Seeking Feedback - Jpg Optimization / File Naming
Added 2022-06-17 18:56:40 +0000 UTCHi everyone! I have been reviewing the way I export my files and optimize my jpgs along with the naming convention of my maps. I'd like to make some changes but I want to gather your feedback on a test I created today to see which method you prefer.
The first image attached to this poll, "Death House - Upper 8k" is an 8k export directly out of Inkarnate and the way I normally would export and name my files. The dimensions of this file are 5460 x 8192 px and is a whopping 15.9 mb in size. However, we all know this pixel range is not great for VTT's like Foundry and the file size it too big for VTT's like Roll20. Normally I would create Webp files and resize them so you can grid them easy in Foundry, however Roll20 does not accept Webp files. [Edit, just realized today Roll20 now allows Webp files!]
So I ran this file through an image optimization tool and set the dims to 6000 x 9000 px with a PPI / DPI of 300 so it will fit nicely on a 20x30 grid. This is the second image attached named "GL_Death_House_8k_Day_[20x30]_[300ppi]", The file size was reduced to a respectable 3.72 mb and can be gridded into Foundry and Roll20 without issue.
Additionally, I'm testing out a new naming convention by removing spaces in my file names and putting meta data (like grid size and ppi info) within brackets.
I would love your feedback on your preferences going forward and anything else you would recommend! My skills are in the map making department but when it comes to file optimization and best practices, I'm no expert.
Thanks for your feedback and participation!
Cheers,
DM Andy
Comments
This is really great feedback and I'm glad to hear what I've been doing has been useful. Yeah, if you're using VTT I highly recommend the Webp files since I resize them to have a nice even PPI. Makes it super easy to plug it into Foundry. Regarding your comment on the multi levels and roofs, I 100% agree with you and it's probably my most asked for feature. It makes me so sad that I'm able to provide this for my patrons as it, unfortunatly, is against the terms and conditions of Inkarnate which is the map program I use for 99% of my map work. I'm hoping they will amend this in the future, but until then I must adhere to it. I did write a post a while back with more details about this issue which you can read here. Still, it makes me sad every time I have to say know as I wish I could provide this :( Here is the post I wrote about it: https://www.patreon.com/posts/important-update-57644228 Either way, I'm so glad you are enjoying my work and I appreciate your support SO much! Cheers
Andy D'Amato
2022-08-02 20:21:11 +0000 UTCI'm on Foundry which doesn't like the blank space, I've been using Power Rename (from Microsoft Power Toys) to batch process replacing blank spaces with underscores, even though I don't like the aesthetic I understand the reasoning and it's certainly a better aesthetic than %20. I like that you offer 8k and 4k, I download both, but if you were to only offer one I would say offer the 8k and we can always reduce the quality ourselves if needed. The grid dimensions are huge and save me a lot of time, definitely keep that in the file name. Personally I don't use the gridded version of the maps since the VTT can overlay its grid and sometimes it's a challenge to get the VTT grid to line up with the grid on the map. (although that's never been a problem with your maps!) I also prefer plain day map as its more versatile in Foundry. I can switch to night or add weather effects as needed. The one thing that would be huge for me is for multi-level maps to have each floor/level/layer as a separate image without the background as I've been using levels and better roofs and spending a lot of time getting the cropping just right for each layer. Currently working on the Blue Water Inn and loving the way it's working with the ability for my players to be on the 2nd floor and look down to the 1st floor of the tavern, but boy is it time consuming getting all of that working. Anyways thanks for all you do, the maps are amazing my players and I love them!
Andres Yuhnke
2022-08-02 20:11:15 +0000 UTCAh that is good to know! When I create the Webp files, I will adjust the pixel range so I can get an even pixel per square number. Sometimes I might scale up to 8200 if the math works out that way. This is good to know you are up against some limits on this front so will make sure to scale down slightly while maintaining a nice and even pixel per square. Good call out!
Andy D'Amato
2022-06-18 16:35:21 +0000 UTCI’m using 8k webp files and having dimension like 20x30 is useful. My only concern is the map size limit of 8192x8192 in the VTT i’m using (Encounterplus). Most of your maps do not exceed this limit, except for a few recent ones. EncounterPlus will automatically recalibrate maps that exceed size limit to 8192xYYYY so it’s not a real issue but this requires manual adjustment of the dimensions and a possible loss of quality if the original map was really bigger.
JM Tixu78
2022-06-18 06:24:40 +0000 UTCYes indeed. That's a good size! I've found a lot of the maps from CoS are just huge in scale, even after I scale them down. The last few maps I made were 60x60 and Argynvostholt and Castle Ravenloft will be no different haha
Andy D'Amato
2022-06-17 22:57:10 +0000 UTCReally good feedback, thank you! Glad to hear the current standard is working great for you!
Andy D'Amato
2022-06-17 21:29:16 +0000 UTCAnything else I can do to help making print easier for you? I'm always looking for ways to be better :)
Andy D'Amato
2022-06-17 21:28:58 +0000 UTCEver since you've started providing 8k resolutions, I've been using them. I use the Dynamic Dungeons editor for displaying static maps (primarily yours) alongside some animated maps, so I don't utilize VTT like Roll20 or Foundry, or the like. What's nice, for me, about the 8k resolutions is that if I need only a portion of a full map, I can crop the image and the quality still remains as I display it on my 4k TV for my groups. Long story short, the higher the resolution, the better! =) As for naming conventions, I typically rename the files so whatever you do for naming doesn't really affect me.
Einjuden
2022-06-17 21:15:27 +0000 UTCDimension like 20x30 is great to set up roll20!
Gábor Diamant
2022-06-17 20:40:22 +0000 UTCI'm not using a VTT, but I like the incorporation of the dimensions (e.g. 20x30 in this case) in the file name, so when you print the maps you'll have a scale as a means of orientation. Helps a lot!
Sascha
2022-06-17 20:14:33 +0000 UTCThank you!! I’m pleased to hear its working great for you as is!
Andy D'Amato
2022-06-17 20:13:52 +0000 UTCWhatever workflow you've been using for 8K Webp files is great. I use your foundry sizing document to import into Foundry and it works perfectly for me. I wouldn't change anything.
Chuck
2022-06-17 19:50:13 +0000 UTCWow really? I thought it had an upload limit of 10mb? Most of my 8k exports are 15mb +. Though I did find if you rename the webp file extension to .jpg it keeps the reduced size but allows for import into Roll20.
Andy D'Amato
2022-06-17 19:00:32 +0000 UTCI’ve been using your 8K Webp files on Roll20 for two months or so now without any issues.
Matticus
2022-06-17 18:58:30 +0000 UTC
