Remap Characters Effect
The Remap Characters effect lets you replace specific ASCII characters in your artwork with different characters. It features automatic character detection to streamline your workflow.
Overview
Remap Characters includes auto-population - it automatically detects all unique characters in your artwork and populates the mapping interface.
This effect is perfect for:
- Changing character styles
- Replacing placeholder characters
- Converting between character sets
- Creating character variations
Using Remap Characters
The Mapping Interface
The interface shows two columns:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| From | Original characters detected in your artwork |
| To | The character each will be replaced with |
Auto-Population
When you open Remap Characters:
- Canvas is analyzed automatically
- All unique characters are identified
- Characters appear in the "From" column
- "To" defaults to the same character (no change)
Auto-population saves time by detecting all characters in use. No manual entry required.
Setting Replacement Characters
Method 1: Direct Input
- Click in the "To" field
- Type the replacement character
- Preview updates immediately
Method 2: Character Palette
- Click the palette button next to the field
- Browse available characters
- Select the desired replacement
Supported Characters
- Standard ASCII (A-Z, a-z, 0-9)
- Punctuation and symbols
- Box-drawing characters (─ │ ┌ ┐ └ ┘)
- Block elements (█ ▄ ▀ ░ ▒ ▓)
- Special Unicode characters
Workflow Examples
Style Conversion
Replace ASCII characters with block elements:
| From | To |
|---|---|
| # | █ |
| @ | ▓ |
| * | ▒ |
| . | ░ |
Creates a denser, more solid appearance
Density Adjustment
Replace characters with higher or lower visual density:
Increase density:
- . → ░
- ░ → ▒
- ▒ → ▓
- ▓ → █
Decrease density:
- █ → ▓
- ▓ → ▒
- ▒ → ░
- ░ → .
Find and Replace
Replace specific characters throughout:
This is like Find & Replace in a text editor, but for your entire ASCII artwork.
Common Character Mappings
Shading Characters
| Light → Dense | Dense → Light |
|---|---|
| . → ░ | █ → ▓ |
| ░ → ▒ | ▓ → ▒ |
| ▒ → ▓ | ▒ → ░ |
| ▓ → █ | ░ → . |
Box Drawing
| Simple → Double | Double → Simple |
|---|---|
| │ → ║ | ║ → │ |
| ─ → ═ | ═ → ─ |
| ┌ → ╔ | ╔ → ┌ |
| ┐ → ╗ | ╗ → ┐ |
Text Variations
| Standard → Bold | Bold → Light |
|---|---|
| a → Ａ | A → a |
| A → 𝐀 | 𝐀 → A |
Timeline Mode
Apply character remapping to all frames:
- Enable "Apply to all frames"
- Set your character mappings
- Click Apply
- All frames receive the same remapping
Characters unique to specific frames will also be detected when Timeline Mode analyzes all frames.
Combining with Other Effects
With Remap Colors
- Use Remap Characters to change symbols
- Use Remap Colors to change colors
- Apply in either order
- Both effects work independently
With Scatter
- Remap characters first for consistent base
- Apply Scatter for texture effects
- Scatter respects remapped characters
Recommended Workflow
- Apply structural changes first (Remap Characters)
- Then adjust colors (Remap Colors, Hue & Saturation)
- Add texture last (Scatter)
Tips
- Use auto-population - Let the effect detect characters for you
- Preview constantly - Toggle to see before/after
- Map related characters - Keep similar characters grouped
- Consider visual weight - Replacement characters should have similar density
- Save first - Backup before major character changes
Troubleshooting
Character Not Detected
If a character doesn't appear:
- Ensure it's actually used in the visible canvas
- Check that the character isn't just whitespace
- Some special Unicode may not be detected
Replacement Looks Wrong
If replacements don't look right:
- Check that the replacement character exists in your font
- Some characters have different widths (especially Unicode)
- Try alternative characters with similar visual weight
Empty Spaces
By default, empty cells (spaces) may not be listed:
- This is intentional to reduce clutter
- If you need to replace spaces, check for a "show all" option
- Consider using a visible placeholder first