It is written in C.

+ Fast and easy to use

- DWD file needed, so most of the time you have to convert your WAD
- Coprocessor highly recommended, emulating is real shitty!

---BSP---

Written by Colin Reed ([e-mail])
Current version is 1.5

        This builder is available for most systems, DOS, Unix and OS/2 so
everyone can use it. Most used since it was the first for DOS. Used in
most editors that can build their own BSP tree.

+ Fast, easy and most used

- WAD files are a tad slower and bigger than with IDBSP

---Warm---

Written by Robert Fenske, Jr ([e-mail])
Ported to OS/2 by Mark K. Mathews ([e-mail])
Current version is 1.6

        Again a very good nodebuilder, the authors even claim this is one
of the fastest nodebuilders around. This one indeed is fast, but the maps it
builds aren't the smallest (IDBSP builds the smallest maps) but are very
playable. Due to the reject builder the maps play very well. Also does
other things like merging 2 PWADs into 1. Supports DOOM, DOOM ][, Heretic
and Hexen.

+ Very fast builder
+ Good reject builder
+ Source included

- WAD file size pretty big compared to IDBSP (the original)
- Difficult in use when you have special effects like invisible doors
- Some bugs with special shaped sectors have been reported

---Zennode--

Written by Marc Rousseau ([e-mail])
Current version is 0.98a

        Again a very fast nodebuilder. Included in the ZIP file is a
program to check how the BSP is build. Pretty good looks. Supports DOOM,
DOOM ][, Heretic and Hexen. Also builds a reject table. Works under OS/2,
DOS and Windows 95/NT.

+ Very fast
+ Easy to use

- Nothing to see here...move on please

---RMB---

Written by Jens Hykkelbjerg ([e-mail]) and
Steve Benner ([e-mail])

Current version is 3.0

        This is a very good reject builder. Works better than reject and
it's behaviour can be adjusted to your taste and time. It also gives the
efficiency of the reject map

+ Better than reject and other utilities
+ Easy to use

- On large map it takes a LONG, LONG time

---Reject---

Written by L.M. Witek ([e-mail])
Current version is 1.10

        This util only builds a reject map, so only useful if your editor
does make a BSP tree but no reject map. Works pretty good. But you better
get an editor that does all the work in one time or use IDBSP.

+ Reliable
+ Easy to use

- This is a lot of extra work (most of the time this is not needed because
  the editor can do it, and most levels are not that big)


==========================================================================
Chapter 4 : Authors experience
==========================================================================


[4-0] Required for editing

The Official DOOM FAQ by Hank Leukart, filename DMFAQ??.ZIP, where ?? is
the version number. 66 (6.666) is the latest.

The Unofficial DOOM specs by Matt Fell, filename DMSPEC??.TXT or .ZIP,
where ?? is the version number, 16 (1.666) is the latest.

        If you have decided which platform to use get some editors, best
is to get one listed since these are the most used. Also needed are :

- A fast computer (486) with 8Mb and a big HD for easy working, especially
  if you want to edit under Windows. If you don't have 8Mb and a 486, don't
  try editing under Windows, but go to DOS unless you want to spend half
  of your time waiting while Windows is starting up or (re)building a map.
- A lot of patience.
- Try getting all versions of DOOM and DOOM ][ to test your WAD file!
  If your PWAD doesn't work with one or more versions, mention this in the
  WAD template (appendix A). For DOOM the latest version is The Ultimate
  DOOM with DOOM OS version 1.9, for DOOM ][ it's 1.9 also. This is it.
  id has no plans to go any further. Heretic's latest version is 1.3, and
  Hexen's latest version is 1.1, with 8 player capabilities included!
- Before starting, READ the unofficial DOOM specs and the Official DOOM FAQ
  and anything else you can get.
- A freezer with some beer or something like it.
- A really sick mind filled with hellish idea's for levels (just kidding!!)

[4-1] Level editing

        I started editing using DEU and DeeP, but since I like Windows
more and I already had DoomEd on some shareware floppy, I started using
DoomEd and I still do! In my opinion, DoomEd is one of the best editors.
It can make multilevel WAD files, you can use almost unlimited pre-
defined sector styles and all graphics can be viewed for easy editing.

        Recently I started using WadAuthor, after finding out it wouldn't
run on my system because I needed Win32S version 1.30. This is now my main
level editor although I still use DoomEd for some special things. And
why not have the good things of both ?

