Non-Unity: How to convert a sequence of tga files into a single tiled tga file?

Unity Engine
1

Hello Folks,

I’m having fun with Unity iPhone and its ease of use. But have an non-Unity issue that I hope someone has some advice for.

To create billboard animations (explosions, etc) I have several tools like 3D Studio Max, Particle Illusion, etc.

These tools output a sequence of files for each frame of the animation (anim-0001.tga, anim-0002.tga, anim-0003.tga, etc…).

I have read and agree that tiling these into a single file for use on iPhone will be much more efficient for limited iPhone resources.

I am seeking help/advice on tools or methods for converting a sequence of animation files (tga files) into a single tiled animation file (tga file). I am using tga files in order to get transparency. If there is a better file format to use would appreciate advice there as well.

I have already created/copied script code that will properly display the “sub-tiles” within a single file. It works good.

But I had to manually create the single file using the sequence of files in photoshop. I am doing 64x64 pixel tiles into a 256x256 single file for 16 frame animation. Very error prone and arduous.

Any help greatly appreciated!

2

It seems google comes up with nothing related to tools for making these, though I vaguely remember something about a command line tool that had this capability, but can’t remember what it was.

With photoshop, however, this is an easy way to make it easier and less error prone. Make a new file, call it ‘tile base’ or something.

Add guide lines, turn on snapping for guidelines.

When making new images, open up the file, and then just save-as whatever when done. The guide-lines should greatly aid in the placement of said 64x64 tiles.