Hello, is there anyone who explained how to make a custom dash from scratch, for example, a Nismo r34 dash, and how can make or get the dash images to be clear and the rpm indicator to work, because I tried it looks complicated, any help will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Most of it is just basic Photoshop skills for designing the gauges. Making it custom you can set markers and everything else in the photo to make it easier.
You have to save them as different assets, so I have one file for my RPM. From that I can save my RPM background and then the fill as well.
But be warned as then any adjustment would be via the photo instead of adjusting in RealDash.
I just find it easier and a better image quality to do so.
I save my images as PNG so the backgrounds are transparent. The fill part of the gauge i leave white so that you can adjust color for warning and critical.
Also it helps to know the screen resolution. My main tablet is 1340x800 and my radio is 1024x600.
Hi there, If you do not need a lot of animation, building a custom dash is easy enough! Now with that said, I am a beginner my self! The first thing you will need to do is READ, a lot!
Yeah, I know, boring, but the Real Dash Team has put a lot of effort into the GitHub and the “how to’s”. The most difficult part is the XML file, cause you can have a mouse chasing a piece of cheese as RPM is you wish. Some photoshop basic knowledge is enough and here you go. I am my self building a very complicated dash for my build, have a look at the pic below. And I need, when all the photoshoping is done, to animate some of the graphics! I can help you out if needed too!
Check the link below!
You don’t really need XML to create a dash. XML is only needed if you are doing can bus connection which is a different topic or for animations. You can make a decent standard dash without animations. My main dash has 0 animations aside from fade in and out which you can actually do on RealDash now in actions.
You still need an XML file to point the software to the hardware, or for some basic maths conversion. Animation or not!
That’s if you’re going can bus. A basic OBD2 connection you wouldn’t need XML at all.
XML is only for can bus and animations.
You could still design a dash without it.
Poster would need to mention what input method they are using but creating an XML for can bus would be separate from designing a dash.
You’re help will be appreciated, because i am a newbie
And i will check the github , thanks
I just need to know how can i make it in photoshop, do i do it layer by layer or theres something easier
Each gauge should be its own file. Everything done in layers. I usually have a master file that’s the dimensions of the screen where I then add everything as I finish them to see how it looks before adding it to real dash. It also a bit easier to help me get the positioning correct too.
Yes, every moving or rotating needs a different layer. Everything static as background can be on the same other layer.
Ok, I understand that but how can I make the frame cluster, do draw it or design init from scratch?
As of right now you can imagine everything will be designed from scratch via photoshop. Animations aren’t necessary and can be added later. Animations that can be added later can very, usually, expand, shrink, fade in, fade out, moving positions, and any combination in between.
Oh, ok I guess I got to learn Photoshop, thank you for your help.
Let me know if that helped what I just posted.
