Howto:Edit a livery: Difference between revisions

[[File:Vector vs Raster Graphics.png|150px|thumb|right|The difference between vector and raster graphics. One pixel line width circle and square together with a gradient.]]

To be on the safe side copy the aircraft folder to some other place while you work on the livery.

There are in general two ways to edit the livery: Using a raster image editor such as GIMP or Photoshop or using a vector editor such as Inkscape or Illustrator.  If you don't have experience with a vector editor there's a bit of a learning curve, but after you have passed it a vector editor can be more rewarding, as you can more easily adjust and scale elements in the livery such as warning labels, stripes and cabin windows. Vector images also have the great advantage of having the possibility to later make a higher resolution livery in a snap.

When editing the livery, have the template in one layer, adding the elements of your livery in other layers.  If you would be using a raster editor it is a good idea to use a two or four times higher resolution in case you would want a higher resolution livery later on. Another good idea if you are using a raster editor is to have individual elements as separate layers to be able to move them around if necessary.

''Start'' the work by saving the livery while it is still empty.  That way you will not get carried away, forgetting to save it just to be reminded in the harshest way, maybe having hours of work lost.  The file should usually have a size of 1024 x 1024 pixels, but any square with n² pixels side, for example 256, 512 and 2048 pixels, will do.  Larger image size will mean more detail shown, but also a slower running FlightGear.

If you are working with raster files, remember to use a two or four times larger size, while working on the livery, in case you later need a livery in a larger size.  Save the file in a larger size also when creating a raster image paintkit from scratch.