I had a similar attitude when I first started using C2...but honestly, some plugins are such time savers it's hard not to use them (litetween, magicam), or offer powerful functionality that C2 still lacks (Paster/Canvas), or, in some cases, exceed C2's internal capabilities in both features and perf (the incredible Chipmunk physics).

Ultimately though, it's your call.

Mamajuano

I'll try your capx later today when I have time.

Second question: I patched the preview.js file stored in program files, so I didn't have to edit my exports every time. Patching the export should work fine though.

Basically I want a 9patch with a fixed center; when I size it larger than than 1:1 the sides stretch, but not the center. When sized smaller, the center shrinks, but stays the same aspect ratio.

I'm pretty sure this isn't possible with the built in 9patch object, but I'm hoping I'm wrong.

Yeah, you have to set that to 'No'.

Yes, it's counter-intuitive.

Braus

Yes. What you describe is the result of a kerned font being translated to a monospaced font; by default spritefonts are 'monospaced', which means that each letter is the same width, and is spaced equally from each other. With most fonts this looks bad, because the letters are different sizes and shapes (kerned).

What makes GYFM indispensable is that it generates a json string that can be used to set your font to the correct kerning if monoscaping is not what you're looking for. It's pretty straightforward to do.

Go back here:

and search for and download this capx:

GYFM_ImportSample_v2.capx

The JSON string is generated by GYFM when your export a spritefont; look for the similarly named text file that is exported with the spritesheet.

Braus

This is, by far, the best tool for generating C2 spritefonts:

R0J0hound We need to crowdfund you a decent pc.

This. Paster, Canvas, Chipmunk, plus all the awesome capx's you've shared over the years...we really ought give something back.

Unless you have some specific need for system fonts, definitely go with spritefonts. Better performance and better support.

Really cool idea Naji. Will probably introduce some people to plugin development who wouldn't have tried otherwise.

Thanks for sharing.

PM'd you, but I also edited my comment above since it was a little overarching. I'm developing on a low-mid end phone where I don't find this perf cost particularly surprising, unless ads are supposed to have no perf cost at all.

If you want to do anything to Ads, work on adding a 'test mode' option so we don't have to worry about clicking on our own ads during development and getting in trouble.

Egyptoon

Dunno what to tell you, it's right there:

Well, if you want to pm me the apk I'll try it on my device and see if I hear anything.

Otherwise I would try compiling a dev app, and see if the same thing happens there. If so, take a look at your debug log and see if anything leaps out at you.

You could also try making a new project with a sprite that plays a sound when pressed, and try to export that.

On the dev app: I haven't had much luck previewing over wifi, so if you are trying to do that, be warned that your game logic probably won't run right. You want to export your game as cordova, un-minified, delete the config.xml file in the export folder, then zip the contents and put it on your mobile. Start dev app, go to documents, select your zip file, and press the 'Canvas+' button that pops up.

Good luck.