How to optimize graphics for retina display?

Spontida

Ok so I finished my game and everything and plan to publish it for the iPhone 5s/5, how do I optimize the graphics? Thanks!

jigglybean

For retina, everything needs to be 4x the actual size you need. And, do not use odd numbers because this will make images blur.

64x64/128x128/256x256/512x512 etc etc

RCT_Games

Also if you try to work with .PNG files that will be best because they tend to not blur when scaling.

Socks

Optimize the graphics by making them 4 times the 'size' you need ?

I'd say you should make them 1 times the size you need ! And that size is double the resolution of your actors, so if you have a 100 x 100 pixel actor the graphics for that actor should be 200 x 200 pixels.

PNG files that will be best because they tend to not blur when scaling ?

PNG files will soften just like any other image format when scaled.

tylerglessner

Double the size you need, but divisible by 4

gyroscope

To summarise: definitely, for RI: double the width, and double the height, which is 4 times the size. And not double the resolution: same resolution (72ppi). Preferably length and width both divisible by 4.

gyroscope

For the record, here's "proof" that if you make an image twice the width and twice the height, the resulting image is 4 times the size of the original:

Socks

To summarise: definitely, for RI: double the width, and double the height, which is 4 times the size. And not double the resolution: same resolution (72ppi). Preferably length and width both divisible by 4.

You can also simply double the resolution (144ppi).

The problem with these simple concepts is that there is so many ways of communicating them !

gyroscope

Sure is, @Socks :-) The only danger with just doubling the resolution without touching the width or height, is if the png is outputted in Save for Web and Devices... (in Photoshop at least) the image will automatically revert to 72ppi... meaning you still have to input the double width and double height anyway... some might forget.... probably best to just double the dimensions and leave the pip as is before outputting, I'm thinking...

Socks

@gyroscope

Sure is, @Socks :-) The only danger with just doubling the resolution without touching the width or height, is if the png is outputted in Save for Web and Devices... (in Photoshop at least) the image will automatically revert to 72ppi... meaning you still have to input the double width and double height anyway... some might forget.... probably best to just double the dimensions and leave the pip as is before outputting, I'm thinking...

I like 'pip', sounds like a British RAF pilot from WWII describing resolution.

Yeah, you are probably right, like I say there are so many ways of describing what needs to be done for Retina, the end result is always the same - I personally favour dumping any reference to ppi . . . . sorry, I mean 'pip' . . . and always working with absolute pixel values, so if you want a 512 x 512 pixel image, you make a 512 x 512 pixel image and ignore what the 'pip' is set at - as it makes no difference to GameSalad whether your 512 x 512 pixel image is 4500ppi or 12ppi.

Also I never use Save for Web and Devices, I just save stuff as good ol' fashioned PSDs.

gyroscope

I like 'pip', sounds like a British RAF pilot from WWII describing resolution.

Ha! Yup, flicking predistant test, it rally goats on my knives...

Also I never use Save for Web and Devices, I just save stuff as good ol' fashioned PSDs.

Fair enough, @Socks, all roads lead to Rome...or something... ;-)

Anyhow, pip pip, ol' chap...