 Whirlwind  | 23 May 2018 6:43 a.m. PST |
I didn't know exactly where to put this – this seemed as good a board as any.
I am trying to create a briefing map for a scenario. I am using this link handy US / NATO symbol generator and then pasting the .PNG symbol on top of a reasonably high-resolution map in MS Paint. However, although I can manipulate the symbol's position initially, once I have clicked off it, I can't then move the .PNG symbol. It becomes an integral part of the image, so if I cut it or copy it, it takes the underneath and adjacent parts of the map with it and leaves a white block where the symbol was. Is there anything I can do so that the NATO symbol .PNG image does not become part of the underlying image and so I can still select it / move it around / copy it?
I have had a go with Google but I can't find the answer to this. |
| JimDuncanUK | 23 May 2018 7:02 a.m. PST |
MS Paint is a fairly basic graphics program but if there is a way to do it then I'm sure an 'expert' will be along soon enough to say so. I use a vector drawing package (CorelDraw) which allows you to use separate layers but it costs money. There will be free software available which can do this. Listen out. |
| Tigerjlm | 23 May 2018 7:08 a.m. PST |
Use GIMP its free and allows for layering |
| Ran The Cid | 23 May 2018 7:37 a.m. PST |
Most of the other MS products will let you work in layers. Try Word or even Power Point. Something like GIMP has a steep learning curve. |
| Xintao | 23 May 2018 11:01 a.m. PST |
Without much of a learning curve you can use MS publisher, if you have the Microsoft office suite. Make the map the background image and you can add shapes and text boxes and pics that will sit ontop of the image and can be moved and resized, anytime you want. |
| Stryderg | 23 May 2018 12:05 p.m. PST |
As much as I hate web apps: sumopaint.com
is a lot like MS Paint but it allows layers. Learning curve isn't too steep. If you have PowerPoint, use that instead:
Import the map as a background, then add your symbols as objects. Then you can move the symbols around, rotate, etc. If you don't have the MS Office suite, then libreoffice.org is for you. Free and open source. It has a PowerPoint analog, but I don't remember the name. |
| PrivateSnafu | 23 May 2018 5:09 p.m. PST |
As TigerJim said. Gimp using layers. |
| 10mm Wargaming | 24 May 2018 1:56 a.m. PST |
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| Stryderg | 24 May 2018 5:59 a.m. PST |
Womble67 Nice list! Thanks for that. |
 javelin98 | 24 May 2018 7:34 a.m. PST |
PowerPoint will handle this easily. |
| Russ Lockwood | 03 Jun 2018 3:48 p.m. PST |
If you have Photoshop or similar, you can scan in a background image (the map) and then plop the NATO symbols atop it in a separate layer. Ultimately, you can build up a library of NATO images. Photoshop *rents* for $120 USD/yr with 20GB cloud storage or $240 USD/yr with 100GB of cloud storage and extra fonts. I suspect there are other similar programs that work just as well. If you want to create your own map with layered NATO symbols, check Inkwell's Hexographer -- now in shiny new version called Worldographer. $32. USD Yes, you can turn off the hexes… Bundle: Hexographer, Worldographer (Hexographer 2), Cityographer, and Dungeonographer Pro Versions $80. USD Learning is simple for SPI-style 1980s wargame hex maps, but steeper to do all the cool things in the YouTube videos. The company sells additional map icon sets at about $15 USD each. |
