Custom Icons/ Models

I've seen Custom Icons in maps like Kodo Tag and Sky Fury's Hero Arena (Serpent Ward), and I want to know how I insert them into a map. I have a WC3 image extractor and winMPQ. So do I just insert the Custom icon with winMPQ? What path would I need to use? I've also seen many Custom Models used for units. Can anyone tell me how to get Custom models into the map too? (Without directing me to a tutorial)

Any help is greatly appreciated.

dunno about models ,but for icons you just insert them wherever you want them to be and type their location into wherever it is you want it so if you isert an icon named thisicon.blp into the map with no directorys you can just type thisicon.blp into the units icon or wherever.

PS: I think the serpent icon your talking about is in WC3 under ReplaceableTextures\CommandButtons\BTNGuardianWard.blp

Thanks. But how do I conver the file to a .blp?emote_sweat

Image Extractor will convert .tga images into the .blp format.

Ok, I’ve got the thing Converted to .blp, but its still not working.
The Picture I’m using is the Liquid fire icon for the Bat Rider (TFT), I saved it as a .tga file and converted it to .blp. I Used Map Editor to set the icon for the item (Fire Potion):
ReplaceableTextures\CommandButtons\BTNFirePotion.blp
I then closed and saved the map and inserted the file FirePotion.blp into the map I’m using. When winMPQ asked for a file name, I used
ReplaceableTextures\CommandButtons\BTN
I then tested the map but the item icon just shows up as a blank spot. What am I doing wrong?

I’ve attached the FirePotion.blp if anyone wants to test it for themselves.

The alpha channel of your icone il black instead of white (transparent).

I have changed it.

Now, What is an alpha channel and how would I go about changing it for other icons?

I use Paint Shop Pro French to do it, so it would be difficult for me to explain you.
Someone will explain be patient. ;)

I don't have Paintshop Pro, what else could I use? Can someone please explain this?emote_sweat

Ive waited a day, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD help me out here! Would it work if I just pasted any other Icons I wanted over the one that already has its "alpha" colour set to white?
emote_confused

hmm... Well, what i would do first to make sure its not the icon is check your spelling of both paths. Actually, just call it Firepotion/yourfile.blp and you wont have to mess with that other crap. And try putting it into a different map first, to see if that helps.

Alpha channels are very useful thing. It is a kind of transparency information. The way it works may vary. Sometimes it is from 0 (black)(transparent) to 255(white)(opaque) and sometimes it is from 0(black)(opaque) to 255(white)(transparent). Using alpha channels, you can do very nice effects (like shadows) on pictures. But you will only see the result when the picture is drawn over another one. To change the alpha channel you can use either paintshop pro or photoshop. (You can download PSP 7 Trial version on Jasc's site). But there is a thing I don't understand: Why don't you just extract the BLP file from the archive and then put in in your map ? It would be much easier.

Im trying to make a new Icon, as far as I know, the one Im trying to make, does not exist in war3.mpq or War3Patch.mpq.

You said

The serpent ward has not been imported cuz it's an unit of the beta of Reign of Chaos. just enter the right code in the model string.