Subject: IP utility for conversion of IFF (Amiga) files to PPS .pif files
From: Dave Theurer
File: charm$userdisk:[theurer.amiga]ip.doc

What it does:
 IFF (Interchange Format Files) are created by most AMIGA graphics programs.
 These graphics files may be uploaded to the VAX and converted to PPS .pif
  files using the new IP (Iff->Pps) utility.  
 This program converts a single IFF picture file to pb 0 in a PPS .pif file.  
 These files may be up to 5 bits deep.  

Why bother:
 The Amiga has some excellent paint tools.
 The Amiga color digitizer works better than the Atari digitizer and it has
 an extra bit of picture depth (32 colors instead of 16).

What it won't do:
 > This program can not change bit depth.  That should be done on the 
 Amiga using Deluxe Paint or whatever before uploading the file to the VAX.  
 > No merging or cropping of pictures is supported.  This may be done after the
 conversion using the PPS.

Operation:
 The Amiga file we've uploaded and now wish to convert is called dragon.
 Type in:	@charm$userdisk:[theurer.amiga]ip dragon
 Wait while it converts the file.
 When it says   >>Enter output filename (CR for dragon.pif):
 Type in the output PPS .pif filename or hit CR if the suggested name is ok.
 When it prints "PPS .pif file: dragon.pif" you're all set:
	pb 0 in dragon.pif will contain the converted picture.

Please reply if
 > you have any problems with this utility.
 > you have a utility on the VAX to change a picture's bit depth.