User:MonkeysHK/sandbox2

Useful Mod Sets
Instance 1
 * World Downloader

Instance 2 (for Island Renders, Top-view of >32-chunks)
 * Mineshot
 * Optifine (useful for loading islands much faster, rendering requirement of >32 chunks, and disabling nether fog)
 * World Edit (useful for adding green screens or destroying islands for rendering view)
 * ResourcePack: Green Screen

Recommended Gamerule Settings
After downloading the world, punch in these settings as quick as possible: /gamerule randomTickSpeed 0 /gamerule doFireTick false /gamerule doMobSpawning false /gamerule mobGriefing false /weather clear 100000 /gamerule doDaylightCycle false /time set 6000

Recommended Render Settings
For top view images, specify these settings: If using optifine:
 * Alternate Blocks: On
 * Clouds: Off
 * Rain/Snow: Off
 * Brightness: Bright
 * Smooth lighting: Maximum
 * Smooth lighting level: 100%
 * Fog: Off

Mineshot Settings
After using F9 to take a huge screenshot, the .TGA file can be opened and edited with PhotoShop or GIMP.

There is an old Mineshot Data standard that can be followed.

Use the File Optimizer to get a smaller file. The recommendation for resolution is:
 * The image after optimization should be below 2MB.
 * An image under 3MB is allowed for bigger island and renders.
 * Experiment with different settings to get the most optimal result, with suitable compromise between image size and quality.

You can set the capture size in Settings > Mod Options > Mineshot > Config. Use one of the resolutions below. (Recommendation: 1440p for island rendering, and try to fill as much of the screen with the island. It seems to get a good file size. If it comes out too big, try to take another screenshot, this time fill less of the screen with the island.)

GIMP Steps

 * Right click on the image layer on the bottom-right panel. If available, choose "Add Alpha Channel". This creates transparent background.
 * Go to Select > By Color (or shift+O). Then, click on an area of green screen or void, and hit delete. Repeat until all are removed.
 * Use the rectangle tool (or R) to pick out other unwanted area and hit delete.
 * Tip: To subtract areas from selection, use the rectangle tool and hold ctrl to pick out unwanted areas.
 * When everything is properly deleted, go to Image > Crop to content.
 * Go to File > Export As, then save the file in PNG. Export PNG with Compression Level of 9 (highest).

Island Rendering Strategies
Remember to work on a copy of the world. To copy the world, go to the .minecraft saves folder and copy paste the world folder you'd like to copy. Rename the world in the Minecraft worlds menu.

Go into the world with the island, and make sure the player is looking at North-west and facing the island. Then, press 5 and start the isometric mode. Using the isometric mode, identify the places behind and before the island.

Build some large green screens (a wall of Emerald Blocks or Sea Lanterns of the Green Screen mod) to cover the things behind. Destroy all the parts that are in front of the island and obstructs the view of the whole island structure. This part is best done with World Edit.

Challenges with Capturing with Optifine
Optifine makes objects visible accounting for the player's view angle. It is super quick, but the added challenge is the positioning of the player. One may need to adjust their viewing position and the isometric capturing position simultaneously to get the best effect.

The whole island to render must be within the viewing angle. When rendering top views for very large islands, a player may need to look down at a high enough place.