Attract-Mode Support Forum

Attract-Mode Support => Themes => Topic started by: netbeui on December 15, 2016, 09:23:42 PM

Title: Please help a noob
Post by: netbeui on December 15, 2016, 09:23:42 PM
I'm trying to find a vertical theme and trying out a bunch of cool looking themes that people have posted in the themes area but I almost always end up with the attached layout which is nowhere near to what the theme author posted as a thumbnail.

Any idea what I'm doing wrong? I'm running the latest version of AM and simply copying the theme zip file to the layouts folder and then choosing it from within AM. Any advice/help is greatly appreciated!
Title: Re: Please help a noob
Post by: progets on December 15, 2016, 09:46:41 PM
You can use zip files for the layouts but not everyone does and they might not be designed to run as a zip (meaning the layout.nut isn't in the correct place within the zip). As a test, try unzipping the layout and see what happens.

The screen you are seeing is typical of a layout issue. It could be because it's not designed to be zipped. It could be that your resolution isn't compatible with the layout. It could be due to an error in the layout.nut (which isn't likely if you haven't modified them). If you provide more information like the theme name and your resolution it would be helpful. Also, if you run AttractMode from the command prompt is there any information/errors on the screen once you close AttractMode?
Title: Re: Please help a noob
Post by: netbeui on December 15, 2016, 10:02:34 PM
Thanks for the tips progets. I was trying the mag theme cause it was designed for vertical displays. I unzipped the mag.zip file and although it still looks all messed up it showed a completely different view which proves your theory so I'll try unzipping the other layouts too.

My display is vertical and the resolution is 800x1280. If you know of any compatible layouts fot that resolution/orientation please let me know!

Title: Re: Please help a noob
Post by: progets on December 15, 2016, 11:12:53 PM
I'm glad you made some progress. I can't recommend any vertical layouts since I don't use them.

If you open the layout.nut file with a text editor, some times there are notes at the top and it might indicate the resolution. It's also possible to alter a layout.nut file to work with your resolution. If you see a vertical layout that you like and it looks funny with your resolution you might consider posting on the thread of the layout and ask for advice.
Title: Re: Please help a noob
Post by: bionictoothpick on December 16, 2016, 06:08:35 AM
I made the mag theme, and I need to to an update now that I know how this works better...and also to include the magazine edition choice based on emulator.