New File Added: Chameleon - Skin Generator

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Chameleon - Skin Generator

This plugin generates skins for Centrafuse on the fly with a basic combination of 'Masks' and Background Images. It is used in conjunction with a Loader application (included).

Here is how it works/installation instructions:

1. After installing the Application to the plugins directory you will need to create a copy of the 'Aura' Skin which is in the Centrafuse\Skins\ directory. The copy of this skin by default should be "Chameleon". So you will now have a new Centrafuse Skin called "Chameleon" but it will be exactly the same as 'Aura'.
2. A shortcut to the Chameleon Loader app will be on your desktop, you can use this link or create your own shortcut to the Loader application (Loader.exe) found in the Centrafuse\Plugins\Chameleon\ directory. No arguments are required here. You must use this Loader application in order for Chameleon to work. The loader application copies across the new skin for centrafuse each time it starts up. This is because once Centrafuse has started, it 'locks' all of the skin files so as they cannot be altered.
3. Chameleon is only available in the Centrafuse Settings. From the settings screen you can alter:
Page 1:
- Display Name (Just the Settings display name)
- Target Skin (This is the skin which the Loader Application will copy the new images to. This is set to Chameleon by default but can be changed to whatever you like)
- Mask (This is the set of 'Mask' files which Chameleon will render the new skin with, explained further down)
- Next Image (This is the image which will show up as your 'background' image the next time Centrafuse loads. As the current skin is locked by Centrafuse, you can only choose the next image to appear)
- Enabled on/off (If you no longer want to change your background image, you can disable Chameleon. The loader will still startup Centrafuse but will no longer copy the new skin files across)
- Shuffle (Each next image will be randomly picked)
Page 2:
- Centrafuse Arguments (This is the arguments you would normally run on your Centrafuse shortcut)

What is a 'Mask'?
A mask is a set of image files with transparent areas which are used to create the new skin. Any transparent area on the mask image will show the background image 'behind' it.
Example:

There is also an offset file associated with a mask which allows the mask creator to change the location of the background image when rendering. The default location for a background image is at 0,0 (top left hand corner).
Creating a mask is relatively simple, and can be easily followed by looking at the "Aura" example I have provided. I have also included examples for skinning some Plugins as well. Just check out the Centrafuse\Plugins\Chameleon\Masks\ folder.
If you have any questions about Masks feel free to ask.

How to add your own Images
The most important part of this plugin is the images you want for your backgrounds! And this has been designed to be the most simple part. Your images will need to match the Skin resolution which you are using (otherwise they will not look right).
This is 848x480 pixels at 96dpi.
It is important you get this right! All the images can be placed in the \Centrafuse\Plugins\Chameleon\Images\ folder and they will be instantly available for Chameleon to create skins with.
I have included 4 example images for you to play with.
Here are some examples created with the sample images:



Just don't forget to keep loading Centrafuse with the loader app as long as you want your background to keep changing

Enjoy!

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