MuTools

liquidsound · Post by **liquidsound** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 3:10 am

Hi,
my profession is CAD designer and I would like to create a skin for MuLab.
I tried to create few elements in Rhino and I was able to substitute them with the original ones, but... I think this is not the right way even though you get something done.
My challenge is to be able to get the right Pixel dimensions from the CAD to the interface. I've got 3D objects to turn into the right 2D proportions.
It seems that pixels and real dimensions are way different and from CAD to images and, here and there, everything is off.
It is not my territory, but I got some great ideas for MuLab and I would love to share them with others.

Is anyone familiar with what I'm trying to do?

Help greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

YaKa93 · Post by **YaKa93** » Sun Jan 25, 2009 6:32 pm

hi,
if i really know what you mean
you just open element in PHOTOSHOP to see "the right Pixel dimensions".
i make skin for MuLab, and i open each files in PHOTOSHOP and modify this
i don't have problem except find who is who
you can download my skin from : http://yaka93.free.fr/SKIN/

liquidsound · Post by **liquidsound** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 11:25 pm

Thank you for answering my post.
I did get the pixel dimensions but when you work in CAD the Object has not relationship to the pixels in terms of computer image. It is a 3D entity in its own world. From This 3D object I have to extract an image but even with a 1:1 ratio I am getting off measurements.
I have tried to figure how many pixels per mm or inch and then design the object with that relation but it did not work (in CAD so far).
It seems that there are different relation types between pixels in monitors and in graphics almost independent from each others.

When you design an element of the MuLab interface, do you go by Pixels or by real linear measurements like inches and millimeters?

BTW YACA looks great! I love the Racks.

YaKa93 · Post by **YaKa93** » Tue Jan 27, 2009 11:44 am

sorry, i speak not well english and I don't understand all
for "CAD", you mean "autocad" from Autodesk ?
I think CAD working in millimeters
in PHOTOSHOP, just see real element's dimension in mm
not in px because size change with resolution (72dpi/300dpi...)
may be that's your problem

DaveL60 · Post by **DaveL60** » Tue Jan 27, 2009 12:16 pm

Have you look at the MUTOOLS page on creating a skin?

DaveL

liquidsound · Post by **liquidsound** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:25 am

YaKa93 wrote:sorry, i speak not well english and I don't understand all
for "CAD", you mean "autocad" from Autodesk ?
I think CAD working in millimeters
in PHOTOSHOP, just see real element's dimension in mm
not in px because size change with resolution (72dpi/300dpi...)
may be that's your problem

I will try Photoshop and see.
Thank you

liquidsound · Post by **liquidsound** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:30 am

DaveL60 wrote:Have you look at the MUTOOLS page on creating a skin?

DaveL

Yes I did, but the problem is CAD to 2D image with the right Dimension translation. I even got 1:1 image resolution in Rhino but again, monitors/image software are inconsistent in features and terminology.

I just have to work on it harder.

MuTools · Post by **MuTools** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 8:38 am

What about resizing the output from the CAD app in a 'pixel' app like Photoshop etc..?

pquenin · Post by **pquenin** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 11:54 am

YaKa93 wrote: you can download my skin from : http://yaka93.free.fr/SKIN/

Your skin is great, congratulations !
But it's to dark for me.
I wonder why most of the skins are so dark ?
How can you be inspired in such a dark environment ?
That's why I use the LooxLite skin...

YaKa93 · Post by **YaKa93** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 1:26 pm

Hi pquenin
I agree with you, this is my first test
I work actually on this (more clear) and
may be change size and position of elements (especially "Part Property")
but I don't know XML language and how modify this file easily
LooxLite skin is great but so basic for me

DaveL60 · Post by **DaveL60** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:24 pm

YaKa93 wrote:but I don't know XML language and how modify this file easily

I'd expect the XML in the skin file is really basic stuff, just a way of providing some structure for the specification of the skin elements. If you're so inclined, this looks like a pretty good XML tutorial. Should need more than the basics to get you through this, don't need to dig into schemas and document types and all that deep jargon (that I don't fully grasp yet, either

).

DaveL

pquenin · Post by **pquenin** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 8:27 pm

Yes, XML is just a way to organize things and it's very simple and basic.

liquidsound · Post by **liquidsound** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:15 am

mutools wrote:What about resizing the output from the CAD app in a 'pixel' app like Photoshop etc..?

I am going to purchase Photoshop or, if I get a brake at work

, use the one at the office.
I am not a graphic designer. CAD is way different but I love MuLab enough to
learn Photoshop (hopefully I do not need to get too deep with it).

I think your idea should work. Will see...

DaveL60 · Post by **DaveL60** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:41 am

You could also consider either of two freeware options: Paint.Net or the GIMP. I suspect either one can do everything you need for this job.

DaveL

liquidsound · Post by **liquidsound** » Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:42 pm

Thank you Dave60, I will check them out.

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