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xARM: Aspect and Resolution Master [v1.9]

Discussion in 'Assets and Asset Store' started by Thavron, Aug 16, 2013.

  1. Thavron

    Thavron

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    I'm glad that I could help and it now works as expected.

    As far as I can see on your screenshot the confusion likely was caused by the GameView.
    It is set to 1280x800, but the GameView's window is way smaller (unless you have a very high res monitor ;)).
    Because the window is smaller the GV only keeps the aspect of the set resolution, but not the resolution itself.
    That's why it is always necessary to verify GV's resolution by it's Stats.

    That is GameView's nasty little secret. Imagine spending hours on tailoring a GUI to this and then changing GV's size or building to device…
    I didn't spend hours, but it was
    one of the reasons why I started creating xARM.:)
     
  2. Thavron

    Thavron

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    xARM v1.3 is in the works.
    Feel free to suggest new features!
     
  3. ojuzu

    ojuzu

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    I just purchased this asset and so far it looks very promising! But I'm having an issue where some DFGUI buttons are not appearing accurately and I'm not sure if I have something set up improperly.

    I've pushed my Unity build to an iPad air retina so I know what it looks like on the actual device. The strange part is that in xARM, the iPad mini retina screencap looks exactly like my iPad air build but the iPad air screencap looks like the 1024x768 image in my gameview. Any ideas on what I'm doing wrong?

    Thanks!
     
  4. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Thanks for purchasing xARM! I'm glad you like it.

    That's a known issue I'm currently working on.
    It'll be fixed in upcoming v1.3.

    DFGUI needs more than one frame to reposition, resize, etc. all GUI components, but xARM v1.2 changes the resolution just for the duration of one frame (v1.3 adds an option to set the number of frames).
    That's the reason why your second ScreenCap with the same resolution looks right, but the first doesn't.


     
  5. PixelEnvision

    PixelEnvision

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    Custom resolutions? and/or Windows Phone 8 devices... Nice work, btw!
     
  6. ojuzu

    ojuzu

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    Thanks for the detailed explanation. This is great to hear as this tool will be a massive time saver if it works consistently which it appears it will once updated. Any ETA for 1.3?

    Thanks for the awesome tool!
     
  7. DannyB

    DannyB

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    Hey - looks suprt useful - was this tested with 2D Toolkit?
     
  8. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Thanks a lot to all of you! I highly appreciate your feedback!

    Custom and Windows Phone resolutions are already on my list (not v1.3, sorry). I'll give it a higher priority.
    For now you can add custom resolutions with just one line of code.

    I've planned to submit v1.3 next week.

    Because of xARM's design it works with 2d Toolkit and all other similar extensions. I don't own 2D Toolkit, but I know of xARM users using it without problems. No known issues.
    Need a prove? See bitbutter's posts some posts above. ;)
     
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2014
  9. DannyB

    DannyB

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    Well - actually I just bought it 5 minutes after the post, and I could not make it work properly with 2D Toolkit. I sent you an email.

    I am using the 2D Toolkit camera with resolution overrides, and it just does not show the correct screencaps. I also tried using the delegates, with no luck.

    EDIT:
    Probably one of the key things that makes xARM and tk2d clash is the fact that the tk2dCamera requires that the game view is NOT set to Free Aspect, and xARM requires that it does.
     
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2014
  10. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Thanks for purchasing!

    As far as I can see in 2dToolkit's docs it also works with Free Aspect.
    http://www.unikronsoftware.com/2dtoolkit/doc/2.10/reference/tk2dcamera.html (See "Preview resolution")
    But with Free Aspect you have to set 2dtk's preview resolution manually (which is afaik only used in Edit mode).
    If that doesn't help, please try to update the ScreenCaps in Play/Pause mode.

    I'll send you a mail regarding the delegate question.
    Please let me know if you need further help.

     
  11. DannyB

    DannyB

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    Thanks.

    Well I can confirm that it only partially works with 2D Toolkit. By partially, I mean it depends on what your camera overrides situation is. Some cases it will work, others it wont. Its a good thing that you have the delegates, otherwise, it would have failed completely for my use case.

    If you want to truly say the plugin works with all 2D systems, I believe you should get a copy of 2D Toolkit and test it with different camera settings. I will be able to help with providing use cases that dont work, in case you need.
     
  12. Thavron

    Thavron

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    @DannyB: I've sent you an email. I'd like to take a deeper look into it.
     
