Forester Pro v1.09 released - image editor
by Matthew Genge · 02/18/2013 (3:17 pm) · 13 comments
Forester Pro is a tree creator that can export collada format trees with embedded LODs, collision meshes and script files for Torque3D. Tree models created with Forester Pro import into the world editor seamlessly.
We were accused in the comments to our last blog of "providing features I didn't even know I needed". So here are some more features you didn't know you needed (actually some you don't, but some you do).
In the latest release (v1.09) we've added an image editor to help you create your own custom leaf textures. Forester Pro comes with 14 tree species complete with textures, and there are another 35 available in our tree packs, but it can also be used to create completely original trees using your own textures.
The image editor in Forester Pro detects leaf images without alpha channels (transparency), such as bmp and jpg images, and allows you to define an alpha mask on the basis of image colour. This should be useful to anyone who struggles with Photoshop. Forester Pro will also now check the format of imported images and remove any spurious RGB data in masked areas that can cause artifacts during rendering (Photoshop PNGs often have RGB values lurking in the background). Finally Forester Pro now converts all imported images to 32 bit PNGs with 8 bit alpha channels (like those produced by Photoshop). So all this is in the category "Stuff you didn't know you needed".
Amongst the stuff you don't need is a new export menu that in addition to export to Collada for Torque3D also allows export to FBX and X format for other game engines.
Here is a short tutorial on the image editor...it is a bit dull...sorry.
Forester Pro can be downloaded from our website. There is a free version, Forester Lite, which can make randomized models of 7 different tree species.
www.hptware.co.uk/forester.htm
We were accused in the comments to our last blog of "providing features I didn't even know I needed". So here are some more features you didn't know you needed (actually some you don't, but some you do).
In the latest release (v1.09) we've added an image editor to help you create your own custom leaf textures. Forester Pro comes with 14 tree species complete with textures, and there are another 35 available in our tree packs, but it can also be used to create completely original trees using your own textures.
The image editor in Forester Pro detects leaf images without alpha channels (transparency), such as bmp and jpg images, and allows you to define an alpha mask on the basis of image colour. This should be useful to anyone who struggles with Photoshop. Forester Pro will also now check the format of imported images and remove any spurious RGB data in masked areas that can cause artifacts during rendering (Photoshop PNGs often have RGB values lurking in the background). Finally Forester Pro now converts all imported images to 32 bit PNGs with 8 bit alpha channels (like those produced by Photoshop). So all this is in the category "Stuff you didn't know you needed".
Amongst the stuff you don't need is a new export menu that in addition to export to Collada for Torque3D also allows export to FBX and X format for other game engines.
Here is a short tutorial on the image editor...it is a bit dull...sorry.
Forester Pro can be downloaded from our website. There is a free version, Forester Lite, which can make randomized models of 7 different tree species.
www.hptware.co.uk/forester.htm
About the author
I am an Earth Scientist who likes writing games for fun.
#2
02/18/2013 (5:45 pm)
I agree with Steve, Love messing around with Forester :-)
#3
02/18/2013 (6:28 pm)
I am glad it isn't just my viewing habits that result in YouTube showing me glamour girls of my grandmothers age.
#4
02/19/2013 (4:58 am)
Mystery solved... quite funny really. There is another video on my you tube channel entitled "Importing X models" hence the related videos of 1950s glamour girls. I could change it...but I think they are quite stylish. 
#5
02/19/2013 (3:26 pm)
Thanks for the update. I must admit, your LODs are pretty spot on and very useful for frame rates.
#6
(1) Reducing segments on very small child branches, at present the number of segments is controlled by the level of branches rather than size.
(2) Automatic leaf mesh swapping. The lowest LOD should probably just use planes, at present you have to swap the leaf mesh yourself, which although easy, is an extra step. The difficult part will be ensuring the planes have the same orientation as the more complex leaf meshes.
It never ends....
02/19/2013 (5:23 pm)
Thanks for the comment Jules, I still think we can improve the LODs even more. I have plans for a future update that will reduce the polycount more by:(1) Reducing segments on very small child branches, at present the number of segments is controlled by the level of branches rather than size.
(2) Automatic leaf mesh swapping. The lowest LOD should probably just use planes, at present you have to swap the leaf mesh yourself, which although easy, is an extra step. The difficult part will be ensuring the planes have the same orientation as the more complex leaf meshes.
It never ends....
#8
what is your thought on developing a version of Forester Pro as middleware like speed tree?
in game tree editing and control through code.....
02/20/2013 (1:47 pm)
what is your thought on developing a version of Forester Pro as middleware like speed tree?
in game tree editing and control through code.....
#9
Actually from a simple business perspective there are too many other tree generating options, especially when there are also some excellent models packs (such as Rons), so our market share would always be relatively small.
We are also more interested in developing some more tools to generate different model types...if we ever get time to finish them.
02/20/2013 (4:26 pm)
That life is too short ;) Actually from a simple business perspective there are too many other tree generating options, especially when there are also some excellent models packs (such as Rons), so our market share would always be relatively small.
We are also more interested in developing some more tools to generate different model types...if we ever get time to finish them.
#10
did you consider including Plants & Flowers?
weird thing for me is all that green stuff i mean i don`t have a green thumb not in real and it looks like not even when modelling those green things - they all look weird when am done with em almost dead :/ , really that is something that i always avoid, so hell i will purchase it when i get my paypal stuffed :)
02/21/2013 (1:01 pm)
a question or maybe more of a feature request,did you consider including Plants & Flowers?
weird thing for me is all that green stuff i mean i don`t have a green thumb not in real and it looks like not even when modelling those green things - they all look weird when am done with em almost dead :/ , really that is something that i always avoid, so hell i will purchase it when i get my paypal stuffed :)
#11
02/21/2013 (4:26 pm)
Forester already includes ferns, bushes and shrubs are just little tree like things, and can be created with custom templates. We might even come out with a template pack for other plants at some point.
#12
01/06/2014 (6:54 pm)
love it, amazing stuff. i was just looking for an image editng tool todeal with color. photoshop is too difficult for me now.
#13
check this image editor
04/28/2014 (12:44 am)
if you are looking for a simple and convenient image editing tool, photoshop will not be the best choice. there are many third party control that you can use.check this image editor
Associate Steve Acaster
[YorkshireRifles.com]
I do have loads of fun just playing around with making trees. The realtime editing is great. :)