10. How to Add Custom Decals in Fantasy Grounds

In the realm of virtual tabletop gaming, Fantasy Grounds stands out as a formidable platform, offering unparalleled immersion and customization options. Embark on an extraordinary adventure by adding your own custom decals, unlocking a universe of limitless possibilities and imaginative escapades. Prepare to elevate your gaming experience to new heights and unleash the boundless creativity within.

Delve into the intricacies of adding custom decals in Fantasy Grounds, enriching your campaigns with unique visual elements that spark the imagination. Follow our comprehensive guide, meticulously crafted for both novice and experienced players, empowering you to personalize your digital tabletops with ease. Discover the secrets of sourcing high-quality decals, navigating the intuitive interface, and seamlessly integrating them into your virtual worlds. Unveil the hidden potential of Fantasy Grounds and transform your gaming sessions into unforgettable spectacles.

As you embark on this customization journey, you will master the art of creating dynamic battle maps, immersive environments, and captivating character tokens. Unleash your artistic flair by designing custom decals that resonate with your imagination and inspire awe among your fellow adventurers. Explore the vast library of available resources or create your own unique designs, ensuring that every element aligns perfectly with your vision. With Fantasy Grounds as your canvas and custom decals as your brushstrokes, the possibilities for extraordinary gaming experiences are endless.

Importing Custom Decals from a File

To import custom decals, you’ll need an image editor such as Photoshop or GIMP. Create a new image with a transparent background and the desired decal design. The dimensions of your decal must meet the following requirements:

Once you’ve created your decal image, save it as a PNG file with a transparent background. In Fantasy Grounds, open the “Decals” window from the “Tools” menu. In the “Decals” window, click the “Import” button and select the PNG file you want to import. The decal will be added to the “Decals” list. To use a decal, drag and drop it onto the map or token.

Creating New Custom Decals

Follow these steps to create custom decals in Fantasy Grounds:

1. Open Fantasy Grounds and load or create a campaign.
2. Select the “Decals” tab in the Library window.
3. Right-click in the library and select “Create New Decal.”
4. In the “Create New Decal” window, enter a name for the decal.
5. Click the “Browse” button to select an image file for the decal. The image file must be a PNG, JPG, or BMP file with a transparent background.
6. Adjust the “Scale” setting to resize the decal.
7. Select a “Category” for the decal.
8. Click the “Create” button.

Additional Information

Here are some additional tips for creating custom decals:

• Decals can be used to represent a wide variety of objects, such as furniture, props, and creatures.
• Decals can be rotated, scaled, and positioned anywhere on the map.
• Custom decals can be shared with other Fantasy Grounds users.

Setting	Description
Name	The name of the decal.
Image File	The image file used for the decal.
Scale	The size of the decal.
Category	The category for the decal.

Managing Custom Decals

Once you have created or downloaded custom decals, you need to manage them to use them in your Fantasy Grounds campaign. Here’s how:

• Add a Decal to a Scene: Drag and drop the decal file from your computer onto a scene in the Fantasy Grounds interface.
• Remove a Decal from a Scene: Right-click on the decal and select “Remove” from the context menu.
• Edit a Decal: Right-click on the decal and select “Edit” from the context menu. You can also double-click on the decal to open the decal editor.

Edit a Custom Decal

The decal editor allows you to customize the properties of a decal, including its size, position, rotation, opacity, and shading. Here are the options available in detail:

Option	Description
Size	Controls the width and height of the decal.
Position	Determines the X and Y coordinates of the decal’s center point.
Rotation	Specifies the angle by which the decal is rotated around its center point.
Opacity	Adjusts the transparency of the decal, with 0% being completely invisible and 100% being fully opaque.
Shading	Controls the intensity of the decal’s shadow and ambient lighting.

Placing Custom Decals on the Map

To add custom decals to your map in Fantasy Grounds, follow these steps:

1. Create a Custom Decal Image

Create an image file in a graphics program like Photoshop or GIMP. The image should be square and have a transparent background. Save the file as a .png or .jpg file.

2. Import the Decal Image into Fantasy Grounds

Open Fantasy Grounds and go to the Library tab. Right-click on the Decals folder and select “Import Image”. Browse to the location of your decal image and select it.

3. Use the Decal Tool to Place the Decal on the Map

Select the Decal tool from the Toolbar. Click on the map where you want to place the decal. A dialog box will appear. Select the decal image you want to use.

4. Customize the Decal

The Decal Options dialog box allows you to customize the decal. You can change the size, rotation, and opacity of the decal. You can also specify whether the decal should be visible to all players or just the DM.

| Option | Description |
|—|—|
| Scale | Sets the size of the decal. |
| Rotation | Rotates the decal. |
| Opacity | Sets the transparency of the decal. |
| Visible to All | Specifies whether the decal is visible to all players or just the DM. |

Adjusting Custom Decal Settings

Once you have added a custom decal, you can adjust its settings to change its appearance and behavior. To do this, select the decal on the map and then click on the “Settings” tab in the Properties window.

The Settings tab contains a number of options for adjusting the decal’s settings. These options include:

• Name: The name of the decal.
• Description: A description of the decal.
• Image: The image file used for the decal.
• Size: The size of the decal in pixels.
• Rotation: The rotation of the decal in degrees.
• Opacity: The opacity of the decal, from 0 (fully transparent) to 1 (fully opaque).
• Z-Order: The Z-order of the decal, which determines its position in the stack of decals.
• Visible: Whether or not the decal is visible.

In addition to these options, you can also adjust the decal’s settings by using the following table:

Setting	Description
Border Color	The color of the decal’s border.
Border Thickness	The thickness of the decal’s border.
Shadow Color	The color of the decal’s shadow.
Shadow Offset	The offset of the decal’s shadow.
Shadow Blur	The blur of the decal’s shadow.

Using Custom Decals for Line of Sight

1. Create a New Decal

In the Decal Browser, click “New.” Enter a name for the decal and choose an image file.

2. Set Decal Properties

Adjust the decal’s size, opacity, and rotation. Enable “Is Blocking” to obstruct line of sight.

3. Import the Decal

Drag and drop the decal file from the Decal Browser onto the map. Alternatively, right-click on the map and select “Add Decal.”

4. Position the Decal

Click and drag to move the decal to the desired location. Zoom in or out for finer placement.

5. Test Line of Sight

Select the “Pathing Tool” from the Toolbar. Click the “Line of Sight” button to toggle the line of sight visualization.

6. Adjusting Visibility and Effects

Property	Description
Visible to Players	Controls whether players can see the decal.
Blocks Line of Sight	Prevents creatures from seeing through the decal.
Is Transparent	Makes the decal invisible from certain angles or lighting conditions.
Shadow Effect	Creates a shadow beneath the decal, affecting line of sight and lighting.

By carefully adjusting these properties, you can create dynamic and realistic line-of-sight obstacles that enhance the gameplay experience.

Linking Custom Decals to NPCs or Objects

To link a custom decal to an NPC or object, follow these steps:

1. Select the NPC or object:

In the Fantasy Grounds interface, locate the NPC or object you wish to link the decal to. Right-click on it and select “Edit” from the context menu.

2. Open the “Graphics” tab:

In the “Edit” window, click on the “Graphics” tab located at the top of the window.

3. Click on the “Add” button:

In the “Graphics” tab, click on the “Add” button located in the “Decals” section. A file browser window will appear.

4. Select the custom decal:

Use the file browser window to navigate to the location of your custom decal file (.png or .tga). Select the file and click “Open”.

5. Adjust the decal settings:

In the “Decals” section of the “Graphics” tab, you can adjust various settings for the decal, such as its size, position, and rotation. You can also specify whether the decal should be visible in the line of sight of other players.

6. Click on the “OK” button:

Once you have finished adjusting the decal settings, click on the “OK” button to save the changes.

7. Custom Decal Size Limit:

It’s important to note that custom decals have a size limit of 512 pixels in both width and height. Decals larger than this size will be automatically scaled down to fit within the limit. It’s recommended to create decals that are within the size limit for optimal performance.

Decal Dimension	Maximum Size
Width	512 pixels
Height	512 pixels

Creating Animated Custom Decals

Animated decals allow you to breathe life into your scenes, adding a touch of dynamism and immersion. To create an animated decal, you’ll need to create a series of images or an animated GIF that represents the animation sequence. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Create the Animation

Create a series of images or an animated GIF that depicts the animation sequence. Each image should represent a frame of the animation, and they should be arranged in the correct order.

2. Import the Animation

In Fantasy Grounds, import the animation sequence into the Assets tab. If you’re using a series of images, import them as a single image sequence. If you’re using an animated GIF, import it as an individual image file.

3. Create the Decal

Create a new decal in the Assets tab. In the Decal Properties window, select the image sequence or animated GIF you imported.

4. Configure the Decal Properties

Configure the decal’s properties such as size, rotation, and attachment point. Additionally, you can set the speed of the animation and whether it should loop.

5. Select the Animation Type

In the Decal Properties window, select the “Animated” option. This will enable the animation sequence for the decal.

6. Set the Animation Frames

Specify the number of frames in the animation sequence. This should match the number of images or frames in your animation.

7. Set the Frame Duration

Set the duration of each frame in milliseconds. This will determine the speed of the animation.

8. Configure Animation Looping

Choose whether the animation should loop continuously or play once. If you enable looping, the animation will repeat indefinitely. If you disable looping, the animation will stop after it reaches the last frame.

Looping	Value
Enabled	The animation will repeat continuously.
Disabled	The animation will stop after it reaches the last frame.

Troubleshooting Custom Decal Issues

1. Check File Type and Size

Decals must be in PNG or JPG format and be less than 2MB in size.