  13. Tripwire

    Tripwire

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    Hi Thavron,

    I'm really interested in your asset but I have a few questions:

    1. Does it work with NGUI 3.4.8 and it's anchoring system
    2. What happens when I don't use anchoring? Can I scale/position items per platform or does it scale the UIPanel (NGUI)?

    I'm certain that i'm going to buy this asset if you can answer me these questions!

    Thanks!

    EDIT:
    Bought it anyways :) but still like my questions answered :)
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2014
  14. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Thanks for purchasing!

    1. Yes, it works with NGUI. With and without
    anchors.
    2. xARM itself doesn't scale/reposition. It gives you a real preview of the results with different resolutions to boost your development.
    So the scaling/repositioning is still done by the GUI system you're using (NGUI, DFGUI, etc.), but much more easy to setup.
     
  15. Tripwire

    Tripwire

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    Hi Thavron,

    I noticed that, it doesn't really matter since i'm getting a hang on the Anchoring system in NGUI. And it's really great to see how my UI looks like on all platforms i'm targeting. It's working great. Going to write a 5 star review in the Asset Store!

    Edit:
    One question, is it possible to set the Gameview to the same aspect ratio or screen size as the selected device or resolution in the xARM preview? Would be nice when testing in the editor (Tweening of screens etc).
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2014
  16. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Hi Tripwire,

    Thanks a lot for your review and feedback! I highly appreciate this!

    That feature is part of the
    upcoming v1.3 I've planned to submit this week.
    So just be patient a few days
    :D.
     
  17. Thavron

    Thavron

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    xARM v1.3 is still in work. Sorry for the delay, but it needs a little more love.

    @DannyB: Also thanks a lot for your 5 Star review!
     
  18. DannyB

    DannyB

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    Sure. Well deserved.
     
  19. Thavron

    Thavron

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    xARM v1.3 is submitted to the AssetStore and awaiting approval.

    @ojuzu, @DannyB: Both issues should be fixed with v1.3's "Frames to wait between Game View resize and ScreenCap update" feature.
    Please let me know how it works for you.

    @Tripwire: Your suggestion is implemented. Hope you like it.

    Any feedback about v1.3 is highly appreciated!

    Changelog:
    1.03.226
    xARM Preview:
    + Game View inherits xARM Preview resolution option
    + Fallback Game View resolution option

    xARM Options:
    + Frames to wait between Game View resize and ScreenCap update option

    Bugfix: Endless update in Pause mode
    Several minor improvements and bugfixes
     
  20. Thavron

    Thavron

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    xARM v1.3 is now live in the AssetStore.
    Hope you like the new features and fixes!

    As always feedback is appreciated!
     
  21. imtrobin

    imtrobin

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    can u add multiple selection or Select All/Select None in the options selection
     
  22. imtrobin

    imtrobin

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    Also, can you add Gallery screens as clickable buttons to change the xArm Preview window.
     
  23. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Thanks for your suggestions imtrobin!
    I've added them to my 2do list.

    What do you mean by "multiple selections"?
    I've a "Gallery filter" feature on my list. It would add a filter drop down to the gallery where you can select what to show. (E.g. iOS + retina; Android + 3-5"; etc.)
    Is that what you mean?

    Click on a Gallery SreenCap to display it in xARM Preview? Great idea.

    Thanks!
     
  24. Amon

    Amon

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    I get that it allows you to preview what the game will look like at all these different resolutions but when actually deploying what happens then? example: I target two android resolutions, 1280x720, 480, 320 :... does xArm resize and set the camera for each of these resolutions? Or is it a case that xArm just lets you preview what it would look like but leaves it to you to implement resizing, scaling code etc?
     
  25. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Hi Amon!
    I'm glad you're interested in xARM.

    You're right. xARM gives you a real preview of your game (at different resolutions, physical size, etc.), but it doesn't scale, resize or reposition anything.
    It will help you a lot to set up everything correctly while using your own code or one of the great tools to do this (DFGUI, NGUI, etc.). xARM will save you a lot of time and hassle, so that you should be able to target more than two resolutions with the same amount of work.

    Please let me know if you need further informations. Thanks.
     
  26. Tripwire

    Tripwire

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    Great update! Love the game view setting :D thx!
     
  27. Thavron

    Thavron

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    I'm glad you like it. Thanks for your feedback!
     
  28. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Thanks a lot to everyone who has given xARM such great reviews in the AssetStore!
    It is a great help to improve xARM and highly appreciated!
     
