Screenset image and button size

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Screenset image and button size

Postby yar13 » Sun Feb 25, 2018 2:13 am

I'm experimenting with creating my own screen set. I'd like to know if anyone has any suggestions on what software program works best for laying out a screen set. I'd like to create a totally custom screen with new buttons and images. Would something like Adobe illustrator be good for doing this?
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Re: Screenset image and button size

Postby ger21 » Sun Feb 25, 2018 4:31 am

I use AutoCAD for my rough layout, to figure out sizes and locations of buttons and DRO's.
Then I create all the graphics in Photoshop.
Whatever graphics program you are most comfortable with would probably be the best option.
Gerry
UCCNC 2022 Screenset - http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2022.html
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Re: Screenset image and button size

Postby shad » Sun Feb 25, 2018 6:02 am

I am use CorelDraw. This is a vector graphics and very scalable.
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Re: Screenset image and button size

Postby CNC22369 » Sun Feb 25, 2018 12:55 pm

As mentioned, almost any good graphics drawing program should work. I use CorelDraw Home & Student X8. I put everything for one tab in one Corel file. I find it easier to setup the program to display in pixel grid mode and to set the upper left hand corner of the tab to be 0,0 pixels. This way the grid coordinates of an element's upper left hand corner will be the same coordinates used to place it in UCCNC. You can use the export function under File to create .png files. For me, the process of creating a tab is tedious and (very) time consuming, but I like to have a RUN tab that reflects my preferences and is customized for my machine. Good luck.

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Re: Screenset image and button size

Postby ger21 » Sun Feb 25, 2018 1:22 pm

For me, the process of creating a tab is tedious and (very) time consuming,


Yes, especially when you are nearly finished, and realize you need to add something, which requires moving and/or resizing everything you've already done.
That's why I do my layout in a CAD program first. I draw everything to scale (1 unit = 1 pixel), so when I start the graphics, I already know the size and location of everything.
Gerry
UCCNC 2022 Screenset - http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2022.html
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Re: Screenset image and button size

Postby yar13 » Sun Feb 25, 2018 1:45 pm

Thanks guys, I appreciate the information. One thing I've noticed with UC is that there are now screensets available from users like mach3.
I have all kinds of ideas for a screenset but I'm questioning if it's worth the effort. I would purchase a custom screen if there were some to pick from. I am considering making a screenset to look like the mach3 ease e mill or the tormach path pilot. These screens are very nice and with the new conversational wizards that have been created this would make for a very high end screenset.
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Re: Screenset image and button size

Postby ger21 » Sun Feb 25, 2018 2:40 pm

My 2017 screenset for UCCNC took me 3 months to develop, spending 20-30 hours/week. At least 1/3 of that was just designing the layout.

In the year since I released it, a large number of features have been added to UCCNC. I've been able to add a few features to keep it usable with the newest releases, but it needs to be completely redone to support all of the new features.

One thing I'd recommend is to leave some extra space on all the settings pages, to make it easier to add features in the future, without having to completely re-create the page.
Gerry
UCCNC 2022 Screenset - http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2022.html
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Re: Screenset image and button size

Postby nm156 » Sun Feb 25, 2018 7:25 pm

Ger,

I love your screen set and can appreciate the work that went into it. I also have been playing with a screen design and it really is harder that it appears.

I have been using Affinity Designer, it will read .psd files and has many features that are in packages many times the price. (it's only $49.99)

https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/designer/

PS I have no affiliation, just like the product.
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Re: Screenset image and button size

Postby ger21 » Sun Feb 25, 2018 10:43 pm

Thanks, I'll take a look at that when I get a chance.
Gerry
UCCNC 2022 Screenset - http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2022.html
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