Creating Custom Characters & Sprites

Quick Question; I'm trying to figure out how RPGmaker XP decides where to "crop" the sprite sheets i make for characters. I've looked through their character database, and see a multitude of different sizes, but i dont know how to make an original character's sheet from scratch. Are there specific measurements, or does it just depend on what type of file youre using? (also, i know how to import resources, so no problem there) An Example: I tried to make a new Walk animation set for my main character from scratch, but parts of him get cut off and show up in other frames during animation. What are the specifications?
Thanks in advance!
~Django

The border around every frame of the animation has to be exactly the same size. Each frame must be lined up perfectly. Outside of that, use any filesize or format you wish.

To clarify:

It doesn't matter which size your frames are, as long as the size of each frame is the same.

Examples!





Both of these are ok to use because each frame is the same size.
It is a lot easier if you make a template with checkered color then remove the color after you're done in my opinion.

I do that too, but my eyes are jumpy, so I alternate colors.

First row would be red blue red blue, second would be green purple green purple, then it repeats.

I have A problem like this, but my characters appear to small.  I.E. Where there's one sprite for Arshes, theres like six for my char.

can you post the spirit image here?