PC PowerPlay 3/PCPP #3.iso/editors/deep/readme.1st

Text File | 1996-02-09 | 23.8 KB | 562 lines

       ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
       │  32bit DPMI DeeP and DeePBSP for DOOM+HERETIC+HEXEN  │
       └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

               The Second Official 1996 DeeP HEXEN release.

       >>> See below to order the Registered version of DeeP <<<

=============================================================================

  > If you are going to run DeeP in WINDOWS, please  read README.DOC for <
  > the details (or it won't work). You MUST change Window's SYSTEM.INI. <
  >     For QEMM and QDPMI.SYS,  please see README.DOC, it won't work    <

             You must have HIMEM.SYS in CONFIG.SYS
             And at least  FILES=20  in CONFIG.SYS
             For Windows 95, see README.DOC

    -   Please refer to README.DOC for installation and review.     -
    -   Review HEXSPECS.DOC for more HEXEN information (scripts).   -
    -   DEEPFAQ.DOC for frequently asked questions and solutions.   -

   DEU users, PLEASE review the docs, you can use DeeP sortof like DEU,
   but you'll be missing out on all the short cuts you can take.

   The mouse is THE ticket to shortcuts. Use the F6 option to set your
   mouse click speed for faster or slower click speeds.

=============================================================================

                   DeeP is a 32bit DMPI program that
                   edits DOOM, DOOMII, Ultimate DOOM,
                   HERETIC or HEXEN in ONE program.

   DeeP has Power, Speed and Ease of use. A long list of features you Dream
   of: from Texture drawing, Map printing, Cut, Copy, Undo, and Paste (even
   between different levels) to powerful -interactive- WYSIWYG drawing tools.
   It supports both keyboard and mouse users with equal ease. Ex-DEU users
   can use most of the key commands they already know, making DeeP easy to
   learn.

   With its unmatched set of options, awesome graphics speed (much faster
   than Windows) and DeePBSP (the *only* fastest nodes builder on the planet,
   plain and simple, just benchmark it), great levels can be created in less
   than 1/4 the normal time using other editors.

   Extensive error checking keeps you out of trouble!

   DeeP is written by professionals, (who happen to also love building
   levels<g>) to give you:

   - Quality where it counts, the way it should be!
   - Awesome Direct Drawing - instantly personalize with your graphics.
   - Flicker free fast graphics, minimum screen redraws required.
   - Edits ALL the games in 1 program with dynamic game switching.
   - Ultra simple script editing and saving.
   - True ONE-step linedef/sector drawing, no guesswork.
   - Accurate Gamma correction for easy viewing of those -dark- textures!
   - Unmatched reliability and ease of use.
   - Totally configurable, from display to error checking.
   - Fully documented, featuring indexed online Help and search (use F1).

   Registered users of 8.2x can upgrade to v8.35 for $5+s/h until 2/28/96.
   Registered v8.30 users can upgrade for shipping only until 2/28/96.
   All other upgrades are $9+sh.

   See the SIN (Strength In Numbers) incentive program for multiple copies
   (see ORDER.FRM).

   NOTE : To add the new features, prior projects need to be reconstructed!


                    New Features in DeeP 8.35
                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 = DeeP, a leader in editing innovations has another first!!

   Draw on any FLAT with more Awesome Direct Drawing (ADD)!  Combine this
   with the earlier Texture & Sprite drawing to make your level stand out.

   - You can draw dot-to-dot, snap lines, or free hand.
   - Copy and paste pieces of one Flat to another (registered).
   - Graphics pasting can rescale images.

   Edit the look of any floor and ceiling and have it instantly show
   up in your level with no complicated steps to follow. Either group
   the modified FLATs with your level or add as -FILE ... and it works!

   No other graphics program required.

 = New file Paste option fills the paste buffer with -any- PWAD. You can use
   this to make a library of shapes or take advantage of the easiest way
   possible to precisely merge levels.

   - New option to set the default paste path.
   - New statistics on paste buffer contents.

 = New command to save all FLATs in one file.

   All the FLATs need to be together, you can't just add parts and pieces as
   you can for wall textures. This commands makes it easy.

 = New command to save all SPRITES in one file.

   Don't like a weapon, change it! Works the same as Texture drawing.
   SPRITES have the same requirement as FLATs, they all need to be in one
   file if you want to change any of them.

