Using Screens and Displays

Create interactive displays in Garry's Mod with Wiremod screens. Learn to show text, images, and live feeds for dynamic builds.

8.5. Using Screens and Displays

Screens and displays in Garry's Mod, primarily powered by Wiremod, transform static builds into dynamic interfaces. They can be used for everything from displaying information and controlling contraptions to creating immersive visual experiences and interactive elements.

Wiremod's 'Screen' entity is the cornerstone of creating displays in Garry's Mod. These entities can be spawned and then manipulated to show various forms of visual output. The most common use is to display text, images, or even live video feeds. To get started, spawn a 'Screen' entity from the Wiremod section of your spawn menu. You can then resize and position it like any other prop. The magic happens when you connect it to other Wiremod components. A 'Text Display' input allows you to feed text directly to the screen. You can control the font, size, and color of this text through various Wiremod inputs. For displaying images, you'll typically use a 'Texture Display' input, which can load textures from your game's files or from online sources (if the server allows). This opens up possibilities for creating custom ss, information boards, or even rudimentary graphical interfaces. Live video feeds can be achieved by connecting the screen to a 'Camera' entity. This allows you to display what the camera sees directly onto your screen, useful for surveillance systems or interactive displays. The 'Screen' entity also has inputs for controlling its brightness and contrast. Beyond basic display functions, screens can be integrated into complex control systems. For example, a screen could display the status of a machine, show error messages, or even act as a touch interface if combined with other input devices. The 'Screen Painter' tool allows for more direct manipulation of the screen's pixels, enabling the creation of custom graphics and animations. When using screens, consider their resolution and aspect ratio to ensure your content displays correctly. For multiplayer servers, ensure the content you display is appropriate and adheres to server rules.

Here’s how to display text on a screen:

1. Spawn a Screen: Find and spawn a 'Screen' entity from Wiremod.
2. Spawn a Text Display: Spawn a 'Text Display' entity.
3. Select the Wire Tool: Use the 'Wire Tool' to connect components.
4. Connect Text Display to Screen:
   • Left-click on the 'Text Display' output (e.g., 'Out').
   • Right-click on the 'Screen' input (e.g., 'Text').
5. Input Text: Use the 'Text Display' entity's properties to type the text you want to show.
6. Test: The text should appear on the screen.

Screens can also be used for more advanced applications like creating custom HUDs, displaying game information in roleplaying scenarios, or even building rudimentary games within Garry's Mod. The 'Screen' entity is incredibly versatile, and its integration with other Wiremod components unlocks a vast potential for interactive and visually engaging creations. Experiment with different inputs and outputs to see what you can achieve. For instance, you could have a screen display the current time, the status of a player's health, or even a countdown timer for an event. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and your understanding of Wiremod.