The VPS Avenger's custom images and skins thread

Discussion in 'Software' started by The Pirate, Aug 19, 2019.

  1. Slava_Lis

    Slava_Lis Guest

    :excl:
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 3, 2021
  2. Slava_Lis

    Slava_Lis Guest

    :excl:
     
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  3. demha

    demha Producer

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    Yeah sure. Check your PM.
     
  4. demha

    demha Producer

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    • Like Like x 2
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  5. demha

    demha Producer

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    One more main.png and redo Jazzy Qonstructor size was wrong in previous attached.
     
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  6. The Pirate

    The Pirate Audiosexual

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    @demha Thank you for time and effort you are putting into these.:bow:
     
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  7. demha

    demha Producer

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    Your welcome..Oh almost forgot one more for the free "Zabong One" zabong.png
     
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  8. Slava_Lis

    Slava_Lis Guest

    :excl:
     
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  9. demha

    demha Producer

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    yeah i saw that, it was the last layer 2. Will fix it, but do you notice it inside Avenger?
    (I didnt see it as mine was set at list 4 per row) Only at "list 1 per row" and "list 2 per row it shows correct?
     
  10. Slava_Lis

    Slava_Lis Guest

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  11. Dropbear

    Dropbear Ultrasonic

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    Can I ask how to replace stock icons with my choice of icons?
     
  12. tgunz020707

    tgunz020707 Kapellmeister

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    How do you download images?
     
  13. Kingvrage

    Kingvrage Producer

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    Does anyone know how to extract the skins in order to edit them or replace them with new content?
     
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    PulseWave Audiosexual

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  16. PulseWave

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    Creating skins for the Vengeance Producer Suite (VPS) Avenger 2 VSTi plugin involves modifying its graphical user interface (GUI) to change its visual appearance. While VPS Avenger is noted for being "open for skinning" with multiple skins available from third parties, there is limited public documentation on the exact process for creating custom skins. Based on available information and general practices for skinning VST plugins, here’s a guide to help you get started:
    1. Understand the Basics of VST Skinning
    • What is Skinning? Skinning involves creating custom graphics (e.g., PNG or JPEG files) for the plugin’s GUI elements, such as buttons, knobs, backgrounds, and displays. For VPS Avenger, the GUI is vector-based and resizable, supporting high-resolution displays (e.g., 4K), which suggests skins are likely composed of image assets and possibly configuration files defining their placement.
    • VPS Avenger Skinning Support: The plugin is designed to be compatible with custom skins, and third-party skins like "Dark Venger," "Chrome Venger," and "FairVenger" are available from providers like Encounters Media. This indicates that the plugin likely uses a modular system for loading skin assets.
    2. Prerequisites
    • Graphic Design Skills: Familiarity with tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP, or Affinity Designer is essential for creating high-quality graphical assets.
    • Software Requirements:
      • A graphics editor for designing skin elements (e.g., Photoshop or GIMP).
      • A basic text editor (e.g., Notepad++, Visual Studio Code) for potential configuration file edits, if required.
    • System Requirements: Since VPS Avenger 2 requires a modern CPU, at least 16GB of RAM, and an OpenGL 3.2-capable GPU, ensure your system meets these specs for testing skins within the plugin.
    • VPS Avenger Installation: You’ll need a licensed copy of VPS Avenger 2 to test and apply your skins. The plugin is available for macOS and Windows, supporting VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
    3. Research Existing Skins and Resources
    • Explore Third-Party Skins: Analyze existing skins available from sites like Encounters Media (e.g., Dark Venger, Nordic Redhead, Stranger Synth) or forums like KVR Audio. These can give you insight into the types of graphical elements required (e.g., backgrounds, knobs, sliders, text displays).
    • Check Official Resources: Visit the Vengeance Sound website (www.vengeance-sound.com) for any official documentation, developer guides, or skinning kits. While no specific skinning guide was found in the provided references, the website may offer a developer section or FAQ addressing skin creation.
    • Community Forums: Engage with communities on platforms like KVR Audio or the VPS Avenger Facebook usergroup. For example, a KVR Audio thread titled “Vengeance Producer Suite - AVENGER - SKINS & PRESETS” encourages users to share custom skins, suggesting a community-driven approach to skinning.
    4. Steps to Create a Skin
    Since specific skinning documentation for VPS Avenger is scarce, the following steps are inferred from general VST skinning practices and the plugin’s noted features:

