Simviation Forums

Abacus software has done FSRepaint, which allows you to view/edit your aircraft whilst visualizing the model in full 3D with out starting FSX/9...

From http://www.abacuspub.com/default_fs.html



It's amazing...

Or if you'd rather the freeware option, (required for FSRepaint) serch for DXTBmp on http://www.google.co.nz

Dan

Basically, DXTBmp, and a good paint program, like PaintShop Pro or the like.  (Though I think there is another program that goes with DXTBmp)

Yuo can find DXTBmp by using the "Search" tab at the top of this page.

I tried Dxtmp and everytime it came out in free flight with pictures of landing gear and windows all over the airplane! Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes. 1 FSRepaint costs money. 2 DXTmp does not work. I edit it  in adobe. I save back with DXtmp. When I fly it, the pictures are every where!!!!!!!  I need detailed instructions on how to use it. Or another freeware program. For 12 years old money isn't really what I have.(just cash).

[quote]DXTmp does not work. I edit it

Wait, that didn't work. Sorry u can't help me.  Is there anything else besides FSRepaint and DXTBmp? please help!

For a start, you have to be patient.
Once you know how it is done, repainting isn't that hard, but it's never easy...
Then you need two programs, one graphics program, like Photoshop, or if you can't afford that, try Gimp (http://www.gimp.org/), and DXTBmp.
You use your graphics program to do the painting, and DXTbmp to convert your textures to something FS understands.
I only paint aircraft for which there is a decent paintkit (meaning layered PSD files), I never muck about with existing textures. It can be done, but is a nightmare.
So, in general, this is the way to go:
1. You pick an aircraft to paint with a paintkit
2. Have a look at the paintkit. How many files does it contain? Can you easily recognize the different parts of the aircraft?
3. You decide on the paintjob you want to create. Bare metal will necessitate work on the alphachannel as well, military camouflaged aircraft cn have a simple white alpha, less work. Pick something that you really like, because it will take time and perseverance.
4. do your painting in your graphics program and save the files as bmp's
5. convert the bmp's to extended bmp's (so with alphachannel) for FS9 or to dds files for FSX (bmp's can be done as well) with DXTbmp
6. make a test flight, and stand back in horror at all your mistakes
7. go back to step 4-6 until you're satisfied with the result.

This is the simple version, there are lots of pitfalls at each step, so be prepared to overcoming these hurdles.
My first paintjob (for the A2A P-51D) took me more than a month, as I made every mistake possible, but I got there in the end. Now, if