 = New command to save the palette to a text file compatible with
   PaintShopPro or any JASC enabled graphics editor.

   This exact image of the PLAYPAL in text format makes it a snap to create
   accurate new color graphics.

 = Dump Lump command now repeats for quicker investigating of Lump structures.

 = Enhanced Thing editing:

   - MAPSPOTS automatically prompt for Tids.
   - TELEPORTS automatically prompt for Tids.
   - POLYOBJs automatically prompt for Polyobject number.

 = Any Architectural grid size now possible, not just a power of 2!
   For example, a grid size of 25 is valid.

   This is for advanced users who like to replicate to an exact scale.
   Normally, you also supply custom textures to "fit like glove".
   Press Shift+Ctrl+G and set any grid size you like.

 = HEXENTUT.WAD version of tutorial level added. We kept forgetting to
   show an example of the "metal grate" door, so we finally remembered
   to show you how in this level. Yup, this works for all the games.

   See TUTORIAL.DOC for showing the HEXEN problem area in this level!
   The PWAD also contains some simple scripting for sounds and a door that
   swings open and closed.

 = Save ALL graphics command is removed, since the two new ones above are
   easier to work with. You can still save any Lump to a PWAD if you want
   to touch up some of the other graphics, for example, the introduction.

 = Additional checks and more information for HEXEN levels.

   Tid and PolyId stats as well as node statistics with a disclosed
   formula for how the number was calculated. Press F1 in the node viewer
   to view the statistics.

 = New Help Index to find subject areas easier. Quickly browse areas of
   interest. Very useful when starting out and helpful for quick DeeP
   learning by experienced users.

 = Changed grid minimum default to 2 (since many didn't know you can set
   the range using F6 to anything you want).


   Weird problems fixed:)

 = Map level was inadvertantly closed and not reset when drawing on textures.

 = Error check for missing Tid and PolyId was always reporting -0-, although
   the LineDef number was correct.

 = Error check sometimes erroneously reported missing normal textures
   after playing the game (whew, finally found it).

 = The top menu scrolled sometimes making it "unreachable" (same whew here).

 Watch this space for more advanced DOOM+HEXEN+HERETIC editor features!


DeeP 8.20
~~~~~~~~~
   As promised, Awesome Direct Drawing (ADD) on any texture graphic is here!
   Now ADD your own graphics without having to touch any other graphics
   program.

   - You can draw dot-to-dot, snap lines, or free hand (if you dare).
   - Copy and paste pieces of one texture to another (registered).
   - Imagine putting your favorite monster on any wall!
   - Graphics pasting allows rescaling of images.

 = New detailed Texture composite information (TEXTUREx->PNAMES connection),
   so you can figure out what names and offsets are used to make up the
   textures. Each piece is not only named, but displayed as it appears in
   the texture.

 More Map printing options

   - Print the Tid of Things - Very useful for scripting work.
   - Things can print in any mode, not just Thing mode.

 = Sample Scripting documentation for HEXEN with a sample death match level.
   Thanks to Chris Becker, learning scripts is easier than ever!

 = Tuturial updated with corrections recommended by our many users, thanks!

 If 2 LineDefs are merged, the normal texture and impassible bit are always
 removed.

 Invalid textures indicated the correct SideDef, but the map display did
 not update correctly.

 ===========================================================================

DeeP 8.15
~~~~~~~~~
 Working with HEXEN has never been Easier and Prettier. Now with a
 revised larger Font for easier viewing at 800x600 and up.

   - NO complicated steps to follow for saving new Scripts or MAPINFO.
     One command and you're done. You have total control!
   - No forgetting what belongs to what. Your projects remember the
     script files and MAPINFO control, so you don't have to.
   - Large viewable area, even at 640x480 (use shift+I for full screens).
   - Project files revised for new Script and MapInfo control.
     DeeP will reinstall. Please redo any prior projects.

 New Integrated support for Scripts, MAPINFO, compiling and decompiling:

   - Hassle free save of with new MAPINFO resource in your PWAD.
   - Quick conversion of existing MAPINFO to a text file.
   - New Easy to use BEHAVIOR (script) override all in one step!
   - Edit map scripts right from DeeP using any DOS EDIT style editor.
   - Compile scripts directly from the editor when YOU want to.
   - Edit MAPINFO right from DeeP, same as scripts.
   - Decompile scripts from the editor using DEACC.EXE, totally awesome!
     Special thanks to Luc Cluitmans for this wonderful program.

