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Custom GUI Graphics That Change According to Value

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Psmith:
Watching Alex's video about GUI elements left me with the question:  "How can I make my own custom slider graphic elements?"  And, another one:  "How can I make GUI elements that change their appearance based on their value?

It appears that the built-in GUI "button" element included with PlayMaker has a choice for "Texture" of the button, (which, I assume is the button graphic, itself - not sure about various graphical states of the button, though). 

But, I didn't see this option for the GUI "slider" element.

What would be the process for making custom GUI graphic elements for both types of element, that change appearance when their values change?

Thanks,

Psmith

jeanfabre:
Hi,

 Custom graphics for gui elements is not really down to playmaker, but rather the job of the unity skin set up. Are you comfortable in using gui skins?

 I don't think there are any ready made actions to influence the gui skin or affects colors etc etc. So I think you will need to roll your own custom actions.

 If you describe in details what you want, I'll see what I can do to help you out with the task.


 Bye,

 Jean
 

Psmith:
Jean:

I was thinking of things like animated buttons, (using an animation graph or something), and having sliders with a "thumb" that would "morph" larger or smaller, and animate something like a fill texture while doing this.  It's rather frivolous, I know.

Probably, something like this could just be put together as a series of "states" using existing actions.  Also, it's probably not very economical to do it this way.

I'll fool with it a while and maybe try to demonstrate with a short video what I manage to accomplish using states.  Then, if you or anyone finds it interesting, maybe such actions could be made into custom ones (by means of code).  I can't code to save my life.


Psmith

jeanfabre:
Hi,

 For this, you are better off using Sprite Manager 2 and easyGui .

http://www.anbsoft.com/middleware/sm2/
http://www.anbsoft.com/middleware/ezgui/

They are fantastic tools, but not so easy. You'll need to really learn how to use them properly. Watch the videos and look at the examples, you'll understand the power behind them straight away. AND if you want to link playmaker with easyGui or SM2, don't hesitate to post requests on the forum.

 Bye,

 Jean

Psmith:
Jean:

Through your recommendation I actually looked into both of these app a week or so ago - and they look like very nice products with advanced functionality.

But, these guys are aiming their products at small studios, (which I am not - just an aspiring professional, at this point).  I can tell by their price point.  Too spendy for people who are still grasping at straws, wondering whether they will ever absorb all the necessary information and become skilled enough to make even a simple game or application.

The tables seem to be only in the beginning hours of turning - changing the nature of application development from conditions which favor technicians to those which favor artists and designers.  PlayMaker is already a game changer, in this respect - and worth the cost, even for those who are just beginning.

Once the light finally dawns on the creative public and professional studio, alike - similar products will come out of the woodwork - and the price point will drop dramatically, in time.  It wouldn't surprise me to see the Unity people buy the rights to PlayMaker and fully integrate it into their flagship product. (Perhaps negotiations are proceeding at this very moment).

But thanks for your guidance, and I agree with you and these recommendations, but only for those already making money with Unity and PlayMaker.


Psmith

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