The Gimp and Repaints?

[MickeyMouse]

I'm trying to use either The Gimp or Microsoft ImageComposer.  When I try and open the BMP, they fail and say "unknown compression format".

Can you use only specific graphic applications with the BMP files?

Thanks

[SkyNoz]

Download DXT Bmp HERE.

Then, open the specified Bmb as.....Extended Bitmap, then save as a Extended Bitmap 32 bit, or DX1, or DX3 etc. Kinda short explaination but all the info you need. Basically DXTbmp is a program that can open those files "Drawing Failed" formats etc.

[MickeyMouse]

Thanks, it worked great.

[wji]

Good to hear you got your mojo workin'

To really simplify matters go into DXTbmp Pref Menu/Select Editor then when you want o convert and work on a texture file simply click Image/Send to Editor.

Repaint using Targa/alpha is best (other than directly using the 32bit Extended)

reference cited: Martin Wright states:

"The normal procedure recommended with my FS tools is to load in the original texture, save out as 32 bit Targa or 32 bit Extended and then do all your editing using this 32 bit version. When you want to try the texture in FS load in the 32 bit version and save out

[MickeyMouse]

Crap... I'm lost.  I downloaded DxtBmp, then set Microsoft ImageComposer as the editor.  I opened the 737-400 repaint-kit.  Sent it to the Editor.  Made my changes.  Saved the final image as a TGA with transparency.

All I get in FS is a gray 737... my image isn't there.

Rats.

[wji]

"Saved the final image as a TGA with transparency"

O.K., just convert it to DXT3

Remember: The high-res, no-lossie formats are for repainting; of course, we mear mortals are content to repaint in 24bit . . .

[MickeyMouse]

WooHoo!  I've got a repaint baby!

It was a little more involved than how you said.  I had to set PSP as the Editor in DxtBmp.  Then sent the repaint to PSP.  Next I set Microsoft Image Composer as the Editor in DxtBmp, then sent the repaint to it.  Made what changes or paints I wanted in MS Image Composer.  I then did a copy from MS and then pasted it into the repaint already in PSP.  Then saved it out as a 24bit "uncompressed" TGA.  I then opened the file I just saved with DxtBmp.  I then imported in the Alpha for the repaint.  Then saved it out as a Extended BMP, using DXT3.

[KDSM]

make sure to turn off mips or your repaint will look like dookie

[MickeyMouse]

MIPS?  Where do you find this and what is it?

Here's my repaint.  It's not much, I'm just getting going.  How do I make it not so reflective?

http://mmouseair.sullingers.com/737-400/MMouseAir%20737-400.html

[wji]

"MIPS?  Where do you find this and what is it?"
Oh, oh . . . sounds like you didn't read

Marin Wright's everything one wants to know about texture formats

I can't comment on your repaint as the screenshot was taken from such a distance that not enough detail is visible upon which I can make any assessment.

Have fun . . . I am.

[MickeyMouse]

Ok, I read the info andunderstand MIPs, but I still don't see where to turn them off.  As I understand it, the DX3 format automatically saves with MIPS on.

Also, how come my whites are so bright?  Even if I make it an off white, it's still very bright?

Thanks

[SkyNoz]

MIps is a option through DXTbmp, it's found near the bottom of the Alpha Channel on the top right, just uncheck that box and the mips will never save again with your repaint.

-skynoz