  29. EmeralLotus

    EmeralLotus

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    Very nice asset.

    I bought this a while ago and did not have a chance to test it fully until recently.

    Have a few questions:

    I'm using a macbook pro 10.8.5

    1. When pressing the play mode, the game window jumps to the upper left corner of the screen and is pretty much stuck to that corner. Cannot move it to another place.

    2. Switching from mini Ipad to Regular Ipad does not change the size of the game view window.

    Here is a screen capture video of the problems.

    https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/48378123/Xarm_mac_Problem.mp4


    Edit:

    Started to play with the DPI settings to see if this makes any difference.

    1. Changing the DPI doesn't affect the size of the game view even when 1:1phy is selected for the xARM preview. I tried the verify dpi but also not doing anything to the game view.

    2. The Iphone game view size physical size is larger than the actual iphone ( iphone 4).

    Is anyone experiencing the same thing on a macbook pro ?
     
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2014
  30. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Hi rocki,

    I'm glad you like xARM!
    Let's go through your questions. (I'm also using a MacBook.)

    When this happens you can close the Game View by CMD+W (while it is focused) and reopen it with CMD+2.
    This issue is on my list and it should be fixed with the next version.

    xARM does only change the Game View's resolution. So if you switch e.g. form iPad Mini retina to iPad retina (same resolution) the Game View window doesn't change its size. If you switch e.g. from iPad Mini standard to iPad retina the Game View size will change.

    The Game View is always 1:1px. If you want to preview your game at 1:1phy (or scaled) you have to use xARM Preview.
    (With the 1x Update you can update the ScreenCap at any time.)

    Hope that clears things up. If not please let me know.
    Thanks for your feedback!
     
  31. EmeralLotus

    EmeralLotus

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    Thanks for the clarification. I see the changes in the xARM preview now.

    "The Game View is always 1:1px. If you want to preview your game at 1:1phy (or scaled) you have to use xARM Preview.
    (With the 1x Update you can update the ScreenCap at any time.)"

    I have the xARM setting on Editor for update but it's not refreshing. I have to click the 1x button then it works.
    Update delay is set to 2sec.

    Is there a setting I'm missing ?
     
  32. Thavron

    Thavron

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    If auto update Editor is activated, xARM updates the active ScreenCap (xARM Preview) or all selected ScreenCaps (xARM Gallery) every time the scene is changed while not in Play or Pause mode.
    Auto update Pause updates every time the game is paused (or stepped). 1x Update works in all modes (Editor, Play, Pause).
    (please take a look at the ReadMe for a more detailed description)

    So I guess your in Play mode? Or there was no scene change?
    There is no other setting. (BTW update delay is 2 frames, not 2 sec ;-) )
     
  33. EmeralLotus

    EmeralLotus

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    Ah yes, the docs.

    Sorry, I should have read it.

    - xARMGallery:
    YoucanusexARMGallerytodisplayseveralresolutionsatthe
    sametime.

    Update"1x"
    ThisoptionisthemostflexiblewaytoupdateallScreenCaps
    wheneveryoulike. Youcanuseitineditor, pausemodeand
    evenwhileplaying.

    Update"Editor"
    ActivatethisoptiontoautomaticallyupdatesallScreenCaps
    whenevertheScenechangessothatyoudirectlyseetheresults.

    Update"Pause"
    ActivatethisoptiontoupdateallScreenCapseachtimeyoupauseor
    stepthegame. YoucanuseUnity's hotkeys to pause
    (CTRL/CMD+SHIFT+P) andstep (CTRL/CMD+ALT+P) thegameand
    instantlyupdateallScreenCaps.


    ---------
    Ok, I spent some time reading and now understand how this awesome package works.

    Is there a way to have auto update happening during PLAY mode. I know that it's a performance drain, perhaps offer it as an option so we can turn it on or off. The reason is that there are many situations that I would like to see what the game looks like on the device when it's actually running.

    Would you consider a request for adding this feature in a future update. Having the ability to dynamically monitor the game while it's playing in the xARM view brings it one step closer to emulating the real device in addition to being a screen shot capture utility.
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2014
  34. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Thanks! And nice to heart! ;)
    (I hope it was the copy&paste what messed up the spacing…)

    Thanks for the suggestion!
    The first (internal) versions of xARM had an auto update Play (instead of Pause), but it was not useful (resizing the Game View in an endless loop etc.). Thats the reason I didn't have it on my list.
    But since then the update process has changed (no updates while Game View has focus etc.), so may be I should reconsider adding it…

    So let me brainstorm the options and alternative. Feedback is highly appreciated from everyone who likes to join the discussion.

