Library Creator XML 2.0

This is the user manual of Library Creator XML 2.0. This manual will explain what you can do with this tool and how you can use it. But it will also try to explain to you the basics of using object libraries.

What are object libraries?

The first thing you might wonder about is, what actually is an object library? Simply said an object library is a BGL file that contains a lot of different scenery objects that you can later use by picking them from that library. So after you have put the object in the library, it is not actually placed somewhere in the world yet. That is still something you need to do yourself as well.

But what are the advantages of having all your objects in a library?

• It is better for the performance, as the object does not have to be loaded multiple times. Each placement can just refer to the same object.
• The size of your BGL files will go down. If you would include your MDL object into each BGL file where you want to place the object, then the size of your BGL files would be a lot bigger than when you use a library.
• Having a collection (library) of objects makes it easier to reuse them later. So this will speed up your development as well.
• If you mix the MDL files and the object placement in one BGL file, these MDL objects will become geo-locked. This means they can only be placed near that origional placement and not anywhere in the world. Putting your objects in a library prevents this and makes sure you can use them everywhere you like.
• If you decide to update your object later on, you only have to update it in one place. Once the new object is in the library, all placement will automatically refer to this new version. Without you even having to recompile the placement itself.

How to use this tool

Installation

The first step before you can use this tool is of course the installation. Luckily the installation process is quite simple. All you have to do is unzip the ZIP file you downloaded to a folder of your choice.

As the tool has been written using .NET, you will have to make sure that you have the .NET 2.0 framework installed on your computer. If that is not the case, you can download it from Microsoft.

Feedback and support

If you have questions, comments or suggestions about Library Creator XML 2.0 you can reach me either by email or through the forums of FsDeveloper.com.

Thanks to

• All user who used the previous versions of this tool and provided me with feedback on how to improve it.

Version history

v2.00 12/04/2007

• Initial release

Users license

(c) 2007 Arno Gerretsen / SceneryDesign.org

This software program is distributed without charge to other scenery designers, redistribution of the original ZIP file is allowed. You are NOT allowed to sell this software program or ask money for its distribution. Libraries created with this software program can be used in commercial scenery projects if you wish.

The copyright and any intellectual property relating to this program remain the property of the author.

The software distributed in this way may represent work in progress, and bears no warranty, either expressed or implied.