RM: Hidden Features?

[regi]

Ever noticed any hidden tips or tricks when working on a project? I just did, recently. So I decided to create a thread for all the useful little things you can do to speed up gammaking time. Feel free to add or comment. [Note that these functions are from XP and may or may not be present in VX.]



Autotile Expansion
Ever wanted to make an autotile have a certain graphic/position different from the default mode? Try double-clicking the autotile in the tileset, and a window will pop up. There, you can select any position for the autotile you want.

It's also handy to note that holding Shift while applying autotiles ignores the default layout and just display the middle tile.

Shift Map
You finish a large, beautiful map, but decide it needs a few more tiles above. Unfortunately, when you increase the height, new columns appear below the map. Moving the entire map down (events including) manually is definitely a pain.

That's where the Shift tool comes in. When in map editing mode, press Ctrl-T or right click [Map name] > Shift.. to open up a small window. This shifts an entire map, events included, in the direction and number of tiles you specify! Simplify tiny but painful adjustments tremendously with this feature.

Options
Did you know there's a way to appearify a Map Grid, or modify the transparency color? Yeah, all that useful stuff is hidden under Tools > Options in the menu.

Batch Text Entry
Want to type up a huge dialogue without having to reclick "Show Text" over and over again? Try right click [under List of Event Commands] > Batch Text Entry, or Ctrl-N. This giant text box will let you enter at least 6 windows' worth of text. An added benefit is a way around the 3-line-limit, to insert 4 lines of text.

 

[No ID]

I didn't know about the shift map feature. I need it since I always wanna add a few extra tiles after the map is damn near completed. Good looking on that Regi.

 

[Daxis]

Er yeah, the shift map thing is at the list of controls when you right click on a map. map properties, new map, copy past deletem shift,

 

[Zekallinos]

Menu > Tools > Options. Yes, RMXP has options, lol! A grid may occasionally be useful, but changing the transparency color is a must if you're going to work with white tiles on the first layer (like the clouds from Heaven tileset).

 

[regi]

Well, what do you know. I suppose a lot can be found just from right-clicking parts of the editor. I think I'll add Batch Text Entry up there, too.
Thanks for the info, guys.

 

[Zeriab]

This is a good idea Regi :D
Using shift for autotile control also works when you are copy-pasting a section of a map.

*hugs*

 

[Brewmeister]

F2 when entering message text

 

[Star]

OH MY GAWD, I DIDN'T KNOW BARELY ANY OF THIS :crazy:

Thanks Regi, Now I don't have to move a whole friggen map events and all

 

[Daxis]

Press F1 while in game. It's a hidden menu full of shit about stuff like keyboard controls, sound, misc, etc. Not really important, but whatever.

Press f2 during gameplay/test play to show the fps.

Press f9 during test play to show a secret list of variables and switches in the game

Press shift to skip text messages faster in test mode

Press alt to go through walls during test mode

 

[BlueScope]

@Daxis: I believe you have to press ctrl to go through walls still... unless they changed that for VX, for some reason...

Also, F9 ingame is hardly a secret menu, as it's completely visible in the script editor. You could say the Menu is a hidden window as well then... :D

General information on the F1 menu: It's a global window, setting keyboard and key maps, therefore quite important to the individual player. I've had people having problems because either they or the creator of the game were using non-default button layouts and therefore couldn't communicate the input mapping at all.
As a game creator of whatever sort, I'd suggest keeping the default mapping at all costs, because the least people will like to re-set their button configuration for your game - especially if they already have their own and know how to use it.
Also note that the window in there is global, as in applying to all games with that particular RGSS Player version you're running. It's settings are stored in the registry.