Users browsing this thread: 2 Guest(s)
[READ ME] SPRITE SHEET GUIDELINES (UPDATED 6/23/2012)
#1
Sprite Sheet Guidelines
by Gors

check out the old thread here.

The latest revision of the icon maker can be found here: http://www.mediafire.com/?25bjqvxnx9dp8wo

Is this your first time adventuring in the world of sprite ripping? Then I think you'll need some valuable tips for making a good sprite sheet!

Most sheets are made by using others as example, so while they work, they mightn't look organised enough to be useful. This guide will help you organize the graphics better and save us time.

Sprite Organization

ORIGINAL RIP
Probably this is how your sheet looks like when ripping stuff. I'll start explaining the techniques from here.
[Image: g0Su8.png]

BACKGROUND
Once you finish ripping everything up, it's time to order it! Let's start with the background.
Using a white background might not be the best idea; it is too bright and may make the sprite difficult to read, principally if it uses the same shade of white. Because of this, use a neutral color as a background so you can see all the sprite's details properly. Gray, light tones work the best.
[Image: 4kFk1.png]

Do not use a color similar to the one used in the sprite (in this case, black). It'll eat up all the details and destroy the sprites.
[Image: zYr99.png]

Don't use a bright saturated color either, because it is harsh for the eye. Some of the sheets in tSR use saturated colors, but that's because any other color would blend and/or hamper visibility (case 2).
[Image: sBRcl.png]

LABEL, ALIGNMENT
Once you're happy with the BG color, you can start aligning it. Draw an imaginary line below the sprites, and align them accordingly. Make it so each animation occupies one line, and finally label it.
[Image: YVLz7.png]

A common practice in sprite sheets is to represent the height arcs in jumping animations. It's advisable to do it, this way a person that never played the game will know which frames are used for going up and going down.
[Image: FoPjH.png]

While aligning that way is already enough, you can do a huge favour to us tSR and sprite users; fit your sprites in even boxes. This way, you'll make animating much easier for users.
[Image: 95rBl.png]

Though, do not simply fit them in boxes. Proof-animate the sprites using a sprite animator program (check out Previous' Gif Animator).
[Image: wYZqY.png] WRONG.

CREDIT TAG
Credit tags are text that explains who ripped/made the sheet, and you can specify if the user should give credit for use or not.
A common practice in first-timers is to leave an enormous quantity of blank space and making a credit tag that takes up half of the sheet's size. DO NOT DO THAT, IT MAKES THE SHEET LOOK TERRIBLE AND YOU LOOK LIKE AN IDIOT.
[Image: nNuLD.png]

Thus, make a small, simple tag that conveys all the important stuff. Adding info such as the game the sprite is from and the character's name is also a plus.
[Image: JNREP.png]

Additionally, always make sheets in 1x pixel ratio, as it is its native size. Do not enlarge it even if the sprites are rather small.
[Image: Uz6eD.png] WRONG.

PALETTE
Usually games include different palettes for characters (hurt, alternate colors, etc.). Include a frame of the changed palette so the user can recolor it as he wants.
[Image: RkCcR.png]

EXAMPLE
If the character has animation that interacts with several objects, rip the clean animation first and then add a visual example to complement it.
[Image: ZUV0W.png]

The same happens if the character is made up of several pieces. Include all the pieces so the user can use them as he wishes.
[Image: 2GW4q.png]

DON'T DO THIS
Finally, NEVER SAVE THE SHEET AS .JPG. It destroys the sheet's quality and renders it completely unusable.
[Image: kaLdY.jpg] YOU FUCKED IT UP!!!

Other Stuff

After finishing your sprite sheet, submit them to tSR via threads in the exact sections. Make icons for it (you can find an icon maker here) and DO NOT FORGET TO SAY WHERE IT IS FROM, AND IF THE CHARACTER IS PLAYABLE, A NPC, AN ENEMY ETC. This info will make it easier for us to upload it.

Observations:
  • It's ok if you give these info in the post itself rathern than inside te sheet, but adding that extra text on the sheet won't hurt, right? Wink
  • Those are only tips to make spritesheets, NOT A RULE. Though if your spritesheet doesn't meet with the minimum of standards, it won't be accepted.

Sheet Completing
It's common for the rippers to overlook some sprite frames or elements, be it from forgetting about it or not ripping them because of difficulty. If you can rip those missing bits of the sprite sheet, or want to correct something that isn't right, feel free to fix it.

By submitting a sheet, you have the rights to limit its use and avoid theft with credit tags, but a genuine edit that completes the sprite sheet is not considered theft or any illicit action. Thus, do not complain if someone did the work of completing your rip for you.

Observations:
  • If you're planning to fix/add missing frames to a sheet, please arrange them in a way that don't stick out too much from the original arrangement.
  • Make clear what graphics you ripped and you didn't rip in the sheet, to avoid confusion.
  • Do not remove the original sprite sheet's credit tag, if it has any.
  • Do not claim that you ripped everything. That is sprite theft and you'll be severely punished.
  • When submitting, make the thread in the right console section, explain that your sheet is corrective (you only fixed parts of it) and link to the original sheet.

EXAMPLE OF WHAT NOT TO DO
[Image: yoshis.png]
[Image: pacmanoldschoolbyluigilover.png]
[Image: 20rtno5.png]
[Image: megamansuitswv8.png]

Thanks for reading.
Spriter Gors】【Bandcamp】【Twitter】【YouTube】【Tumblr】【Portifolio
If you like my C+C, please rate me up. It helps me know I'm helping!
[Image: deT1vCJ.png]


Messages In This Thread
[READ ME] SPRITE SHEET GUIDELINES (UPDATED 6/23/2012) - by Gors - 02-29-2012, 10:57 AM

Forum Jump: