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The AutoREALM Frequently Asked Questions

Last modification: 04/23/2006

WHAT-WHERE-WHO

What is AutoREALM?

A Delphi-based Fantasy Role Playing map making program.

What is it designed for?

Its main goal is to easily draw maps which would be otherwise made with professional or expensive software such as Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, or Campaign Cartographer.

How much does it cost?

AutoREALM is freeware and released under a GNU licensing agreement.

What means GNU?

For more information for GNU, please go to http://www.gnu.org

Who made it?

AutoREALM was written by the original author Andy Gryc (say: "Grits") until recently. He is still participating on the Yahoo mailing-list. Other individuals have contributed some enhancements, which can be viewed in the program's about box. AutoREALM is currently maintained by a bunch of developpers who gathered under the banner of Sourceforge.

What are its main features?

  • Fractal lines, polylines and curves for rivers and coastlines
  • Dozens of dungeon, campaign, and wilderness icons
  • Instant hex, rotated hex, square, diamond, half-diamond, triangle, polar grids (fully scalable and designable with secondary grids)
  • Chart navigation rosettes
  • Zoom in, out, and zoom percentage toolbar.
  • Save and restore views
  • Move, scale, rotate, skew, flip, align, and array create transformations
  • Snap-to-grid and snap-to-point
  • Full undo (20+ levels and more) and redo capability
  • Archaic, runic, and other fonts
  • Bitmap objects for special symbols or for tracing scanned images
  • Optional crosshair cursor for precise alignment
  • Measures in standard and friendly RPG scales
  • AutoNAME, a random name generator with styles like Tolkien, English, etc.
  • Multiple overlays (10 layers) with freezing and color-coded viewing
  • Glyph line styles like pack-ice, water boundary, and castle walls
  • Curve-fitted text
  • Decompose text, icons, and fractals into polygons and polylines
  • Tiling of large maps onto multiple pages
  • Import and export of Windows Metafiles and Enhanced Metafiles
  • Measurement ruler and measurement string
  • Help Files
  • Intuitive interface comforming to Windows standard functions as manipulating objects, stretching them, moving them, selecting them.
  • Saves maps into .bmp, .jpg and .aur (native) formats
  • Support of language DLLs : french and japanese translations are available.
  • Toolbars with many Menu Icons
  • Symbols to minimize file size for repeating graphics
  • Symbol library, possibility to add and design your own symbols.

[NEW] Copyright matters: is it ok to use the maps for commercial use?

{{{ > Subject: Re: [AutoREALM] Maps in commercial products There is no restriction against using AutoREALM maps in a commercial product. The symbol libraries have been contributed with this knowledge. It would be nice (if possible) to get a mention, but not mandatory. --Andy Gryc }}}

Where is AutoREALM available?

You can get it at various places:

=>Download the ".exe" self-installer program, then run it (For latest release "AR210Setup.exe", by example). (If you are under WinXP or WinNT, please reboot to show up the "blank symbols".)

Where is the source code?

The source code is no longer available from Andy Gryc's website, since the source image changes more frequently now. Please go to SourceForge for the most recent image. The last source code is available under a Subversion repository on the SourceForge at https://sourceforge.net/cvs/?group_id=22266. The features wishlist and bug lists are also now being maintained on SourceForge!

Is there a webring for websites with AutoREALM maps?

Sure. You could go to http://k.webring.com/hub?ring=autorealm. This webring is dedicated to those who support and share Autorealm maps and informations.

I have maps to share. How could I upload these into the Yahoo vault?

Sorry, but http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/AutoREALM/files has been finaly locked out due to spams and viruses uploaded there whithout a link to the subject of the group. If you want a file uploaded to the file area, please contact one the administrators by emailing your demand to AutoREALM DASH owner AT yahoogroups DOT com then, wait for a response ; they will contact you to send your (zipped!) file by email to one of them and finally put it on the YahooGroups? site for you. Please feel free to share your maps and symbols to the AR community!

PROGRAMMING

I like AutoREALM, but only wish it would do XXX. Is there any way to add that feature?

You have two choices. Anybody can submit a new feature or add his comments. Depending on the utility, ease of use, and a number of other factors (including each one's work load), you may see your feature appear in a subsequent release of AutoREALM. Or, you may find some other person on the list who is interested in your feature and willing to add it for you.

  • If you are a programmer, and either know Delphi or are willing to experiment, you can add it yourself with direct coding.
  • If you are not a programmer, try posting the request to the email group: autorealm AT yahoogroups DOT com. Be descriptive : explain what you want to do as best as you can. Generally, you will either get a reply explaining that you can do that feature already (often how to do it), or it will get added to the "giant wish list" which is currently maintained at

Is it cross-platform? Does it work on a Macintosh? Linux?

Actually: no, no and no. The program is written in Delphi, which is a Borland/Inprise product. Macintosh is not currently supported by Borland. And it seems it won't be, ever. Since the Borland team replied negatively on that topic. AutoREALM runs under Windows 95, 98SE, NT 4.0, ME, 2000 and XP. With Kylix (a Delphi port for Linux), it is possible that a Linux port may be made available, but no group is actively pursuing this. For Borland's links to Kylix, see http://www.borland.com/kylix

Update: AutoREALM is undergoing an extensive re-write. It will soon be available for Windows, Macintosh (OS X), and UNIX-like operating systems.

But I could run it under Linux!?

Yes, it runs in WINE. Some graphic flaws are to be expected.

Are there any tutorials around?

  • A (very) short tutorial exists in the Help Files in the section "Tips:How do I...". It is quite helpful to begin with. But it could be enhanced with graphical pictures to add more descriptions, etc. Some people occasionally ask for a tutorial on the list. They should go and read the AutoREALM "Help Files" (under F1 key) before asking.. Saving time for all.
  • AutoREALM Tutorials, the web site is dispatching some html tutos which are good to read!

What means "CHM Development" on Andy's webpage?

It is an ongoing development for converting existing AutoREALM help files into "Compile Help Files" (CHM). Some links on: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autorealm/links/chm_001016247532

The icons in the symbol toolbar appear to be all black OR my fill button colors are all black OR when I insert a colored metafile, it comes out all black?

First make sure you actually have a bug: read the below question first! If you are actually experiencing a bug, there are three things to try.

  1. Try turning off the hardware accelerator on your graphics card and see if it makes a difference. Lots of bitmap related problems on people's machines have been caused by graphic accelerators. To turn off hardware acceleration, go into the Control Panel, start System, click the Performance tab, then click on "Graphics...". Move your Hardware Acceleration slider all the way to the left (None). I can't remember if you have to reboot after this or not. In any case, try it. If the problem goes away, you have just found a bug in your graphics driver.
  2. Another thing you can try is to use a different color mode (i.e. use 16 million colors, or 65535 colors, if you're currently using 256 colors). Sometimes a bug in the driver is not in all display modes but only one.
  3. Try getting the most up-to-date display drivers from your graphics manufacturer's web site.

Maybe I'm having the problem listed above: most of my symbols are black, except the "heralds", the "comfy chair" and the "stop sign" symbols. Is this normal?

The base symbols are created using a TrueType? font, and appear black as a default color (this is overridden when placing them, using the color settings). Some of the other symbols are more complex items made of multiple components. The heralds are bitmap symbols originally created using Blazons, and the stop sign is a vector-based symbol - drawn lines and filled areas. They keep the colors used to create them; it would be difficult to have the program automatically and correctly modify their colors.

I get a "blue screen of death" when I do certain actions in AutoREALM?

Unfortunately, this problem has not yet been tracked down. It appears to happen only on Windows 95 or 98, and non-Intel CPUs appear to be more susceptible. Other than trying another machine, please write down the information on the blue screen, and email it to support AT gryc DOT ws

Which file format should I use?

There are two different file formats. The original binary one (saved as .AUR) and the newer XML-based one (saved as .AURX). Because changes to the program (especially with version 2.x) have introduced new features that are only saved in the new format, it is the one you should use.

Also some users have experienced a bug where symbols and/or objects on their maps disappear when saving in the old format. So to be extra safe, use the newer format.

I want to make changes to the program. How do I compile the source?

Hum. Well. Really? Ok.

  1. You need, at first, the compiler. Delphi 6 Personal Edition as a free download at the Borland website is no longer available. This version has been tremendously(?) used to develop AutoREALM because it is... free to use for personal developments. Exceptionally, a friendly user of the list has made it available at http://nuit.no-ip.org/pub/delphi. If you are a new Delphi developper, it seems to be the best choice for coding! There are limited trials on Borland site you could still get to program AutoREALM (for now) by these links below. Beware, the total of files should aproximate ~140MB+++ (ADSL required!).
  2. Become a member of the AutoREALM project team http://sourceforge.net/projects/autorealm
  3. Then, get and install a CVS client (this is the hardest part!) Read http://sourceforge.net/cvs/?group_id=22266
  4. Get the AutoREALM CVS repository from the CVS Tree with your CVS client. Some info here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AutoREALM/files/developer%20docs/SourceForge101
  5. Begin to play...

But, if you only want "to play" with the code without committing real changes to the project, skip steps 2 to 5 and get Sourcecode v1.19 "AutoREALM-Source-1.19.zip" from http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=22266. Then see the reference document http://gryc.ws/autorealmsource.htm for more information.

What about porting AutoREALM on LINUX with KYLIX? So then, every Linux gurus could enjoy AutoREALM on LINUX whithout any graphical flaws under the free WINE emulator or any other sort of commercial WinOS emulation?

Fine. Let's roll :

  1. Download the free last version of the KYLIX Open Edition compiler at http://www.borland.com/products/downloads/download_kylix.html
  2. Do I need to detail the rest? You are a Linux guru...

Did someone attempted before to port AR under LINUX?

Sure. His name is Keith Davies. Here's what he says: {{{ I took a run at it a couple years ago. Windows-specific code was too pervasive; IIRC I figured I'd have to replace significant amounts of code to port it. I didn't have time to deal with it then. Still don't, actually; I've got other projects I'm working on now.

}}}

I want to join the efforts in creating color symbols for AutoREALM, but how?

Fine. This is a good approach to discover the software. Some other examples are under http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autorealm/files/symbols. Please read the FAQ about submitting files if you want to contribute your work.

Could we translate the software into another language?

AutoREALM is available in French, for example, at http://www.mythorama.com/_jeux/indexfr.php?article=1000. German and Japanese translations are available, too. See http://www.gryc.ws/autorealm.htm for German and http://www.kumaryu.net/software/autorealm/autorealm.html for Japanese. An active effort of translation in Japanese, here: http://ciba.tripod.co.jp/autorealm_help_translate.html

Is there any other source of AutoREALM information?

Try searching through the Yahoo AutoREALM group notes. The email generated by the group is archived online at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autorealm/messages. A search field box is provided on this webpage to make queries.

What rules should I follow if I want to submit files (either RUL or symbol files) for inclusion in AutoREALM?

All the following legal requirements must hold:

  1. The contents of those files MUST be of your own original work.
  2. The work MUST NOT be derived from, or based on any other materials, whether that material is copyrighted or not. That means not copied by machine (imported WMF, EMF, or any other file formats from another program), "traced" (drawing over bitmaps or JPEGS imported from elsewhere), or copied by "eye" (visually duplicating). NO CLIPART, SCANNED IMAGES, OR IMPORTED FILES ARE ALLOWED.
  3. The rights to the work in question MUST belong to you, and CANNOT belong to another corporation or entity. If you created them for another company that actually owns the copyright, you cannot submit the files for use in AutoREALM.
  4. The work in question will be included as part of the AutoREALM package, which includes unrestricted distribution of that work as outlined under the GNU license. Upon submitting your files, you are giving implicit permission to allow unrestricted distribution of your work.

NOTE THAT STRICTLY FOLLOWING THESE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ALLOW AUTOREALM TO REMAIN FREEWARE. If Andy has to handle any legal issues whatsoever, since he does not get any money from this endeavor, he would have to abandon work on AutoREALM. Once you are comfortable with the legal requirements, follow these steps.

FOR SUBMITTING A SYMBOL LIBRARY (AUS FILE):

  1. Make sure that you mark every one of your symbols in the comment field with "Created by MY NAME". Please do not include a copyright, or Andy wll not be able to use your symbols. This is *your* symbol: make sure you get credit for it, since that's the only form of reimbursement you will get!
  2. Try to make your symbols in color (unless it make sense to have them monochrome). Almost all the previous symbols were monochrome and pretty bland.
  3. Email your symbols to andy AT gryc DOT ws as an .AuS file attachment. AutoREALM creates an AuS file when you create a group in the Symbol Library page. Just create a new group with any name you like, and put any symbols you want to contribute into that group. The .Aus File with your group name is created in the program directory, e.g. C:\Program Files\AutoREALM\MY_NAMED_GROUP.AuS. Email that file.
  4. Do not put a lot of effort into organizing your symbols into appropriately named groups. Since often will not be enough symbols to justify a complete group, they may be reorganized anyway.
  5. Please do not include bitmaps or hyperlinks in your symbols--anything else is perfectly acceptable. Including bitmaps makes the symbol libraries huge (plus they do not scale well), and hyperlinks just are not appropriate.
  6. You do not have to be a graphic artist. Anything that you use on your maps might be useful for someone else! Do not feel that you cannot contribute just because you do not feel like you are artistic. Everyone's efforts count--something as simple as a couple of lines or a circle can be an effective symbol when applied right!

FOR SUBMITTING A AUTONAME (RUL FILE):

  1. Make sure that you mark every one of your RUL files with a comment block at the top of the file like this: {{{ //

// Created by MY NAME //}}} Please do not include a copyright, or Andy will not be able to use your file. This is *your* file: make sure you get credit for it, since that's the only form of reimbursement you will get! Feel free to include your email, but only if you are comfortable getting email from other AutoREALM users. The AutoREALM community is alive and well--if you do not want to be contacted, I recommend you leave out your email address.

  1. Email your RUL to andy AT gryc DOT ws as an attachment.
  2. Make sure that if you use #include to include other RUL files, you send all of the files you're including or your RUL won't work!

Why these rules seem to be so strict?

This is intentionally done since the episode of copyright issue with old Profantasy CC-DOS symbols incorporated into AutoREALM versions 1.14 and 1.18. Mostly due to ignorance. This episode must never happen again.

What if I make a new symbol based on an old AutoREALM symbol?

You could make any symbols you want based on the already existing ones. There is no copyright problems with that.

Why does the scrollbar flash?

The scroll bars are not part of the client window, and therefore exhibit a Windows "feature"--the flashing indicates that the scrollbar has focus, and that the arrow keys will move the area up/down. To get the flashing to stop, select another control that will retain the focus (like the line or overlay combo boxes).


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