BLPNG Converter (1.0.0)

Digital_Utopia — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 23:31:31 +0000

Introduction

While doing various WoW related projects, I was always in need of a utility that would convert BLP images to a more common format. Unfortunately, all the converters I came across would fail on at least one BLP format. Since I recently created a 3ds Max BLP import plugin, I decided to use the knowledge I gained of the format, to make my own converter. This is that converter.

I've used this personally for a few months - converting maps, UI graphics, textures, etc, and have yet to find a BLP file that it not only cannot convert, but cannot convert correctly.

About

BLPNG Converter (Pronounced "Bleeping Converter") was made in the spirit of BLP2PNG by mundocani - and works the same way. Namely, drop a BLP file or a folder of BLP files, on the program, and it will convert those BLP files into PNG, in the same location.

Also, like the above named converter, it also doesn't require installation and is completely portable.

Unlike BLP2PNG however, it doesn't do anything except convert BLP to PNG.

Beyond that, there are a few additional features.

1) Since nothing is really gained by watching the output, the console window will automatically minimize on launch. If you wish to see all the converted files scroll by, you can choose to restore the window.

2) The application will remain open, and wait for you to press a key if it finds any BLP files it cannot convert. The window will then show these files, and at least attempt to provide a reason why.

3) If you're using Windows 7 or newer, it will show the progress overlay on its taskbar icon, and in addition to #2, will display the yellow "paused" overlay if it encounters any problems.

Finally, it's worth pointing out, that like all apps, BLPNG Converter does support the "Open With" modifier while pinned to the taskbar. If you hold down shift, while dropping a BLP file onto its icon, it will convert that file. Unfortunately, the taskbar does not support this action with folders, shortcuts, or multiple files - so bulk converting isn't possible using this method.

Requirements

Yep, I'm about to say that 'N' word...

.NET 3.5 is required.

Which also means that this is, indeed, a Windows application.

The good news is that if you're running Windows 7 or newer, you already have it. If you're not, and BLPNG Converter doesn't work, and you're running Windows xp or newer, you can get it here.

If there is a strong enough demand, I can be convinced to create additional varieties of this tool. The only part of it that requires .NET 3.5 is the taskbar progress feature, so if you take issue with installing .NET 3.5, please let me know below, and I'll keep it in mind.

In addition - if you're a Mac user, and are interested in such a tool, let me know as well. I do have OS X Lion at my disposal, and while I've never actually created an app for OS X, everything I've done - at some point - was something I've never done before. That being said, I am lazy - and since I do all my WoW stuff in Windows, I don't personally need an OS X version - so this is going to require some demand.

Supported Formats

This is for reference, and completeness only. You're not expected to, or required to know this.

BLPNG Converter converts all known (to the author) varieties of the BLP format to PNG. This includes...

BLPs with and without minmaps

Indexed (256 color) BLPs with 0, 2, 4, and 8 bit alpha

DXT Compressed BLPs with 0, 2, 4, and 8 bit alpha, as well as handling both types of 8 bit alpha (DXT3 and DXT5)

Uncompressed BLPs with 0 or 8 bit alpha

FlightPath (0.11)

Digital_Utopia — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:29:34 +0000

Change Log:
--------------------
v0.11 - Minor stability improvements

Most of the event handling code has been rewritten, so that FlightPath will work more reliably with the map and the quest tracker, without errors. This does mean however, that you may have to close the map for it to update.

Description:
--------------------
FlightPath is a navigation aid of a different sort. Instead of displaying direction and heading with arrows - whether that be the top-down style in the minimap, or the GPS style commonly seen in other addons, FlightPath shows this information in a HUD-style "tape" compass, with heading and waypoint indicators.

Currently, in this proof-of-concept phase, FlightPath does not make use of any commands or options, and will automatically pick up and display any changes in the "active" quest (i.e. the quest location the yellow minimap arrow is pointing to). However, as development continues - plans include the ability to add custom (ordered) routes, as well as individual points, command support, and options such as size, color, and position.

Requests and feedback are always welcome, and will always be seriously considered. However, this does not necessarily mean that every suggestion will be implemented. It does generally mean that as long as it a) is possible, and b), fits within the design goal, that it will most likely will be implemented.

Of course, while not quite as eagerly anticipated, bug reports are welcome as well - and will be addressed as time permits. In this case, any information you can give about the situation where the bug occurred, as well as the error message, will speed this process up considerably. Remember, unless I can recreate it, it's exceptionally hard to fix.

General Use

The design and function of this addon is based on the navigation method used in many military fighter jet HUDs, and might be slightly confusing to those who have never used one. The main UI of FlightPath is a "tape" style compass, with small hash marks every 5 degrees, and numbered, large hash marks every 10. The compass will always "scroll" so that your current heading is centered horizontally on your screen - with a caret (^) pointing to that exact location.

Once you enter a continent (Kalimdor, Eastern Kingdoms, Outland, etc) where you have a...

WoWInterface - AddOns by Digital_Utopia

BLPNG Converter (1.0.0)

FlightPath (0.11)