| Using The Content Library
| The Content Library offers an editable collection of ready made game objects, including characters, animated scenery, background tile sets, and more. Through the use of the Content Library Manager Window, objects may be previewed and added to game projects. Additionally, objects may be imported into the Content Library from the Finder, or exported as Power Game Factory Game Content files that can be shared with other users. To access the Content Library Manager Window, choose Content Library Manager... from the File Menu, or press Command-T.
Browsing the Content Library | Each object category is listed on the left side of the Content Library Manager Window. The objects belonging to the selected category appear in the center list. When an object is selected, a sample graphic appears in the Preview area, as shown above. Different object types utilize the Preview area differently. For example, if a background tile set is selected, the Preview area displays the first tile in the set, and controls for cycling through the entire collection of tiles appear immediately below the Preview area.
Adding Objects to a Game Project | After selecting an object from this list, click the Add to Game Project button to add it to the current game project. When an object is added to a game project, the Content Library Manager Window automatically closes, and the newly added object is displayed in the appropriate Power Game Factory editing window. If the game project already contains an object with the same name as the selected Content Library object, or if no game project is currently open, this feature will be unavailable.
Adding Objects to the Content Library | The Content Library can be expanded either by adding objects from existing game projects, or by adding game content files from the Finder. In the Finder, these objects are called Power Game Factory Game Content files. They may be acquired online, from other Power Game Factory users who have exported their own game objects. (The Export feature is described below.) Once a content file has been obtained, it may be added to the Content Library by clicking the Add to Library... button. An Open dialog will appear, prompting you to select the file. These files may also be added by simply double-clicking their icons in the Finder.) To add an object from the current game project to the Content Library, first make sure the Content Library Manager Window is closed. Then select the desired object and choose "Add [Object] to Content Library" from the File Menu. When an object is added to the Content Library, the Content Library Manager Window opens, and the new object is revealed in the appropriate category.
Removing Objects from the Content Library | To remove an object from the Content Library, simply select its name and click the Remove From Library... button. Because this action can not be undone, a dialog box will ask if you are sure you want to remove the selected object.
Exporting Objects from the Content Library | Exporting an object from the Content Library creates a Power Game Factory Game Content file, which can be shared with other users. To export an object, select it in the Content Library Manager Window and click the Export [Object Name]... button. A dialog box will appear, prompting you to choose a name and location for the exported object.
Closing the Content Library Manager Window | To close the Content Library Manager Window, click the Done button in the lower right corner of the window. Note that if the Add to Game Project button is clicked, the Content Library Manager Window will close automatically.