Some graphics file conversion utilities, and programs that have internal
conversion features may be able to produce PCX files in a format that
MSAPCD can accept.  There are, however, certain restrictions that apply to
files for import which are set out below. 

1. The original picture file should use only the 16 base
   colours of the PC, and not use colours that have been
   specially mixed (eg a custom palette) that are out of
   this range of colours.

2. All of the picture that lies outside of the first 180
   columns (pixels) by 180 rows (pixels)  will of course
   not be imported,  because the maximum  design area in
   MSAPCD is 180 columns  by 180 rows.   The picture may
   have to be  manipulated first so that it occupies the
   top lefthand corner of the picture  area that the art
   program makes available.

3. A PCX, or PC PAINTBRUSH type that  is defined as MCGA
   256  colour format  must be  selected  as the type to
   convert the picture to.

4. Only files with a file name  extension of PCX will be
   imported, so you may need to  use the REN  command at
   the DOS prompt to rename the file to include  the PCX
   extension (eg C:\>REN picture picture.PCX).

If you have the popular Deluxe Paint art program from Electronic Arts,
then you will be able to create designs in DPAINT, making use of the
sophisticated drawing and painting tools it offers, then convert the
picture file to a special PCX file format which can then be loaded into
MSAPCD.

A few procedures should be followed in order to make an easy transition
from the one design environment to the other.  Advice and the steps to be
taken are given below.


CREATING A DESIGN IN DELUXE PAINT

When you start DPAINT, you should specify a 16 colour screen format with a
resolution of 320 x 200; EGA or VGA options are available from the DPAINT
screen mode list.  You can change the screen mode from within DPAINT by
selecting SCREEN FORMAT from the PICT menu.

Use ONLY the 16 default colours shown at the righthand side of the screen.
You should NOT create a custom palette.

Press the LEFT arrow key on the keyboard once, then the UP arrow key once,
to make sure that the top lefthand corner of the design area is in view.

When you have finished your design, click the left mouse button on the
BRUSH SELECTOR (next  door to the TEXT - A - icon) and move the cursor to
the top lefthand corner of the design.  Click on the RIGHT mouse button and
keep it pressed down while dragging the bottom righthand corner of the
rectangle to the bottom righthand corner of the design.  When the design
has been "framed" then you may let go of the mouse button.  You can now
either save the design as a BRUSH by choosing SAVE BRUSH from the FILE menu,
or the design can be moved to the top lefthand corner of the design area,
and fixed into place by pressing the LEFT mouse button - this must be done
because MSAPCD will import only the first 180 columns by 180 rows of the
design.  Having successfully saved the design, you can then exit DPAINT.


CONVERTING A DELUXE PAINT FILE TO THE RIGHT PCX FORMAT

DPAINT comes with a file conversion utility called CONVERT.EXE.  You
should first locate this file by changing to the DPAINT directory then
typing DIR CONVERT.EXE.  If the file is not found, then it may reside
within the BRUSHES or PICTURES subdirectory, so you will need to use the
CD command to change to each subdirectory to find out which contains the
conversion program.

From the DOS prompt you should type the following (the example uses a hard
disc drive C:, although another drive could be used):

   C:\DPAINT>CONVERT -D design.LBM -P5 C:\MSAPCD\PCX\design.PCX
    
You are telling the CONVERT utility to treat the input file (your DPAINT-
created file) as a DPAINT file (-D), that you want it converted to a PC
PAINTBRUSH MCGA PCX file (-P5), and then saved to the MSAPCD PCX sub-
directory under the given name - it is advisable to use the same ROOT
file name as the original file, but with the PCX extension.

MSAPCD V2.0 will import MCGA PCX files with a PCX extension ONLY, and
according to the preceding rules.  Also note that any colours that are
included in the PCX file that do not match the 16 base colours of PC
computers will appear as BLACK within the design.

The PCX import facility was included to allow quick loading of pictures/
designs produced with the aid of other graphics programs that are capable
of having their 16 colour picture files converted to MCGA PCX files.  It
is not a multi-featured facility because programming space does not allow.
However, if you are willing to invest the time in learning how to change
file formats, I think you will find the feature extremely useful.


15 NOVEMBER 1993