Collecting feedback for custom layout guide

[redphx]

If you have feedback or questions about the guide please post it here.
You can also use this post to ask for help when designing a layout.

Thanks.

[Tak-attack]

I don't know if this will help, but I will share how I did it.

I had never worked with JSON files before using Better xcloud, but within a week or so I had a rough understanding and was able to create custom layouts for Halo Infinite and Shredders. (I knew some of the basics of programming).

• First, we tried various JSON editors to understand the structure of JSON files. As a result, I decided to use JSON Editor Online.
  It allows you to edit in a tree format and to beautify (indent with 2 spaces) and validate JSON content.
  I also like the color picker available.

• I also think it would be very useful to create a custom layout blueprint in advance.
  So I created a simple blueprint in a spreadsheet.

This way, it is easy to see at a glance in which order to describe the objects.

In fact, it would be very nice to have a tool that would allow me to just visually place a button and export it to a JSON file, but alas, I do not have such skills...

[Tak-attack]

Limitations

• Only supports one layout for the entire game (cannot dynamically switch layout based on context)

I think this part is inappropriate because one game can switch between multiple layouts.

• It is not possible to create a layout that automatically switches between native touch controls and situations.

Would the above wording be appropriate?

[redphx]

Thanks. I'll update it.

[Kode-Z]

After I’ve pasted the BX_EXPOSED.test_touch_control, I can easily edit the default controls fine. If I use anything other than that (for example, the layout from another game) the touch controls disappear? Am I missing something?

[redphx]

Put this in the left object:

"outer": [
  null,
  null,
  null,
  {
      "type": "directionalPad",
      "scale": 1.0
  }
]

[Kode-Z]

Thanks. I tried it, but it’s still not showing the D Pad for some reason. Thanks for all the assistance, by the way. Really appreciate it!

[Kode-Z]

Everything else is as I want it, just need the DPad for completion.

[Kode-Z]

[redphx]

I said put it "in the left object", not "next to"

[redphx]

@Tak-attack @Kode-Z @evanpaul14 the official tool to create touch control has been released by xCloud team: https://github.com/microsoft/xbox-game-streaming-tools/releases/tag/tak-cli-v11.0.0

My laptop is broken so I can't check this right now.

[evanpaul14]

I used it for #324. The ability to quickly test new layouts and the premade templates make the process a lot faster overall.

[redphx]

I updated the guide with info about the TAK extension for VS Code.

I also changed param of BX_EXPOSED.test_touch_control().

• Before: you pass only the "content" value of the layout.
• Now: you pass the entire JSON layout created by TAK extension.

It now supports "styles" property. Use this to reuse colors in the layout.