Vector graphics for the ZX Spectrum
Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2021 5:50 pm
SVG (= Scalable Vector Graphics) is the standard format for vector graphics on the Internet. Unfortunately, this format is too complex to be displayed directly on 8-bit computers like the ZX Spectrum. My Java program TinySVG extracts "line drawings" from SVG files and converts them into simplified vector formats for retro computers. For the ZX Spectrum, it can create vector files, and these can be drawn on screen using one of two methods:
Download vecread (Standard BASIC routines) or speedplot from here: https://joyceforum.de/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=65&p=420#p420
A small manual:
The vector graphics can be drawn on a real ZX Spectrum or in the emulator.
Settings in EightyOne:
- Standard BASIC routines, screen resolution 256x176, vector file *.zxv
- Speedplot, screen resolution 256x192, vector file *.zxs
Download vecread (Standard BASIC routines) or speedplot from here: https://joyceforum.de/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=65&p=420#p420
A small manual:
- Start TinySVG.jar with a double click (Java Runtime version 8 or higher required).
- Under Options > Configuration the following items should be activated: Center, Resize, Bézier curve approximation, Arc approximation, Activate line reducer. To set the Output files and Screen resolution sections, simply choose "ZX Spectrum Standard" or "ZX Spectrum Speedplot" under Presets.
- File > Open > Select SVG file
- The .zxv or .zxs file can be found in the same directory as the SVG file, but with the extension .zxv or .zxs (e.g. laempel.svg -> laempel.zxs).
The vector graphics can be drawn on a real ZX Spectrum or in the emulator.
Settings in EightyOne:
- Options > Hardware or F6
- Register "Sinclair"
- Select 48k ZX Spectrum
- File > Open Tape > load speedplot_basic.tzx. The program will start automatically, and it sets RAMTOP to 29999.
- File > Load Memory Block > Filename: speedplot.bin, Address: 65145 - this loads the machine code.
- File > Load Memory Block > Filename: e.g. laempel.zxs, Address: 30000 - loads the vector data created by TinySVG.
- RUN