The Art of Building

Using ASCII Art

I will admit it, I like ASCII art. It is easy to think that it could be a good way to make an area more interesting. There is a problem with using it in areas, though. It is difficult to predict how well ASCII art will be translated. Most mud clients allow players to change their font settings. The size of letters and spacing can change from font to font. Generally, it is recommended that you only make ASCII art using a fixed-width font (like Courier). That means that the art will display properly when viewed in any other fixed-width font. However, there is not a way to ensure that a player uses a fixed-width font when they are mudding. No matter how well tested, someone will not see the display properly.

"Rather than using ASCII art for the primary information on a room perhaps there could be a compromise and the ASCII art could be supplementary e.g. a mural or tapestry on the wall, or perhaps the pattern of tiles on the floor, that would only be seen if one looked specifically at the item. Maybe this artwork could have some information not contained elsewhere. It should not be something vital to completing the area. It would be a bonus."

Rudder Pirateson of Continents Mud

If you choose to use ASCII art, be aware that some clients/terminals only allow 80 characters across.

Anja of Yerth provided the following ASCII Art example and comments:

ASCII art is always a pleasant surprise to players who don't normally see pictures on a text game. I've also used ASCII art in the descriptions of mobs.

Name: a large seahorse
Additional Keywords: bag
Long Description: A transparent bag contains a large, adult seahorse.
Extra Description
Keyword: seahorse
Description:

O \``/
0 /o `))
o /_/\_vv))
.    |_vv))/|
     /__vv))_|
    |__vvv))_|
    |___vv))\|
     ;\_vv))
_    )_v))
(`(  /_v))
(_\/_v))
  (\/))

You have to make sure of two things when using ASCII art. If the mud has color, use it tastefully, but use it. You also need to make sure you credit the author.
EXAMPLE (of a good way to credit it)

O \``/
0 /o `))
o /_/\_vv))
.    |_vv))/|
     /__vv))_|
    |__vaj))_|
    |___vv))\|
     ;\_vv))
_    )_v))
(`(  /_v))
(_\/_v))
  (\/))

I've added an 'a' and a 'j' to stand for my handle, Anja. That should be good enough. You can add a signature to your art by adding something like this into the pic to blend in, but it's still there to say it's by you.