    • Step 1: Identify GUI Components
      • Open VPS Avenger 2 in your DAW and examine its interface to identify customizable elements, such as:
        • Oscillator section
        • Filter, Amp, and Shaper sections
        • Effects and file browser areas
        • Modulation Matrix
        • Virtual keyboard and wavetable view
      • Take screenshots or use a screen capture tool to map out the layout and dimensions of each element.
    • Step 2: Create Graphical Assets
      • Use a graphics editor to design new images for each GUI component. Ensure they match the resolution and style of the original assets (likely high-resolution for 4K support).
      • Common elements to design include:
        • Background images
        • Knobs, sliders, and buttons
        • Display screens (e.g., waveform displays)
        • Text and label styles
      • Maintain consistency with the plugin’s 60fps, vectorized GUI for smooth rendering. Use formats like PNG for transparency support.
    • Step 3: Locate Skin Files
      • Skins are likely stored in a specific directory within the VPS Avenger installation folder. Check the plugin’s root directory (FAQ on Vengeance Sound’s website may help locate this).
      • Look for folders containing image files (e.g., PNG, JPEG) or configuration files (e.g., XML, JSON) that define how assets are mapped to the GUI. For example, third-party skins like those from Encounters Media are compatible with VPS Avenger 1.0.26 and higher, suggesting a standardized skin format.
    • Step 4: Modify or Create Skin Files
      • If VPS Avenger uses a configuration file for skins (common in VST plugins), you may need to edit or create one to map your custom images to GUI elements. This might involve XML or similar markup to specify image paths and coordinates.
      • If no configuration file is required, you may simply replace existing image files in the skin directory with your custom versions, ensuring filenames and dimensions match exactly.
    • Step 5: Test Your Skin
      • Load VPS Avenger in your DAW and apply the new skin (likely through a settings menu or by placing files in the correct directory).
      • Test for visual glitches, alignment issues, or performance impacts, especially given the plugin’s high-resolution GUI.
      • Ensure compatibility with both macOS and Windows, as VPS Avenger supports both.
    • Step 6: Share and Distribute
      • Once your skin is complete, package the necessary files (images and any configuration files) into a zip file.
      • Share it on platforms like KVR Audio or the VPS Avenger Facebook usergroup. You could also sell it through marketplaces like Encounters Media, which offers skins like “Chrome Venger” with discounts for bulk purchases.
    5. Tools and Skills to Learn
    • Graphics Software: Master tools like Photoshop or GIMP for creating high-quality PNGs with transparency. Learn to work with layers and export assets at high resolutions suitable for 4K displays.
    • Basic Coding (Optional): If VPS Avenger requires configuration files for skins, learn basic XML or JSON to define how images are applied to the GUI. Resources like w3schools.com can help with this.
    • Community Feedback: As suggested in a Reddit post about VST GUI creation, starting with skins is a good entry point to plugin design, as it requires less coding than building a plugin from scratch. Engage with communities to get feedback on your designs.
    6. Challenges and Considerations
    • Lack of Official Documentation: The absence of a clear skinning guide from Vengeance Sound may require reverse-engineering existing skins or experimenting with file replacements.
    • Compatibility: Ensure your skin is compatible with VPS Avenger 2.0 and later, as it’s fully downward compatible with older skins. Test with different DAWs (e.g., VST, AU, AAX formats).
    • Licensing and Copyright: If you plan to distribute or sell your skins, ensure you’re not infringing on Vengeance Sound’s intellectual property. For example, Encounters Media notes that their FairVenger skin uses Creative Commons-licensed samples, so clarify licensing for any included assets.
    • User Experience: Design skins that enhance usability, such as high-contrast designs for visibility in different lighting conditions, as noted by a user praising a skin’s dark/light contrast.
    7. Additional Resources
    • Encounters Media: Check their website for examples of skins and potential templates or guides.
    • KVR Audio Forum: The “Vengeance Producer Suite - AVENGER - SKINS & PRESETS” thread is a good place to ask for advice or find community-created skins.
    • Vengeance Sound YouTube Channel: Their YouTube channel may have tutorials or demos showcasing skin application.
    • Reddit Communities: Subreddits like r/VSTi and r/edmproduction can provide insights from producers who have attempted skinning.
    8. Next Steps
    • Start by downloading and analyzing a free or purchased third-party skin (e.g., from Encounters Media) to understand the file structure and asset requirements.
    • Contact Vengeance Sound support via their website (www.vengeance-sound.com) to inquire about any skinning kits, templates, or developer resources not publicly listed.
    • Experiment with small changes, like replacing a single knob or background image, to test the process before creating a full skin.
    If you need more specific guidance (e.g., on graphic design techniques or troubleshooting skin application), let me know, and I can dive deeper into those aspects!
    Creating skins (also known as GUI themes or visual styles) for VPS Avenger 2 is a creative and technical process, involving editing or creating custom graphics and layout files. While Vengeance Sound doesn't officially provide extensive documentation for skinning, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how you can get started with skin creation for VPS Avenger 2:

