Custom frame design?

[camelman]

Is there any way to make a frame shaped other than a square? Maybe like an L (to be simple about it) or something? I only ask because IMO using a square frame and then putting a million backdrop/quickbackdrops to shape the path of a level is extremely unnecessary, and can potentially slow down the game if a frame is large enough. What do you think?

[Brandon]

Use the extension called "Window Shape Object." It has preset shapes and you can use custom shapes from actives.

[camelman]

Well yeah, thats a kind of cool effect for the window, but that doesn't affect the frame. Even if it did, I need something that will show the "custom frame shape" on the Frame editor, so I can accordingly build a level.

[Ran_TH]

try to put "Window Shapes Object" on each frame, and you use different Active Object on each frames.
e.g in Frame 1, you used Square shape, in Frame 2 you used "L" shape, in Frame 3 you used "Ellipse" shape etc.

[camelman]

Guys, don't get me wrong, but I could care less about the WINDOW. What I need help on is for the FRAME, you know the "play area"??? Nevermind, I guess it can't be changed..

[Brandon]

Changing the window can also give the effect of changing the frame
if used correctly. It would take a little coding but I'm sure its possible.

[Random]

Or you could just code it like that in the first place and leave the window be.

[DevonV]

The shape of the frame can't be changed, it's always a square or rectangle. I don't think quick backdrops consume much processing time though, especially if they are simple. Can't you just lay down a basic tiled quick background and then build the play area over that? In software the other areas of the screen shouldn't update at all, and in hardware you should have ample display power.

[falkon]

If you are concerned about slowdown you should use HWA

[Harvy]

II only ask because IMO using a square frame and then putting a million backdrop/quickbackdrops to shape the path of a level is extremely unnecessary, and can potentially slow down the game if a frame is large enough. What do you think?

Hmm... I think you're wrong Seriously though, you only need one (1) quick backdrop to effectively block off a huge rectangular chunk of the frame. It can be "motif" or just solid fill, it doesn't matter. I think it would not slow the game down. (Moving active objects sometimes slow it down; backgrounds tend not to.)
Contrary to what you suggest, it's a lot simpler not any slower to have only rectangular "frames", then "shape" them by other methods. I've made games with huge frames and lots of backgrounds and actives without any trouble.

For large frames with many active objects, there are runtime options like "handle background collisions out of window" (unchecking it can improve performance).