Glossary of Terms

There are a number of terms used in Component.Studio that may be unfamiliar to the new user. We will be looking into those terms, and providing simple definitions as well as links to access the relevant information on Component.Studio.

Conditional Rendering 

Conditional Rendering allows you turn layers or properties within your design on and off for specific cards, or other components. You can select what appears in the image by turning the layer on or off using this option. You can find more information about Conditional Rendering here: Conditional Rendering

CSV 

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) import and export lets you transfer data between Component.Studio and external tools like spreadsheet applications. You can find information about importing from, and exporting to, CSV files here: CSV Import/Export

Dataset 

Datasets are basically spreadsheets that allow you to edit data for your game. Each row in the dataset essentially represents 1 card, token, chit, or board. You can read about Datasets here: Datasets

Drawer 

You will find drawers on each table in your design, as well as on your dataset. Drawers on tables in datasets refer to UI components, where you can expand the drawer and make edits to the component. The drawer provides access to all the special tools for any given field and is also where you will see error messages if a field is not working right. You can find the drawer by clicking the 3 stacked dots. Simply click any cell in the grid preview to open the field drawer and edit that cell's content. The cell name (like "B3") appears in the editor so you always know which cell you're editing.You can find information about drawers and table layers here: Table Layers

Enumeration

Enumeration is a way to multiply values from your CSV, and have those values applied directly to your project. This can be used in a variety of ways, including creating multiples of a component that each have different values, variations in characters, or even different languages. You can find information about how to create and use enumeration here: Enumeration

Export

Exporting, when it comes to Component.Studio, can mean a few things. You can export your CSV file to a spreadsheet program like Excel, or you can export your game to The Game Crafter or to Table Top Simulator. You can also export it as Print and Play files for you to print at home. You can find information exporting your design at Export Design, and exporting your CSV at CSV Import/Export

Import

Similar to the Export option, there are a few import options with Component.Studio. You can import a CSV from an external spreadsheet, and you can also import images for your datasets. You can find information about importing spreadsheets at Google Spreadsheets, how to import images for your datasets at Import Images to Dataset, and information about importing your CSV at CSV Import/Export

Layers

Think of layers like transparent sheets stacked on top of each other. Each layer holds one element, such as background art, icons, cut lines, or text. You can edit each individual layer without affecting the other layers. The layers stack from bottom to top, but are prioritized top to bottom, meaning the top layer will happen first, then the next layer second, etc. You can find more information about creating and then using layers here: Layers

Styles

Tables

Tables are grids of cells organized in rows and columns. Think of them like mini spreadsheets embedded in your design. Each cell can contain text (including template variables and inline icons), and you have precise control over how the table divides its space among rows and columns. You can find more information about tables and how to use your table layers here: Table Layers

Template

When you create a new project in Component.Studio, you will select your product, which will import the appropriate template for the product into your project. This template includes valuable information, including the red cut lines, blue dashed safe zone lines (which are present on all products), and pale green lines indicating folds for items like boxes or folding boards. When you import a template, you will also see a red background surrounding the product area. You can add an item and view the template by creating a design, and then selecting the appropriate product for your project. You can watch a video that goes over this here: Drift, Cut Lines, and Design Overlay

Template Zones

Template zones are one of the most important things to be mindful of when creating projects in Component.Studio or on The Game Crafter. Every template will have the red cut line, indicating where products will be cut, as well as blue dashed safe zone lines. Because any printed product can have up to 2mm of drift, you'll want to be sure to keep any critical text or elements inside of the blue dashed safe zone. Similarly, you want to bleed your art/background color beyond the cut line. The templates in Component Studio 3 take this into account for you. You can make adjustments if needed, using Design Template Variables. You can review this information here: Design Template Variables

Variables

Variables allow you to make changes to the templates to your Dataset, Images, Row, Design or Game. Variables are commands that you can add to accomplish a task, without making any changes to the rest of your project. This can include positioning images, how your design is handled, specifying colors, or adding enumerations to your rows. You can find an overview and links to each of the variable options here: Getting Started with Variables. You can also visit our Variables at a Glance for quick reference.