4000 backdrops, inevitable drop in framerate?

[Taofeld]

I didn't see any solutions using the search function, so I will ask what is perhaps a common question...

Is there a good solution to speeding up a computer's framerate if you've got a frame with a ton of backdrops? It is the classic "every 3 seconds the framerate drops for a bit" situation. I'd rather not have to split up the level due to other complications that would arise.

I have made good use of Quick Backdrop mosaics to minimize the number of backdrops, but it only helps a bit.

Any elegant solutions?

[astrospoon]

It might be better to just grab screen shots of the level? Like basically combine all the background objects that are going to be on the same layer into one big object, or several bigger ones.

Might help....

[Jacob]

This should not happen. If I am correct, the backdrops just get melded together anyway once the frame starts. There should be no slowdown. The backdrop limit is exactly roughly equivalent to approximately 65536 backdrops. It is actives you should worry about.

[Taofeld]

It's definitely directly related to the number of backdrops. I've done extensive testing on it.

Doing screenshots of the level could work but it would be a long ordeal

[Taofeld]

An update... deleting a defunct layer that I was not using sped things up exponentially. From my experiences, layers seem like nothing but trouble :p

[Pkeod]

If you have backdrops, or any other objects that are treated as backdrops, then yes, you will have trouble with having them on any layer other than the bottom layer.

[uprize]

Hint: use the Background Image Object

[Asholay]

What does the Background Image Object do - and what's so special about the bottom layer - does it get the most memory allocated to it or something?

[Blizna]

I have had the same problem - Go to frame properties and disable option "Handle background collisions even ouf of window", it helps quite a lot.

[jhonson]

if you want to sent me the file at thecheat31781@aol.com I will gladly help you create screenshots of your background