how to use alpha with Photoshop 6 ?

[Kampfpilot_JG3]

Does anyone have a photoshop  method or tutorial for applying the separate alpha file given with the templates to apply shine to the skins  ? 

[pjmack11377]

 

 

aminx,  try this

[Kampfpilot_JG3]

I went through the video 3 times but it did not work for me , do you have experience ? have you seen the video ? if so can we go through it here and iron out my issues . I have about 4 years experience with PS6 and i use Gimp to add shine only . If ok  with you i start with my first issue from the video :

1) press Ctrl C and point to layer with colors , in my case they are grouped in folders , move to alpha layer and press shift ctrl v . it does'nt work for me . Nothing moves to the alpha layer and instead a curve floating file appears in place of the alpha file and one copy at the layer section .

2) at the end of the tutorial i fail to see were he adjusts the shine on the surface . Increase decrease .     

[pjmack11377]

I too am a gimp user for shine only.  I prefer PS^.  I have contacted the author of the video who happens to fly IL2, and asked him to help with a tutorial specific to using alpha in PS^.  Its best, I find to have help rather than plod along without shortcuts.  I will get back to you on this thread,

 

Patrick

[Kampfpilot_JG3]

i sent him a  PM asking for the same thing just now . Once we know how to apply shine to the general surface the rest can come later . 

[pjmack11377]

Do you have the dds installed in PS6?

 

[Rjel]

Not to ask the obvious, but are you trying to use a template that features a shiny aluminum finish? Not all do if I remember correctly.

[Kampfpilot_JG3]

PJMACK

yes i have DDS installed for both PS6 and GIMP  since day 1 ,  all the templates of this sim require that .   Why the hell cant the developers of the templates and default skins  give us the tutorial ???  just a straight forward 1 to 10 points and thats all , actually its not even 10 actions to add shine or flat to your liking . 

Edited November 16, 2019 by aminx504

[pjmack11377]

13 minutes ago, aminx504 said:

PJMACK

yes i have DDS installed for both PS6 and GIMP  since day 1 ,  all the templates of this sim require that .   Why the hell cant the developers of the templates and default skins  give us the tutorial ???  just a straight forward 1 to 10 points and thats all , actually its not even 10 actions to add shine or flat to your liking . 

Personally,  I think the developers have been busy with other matters...like making an outstanding sim.  Secondly,  by hunting for the answers that I had to look for I have learned so much more about both PS6 and Gimp.  If you give me a couple of hours, I think I can figure it out and then explain it to you.

 

Patrick

[pjmack11377]

Well, he explained it, and I did it.  Now give me an hour to write it up in this email

1  in you alpha file ...flatten the image

2 unlock to flattened layer...just duplicate the layer to unlock it

3 hover over the layer image in your layers window...ctrl+left click on the thumbnail

4 go to your left where the large image is in the workspace and hover over it with the mouse.

5 hit shift +ctrl +c  (Copies the alpha)

 

6  Go back to your file with the actual paint layers

7  go to channels...at the bottom of the right dialogue channel box, hit "create new channel"

8  go to the left to the black alpha channel and hover and hit ctrl+shift+v,,,,this will past the alpha to your paint image.

9  press ctrl+d....ctrl+d again and it is now save as a dds

 

let me know how you do,

 

Patrick

 

Edited November 17, 2019 by pjmack11377

[Kampfpilot_JG3]

PJMACK

good afternoon

1 ok done 

2 i copied the alpha to my working space above the template

3-selected the alpha file 3- 4-5 CTRLC

6 ok

7 ok

8 i dont understand this step , i see the black alpha but what does hover over it mean ? i need to select something before hitting ctrlshift v

9 i dont want to save as DDS before adjusting the shine .  

 

Edited November 17, 2019 by aminx504

[Kampfpilot_JG3]

further 

i have tried left clicking on the black alpha and then pressing ctrl shift v but nothing happens . the second alpha file in  channel of the working file template is activated . i went back one step and ctrlc again on the alpha and back again but nothing happens .

[pjmack11377]

Aminx

 

I think this needs the attention of someone more experienced.  Sorry

[Kampfpilot_JG3]

 

Patrick

he just placed a new video at YOUTUBE and explains how to add the shine but the video stops there . He shows the end result but not how to put it back together beforehand . i have just PM'd him requesting the steps to put it back together .

these are the steps from the video 

1 select alpha

2 select the bare metal layer .

3 adjust the shine with the level tool in the images/adjustment  menu .

4 save and flatten .

