Dumb Map Question

[BrianP]

To many, this may be a dumb question, but as they say, the only dumb question is the one not asked.

I want to create some maps, and currently the only program that I have to use to do this is Paint. Now, the problem is this. I have my blank maps saved in jpeg format. When I try to fill in specific countries with a certain color, it is always in grey scale. The darker the color I want, say dark blue, it always comes out as black. If I use yellow, it is a light grey.

At first I thought it might be the format the map images are in. So I tried it is gif and bmp as well, but same deal. Then I thought it might be my computer at home. I tried it on my computer at work, but again, same deal.

What am I doing wrong? I want my Third Reich to be red, not some grey shade, dammit!

[Thande]

This problem is when your original map is in greyscale. I do it this way: find an image that is already in colour, open it, delete all the existing content, then paste in your map - and you'll be able to do the map in colour.

[Diamond]

Just save the image as a bitmap, not as jpeg, gif, or anything else. Do your map, then save the end product back as a gif or whatever to save space.

[Thande]

I find it easy enough to do colours when starting and working with a gif... :confused:

[Diamond]

Yeah, but if you work with the map (in Paint) in gif format, every time you save it you get that odd blurred pixelation effect. If you do all your work in bitmap format, then save in gif (or PNG, which I prefer), its much crisper and cleaner.

[Thande]

Well, I don't get the blurred pixellation effect...not if the original map you started with was a GIF (for example, that world map I got off you). It's only when you convert a bitmap to a GIF that you get that.

[BrianP]

Ah so. Thank you, Thande.

[fortyseven]

i like colours to blur

[Thande]

Brian: No problem. :)

47: But then you can't edit it again if you want to.

[Wendell]

My problem is posting maps, not colouring them...

[Thande]

Well, this is the way I do it:

1) If your map isn't already a GIF, re-save it as one. That way the file will be small enough to post.

2) When posting, click Manage Attachments

3) Browse to find your map file and attach it, then close the sub-window

4) Post.

[Wendell]

Well, this is the way I do it:

1) If your map isn't already a GIF, re-save it as one. That way the file will be small enough to post.

2) When posting, click Manage Attachments

3) Browse to find your map file and attach it, then close the sub-window

4) Post.
Thank you :)

[Thande]

I can't claim to be totally altruistic - I can't get enough of AH maps. :)

[Wendell]

I can't claim to be totally altruistic - I can't get enough of AH maps. :)
Me neither.