2. Verify File Location

Ensure the decal file is saved in the correct “Custom Decals” folder within the Fantasy Grounds data directory.

3. Confirm File Permissions

Make sure the file has read access permissions for the user running Fantasy Grounds.

4. Restart Fantasy Grounds

Restarting the application may resolve any temporary issues with loading custom decals.

5. Check for Duplicate Decal Names

Decals with the same name will overwrite each other. Ensure the decal name is unique.

6. Disable Firewall or Antivirus

Firewall or antivirus software may block Fantasy Grounds from accessing custom decal files.

7. Clear Fantasy Grounds Cache

Open “Data” > “Cache” in Fantasy Grounds and clear the “image” and “decals” folders.

8. Resave Decal File

Re-opening the decal file in an image editing program and saving it can sometimes resolve issues.

9. Verify Custom Decal Code

Ensure the custom decal code in the decal file is correct and conforms to the Fantasy Grounds syntax. Pay special attention to the following:

Add Custom Decals in Fantasy Grounds

Instructions:

Locate the decal you want to use in Fantasy Grounds (FG), right-click it, and select “Set Default Decal.” This will automatically add it to your FG decal library.

Creative Uses for Custom Decals

Enhance Immersive Encounters:

Create unique decals to represent specific locations, such as tavern walls, dungeon corridors, or forest trails, enhancing the visual experience and atmosphere.

Mark Important Locations:

Use decals to highlight key areas on the map, such as treasure caches, secret passages, or campsites. This can guide players and expedite navigation.

Add Visual Elements To Rolls:

Assign custom decals to represent different dice faces. When rolling, the corresponding decal will appear, adding a fun and interactive element to the gameplay.

Track Character Conditions:

Use decals to mark characters with specific conditions, such as exhaustion, poison, or blessings. This provides a quick visual reference during combat and encounters.

Classify Monsters And NPCs:

Create decals to categorize monsters and NPCs based on their type or alignment. This simplifies identification and speeds up gameplay.

Create Dynamic Effects:

Utilize decals to simulate dynamic effects, such as fireballs, explosions, or spell circles. This enhances visual appeal and adds a sense of realism to the scene.

Build Custom Portraits:

Combine multiple decals to create unique portraits for characters and NPCs, adding personality and distinguishing features.

Create Reusable Maps:

Save custom decals as reusable map elements. This allows for easy and efficient map creation, reducing the need for manual drawing and saving time.

Design Custom Tokens:

Use decals to create personalized tokens for monsters, NPCs, and player characters. This provides a clear and visually appealing representation on the map.

Simplify Encounter Management:

Assign specific decals to different encounter types. This enables quick and easy encounter setup by filtering and grouping decals according to the desired encounter type.

How To Add Custom Decal In Fantasy Grounds

Fantasy Grounds is a virtual tabletop (VTT) program that allows you to play tabletop RPGs online with friends or strangers. It has a wide range of features that make it a great tool for RPG players, including the ability to create and use custom decals.

Custom decals can be used to add images, logos, or other graphics to your maps and tokens. They can be used to create custom walls, doors, or other objects, or to add a personal touch to your game. To add a custom decal to Fantasy Grounds, follow these steps:

1. Open the Fantasy Grounds application.
2. Click on the “File” menu and select “Open Campaign”.
3. Navigate to the campaign folder where you want to add the custom decal.
4. Click on the “Decals” folder.
5. Right-click in the folder and select “New Decal”.
6. Enter a name for the new decal and click “OK”.
7. Click on the “Image” tab.
8. Click on the “Browse” button and select the image you want to use for the decal.
9. Click on the “OK” button.
10. Click on the “Save” button to save the new decal.

People Also Ask

How To Add Custom Decal In Fantasy Grounds

To add a custom decal to Fantasy Grounds, follow these steps:

1. Open the Fantasy Grounds application.
2. Click on the “File” menu and select “Open Campaign”.
3. Navigate to the campaign folder where you want to add the custom decal.
4. Click on the “Decals” folder.
5. Right-click in the folder and select “New Decal”.
6. Enter a name for the new decal and click “OK”.
7. Click on the “Image” tab.
8. Click on the “Browse” button and select the image you want to use for the decal.
9. Click on the “OK” button.
10. Click on the “Save” button to save the new decal.

Why can’t see my custom decals in Fantasy Grounds?

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to see your custom decals in Fantasy Grounds:

• The decals are not in the right folder. Custom decals must be placed in the “Decals” folder within your campaign folder.
• The decals are not properly named. Custom decals must have a unique name. If two decals have the same name, only one of them will be visible in Fantasy Grounds.
• The decals are not properly formatted. Custom decals must be in the PNG format. If the decal is in a different format, it will not be visible in Fantasy Grounds.

Attribute	Example
Name
Image Path
Width/Height	100
Transparency Color
Tags	MyCustomTag