Guide: Mod Sprites
Spriting is one of the most important part of modding, and it is a key component if it comes to mod likability.
If you dont understand modding yet, and want to start with it, I highly recommend this thread:
https://forum.cosmoteer.net/d/6811-introduction-to-modding
If you are creating a mod where spriting comes in, it is really important to have original sprites. At the beginning it isnt really imortant if they arent good, as long as it are yours, and original.
I see many mods where they take the in-game sprites, or even steal them from other mods... And that stopped me immediately in looking any further, and others might think the same. So here I will show you with what programs you can download to have your own original sprites.
1. Paint.net
Paint.net is a free and flexible sprite program, with an easy interface.
Download: https://www.getpaint.net/download.html#download
2. Gimp
I dont use Gimp myself, but I have looked at it once, it was quite complicated, but that is because I got used to paint.net. Some people really like it and create very good sprites with it, so check it out!
Download: https://www.gimp.org/downloads/
3. Krita
Krita is a more professional and harder sprite program, Im using it now as well, slowly learning it, and it is very powerful and interesting. You can create really artistic things with it.
Download: https://krita.org/en/download/krita-desktop/
Spriting tips:
Try to look at other mods and the in-game sprites, it is quite useful, and you can see some interesting designs and it can give you inspiration.
Dont be affraid to ask other modders how they sprited their sprites, and they can give you more tips!
Look on youtube, and perhaps watch some tutorials! I did that, and from that I learned many interesting tricks I would have never figured out on my own.
Dont give up immediatly if something doesnt look that good, you should try again and again, and eventually you will improve. Many people stop at their first try, wasting their talents.
Layers are your best friend, it makes spriting way more easy since layers dont interect with each other, you can add effects on one layer without ruining things on the other.
Take in consideration of the walls sprite when spriting doodads or floors. They cover some space in-game. And might cover some details you placed.
Plan on paper! You dont need spriting skills to do that, and you dont take up space on your computer. You can do it anywhere, only needing a pencil and paper. (Pen not recommended)
Dont forget damage sprites, they take an important part for the experience of the player in battles. It might take some space in size of the mod, but often it is worth it.
What I see in many mods is that all the sprites are done, but not the blueprintsprites, it really distracts you and ruins some of the building experience. Thank you @Atarlost for pointing that out in the comments!
Roof sprites are some of the most tiresome sprites to do according to some spriters. But even those are important. You can do some interesting tricks with it, and from outside views your part can even look more awesome!
All these tips came from many more people, in these comments.
Am I missing any usefull information? Or more spriting programs, please notify below to make this Guide more usefull! I hope this thread will help you and other people!!