How to create 128 x 128 patterns for your desktop,
using Before Dark, Wallpaper Demo, and ResEdit
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assuming you have System 7
By Rich D. 6-8-93
ResEdit can only edit desktop patterns, or "ppat"s, up to 64 x 64 pixels in size. Here's a way I used to create my own 128 x 128 pixel patterns, and convert all of those freeware Wallpaper format desktop patterns!
Download the Wallpaper Demo from a user group or get a copy from Thought I Could Software. The demo version has a few features that are disabled, but it works for this scheme. Install the Wallpaper control panel according tho their instructions.
Download or otherwise aquire the shareware application Before Dark. this step isn't necessary if you like to paste your patterns directly into your System file using ResEdit, but Before Dark is very cool and bypasses that step for you. Plus, it comes with lots of patterns and holds lots more.
Create a cool 128 x 128 pixel pattern in your favorite color paint program. When you think you're done, position the patterns window in a spot on the screen where it will not be obscured by the Wallpaper Demo control panel once it is opened.
Open the control panel, and set Pattern Size to 128 x 128, and choose Grab pattern from the pop-up menu in the word Wallpaper. You will be given a rectangle marquee with a camera cursor inside it. Position this over your painted pattern and capture it.
Modify it until you're satisfied, using Wallpaper Demo's paint tools. then close the Wallpaper control panel. As it closes, it won't save your pattern as a Wallpaper document, which is fine, but it will say, "updating the Wallpaper Settings file."
The Wallpaper Settings file is in the Preferences folder in the System Folder. It now contains your 128 x 128 pattern as a "ppat" resource, which is the system's desktop pattern format. Before Dark will import the pattern from this file.
You can open the Wallpaper Settings file in ResEdit and copy the ppat resource to a new file and create a library of your big patterns. If you try to edit these patterns using ResEdit, it will tell you that these resources are damaged or corrupted. Ignore that.
If you want to modify your pattern later, use Before Dark to select it as your desktop pattern, close all open windows, take a screen capture (Cmd-Shift-3), then open that in your paint program and start the process again.
There you have it. Look for my freeware and shareware patterns & stuff.