    1. Understand How Skins Work in Avenger 2
    VPS Avenger 2 uses a system of folders and image assets for its interface. Each skin is a collection of:

    • PNG or SVG files (buttons, knobs, backgrounds)

    • Configuration files (often in XML or JSON format)
    Skins are usually stored in the Skins folder inside the installation directory or the Vengeance Sound content folder.

    Where to look:
    • Windows:
      C:\Program Files (x86)\Vengeance\VPS Avenger\Skins or in Documents\VPS Avenger\Skins

    • Mac:
      ~/Library/Application Support/Vengeance/VPS Avenger/Skins
    2. Explore Existing Skins
    Start by copying one of the default skins and renaming the folder. This becomes your sandbox to experiment with.

    Do:

    • Make a backup of any skin before editing

    • Use a text/code editor (like VS Code or Sublime Text) to open any XML or JSON configuration files

    • Use a graphics editor (like Photoshop, GIMP, or Affinity Designer) to modify or create PNG/SVG assets
    3. Modify or Replace Visual Assets
    Inside a skin folder, you’ll find UI elements:

    • Buttons

    • Knobs

    • Sliders

    • Backgrounds

    • Fonts (sometimes embedded or referenced)
    Tips:
    • Maintain original file names to preserve layout functionality unless you know how to rewire them in the config files

    • Preserve transparency when editing PNGs

    • Stick to the original image dimensions unless you also plan to edit layout logic
    4. Edit Configuration Files
    These files define how graphics are arranged in the interface:

    • What image goes where

    • What part of a sprite sheet is shown

    • Mouse-over behaviors and animations (if any)
    Look for:

    • *.xml or *.json files

    • Properties like x, y, width, height, rotation, hover, etc.
    Be cautious here—bad edits can break the skin or prevent Avenger from loading it properly.

    5. Load Your Skin in Avenger 2
    1. Place your custom skin folder inside the main Skins directory.

    2. Open Avenger 2 in your DAW.

    3. Go to Settings > GUI > Skin and select your new skin.

    4. Restart the plugin if it doesn’t reload the skin automatically.
    Optional: Use Skinning Tools
    There are no official GUI editors for Avenger, but you can use these:

    • TexturePacker: Useful for sprite sheet creation

    • Tiled: For visual layout of components

    • GUI Editors like Cocos Studio (if you reverse-engineer how positioning is done)
    6. Organize & Package
    Once satisfied:

    • Test in various screen resolutions

    • Zip your skin folder for distribution

    • Share with others (forums, Discord groups, etc.)
    7. Join the Community for More Help
    Since official documentation is limited, these communities can be invaluable:

    • KVR Audio Forums (search "VPS Avenger skin")

    • Facebook groups related to VST/Vengeance users

    • Reddit: r/WeAreTheMusicMakers, r/FL_Studio, etc.
    Create Your Own User Interface --> www.bluecataudio.com/Skins/Create

    Here are a few more pointers to help you getting started with skin design:

    • The GIMP, a free image manipulation program.
    • Pov Ray, a free 3D Ray tracer.
    • IrfanView, a free software for simple image operations.
    • Notepad 2, a free Notepad-like text editor with XML syntax highlighting.
    • XML Viewer, a free software which makes XML editing more than easy for non-programmers.
    • SkinMan and KnobMan, utilities to create skins graphics.
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2025 at 8:37 AM
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