Palette Designer

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Palette Designer
Paldesign.png

Release type: Retail (Game-Maker suite)
Release date: 1991 (original release)
Author: G. Andrew Stone
Related tools: Graphics Image Reader, Block Designer, Character Maker, Monster Maker, Map Maker, Integrator, Xferplay

Produces and edits .PAL format files. Programmed by Gregory Stone.

Version history[edit]

1994 - Version 3.00

Tips[edit]

Techniques[edit]

  • Be sure to set color #255 (Clear) to a neutral color that you are unlikely to confuse for a solid color used in your character or monster sprites. Try a deep grayish blue, for instance R:5 G:10 B:20.
  • Experts use multiple palettes for a more dynamic, colorful game. If you can, try to narrow down the most important colors for your game. Which colors will make up your characters and weapons? Which will you use for monsters? If you reserve those colors in the same static palette slots, then on a level-by-level basis you easily can change up the colors in the remaining slots to allow for more range and subtlety in the backgrounds -- or conversely, to alter sprite colors for dramatic or atmospheric effect. Is the level dark? Darken the character's colors. Is there a sickly cast to the lighting? Add a little green to each color.