    1. xARM Preview - Auto update in Play mode
      Because the Game View doesn't need to change its size that should work well (may be laggy).
      Update also when Game View has focus?
    2. xARM Gallery - Auto update in Play mode
      Game View would change size in endless loop.
      ScreenCaps aren't captured during same frame, so very laggy.
      I think that won't be very useful.
    3. Alternative: Auto update in Pause mode also updates when Game View has focus. That isn't real time, but you can trigger it by Unity's hotkey.
      For xARM Preview and Gallery?

    What do you think?
     
  35. EmeralLotus

    EmeralLotus

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    I would like to vote for option 1 due to the fact that it's getting closer to the intended goal of simulating the real device with acceptable performance.
     
  36. Thavron

    Thavron

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    I've put option #1 on my list.
    Thanks!
     
  37. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Here is a 10sec video of xARM I've created for GDC:

    [video=youtube_share;1E1GPolbF1Q]http://youtu.be/1E1GPolbF1Q
     
  38. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Very soon I will submit a new xARM version with some hotfixes.
    If you are effected by the encoding error on Korean Windows let me know and I'll send you the hot fix immediately.
    Also if you know of other issues please let me know.
     
  39. PixelEnvision

    PixelEnvision

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    :cool:
     
  40. EmeralLotus

    EmeralLotus

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    Cool, does it have #1 choice from above?

    1: xARM Preview - Auto update in Play mode
    Because the Game View doesn't need to change its size that should work well (may be laggy).
    Update also when Game View has focus?
     
  41. Thavron

    Thavron

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    :D

    Hope you're not to disappointed, but no. That feature is planned for v1.4.

    But that annoying thing is fixed. ;)
     
  42. EmeralLotus

    EmeralLotus

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    1 out of 2 is not bad. That's a 50% savings. Good deal.

    Ok, I'm happy for now, can you give an ETA on 1.4.
     
  43. Thavron

    Thavron

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    xARM v1.03.233 is submitted to the AssetStore and awaiting approval.

    Changelog 1.03.233
    - Bugfix: xARMSettings.xml encoding error on Korean systems
    - Bugfix: GameView positon makes toolbar unreachable

    Great!
    I hope to release v1.4 soon. I can't give you an exact ETA, because I don't want to promise anything I can't deliver.
     
  44. Thavron

    Thavron

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    v1.03.233 is now available in the AssetStore.
     
  45. ageana

    ageana

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    Why every time when Unity crashes I lose all my screencaps and I have to set them again? How can this be handled? Thank you.
     
  46. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Yep, when Unity crashes all unsaved settings are lost (not only xARM's settings).
    xARM writes all settings (selected ScreenCaps, etc.) to the xml on Unity-close and switching Edit <-> Play mode.
    So if needed you can force xARM to save all settings by e.g. switching to Play mode.

    EDIT: Well, my Unity crashed just a few moments ago and I also lost my settings… I'll take a look at this issue.
    Does anyone know a 'good' way to crash Unity?
     
    Last edited: Apr 2, 2014
  47. Thavron

    Thavron

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    @hexaust: As a workaround for now, you can make a backup of "/ProjectSettings/xARMSettings.xml" and restore it when needed (while Unity is closed).
     
  48. Thavron

    Thavron

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    [FONT=Lucida Grande, Lucida Sans Unicode, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]xARM is on SALE! 36% off for a limited time![/FONT]
     
  49. Thavron

    Thavron

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    Only a few days ago xARM got on sale and it is already the 4th (of 299) most popular Utility and the 29th (of 897) Editor Extension! And it is not over yet! 8)

    Thanks a lot!
    Any kind of feedback and reviews are highly appreciated! :)
     
  50. iamsam

    iamsam

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    Hi,

    Great visualization plugin, highly recommend it!!

    I need to set the configuration to different screen size monitors (23", 27" etc), and I did not find these in the listed configurations. I could set the display resolution, is there anyway I can set the display size (diagonal)?

    Also I primarily use iGUI and I have been having a few problems with xARM where the main one is that Unity slows down to a crawl. I am not sure about the underlying reason but suspect that it is happening because iGUI works on a different concept than other GUIs in that you modify the GUI in the Game view rather than in the Scene view. Have you seen this behavior or do you have any suggestions as to why this may happen. Thanks, would appreciate any help.

    Sam