A short explanation for the uses of
# and
n:
- n is mostly referring to a key count
- # is used to indicate a specific column
- (n-1) for # is used for all functions regarding settings for individual columns; the first column's value is 0 and the last column's value is one lower than the keycount
- n for # is used for colour settings on individual columns; the first column's value is 1 and the last column's value is equal to the keycount
The mania stage is coded around a 480px height, so each value assigned regarding sizes is based on it. That means all images related to the mania stage (except StageBottom) need to be 1.6 times larger than these values (768px height).
For example the default mania-key is 50x107px in dimensions. Translated into mania values we get "ColumnWidth: 30" (50 / 1,6 ≈ 30), and "LightPosition: 413" (480 - (107 / 1,6) ≈ 413).
Due to this some images should be designed with this scale in mind and the default ColumnWidth. This is critical for images like LighthingN, and LightingL due to their larger sizes or the StageBottom.
You can use other naming methods for the note and key images and even put them in a seperate folder, but you will have to edit the [Mania] sections in the .ini-file manually for
every keycount, column, key state, and note part.
You can include a path to the images (e.g.; NoteImage2H: mania/note/green, or StageLeft: stage/8k/left), but only within that skins folder.
StageLeft is shown left from the furthest left column of a stage while
StageRight is shown right from the furthest right column of a stage.
StageBottom is positioned in the bottom middle of the mania playfield above the keys. It won't be stretched or resized.
KeyorderOdd keycounts (1K, 3K, 5K, 7K, and 9K) start with key1 from the outer lanes and change between key2 and key1 up to the centre and use the special key and note in the centre lane.
Even keycounts (2K, 4K, 6K, and 8K) start with key1 from the outer lanes and change between key2 and key1 untill all lanes are filled, when not using SepcialStyle.
When using SpecialStyle on even keycounts the furthest left or right lane will use the special key and note with the other keys ordered like in odd keycounts without the special key.
During co-op play the stages are split in two and are ordered like normal stages separately.
If you don't want to make it a more complex section you can stick to the template files and leave the lines out.
If not available, the mania sections are generated automatically upon changing the mania keybindings / layout in the options on the first time using a clean file.