Different layouts for different emulators

[Dartful Dodger]

Sorry if this was already addressed.  It seems like this would be a common request or issue for a Mala newbie, but I tried to search for it and couldn’t find anything.

I created a layout for MAME that matches my cabinet and I was completely happy with it.

...until I read a thread about a custom TI99a layout.  I saw a layout that used the TI's startup screen and thought it would be great if I could have a different layout for each of the emulators I'm using. I know I can create multiple layouts and manually switch between them, but can the layouts switch automatically when I switch between emulators?

Thanks

[Triangel7D]

I'm about to venture into this territory myself. Is what you want a Malatree?

http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Mala_Tree

[nick3092]

I don't think he's looking to do a tree per-sey.  I think he just wants different layouts based on the currently selected emulator.

You just need to name the .mll file the same name as the emulator (the way you put it in MaLa) and place it in the layout folder.  Then in the layout folder, create a subfolder with the same name as the .mll file that contains the artwork for the layout.

So for example, I name mine "System (Emulator)" in Mala.  So I have a "NES (Nestopia).mll" file and "NES (Nestopia)" folder in the MaLa layout folder.

[Dartful Dodger]

Thanks nick that's what I was looking for, I'll work on it this weekend.

Triangel7D, I'm still trying to figure out the Mala basics, but the MaLa tree looks like it's going to be something else I'll need to include.

[Triangel7D]

I don't think he's looking to do a tree per-sey.  I think he just wants different layouts based on the currently selected emulator.

You just need to name the .mll file the same name as the emulator (the way you put it in MaLa) and place it in the layout folder.  Then in the layout folder, create a subfolder with the same name as the .mll file that contains the artwork for the layout.

So for example, I name mine "System (Emulator)" in Mala.  So I have a "NES (Nestopia).mll" file and "NES (Nestopia)" folder in the MaLa layout folder.

Nick -- Thanks for that tip! I think I'd much rather do that than a Malatree. I actually don't want that top menu on that Malatree link I posted (my intro video blends right into the game select screens).