This guide covers getting AutoSprite exports into RPG Maker MV and MZ as character sprites. RPG Maker uses a rigid 3-column × 4-row grid per character, so the workflow is mostly about reshaping AutoSprite output to match. ## RPG Maker Character Sheet Format RPG Maker MV/MZ character sheets follow a strict convention: - **Per character block**: 3 columns × 4 rows = 12 frames - **Columns**: left-foot-forward, middle (feet together), right-foot-forward. The engine plays them in the order **1 → 2 → 3 → 2** (aka the "1-2-3-2" cycle) so the middle frame acts as the resting pose. - **Rows**: facing **down**, **left**, **right**, **up** - **Standard sheet** (8 characters): 4 blocks across × 2 blocks down - MZ default frame size: 48×48 → full sheet 576×384 - MV default frame size: 48×48 → full sheet 576×384 - **Single-character sheet** (`$`-prefixed filename): 1 block, 3×4 = 144×192 at default size RPG Maker reads two optional filename prefixes: - `$` — "this PNG is a single character at custom dimensions." Frame size becomes `width / 3 × height / 4`. - `!` — disables the idle bob animation and the 6 px vertical shift. Use this for doors, chests, and other static objects. - `!$` — both at once. A single big character with no bob and no shift (useful for doors, signs, or map objects with custom art). Skip both prefixes only if you packed 8 characters into one 4×2 block grid at the default 48×48 frame size. ## Recommended Workflow RPG Maker expects a specific walk pattern and direction order, so AutoSprite's 4-direction walk export needs a light rearrange before it drops in. Use the **Isometric** or **4-way top-down** mode and generate the **walk** animation. You'll get 4 direction strips. RPG Maker wants the order: **down, left, right, up**. RPG Maker's 3 columns are: **left-foot-forward**, **middle** (feet together), **right-foot-forward**. The engine plays them **1 → 2 → 3 → 2**, so the middle column is both the rest pose and the half-step between each stride. From each of AutoSprite's walk strips, pick 3 frames matching that pattern. In a typical 8–12 frame walk, frames 0, 3, 6 usually work. In any image editor, paste those 12 frames into a 3-column × 4-row grid: ``` [down_1 ] [down_2 ] [down_3 ] [left_1 ] [left_2 ] [left_3 ] [right_1] [right_2] [right_3] [up_1 ] [up_2 ] [up_3 ] ``` Save as a PNG with your custom frame size (e.g. 96×96 per frame → 288×384 total). Save as `$MyHero.png`. The `$` tells RPG Maker the PNG is a single character and to use the PNG's dimensions to calculate frame size (total width ÷ 3, total height ÷ 4). Copy into your project's `img/characters/` folder (MV) or `img/characters/` (MZ). - **Actor**: Database → Actors → set **[Character]** to your new file. - **Event**: Event Editor → **Image** → pick `$MyHero`. ## Custom Frame Sizes RPG Maker's default 48×48 is small. To use a larger character: - Prefix the filename with `$` (single-character sheet) so RPG Maker reads frame size from the PNG instead of assuming 48×48. - Standard arithmetic: **frame_width = image_width / 3**, **frame_height = image_height / 4**. - Example: 96×96 frames → PNG is 288×384. RPG Maker draws non-`!`-prefixed characters **shifted 6 pixels up** from their tile anchor (`shiftY = 6` in the engine), so the feet visually land on the tile below. Use the `!` prefix to disable the shift for objects that should sit flush with their tile. ## Face and Battler Exports For **faces** (dialog portraits) and **battlers** (battle sprites), generate them separately in AutoSprite: | RPG Maker Asset | Default Size | AutoSprite Source | Folder | |---|---|---|---| | Face | 144×144 per face, 4×2 grid | Portrait | `img/faces/` | | SV Battler (MV/MZ) | 64×64 frames, 9 cols × 6 rows (576×384 total) | Custom animation set | `img/sv_actors/` | | Walking Character | 3×4 grid (see above) | Isometric / 4-dir walk | `img/characters/` | SV battler sheets pack **18 motions × 3 frames each** (walk, wait, chant, guard, damage, evade, thrust, swing, missile, skill, spell, item, escape, victory, dying, abnormal, sleep, dead) into the 9×6 grid. Generating one in AutoSprite means producing each motion separately and compositing into RPG Maker's expected slot order. ## Common Issues **Character looks cropped or stretched:** You forgot the `$` prefix and RPG Maker is trying to slice the PNG as 48×48 frames. Add `$` to the filename. **Walking animation looks jerky:** You picked 3 frames that don't include a clear "feet together" middle frame. Replace the middle frame with a neutral pose (frame 0 of AutoSprite's idle works well). **Direction is wrong:** RPG Maker row order is **down → left → right → up**. AutoSprite's default iso order may differ — rearrange rows if your character walks the wrong way. **Character floats above tiles:** Remember the built-in 6-px upward shift. If you want the sprite to sit flush with its own tile (for doors, chests, signs, etc.), prefix the filename with `!` to disable the shift. Padding the top of your frames *won't* fix this — it shifts the sprite further up. ## MZ-Specific Notes MZ treats the sheet the same way as MV, but ships with higher default render quality. Enable **Effects** in `plugins.js` if you want modern shaders. For MZ plugin compatibility with larger sprites (e.g. **Moghunter's** larger-char plugins or **VisuStella MZ** events), prefix filenames with `$` and follow the plugin's extra hints — most modern plugins read size from the PNG automatically. ## Learn More - [RPG Maker MV / MZ Character Sprite Guide (RPG Maker Forums)](https://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/) - [RPG Maker MZ Manual (RPG Maker Web)](https://rpgmakerweb.com/products/rpg-maker-mz) ## Need Help? Join Discord Drop a screenshot of your sheet and we'll verify the 3×4 layout with you.

RPG Maker Integration

RPG Maker Integration