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+*currently under construction*
+
+This page describes the technically relevant aspects of preset maps in Hedgewars
+
+<wiki:toc max_depth="3" />
+
+----
+
+= Introduction =
+
+One of the map types Hedgewars supports are maps that were previously drawn by an artist.
+
+The looks of such maps are distinctly defined and are not subject to randomized values.
+
+Additionally these maps allow [LuaGuide Lua-script] to be associated with them in order to enable adding specific gameplay changes and map behavior.
+
+----
+
+= Location =
+All maps are automatically loaded from the [HedgewarsDataDir Hedgewars data directory].
+
+In this directory there has to be a folder for every map, named after the desired map name.
+
+*Examples:*
+  * _Data/Maps/!MyVeryOwnMap_
+  * _Data/Maps/Ropes_
+  * _Data/Maps/Sheep_
+  * etc.
+
+----
+
+= Files =
+
+Within the folder of every map the following files are expected to be there:
+
+== Basic files ==
+=== map.cfg ===
+Configuration file.
+
+  * First line is max. number of hedgehogs supported
+  * Second line is the name of the [Theme] used by the map (for background and clouds, flakes, water, etc)
+
+
+
+
+=== map.png ===
+Image of visible land area.
+  * Usually _width/length ratio_ of 2:1
+  * Typical size: 2048 x 1024
+  * Max size: 4096 x 2048
+  * If there is no _mask.png_, this image will also be used for deciding what pixels are subject to collision: _alpha value_ not equal to 0 (so below max transparency) will be considered land
+
+=== preview.png ===
+Preview image of the map
+  * size: 256 x 128_
+
+== Optional files (for advanced features and adjustments) ==
+=== mask.png ===
+Image defining the collision areas of the map.
+
+  * Pixels with _alpha value_ = 0 will not be subject to collision
+  * White pixels will be terrain
+  * Red pixels will be indestructable terrain (regardless of game mode settings)
+
+*Examples:*
+  * [http://hedgewars.googlecode.com/hg/share/hedgewars/Data/Maps/Blizzard/mask.png Mask]  of [http://hedgewars.googlecode.com/hg/share/hedgewars/Data/Maps/Blizzard/map.png Blizzard Map]
+(Transparent areas may not be recognizeable as such in your browser/image preview program, so open e.g. in [http://www.gimp.org/ Gimp])
+
+=== map.lua ===
+A Lua-script to be used together with the map.
+
+See the LuaGuide for more information on Hedgewars' scripting support.
+
+== Image format ==
+  * PNG, 8-bit/color RGBA (so 32 bit)
+
+----
+= Editing software recommendations =
+== Images ==
+A vector based drawing software is recommended for creating the maps.
+
+(Reasons for that: Edges are usually automatically smoothed on export; Easier to meet [http://www.hedgewars.org/node/704 Hedgewars Graphics rules, style constraints, guidelines]; Images are easier to change, adjust and maintain style)
+
+If you don't have one, check out the free open-source [http://inkscape.org Inkscape]: There are various [http://lmgtfy.com/?q=inkscape+tutorial InkScape tutorials] online, so you should be able to get started easily.
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