1. Create a 512x256 PNG file: "(Author)Name.png". Spaces should be replaced with underscore ("_"). Optionally, perform file-size optimization.
   
2. Optionally, create a 512x256 PNG file containing the normal map: "(Author)Name_N.png".
   
3. Put the file(s) into Documents/GroundBranch/StagedMod/GroundBranch/Patches/<CATEGORY>/. <CATEGORY> can be one of the existing ones ("BloodType", "Country", "Morale", "Role") or you can invent a new category.
   
4. Open GROUND BRANCH, click on "Modding > Quick Create" and fill out the form.

Various open-source tools, such as PNGCrush or OptiPNG, can be used to achieve a lossless file size reduction. These tools optimize PNG files by removing unnecessary data and compressing the images without compromising quality. Additionally, there are websites available for this purpose, such as [https://compresspng.com/](https://compresspng.com/). These online services provide a convenient way to compress your PNG files without the need to install any software.

Blank patch template: https://bob-at.github.io/region-patches/blank.png
Corresponding normal map: https://bob-at.github.io/region-patches/blank_N.png

1. Open "blank.png" in a photo editor such as GIMP or Photopea. Use "blank.png" as background
   layer and add your design elements.
   
2. Save/Export the result as PNG file named "(Author)Name.png"
   
3. (Optional) Perform PNG file-size optimization.
   
4. Download "blank_N.png" and re-name it to "(Author)Name_N.png". This file has already been optimized with OptiPNG.

The following text should be included in the workshop item description:

Texture image credits: Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/black-fabric-textile-textured-background_16014764.htm

If you want to create a large amount of patches, it can be more convenient to use a batch-processing tool like ImageMagick. ImageMagick is a powerful and versatile software suite that enables you to create, edit, compose, and convert bitmap images via scripts.

You can find a script along with a detailed description here: https://github.com/Bob-AT/region-patches/blob/main/README.md