optimizing colors on VG skins

[existenz]

I am making skins in Photoshop RGB mode. Since the VG area is only 256 color.... I presume I need to convert the image to 256 Indexed mode.

But this means all the high color images look kinda crap in the VG area.

Anyone know what the optimum photoshop color conversion settings are for VG skins?

[Vidge]

I'm not sure of the exact settings since I use Photoshop Elements and not Photoshop, but you really need to get the Palm color palette. It is included in Festus' skin maker program (http://www.geocities.com/festus440) You have to apply that palette (which is slightly different from the Windows 256 color palette) in order to make the colors look better. You'll find other tips in the tutorial docs included in the skin maker program (things about the dithering, for example)

[rob_squared]

I always use web colors and 75%diffusion when exporting VG pictures to gif format. That seems to work for me. Does the palette you speak of use more than 216 colors?

[Vidge]

Originally posted by rob_squared
I always use web colors and 75%diffusion when exporting VG pictures to gif format. That seems to work for me. Does the palette you speak of use more than 216 colors?

I use the Palm color palette & 100% diffusion when indexing the pictures. I think it has more than 216 colors, but not quite 256. (For some reason, 255 sticks in my head.)

[rob_squared]

Hmm, is there a program that opens jpegs and converts them using the palm color palette? Since I don't see that option in photoshop I assume I have to download something extra...

[rob_squared]

Ok, found the palm color palette in .pal format which says it works with photoshop. But how do I add the file to photoshop so that I can use it?

[existenz]

Originally posted by rob_squared
Ok, found the palm color palette in .pal format which says it works with photoshop. But how do I add the file to photoshop so that I can use it?

Start with your RGB color image.

Then select Image - Mode - Indexed Color.

A dialog box pops up.

Where you have options for palette - select custom from the list and then search for where you put the .PAL file.

Click OK and then your RGB image is converted to an Indexed color image using only the colors in the PAL file.

[rob_squared]

PS: it works. :)