Charsets (aka Character Sprites)

Each sprite is 24x32 pixels.

All the sprites go into a charset, which is a .png file, 288x256 pixels, that gets imported into RPG Maker.  Once there, the program knows were to look on the charset to grab the sprites it needs.

Here's an example of a charset that comes with RPG Maker:

Notice how the charset is gridded to show the different characters, directions, and frames in the walking animation.  You'll need to copy that layout or else RPG Maker will get confused and look in the wrong place for the wrong sprites.

Some wonderful person on the internet (at rpgmakertimes.blogspot.com) created this template to help layout the sprites on the charset.

Final Note:  Name the charset file something as helpful as possible.  Like "Heroes" or "NPCs."  If there's more than one charset of something, start adding numbers: "NPC1,"  "NPC2," etc.


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If you want to test your sprites in RPG Maker, to see for yourself if they look alright, it's not hard.  Here's how.

-Download RPG Maker here: http://2drpg.com/2003.php
-Open the program and, in the top left corner, click the icon that will open a new project file.  Name the stuff whatever you want.  This is just to test the sprites, so it doesn't matter.  Choose a save path that will be easy for you to find, though.
-Creating the project file will create some folders with it.  Minimize the program a minute and find those.  Inside is a folder named "charset."  Put your charset into this folder.
-Get back into RPG Maker.  Your character needs land to walk on, so make sure the grass tile is highlighted (it should be by default), click the paint bucket that's just above all the background tiles, and then click on all that water.  Viola!  Instant land!
-Along the top toolbar, there are three icons in a row that show a cursor on different colored backgrounds.  (These are for different "layers" of the map.)  Choose the yellow one.  Then right click anywhere on the map and choose the option for placing the party starting position.
-Now to grab your sprite.  Go to "Tools" and then "Database."  You'll be presented with a whole bunch of info on a character named Zach.  Find the box for his sprite and click the "Set" button.  Then find your charset.  Hit "OK" to get out of all that character stuff.
-On the top toolbar, click the play button.  (It's the arrow, just like the play button for a video or music.)  It will ask you to save the map, so hit "Yes."  Ta da!  Now have fun running around your big grassy field as your character.