 = DOS Shell exit (be sure you don't run the game in this mode!).
 = New quick automatic alt+F4 exit.

   Enhanced ITA (Interactive Texture Alignment) with interactive feedback
   A clever name and very easy and very fast.

   - Precise and accurate alignment of textures with TWO methods of
     alignment control:

     1. Use the key board: enter numbers or use PageUp/PageDown for
        automatic 1 unit changes.
     2. Use the mouse: move the mouse around and the X/Y offsets change.

   - Both methods interactively align all THREE textures continuously with
     the aligned texture shifting right before your eyes.

 EASY to read comprehensive information display for HEXEN added.

   - Rather than add a zillion more "hot" keys, DeeP's display allows direct
     interactive editing of all those flags! Press the shift key (or turn
     auto-follow off) and move the cursor to the bottom window and click
     any/all flags to change. Is that easy or what?
   - Same goes for those extra HEXEN arguments. Mouse click in the screen
     argument area and they pop right up.

 = Expanded level statistics for HEXEN.
 = Expanded and revised Thing display MASK (HEXEN has many extra choices).

   Enhanced IMP (Intelligent MAP Projection, I couldn't resist the name:)

   IMP makes HEXEN level editing so much easier with colorful visual cues
   ( and of course you can change the default colors interactively )

   - MAP display colors Script LineDefs and Teleports in LineDef mode.
     In Sector mode, if a Sector is "normal", height differences are colored.
   - In Thing mode, LineDefs referenced by Tids or PolyIds highlight.
   - In LineDef mode, referenced Tids or PolyIds highlight.
   - MAP display ignores HEXEN "Tags" when not relevant.

     Now exploring any level is much easier.

 = Paste and Mirrors commands now snap target coordinates to the Grid. If
   your level was made on a grid, the copy is also snapped (set your grid
   size accordingly!).

   Expanded HEXEN Search aids and CrossReference:

   - Search for Thing Tids and instant cross reference.
   - Search for Thing PolyId and instant cross reference.
   - Search for up to 5 LineDef arguments at once.

   The pace setting full screen DeeP browsers now made even easier.
   DeeP browsers are unique in providing true full screen browsing and
   scaling the zoomed graphic image, with minimal graphic clipping.

   - ALL browsers now have mouse button control for paging and magnification.
     (These are the map level, texture and flat browsers.)
   - The last magnification used is now automatically saved and recalled.
   - When in a selection Menu, click the left mouse button in the graphic
     displayed on the right and the browser automatically pops up, the same
     as if F1 were pressed.
   - As before, just click on a graphic displayed in the browser window and
     it is automatically selected.
   - All of this should make mouse users feel right at home:)

   Automatic HEXEN argument aids:

   - Automatic next Tid number and last one used display.
   - Automatic next PolyId number and last one used display.
   - Automatic prompt for the right Thing/LineDef args,
     right at your fingertips as you enter them!

   Expanded HEXEN error checking:

   - Check for HEXEN linedefs that must have tags.
   - Check for HEXEN linedefs that must have Tids.
   - Check for HEXEN linedefs that must have PolyIds.
   - Check for HEXEN keys with ability to disable (since keys/doors can be
     on different levels).

 = New shortcut: Cntrl+Enter - Gives instant access to LineDef Flag menu.
   Don't forget that Shift+Enter gives instant access to Type menus.

   Predefined Modes for HEXEN:

   - Predefined Door now works HEXEN.
   - Making a Lift from a sector now works for HEXEN.
   - Making a Door from a sector now works for HEXEN.

 = Two new HEXEN defaults, Normal Door and predefined Lift Speed and Delay.
 = Thing menu automatically scales large graphics to a smaller size.

   Everything moved to the graphical interface, now much simpler to use:

   1. View Sprites and all graphics.
   2. Export and import textures.
   3. Insert a file into a PWAD.
   4. Write a lump to a file or PWAD.
      Note: Use this to extract other information such as SNDINFO, etc.
   5. Listing of Current files.
   6. Listing of Current Lump entries.
   7. Dump contents of any Lump, flexible browsing viewer, print on command.
   8. Group PWADs (reg).
   9. Create a new IWAD (reg).

