An Avatar refers to your online graphical representation. When you first enter The Palace you are represented by a yellow smiley face. This is the default avatar for all Palace users.

A prop is an object that can be worn near or placed over your face; or a small object that you can hold (like a baseball bat or a cup) or attach to yourself (like a hat, a pair of sunglasses or a wig). An avatar is basically a collection of different props including at least one head prop. This head prop serves as the centerpiece for the rest of the avatar. A prop measures 44x44 pixels and an avatar can contain up to nine props (132x132 pixels).

This is a head prop that is no larger than 44x44 pixels.

This is an avatar that is larger than 44x44 pixels but does not exceed 132x132 pixels (containing nine props).

Your prop window is where you can put on, take off, edit, save and delete your props. To access your prop window, do one of the following:

- Click on the suitcase icon at the bottom right-hand corner of your Palace User Software window.

- Press Control - P.

- Select Prop Window from the Options window.

Doubleclick the pieces of the avatar you want to wear.

You can store your complete avatar in the Avatar Window. This option enables quick access to your avatar when you want to change your image. If you have a multiple-prop avatar, you can store it in the Avatar Window in one piece and simply click on a shortcut key (i.e. F1, F2, F3, etc.) to access the avatar. To access your Avatar Window, go to the file menu of The Palace User Software and click on "Save Avatar".

Many Palaces supply users with a wide variety of props and avatars. This is good for users that simply want to get a new prop or avatar without having to download images or create their own avatars.

When you come across a prop or avatar you would like to have, simply click on the prop and drag it to your prop bag (the suitcase located at the lower right hand corner of your Palace User Software screen). You can now access this prop from your prop window.

A loose prop is one you will find lying in a room, not attached to any avatar. You pickup, wear and store these props in your prop window. You can also leave loose props for other people to use. The easiest way to create a loose prop is to put it on (by clicking on the desired prop in your prop window and clicking on wear) then pull it off your face and drag it into the room where you would like to leave the prop.

There are several ways a user can make his/her own props and avatars. If a user has an image that is not already in the computer, the user can use a scanner to scan the image into the computer. Users may also paint their own props with The Palace Prop Editor. This option takes a lot of skill and is probably the most difficult way to make your own props. The most common option is to download an image off the web.

There are several options you can choose from in your prop editor to give your new avatar distinct features. They are:

Head
Check this box to completely replace your yellow smiley face with the prop. The designated Head Prop will act as your centerpiece of a multiple-prop avatar. Any prop may be made into a head prop by simply clicking Head.

Ghost
Check this box to make the prop a ghost prop. A ghost is a semi-transparent prop: other props and background art can be seen faintly through it. Any prop may be made into a ghost prop.

Rare
Check this box to create a prop that cannot be copied. Unlike normal props, rare props disappear from the satchel when they are worn. In other words, only ONE such prop can exist.

Anim (Animation)
Check this box to make your prop into a single frame for animation. An animated prop is like a frame in a small movie: when worn, it rapidly flashes on and off. If more than one animated prop is worn, they will flash in sequence, creating the illusion of animation. The following Bounce setting can modify the order of the sequence. To see animated props in action, select Preferences from the Edit Menu and check Allow Animation.

Bounce
If this option is checked for any prop you are wearing, your animated props will cycle on and off in "palindrome" fashion ("forward-backward-forward" etc.), instead of simply looping in the "forward" direction all the time.