Alpha Channels

[Flying Buckeye]

How do I edit Alpha channels to give my aircaft a reflective paint?

[Dr.bob7]

im fairly new to repainting im not sure about metallics but,

go to the alpha bar in DXTBMP and select create alpha *from black green or your own color) so whatever is painted that color will be in alpha

[CODY614]

Wright Stuff...
If you are using FS9....
Use DXT bmp and "Export" your 'Alpha'.
Take it into whatever program, E.G. PhotoShop or PSP...
And remember...
What ever is lite to dark grey is what makes the reflection. Black is normally used for "Spinners and such".
This is a good link to an in depth discussion...
http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=200&topic_id=665&mesg_id=665&page=
If when you look at the 'Alpha' it appears all white...you will have to make  your own!
That is a whole different topic...

Now if you are using FSX....you may not be able to get DXT.bmp to convert the "Modified Alpha/Paint Texture" back to .DDS for FSX to read properly.

Jeff