 = Extra protection for preventing a save on top of an existing file that
   is in use as a supporting PWAD for all save commands.

 = File menu key revisions, be sure to check, R(ead) a PWAD is now O(pen),
   following the more common convention.

 = Menu visual cues changed, ala W95 + a new About DeeP logo by Cyrus Amiri.

 = More revision for timer delay for machines without a math coprocessor
   (SX machines) to let them tune the mouse better.

 = Manually entering an invalid LineDef/Thing number caused an error.
 = Error checker was missing invalid objects (yes, these 2 are related).

   There's actually more, but these are the significant ones. I don't count
   changing the color of stuff and similar trivia<g>.


DeeP 8.04-7.00 (selective list, see DEEP101.DOC for details)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-  Many HEXEN menu aids added to automatically position you
   correctly so you don't have to hunt for what type it was.

-  Shareware version can now print maps up to the shareware save size limit.

-  Shift+Enter : Gives instant access to Thing/LineDef/Sector type menu.

-  You can Zoom to GIANT sizes.  This is very effective when you have to edit
   LineDefs that are very close together on a large map. For example,
   1 Doom unit apart is easy to work with.

-  Automatically converts DOOM/HERETIC levels to HEXEN (you fix the details)

-  POWER panning and zooming, really cranks on the larger levels!
   with definable upper and lower +/- key zoom limits.

-  PCX DOOM/HERETIC/HEXEN (-ravpic) screen shot viewer.  Real handy to see
   how an area looks!

-  Project files support for all files related to a project (IWAD, PWADS
   and texture defaults).  You can have as many projects as you like!

-  Windows like file browser for all file name access with level preview
   of all levels in a PWAD.

-  Registered version converts textures: DOOM to HERETIC to HEXEN and back!!

-  Shift+R : refresh screen display (for redisplaying the grid)

-  New Cut, Paste, Copy, Mirror and Undo Commands.

-  ClipBoard can Merge different PWAD levels (registered only).

-  Clipboard viewer (ctl+B), very useful for short attention spans <G>.

-  Level preview map browser, press F1 for thumbnail Map display.

-  Map Panning using the Mouse! Cntrl+Right Mouse or Left then Right mouse.

-  INSTANT grids with high and low range option, set from 1 to 2048.

-  New "Merge Sectors"combines any number of Sectors into 1 Sector.

-  New Error checking options to bypass and ignore various "errors".

-  New node display/traverse command (useful for troubleshooting HEXEN)

-  Zoom-to-Window command and Rezoom to previous window.

-  New ShowDragLength option shows the lengths LineDefs when
   dragging and drawing. This makes it very easy to set the lengths quickly
   and accurately.

-  Line drawing in ANY mode, plus a new command, ctrl+D to enter this mode.

-  New interactive Rectangle, Polygon, Stair, Curving Stair, Window, Teleport,
   and Door drawing tools. You won't believe how easy this is.

-  Simple first level instructions for the first time user. Under
   alt+H (Help) in Edit mode.

