MakeIcons.ifx

by Per Espen Hagen, 16-Jan-94


Here's a little ImageFX ARexx script I use for creating icons from my
images. To utilize it to the fullest, you need:

1. ImageFX :-)
2. ReqTools and RexxReqTools (from aminet)
3. NewTool (from aminet)
4. Some pictures...

In addition, you should create an ImageFX palette containing your
Workbench colours (for Workbench 3: as the first four and last four; fill
the ones inbetween with black). Save the palette as "Workbench.palette".
You can of course edit the "rendering options" part of the script to suit
your preferences.

You can select as many files as you like from the file requester, and you
are then prompted for Contrast and Gamma enhancing values. Optimal
values for these depend on your Workbench palette. The default values
give decent results on my system. Of course, for truly optimal results,
you should set Brightness, Contrast, Gamma, etc for each image
individually... but that can take time if you, like me, have hundreds and
hundreds of images on your HD. And if you decide to change your palette...
ugh.

The images are scaled to a maximum of 80x80, with aspect ratio
preservation, and sizes are in steps of 4, rounded upwards. I.e., an
800x600 image will be scaled to 80x60, and a 400x600 image to 56x80.
(The values 80 and 4 are set in the beginning of the script, and can be
modified.)

The rendered images are saved as project icons (input filename + ".info"),
and "vt" is added as default tool.


Hints and Tips

For the best results, choose your palette colours carefully. In particular,
if you want colour icons, be sure to have one red, one green, one blue, one
white, and one black colour. A gray and a yellow would help much too. But
that makes seven out of the eight colours in WB3... so you're rather
restricted in the choice of colours. Of course, the red, blue etc do not
have to be "pure". Actually, the default 8-colour palette is very good for
colour icons.

As an example, I've included a grab of part of my Workbench screen.

If you have any questions, I can be contacted by e-mail as
per.e.hagen@ffi.no.


Have fun,

Per Espen Hagen