Minimal HUD mod

[Interlocutor]

I want to design a mod which reduces the HUD display to a bare minimum, so that it doesn't interfere with my view of the battlefield.

I'd want my modded HUD to include the "stock" HUDs "ranging" info in the upper left, the "MP player" stars in the upper right, and just the compass, probably in the lower left. Also maybe the various "unit status" symbols, likely near the compass on the lower left, displayed "bare" against the terrain.

In other words, no toolbars at all. I play HITS with couriers, and I issue all orders via couriers. I've modified my keyboard.csv to get things like the map and OOB onto the keyboard, plus some other functions.

However, I'm not sure how to go about eliminating the toolbar in this way. I've been tinkering with gui.csv, but I'm finding the documentation rather sparse, so I'm sort of stabbing at it in the dark, trial and error fashion.

I'd appreciate any hints, pointing me in the right direction.

[Davinci]

It is probably a lot more work than you might think, but the files and folders that you will probably have to deal with.

Graphics \ Toolbar
Graphics \ Screen

Logistics - folder

gui.csv
gfx.csv

gscreens.csv - probably
guitext.csv - probably

Now - If I was going about this and was determined to do it, I would probably do it something like this..

Copy - the entire game into another directory to serve as a backup, along with the SDK.

Then - just concentrate on removing or moving ( each ) displayed item on the Toolbar - one at a time.

Start the Game - see if there is a problem - Exit out of Game - Remove another item - Repeat....

At any time if you feel that this is not going well, (Delete) the (Logistics) folder, copy the backed-up Logistic folder into the game, and no harm is done.

davinci

[Interlocutor]

Thanks for the tips, DaVinci. I see elsewhere on the forum that .dds files can be edited with paint.net. a tool I use all the time.

Now I can get to work B) .

[Davinci]

Correct, most of the files will be dds so you might need a dds.plugin that should be fairly easy to locate on the Internet.

It would probably be a lot easier to use the "Alpha Channel" on the dds files and make the Menu sort of transparent.

Another idea would be to have a sort of "Mouse-Over-Effect" that would only show the Menu when the mouse is over it, but I have no idea how that would actually work!

Good Luck, anyway if you decide to continue this!

davinci

[Interlocutor]

Thanks again, Davinci.

I have a real hankering to get rid of the toolbar. I'm kind of OCD about immersion in the HITS experience , and I find that the toolbar gets in the way of that.

I'm already well on the way to getting the task done, at least to my own satisfaction. I'll keep you posted, in this thread, as to how it's going.

[Davinci]

Yes, I agree that is does sort of open up the viewing area by removing the Toolbar.

Rearranging the Buttons along the bottom of the screen shouldn't be that difficult!

I think that the only files that you need to work with are as follows...
gui.csv
gfx.csv
guitext.csv

Graphics \ Toolbar

The attachment 1_2017-02-10.jpg is no longer available

Good Idea!

davinci

[Interlocutor]

That's what I'm talkin' about :cheer: !

Except in my case, I'm doing away with the buttons on the right as well. All orders will be by courier, no need for toolbar buttons. A few functions that can't be handled through the courier system, like reviewing sent & received despatches, or calling up the OOB, I've transferred to the keyboard.

[Davinci]

I'm doing away with the buttons on the right as well. All orders will be by courier, no need for toolbar buttons. A few functions that can't be handled through the courier system, like reviewing sent & received despatches, or calling up the OOB, I've transferred to the keyboard.

Understood, So why not just leave all of the Buttons in place and apply an Alpha-Channel to All of the buttons except the Courier Envelopes? Then rearrange them over to the side somewhere.

I plan on placing Mine along the bottom of the Screen, I haven't decided on Background as of yet, probably something like a Musket or a plank on wood and placing the icons on that.

The Picture that I posted above still has the Toolbar in place, I just added an Alpha-Channel to erase it, so there was no need to reinvent the wheel there.

Just a Thought!

Still, I agree that it is a Good Idea, the Toolbar doesn't really serve a purpose except it looks more professional when selling the game. But while playing the game it just blocks out a part of the screen.

This forum needs more Modders, so keep up the work!

davinci

[Davinci]

@ Interlocutor - I moved all of the keys to the bottom of the screen and added the compass into the pocket compass...well it sort of fit into it...

Reduced the picture of the General and changed the color of the time and terrain that the unit is standing on.

I'll test it out and see how it works in the game. Only changed the Brigade General at the moment.

How is your project going so far?

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davinci

[Interlocutor]

Well Davinci, I think I'm satisfied with my "minimal HUD" mod, as far as the way it looks. I've never attached a screenshot :unsure: , but I'll try it with this post.

Now I need to add a few more modded keys to my keyboard, and to add some more orders to the courier system, since I don't have any HUD buttons anymore and will need to send every order via courier.

I'm going to use Marching Thru Georgia's "Couriers and Maps" mod as a starting point for my additional courier orders.

Wish me luck! And thanks again for your help and encouragement.