DeePBSP 5.03
~~~~~~~~~~~
   DeePBSP 5.03 builds nodes for all games automatically with no shareware
   delay for DeeP's levels.

   There are TWO different nodebuilding modes.  One is the original TURBO
   mode (slightly faster yet) and is used in the development stages (and all
   the way if no problems are noticed).  The second method is slightly slower
   and may be required by HEXEN.  HEXEN is sensitive to nodeline splits for
   the polyobjects.  If you look at MAP01, you'll notice some "junk" lines
   that were added to fix the nodes using their node builder.  DeePBSP can
   make MAP01 work fine when the extra lines are deleted in FINAL mode.

   The nodes depth is more important for speed than the number of nodes
   created.  DeePBSP's node depth in FINAL mode is very close to Id's
   levels.

   Normally, if you have a node problem AND you pass all the checks, it's
   either a DOOM engine limit/error or you could have something that is
   misleading the algorithm. 2-sided linedefs should normally be drawn
   counter-clockwise if you have a choice.  HEXEN is sensitive to multiple
   Node references to a Sector and sometimes this is a problem. We will
   work some more on HEXEN details, but the editor came first.

   Having a large number of visible varying heights can cause various
   problems. Both the Tutor and Online help discuss this some.

===========================================================================

                              Credits
                              ~~~~~~~
*  Jens Nielsen for wonderful levels and great ideas.

*  Luc Cluitmans for DEACC.EXE.

*  David Bruni for Zoom to Window and some future ideas.

*  Rainer Knijfff for the filter selection, unpegged Y alignment and more...

*  Jens Nielsen for criticsm/feedback on what he thought would be cool.

*  Timothy Palmer for relaying the latest Heretic info.

*  Jim Quinlan for helping discover the DPMI problems ahead of time!

*  All the users for many good ideas and showing me what things were not
   clear just hope I don't forget them. (I'm sure you'll remind me.)

*  Those who wrote in a confused state made me change the intro screens
   and help system. Without those complaints, we'd never have known how to
   address the issues.


The following people contributed to the original DEU program and thus should
be recognized for their part in helping to make DeeP since they made our job
a LOT easier:

* Brendon Wyber
     The first version of DEU was written by Brendon Wyber.
* Raphaël Quinet                  ([e-mail])
     Much of DEU was written by Raphaël Quinet (qwr)
* Matt Fell                       ([e-mail])
     Author of the great Unofficial Doom Specs.
* Steve Bareman                   ([e-mail])
     Rewrote the DEU documentation and wrote the DEU tutorial.
* Trevor Phillips                 ([e-mail])
     Original Textures viewer in 256 colors
* Colin Reed                      ([e-mail])
     Author of BSP node builder.
* Dewi Morgan                     ([e-mail])
     Original Drop-down menus and menu bar.
* Will Ellett                     ([e-mail])
     Configuration file and better command line parsing.
* Sean Malloy                     ([e-mail])
     Improved display of the LineDef flags, etc.
* Tobias Ringström                ([e-mail])
     Added the code to distribute floors and ceiling heights.
* Robert Hodkinson                ([e-mail])
     Texture alignment (X offset).
* Per Kofod                       ([e-mail])
     Added the code to display the pointer coords.
* Hank Leukart                    ([e-mail])
     Author of the DOOM FAQ.  Publisher of Matt's Unofficial DOOM Specs.

=============================================================================

                              Copyrights
                              ~~~~~~~~~~

  Copyright (C) 1994-1996 by Sensor Based Systems, Inc. (SBS)
  Refer to the file DeeP.LIC for further information.

  DOOM and DOOM II are trademarks of id Software
  HERETIC and HEXEN are trademarks of id and Raven Software
  ACC.EXE is Copyright (C) 1995 Raven Software

  UniVBE is Copyright (C) 1992-1995 SciTech Software and is a shareware
  product requiring separate reqistration.

  DEACC.EXE is by Luc Cluitmans.

  DeeP and DeePBSP are trademarks of Sensor Based Systems Inc.
  DeeP and DeePBSP were made by SBS and has nothing to do with Id
  Software.

                              Disclaimers
                              ~~~~~~~~~~~
  Id Software can't answer questions pertaining to this program. Id Software
  MAY not help you with problems encountered while using a WAD file created
  by DeeP.

  DeeP works on the registered and shareware copies of DOOM, DOOM II,
  HERETIC and HEXEN. Modified shareware levels CANNOT be saved.

  It is illegal to distribute the registered version of the DOOM.WAD,
  DOOM2.WAD, HERETIC.WAD or HEXEN.WAD file in any form, and Sensor Based
  Systems Inc. does not encourage you in any way to make illegal copies
  of DOOM, DOOM II, HERETIC or HEXEN.

  SBS reserves the right to add or remove any functionality of the DeeP
  software.
==========================================================================

                            Ordering DeeP
                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   1. Register Online with CompuServe GO SWREG reg id = 5392

      The current ShareWare version is found in the ACTION forum (GO GAM586).

      Email Internet address :  [e-mail]

      Latest & Greatest      :  http://www.wolfenet.com/~sbs/

   2. Print ORDER.FRM for Mailing Instructions.

   3. Register voice with MC, Visa or COD  [phone] voice

      In GERMANY you can register by calling the Thunder BBS:

          Tel: [phone] The SysOp Stefan Kufner

   Call Today and start your new adventure as a DOOM, HERETIC, or HEXEN
   wad author.

============================== The End ====================================