NASCAR PAINTKIT

"How To Import New PCX decals"

The big question always asked is  <<Is there a way to paint
the PCX decals outside of PaintKit, then import them back
in?>>

ANSWER:	Doing this is tricky business, but it can be done.
First let me add my disclaimer that as a frequent designer,
I've found that it is almost always easier to do your work
in PaintKit than take it elsewhere.  The quality is usually
better and with less work (or a different kind of work <G>)
A few exceptions are if you want to convert something from
another format, shrink or blow up a logo, or draw a perfect
circle.

The rule you must NEVER FORGET is that any fancy stuff you do
elsewhere will be negated in the end because PaintKit is your
least capable application and that is where your work will end
up.

OK, if you've gotten through that and still want to proceed
<G>...  You need an application to edit in first of all.
"NeoPaint" is the most common.  It is Shareware available in
Compu$erve GO PEARL forum.  Many applications that are
considered great, like Corel, do not work for editing NASCAR
PCXs.  The application MUST preserve the color palate and more
importantly the exact size ratio of the original PCX.  Many high
end applications do not do that.   Start by exporting the Pace
Car from PaintKit. The PCX file will be in your C:\NASCAR
directory.  You can then open up the file in NeoPaint or another
application (you may not know if PaintKit will accept another
application's work until you import it back to PaintKit.)
 
PaintKit works in a low resolution, LESS than 256 color palate
world.  There should be a color palate for NeoPaint in the
Motorsports Library of this forum.  Use it!  If you can't get a
palate, use the "color sample" tool from applications that allow
you to choose a color right from the image instead of a palate.
That way you know your color is right.  If you do this, you
might want to use a car like Jeff Gordon's (with a lot of color!)

Be careful in NeoPaint!  Outside of PaintKit, when you edit, you
are actually editing the whole PCX file.  What I mean is that you
are not restricted to staying inside the outlines of the car
panels.  If you cut outside the lines, you will actually get just
that.  Also, the gray background in NeoPaint comes through as
"clear" back in PaintKit.

Play around, cut and paste from other graphics in NeoPaint.  If
they are of high detail, they will fall apart back in PaintKit,
if they come through at all.  The fewer colors the better.  Sizes
must be fairly small.  Open up your car PCX and let NeoPaint
change to the proper resolution.  Then open up another file of
your choice (logo) and copy a section to paste to the car PCX.
Save your files and then import them back in PaintKit.  You will
most certainly still have to do some clean up work in PaintKit to
perfect the image.

Words from the Garage of
Chris Frederick,
(Compu$erve) 70004,4546