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UI Graphics Editor
The UI Graphics Editor lets you modify interface elements like the timer banner, copyright notice, and stage indicators.
From the main window, select Editors → Edit UI Graphics
The editor displays:
- Top Bar - Graphic selector, palette selector, close button
- Info Panel - Description of current graphic
- Display Area - Large preview of selected graphic
- Status Bar - Instructions
Use the Graphic dropdown to select UI elements:
- Copyright Notice
- Timer Banner
- Player Counter
- Smart Bomb Counter
- Stage Banner
- Title Letters (T, u, t, a, n, k, h, m)
- Size: 102x16 pixels
- Location: Title screen
- ROM: j6.6h
- Notes: Contains © symbol and game credits
Konami Version: "© 1982 KONAMI" Stern Version: "© 1982 KONAMI / STERN ELECTRONICS" Bootleg Version: "1982" (© removed)
- Size: 32x39 pixels
- Location: Top of screen during gameplay
- ROM: j6.6h
- Notes: Background for countdown timer
- Size: 8x8 pixels
- Location: Bottom HUD
- ROM: j6.6h
- Notes: Shows remaining lives
- Size: 16x14 pixels
- Location: Bottom HUD
- ROM: j6.6h
- Notes: Shows remaining smart bombs (genie lamps)
- Size: 30x32 pixels
- Location: Between levels
- ROM: j6.6h
- Notes: Background for stage number display
The game title "TUTANKHAM" uses individual letter graphics:
- T - 30x25 pixels (ROM: c8.8i)
- u - 20x20 pixels (ROM: c8.8i)
- t - 26x14 pixels (ROM: c8.8i)
- a - 20x20 pixels (ROM: c6.6i)
- n - 20x20 pixels (ROM: c7.7i)
- k - 30x20 pixels (ROM: c6.6i)
- h - 30x20 pixels (ROM: c7.7i)
- m - 20x26 pixels (ROM: c8.8i)
Change palettes to preview graphics with different colors. UI elements use various palettes depending on context.
Click the displayed graphic to open the pixel editor.
The pixel editor shows:
- Large canvas - Graphic at high zoom (varies by size)
- Color palette - 15 colors + background
- Dimensions - Pixel width x height
- Left Click - Draw with selected color
- Left Drag - Paint continuously
- Right Click - Erase to background
- Grid - Auto-displayed for precision
- Click any color (0-14) to select
- Selected color shows in preview box
- Paint on canvas
Changes appear instantly on the canvas.
UI graphic changes auto-save to ROM cache.
Remember: Use File → Save ROMs to write to disk!
- Keep it readable - Small text must be clear
- Legal accuracy - Match your ROM variant
- Centered layout - Balanced appearance
- High contrast - Dark background, bright text
Bootleg Note: If creating a bootleg-style hack, you can remove © and change text to just "1982".
- Frame design - Should frame countdown numbers
- Not too busy - Numbers must be readable
- Contrasting colors - Background distinct from numbers
- Symmetrical - Centered design works best
- Instantly recognizable - Clear at small size
- High contrast - Stand out against HUD
- Simple shapes - Don't overcomplicate
- Consistent style - Match game art
- Decorative frame - Egyptian/adventure theme
- Number space - Leave room for stage number
- Eye-catching - Celebrates level completion
- Thematic - Fits game aesthetic
- Bold and clear - Readable from distance
- Consistent style - All letters match
- Proper spacing - Letters connect properly
- Thematic design - Adventure/Egyptian motif
Change text to personalize your hack:
- Add your name
- Change year
- Add "Modified by..."
- Custom credits
Replace icons with alternatives:
- Different player sprite
- Custom bomb design
- Themed icons
Create a completely new title:
- Different font style
- New letter shapes
- Alternative logo
- Subtitle addition
Design all UI elements with a consistent theme:
- Choose color scheme
- Design one element
- Apply style to others
- Test together in-game
Use palette selector to test with various color schemes.
Test in MAME to see:
- Title screen display
- HUD elements during play
- Stage transition screens
- Copyright notice timing
- Study originals - Understand design intent
- Test early - Preview changes in-game
- Keep backups - Save originals before major edits
- Consistent theme - Match overall game aesthetic
- Less is more - Simple designs work best at small sizes
- Treasure Editor - Edit end-level treasure graphics
- Font Editor - Customize text appearance
- Palette Editor - Create color schemes
- Tips and Tricks - Advanced UI design