These are answers to some of the simpler questions about RPG Maker I'm asked on a regular basis. Many of them have been taken from IM'd questions or targeted keywords at Statcounter. I've also taken some from Yahoo! Answers. This section has been radically changed and revamped; some questions have been omitted (for use in later full tutorials or posts).
To ask a question about any of the RPG Makers, simply add it to the comments.
How do I add/import resources?
As a general rule, you'll need to open the Resource Manager to import resources into RPG Maker.
¶ I've added an import/add resources tutorial for RM2K3, XP, VX, VXA and MV.
How do I disable the "dash" function when you press SHIFT?
You can disable the "dash" feature by checking the box when you set the map properties.
You can create a "keypress capture" script or parallel event that will toggle the "dash" on/off at will, useful perhaps for limiting running.
This FAQ was originally asked at Yahoo! Answers.
How do I make a (boss) battle where you have to lose?
¶ This will be updated as a separate full tutorial, including for RM2K3, XP, VX, VXA and MV.
How do I use/implement windowskins?
The How to Use Windowskins tutorial will answer this FAQ. This covers RMXP, VX, VXA and MV.
Is it possible to transfer (and play) RPG Maker games created on the NDS to Windows RPG Makers?
No, it's not. The NDS uses a different format so simply transferring an RPG Maker game created with the NDS version to a Windows version won't work. You'd have to import and modify the resources and recreate it from scratch.
Is there a shorter way to insert a character's name into a text box, rather than doing it manually?
Yes, it is. Just use the /N[x] switch, where x is the number of the character in the Database, in the text event.
¶ All RPG Makers have special command switches, which will be implemented in the near future.
Why won't the text display in RPG Maker XP/VX/VXA?
When a font is used that is not installed on the computer.
Conflicting script that change the default windowskin.
When the text coordinates are out of the window's range.
Graphics transparencies are not set correctly.
¶ This may be updated as a separate full tutorial, including for RM2K3, XP, VX, VXA and MV.
How do I remove saved games?
RPG Maker saves games in the root of the project folder. Open the project folder and delete the files with the extension .lsd or .lsw (RM2K2/3), .rxdata (RMXP), .rvdata (RMVX) and .rvdata2.
RMMV uses the extension .rpgsave, which is placed in a separate folder called save (conveniently), along with two other files, config.rpgsave and global.rpgsave; these are primarily save files for plugin configurations and settings.
No, it isn't. RM2K3 has no support for scripts, unlike RMXP and RMVX because they utilise the Ruby Gaming Script System (RGSS/RGSS2) engine already built into its structure. RM2K3 can only use "scripts" from events – normal events or common events – using the event commands.
Yes and no. RM2K3 only supports three vehicles at once, predefined in the Database (under System), which are then used on the map either through eventing or "Place Vehicle Starting Position". It is not possible to simply use an event with a vehicle graphic and use the "Enter or Exit Vehicle" event command.
There aren't any FAQs for RMXP at the moment.
Is it possible to add movie clips to RMVX/VXA?
RMVX does not natively support movies, although there are numerous scripts that do make use of the API (Application Programming Interface) to play movies in "external" or "embedded" windows.
Unfortunately, however, there is no reliable way of ensuring that in-game movies will run smoothly, depending on the movie format and the system used.
While there are several scripts available that allow movies to be played in RMVX (and, indeed, in RMXP), these still does not guarantee that they will play on other computers if users do not have certain codecs installed.
On a side-note, however, RMVXA does natively support in-game movies, as it has an built-in movie player; videos are in OGV format.
What is RMVX "batch entry"?
By default message boxes allow only four lines of text. If you check "Batch Entry", you'll be able to exceed the four lines and RMVX will automatically create separate text boxes for you, each containing four lines, which saves you from manually clicking on "Show Text" each time.
¶ There will also be a separate tutorial specifically for RMMV.
Can I use RMVX resources with RMVXA?
Yes, you can. The graphic and sound resources are the same, so importing them into RMVXA should work.
Can I use RMVX scripts in RMVXA?
No, that's not possible. RMVXA uses an updated, cleaner version of RGSS (Ruby Game Scripting System), the foundation for RMXP/VX/VXA's scripting system. Instead, scripts will need to be rewritten for the new RGSS3.
Can I use RMXP/VX/VXA resources with RMMV?
Yes and no. RMMV has a different set of "rules" when it comes to resources, but it's still viable to convert them to the correct size/format using your favourite graphics editor.
¶ This may be updated as a separate full tutorial, including for XP, VX, VXA and MV.
Why doesn't the video/sound work?
RMMV requires specific formats for videos and sound because of its multiplatform functionality.
¶ Numerous problems with videos not showing up occur, but this article provides a solution. This will be updated as a separate full tutorial for RMMV later; it will be a priority.
How do I change the default in-game font?
RMMV works with fonts a little differently than the other RPG Makers.
¶ This simple tutorial shows how.
How do I make a chest (locked/combination/etc.)?
Treasure chests are an integral part of any RPG games. Hence, I created The Complete Chest Tutorial (for RM2K3) to answer just this question. It contains tutorials on simple chests to adding random contents to receiving items by level.
Note: The RM2K3 demo accompanying this FAQ became corrupted. I'm reworking the RMXP and RMVX versions. Estimated completion time: Unknown. In the near future, the entire chest tutorial will be ported over here.
How do I make a chest disappear after being opened?
Treasure chests are an integral part of any RPG games. Hence, I created The Complete Chests Tutorial (for RM2K3) to answer just this question. It contains tutorials on simple chests to adding random contents to receiving items by level.
Note: The RM2K3 demo accompanying this FAQ became corrupted. Estimated completion time: Unknown. In the near future, the entire chest tutorial will be ported over here.
¶ This will be updated as a separate full tutorial, including for XP, VX, VXA and MV.
Are there any other (free) RPG makers available?
This section is under construction. There will be a large section devoted to these RPG Makers in the near future.