        One of the best things about DoomEd is that everything is sector-
oriented. So you make 2 sectors, and then connect the vertices by dragging
them along the screen with the mouse and that's all! Making doors and
stairs is easy, most work is done for you, even the texture aligning.

[4-2] Graphics editing

        I have to admit that I am pretty new to this stuff. I myself use
WinTex 4.2 since I hate all the stand-alone DOS utilities. WinTex has all
these files, and can control them all. As photo editor I use CorelDraw 5.0,
but shareware stuff like Paint Shop Pro is just as good and easier to
learn. NWT is also pretty handy since I don't have to load Windows to
change one small thing.

[4-3] Music and sound editing

        Since I am also a musician, I am pretty much into MIDI files. As
MIDI editor I use Recording Session, a (again!) Windows program. The
converting is done using WinTex and inserting is done by DoomEd. MIDI
files can be grabbed from BBS's and also from Internet. Try picking one
that fits with the mood of your level!

        Editing sounds is a little bit more tricky. Since I have a Sound-
Blaster AWE 32 I use some Creative software for recording the WAV file. WAV
files are also available on BBS's and Internet if you are too lazy to make
them on your own. Importing done by WinTex.

Conclusion: I do everything with DoomEd and Wintex.

Wintex can control more stuff than is included in the ZIP file, read the
text files and get the other files as well, you won't be sorry. Always
try to get the latest version of all programs, these usually have less
bugs.


        If you are new to editing, try getting some good WAD's. A good
list like the one in the Official DOOM FAQ will help. The DOOM WAD yellow
pages can help on this too, at
http://www.vivanet.com/pecora19/dwyp/dwyp.html

        Also try the WTF productions site, a DOOM II support group, they're
at http://www.gamers.org/wtf And remember, becoming good at something
usually takes a lot of time and practice so keep trying and don't be
ashamed to ask questions. The perfect newsgroup for editing questions is of
course rec.computer.games.doom.editing. This is the homebase for all DOOM
level editors. The people here can answer almost all of your questions.
Good luck with your WAD making career!


===========================================================================
Chapter 5 : Where to get the stuff
===========================================================================


[5-1] FTP-sites

        Look in the REC.COMPUTER.GAMES.DOOM.* newsgroups. There is a FTP-
and WWW-FAQ with all major DOOM sites listed, which is always up-to-date.
It's at http://www.cdrom.com/pub/idgames/docs/rgcd-pips/FTP_WWW_sites.html
too.

        All FTP-sites are anonymous, so your name is ANONYMOUS and the
password is your email adress. Also for a list of where to get most DOOM
related software get the RGCD FAQ by Frans P. de Vries. This FAQ gives
latest versions of most utilities and where to get them. And finally some
important news about DOOM and other 3D-games is also published here. The
FAQ is updated regularly, so try obtaining the latest version.

[5-2] WWW-sites

id Software website    http://www.idsoftware.com
            ftpsite     ftp://ftp.idsoftware.com
GT Interactive         http://www.gtinteractive.com
Raven                  http://www.ravensoft.com
Hank Leukart's pages   http://www.happypuppy.com/hleukart
WTF productions pages  http://www.gamers.org/wtf
            ftpsite     ftp://ftp.gamers.org/pub/wtf
For everything else, see chapter [5-1]


===========================================================================
Chapter 6 : People who have helped me with the guide
===========================================================================


id Software for creating DOOM, Ultimate DOOM, DOOM II, Final DOOM, Quake,
            Heretic and Hexen
Raven for Heretic and Hexen.
Hank Leukart for writing The Official DOOM FAQ.
Matt Fell for the Unofficial DOOM specs.
Frans P. de Vries for the ASCII logo, and much more. Without him, this
                  text never would exist.
Raphael Quinet for comments and suggestions.
Kapi for comment on text and giving me a DoomGate account :)
The WTF productions group and especially D.J. Quad.
Everyone else that helped me in ANY way.


===========================================================================
Appendix A : WAD template, extra info about your PWAD
===========================================================================


        There is a special template, which everyone should fill in and
include when they distribute their WAD file(s). This template gives other
people all the information they need to have regarding to your WAD file(s).
The template can be found on all DOOM FTP-sites (see [5-1] above) in the
subdirectory docs/editing/wadtempt.zip.

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