Which map optimizer to use?

[sethmachine]

Hi,

What is the standard for map optimization/compression/protection?

Found this, but I saw a few hivers list some complaints about it.

http://www.wc3c.net/showthread.php?t=79326

 

[PurgeandFire]

Vex's is likely the most stable optimizer. There is a Chinese one here:
http://www.wc3c.net/showthread.php?t=101586

But there have been more issues with that one afaik. Usually, the standard process is to widgetize + optimize the map. As for protection, the optimizer provides "soft protection" (although, it is all for the sake of optimization, not really for protection). Look into something like Spazzler if you need additional protection.

 

[sethmachine]

What is widgetizing?

 

[PurgeandFire]

http://www.hiveworkshop.com/forums/tools-560/widgetizer-1-3-0-9-a-62920/

It converts the object files in the map into slk/txt, which is loaded a lot faster (albeit, can sometimes increase the file size). While it can sometimes add to the file size, it is a good thing to do if (1) your map has a lot of objects (2) you have file size to spare without hitting the 8 MB limit. Even so, you should always try it out on your map and weight the results (results may vary).

 

[sethmachine]

So I run Widgetizer on the map, then the Map Optimizer?

 

[PurgeandFire]

So I run Widgetizer on the map, then the Map Optimizer?

Yes. I haven't tried the other way around, but the map optimizer will likely delete the listfile, so the widgetizer might fail (technically, you can work around it by adding your own listfile when searching for the file, but idk whether mike implemented that. it is better to be on the safe side by widgetizing then optimizing). Make a back up, and fiddle with the options if anything fails. Make sure you read through the widgetizer manual/readme, and perhaps this.

 

[Ceday]

I always tell people optimizer first widgetizer second :O

 

[edo494]

Widgetizer always first. As Vexorian points out in map optimizer readme, the optimizer will remove all unused data from the. txt and .slk files, reducing the size slightly