When you include a file named FILE_ID.DIZ inside the .zip file containing the rest of your files it can be automatically extracted and used as the description of your file in file library databases like the one on TrainSim.Com. The format of the FILE_ID.DIZ is very simple and with a little effort on your part we can help people know exactly what it is you've created.
First main point: the name of the file must be exactly FILE_ID.DIZ. It cannot be FILE-ID.DIZ, PROGNAME.DIZ or anything else. Careful! Many Windows programs (such as Notepad) will rename your files without you knowing it and you'll end up with things like FILE_ID.DIZ.TXT so be sure to check exactly what you're putting inside your .zip file. If you end up with a file with the wrong name you can use Windows Explorer to rename it.
Second main point: the FILE_ID.DIZ file must go inside your .zip file. If your .zip file has a directory structure make sure the FILE_ID.DIZ is at the top level. Many people are used to uploading a separate .txt file along with their .zip file. If you include a FILE_ID.DIZ inside your .zip file this isn't necessary.
Now, as to the format of the file. Basically, it isn't formatted at all and in fact any formatting you attempt will be ignored. However, there are a few things you should do:
- Each line in the file should be no more that 45 characters (not just the first line, every line!)
- Limit the size to 10 lines; you can say a lot in 10 lines so be sure to include something interesting!
- The first line should be able to stand alone as a brief description of the file; this does not mean that you should repeat this information twice!
- The file must be plain ASCII text, not a Wordpad, Word for Windows, RTF or other word processor file
- Be sure to include what sim the file is for; in fact, this is so important it should be the very first thing in your description
- Give yourself credit--include your name in the description
- Remember, this is just a description, this is not the place for your email address, copyright notices, etc.
- Do not include the name of the file
- Do not include things like "description", "file name", etc. within the text; just write the description using complete sentences
Here's an example of a properly done FILE_ID.DIZ:
MSTS New Haven 40 Foot Single Door Box Car <--1st line is a brief description 34537 repaint. A typical NYNH&H RR box car <--Sim (MSTS) included up front with the older style script logo and a <--All lines under 45 characters long Superior 7 foot wide sliding door. Original model by Larry Goss and Roger von Ahrens. Repainted by Nels Anderson. Public Domain. <--Give yourself credit
This is a good general example of a properly written description.
