How would I do this?

I've scratched the idea of making a normal RPG (I keep changing my mind..but I plan on sticking with this one), and now I want to know a few things.

First, how would I go about getting animations of my charecters swinging a sword (for an ATB like game)? Would there be any way I can do this myself (and if so, how would I do that), or would I have to search for some?

What about magic in a ATB game, how would I do that (and would anyone know where to get some animations for those? I have some, but could always use more )?

And are there any other things I need to know/could help me with this? I plan on using one of the tutorials over at GamingWorld, so if one of those explains what I asked, just tell me.

Thanks!

When I hear ATB, I think Active Time Battle system (like in Final Fantasy). That's built into RM2k3 (as a "time bar" system), so I'm not sure what the distinction is between what you're asking for and Final Fantasy's ATB system.

Anyway, you can see how RPG Maker 2003 does it by looking at the PNG files themselves, but I'll type out the requirements for the image files you'll need to make:

Battle Charsets need to be 144x384 pixels. Each "frame" is 48x48, with 3 frames per row. Obviously, you'll need to fill the "regular" poses, along with any status effects you might need.

Weaponsets (or Weapon Charsets) are 192x512. Each frame is 64x64. These images are put directly in front or behind your character on the screen, so they need to line up properly.


Battle Animations (or Magic Animations) are 480x480 for the normal ones, 640x640 for the big ones. Each frame is 96x96 pixels or 128x128, depending on the type. You are able to leave off entire rows of graphics here, for some reason..

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Don't forget, when importing into RPG Maker 2003 you'll need to click on the background until it flashes.. this will set transparency. Otherwise, you'll end up with a square around your character..