How to Change the Text on Derivable Head Signs on IMVU

A head sign is a special item that makes text appear over the head of an IMVU avatar. The easiest way to create your own custom head sign is to base it on a derivable head sign created by someone else, changing the text to read what you want. To do this, modify the texture files used by the sign.

Things You'll Need

• Graphics editing program such as Photoshop or GIMP

Instructions

Gathering Information

1. Launch the IMVU client, switch to Create mode and load the head sign you're deriving from.

2. Click the "Meshes" tab.

3. Examine the textures used by the head sign. Depending on the head sign you are deriving from, the textures may either rely on using a transparent PNG image to make parts of the sign see-through or use an opacity map to accomplish the same purpose.

4. Note down the pixel size and file type of the texture used in the sign, as well as whether it is transparent. If there's an opacity map, note down its pixel size and file type as well.

Modifying the Text

1. Launch your chosen graphics editing program.

2. Create a new image matching the pixel size of the texture originally used in the sign. If the original texture was transparent, create your image with a transparent background.

3. Add your desired text to the image using your program's text tool.

4. Save the image in a location you will remember, using the same file type as the original texture.

Modifying the Opacity Map

1. Change the text in your newly created texture to a pure white color.

2. Change the background of the image to a pure black color.

3. Save the image as a new file in a location you will remember, using the same file type as the original opacity map.

Applying Your Changes to the Sign

1. Switch back to the IMVU client.

2. Click the "Edit" button on the head sign's original texture.

3. Navigate to the location where you saved your original texture and double-click it to load it into the IMVU client.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 for the opacity map, if one exists.

5. Click "Apply Changes" to preview your changes.

6. Click "Save" to save your new head sign. Click "Upload" to upload it to the IMVU catalog.

References

• IMVU Creator Program: Intro to the Editor
• IMVU Creator Program: Meshes Tab
• IMVU Creator Program: Opacity Maps