5 move file above the working file

from here i dont know what to do . i requested his assistance   

Edited November 17, 2019 by aminx504

[pjmack11377]

Thanks,  Let me look at it.

 

Im afraid that all I can do now is redirect you to the video that I pasted.  If you watch closely from 7:55, he explains what you want clearly.  Good luck

[Kampfpilot_JG3]

take a look at this image this is where my problem starts :

a) In the first video his working file has no alpha channel file in channels , later he adds the new one .

b) in my image attached you can see my working file already has an alpha channel turned off and now i have one more turned on , when i press ctrlshift v nothing happens and all gets stuck. later the DDS will say it will chose only alpha 1 to save . i think this where i'm stuck. am i supposed to delete the alpha channel 1 default from my working file before selecting the new alpha channel ?

Test : I tried deleting the default alpha channel and ctrlC the alpha to the working file ctrlshiftV but that doesnt work .

Edited November 17, 2019 by aminx504

[Kampfpilot_JG3]

im stuck here , the alpha wont jump in the miniature window on the right as per video tutorial .

 

Edited November 17, 2019 by aminx504

[Kampfpilot_JG3]

result of attempt , i tried toning down but i still get a super gloss coat . different tonalities on the flaps .  

default alpha image

[Kampfpilot_JG3]

Below is the tutorial  by the author of the video posted at YOUTUBE .

 

In the alpha template:

• Adjust the grey scale to your desire of each and every part of the plane you want to edit.
• Flatten the Alpha template by right clicking on any layer and selecting 'Flatten Image'.
• Now 'Ctrl > Left Click' on the layer thumbnail (marching ants will appear).
• Hoover over the main image and 'Ctrl + C'.

 

 

In your working template:

• Go to the alpha tab
• DELETE the current alpha layer (the one at the bottom).
• Now click the 'Create New Channel' button.
• Now hoover over the center of the black area.
• Press 'Shift + Ctrl + V'

Your edited alpha should now be there.
 

• Now press 'Ctrl + D' to de-select.
• Click on the 'RGB' layer at the top of the stack.
• Now select the 'Layers' tab.

 

File > Save As > DDS > C:\Program Files (x86)\1C Game Studios\IL-2 Sturmovik Great Battles\data\graphics\skins\P51D15

•  
•  
• Quote

Edited November 17, 2019 by aminx504

[Kampfpilot_JG3]

some results following video one on blotting the antiglare only . the shine is the default alpha no adjustments  to image / levels or curve . 

[pjmack11377]

great headway

 

[Kampfpilot_JG3]

and the final product ready for action , here i increased the shine using image /levels by 10 % because the image/curve was already set at default at maximum shine and cannot go higher . so you have 2 options for regulating the shine or vice versa flat or mat .   

[SOLIDKREATE]

Looks like you did fine to me? 

[adler_1]

here is LOU IV using method video 2 all colored surface and insignia blotted  and bare metal surface increased by 10 % using the level tool . However the DDay i could not blot because they are way too many layers and PS wont allow using the grouped folder . you have to go one layer at a time . 

[adler_1]

final with 10 % added  gloss to BM and flat paint . 

[bad_grant]

I followed the tutorial to the letter, EXCEPT for the DDS saving. I have the NVIDIA plug-in installed, HOWEVER, it does not show up as an option when I save as. I am at a loss. Any help is appreciated.

[pjmack11377]

This happened to me once.  I reinstalled a second time, shut all down and restarted.  It worked, Darned if I know why.

[DetCord12B]

1 hour ago, bad_grant said:

I followed the tutorial to the letter, EXCEPT for the DDS saving. I have the NVIDIA plug-in installed, HOWEVER, it does not show up as an option when I save as. I am at a loss. Any help is appreciated.

 

Are you using the new Nvidia Developer Tools as provided on their site?

[bad_grant]

17 hours ago, DetCord12B said:

 

Are you using the new Nvidia Developer Tools as provided on their site?

Just installed it but I have no idea how it works. Guess it's time to trial and error for a while.

[bad_grant]

6 hours ago, bad_grant said:

Just installed it but I have no idea how it works. Guess it's time to trial and error for a while.

Well, that didn't work. still no DDS attributes listed in photoshop. IDK why. I have the plug-ins installed, it should work. maybe I just have something wrong with PS6.

[pjmack11377]

 

7 minutes ago, bad_grant said:

Well, that didn't work. still no DDS attributes listed in photoshop. IDK why. I have the plug-ins installed, it should work. maybe I just have something wrong with PS6.

I have ps6 and it's working great.  Let me look at the v for the dds installer and I'll get back to you.  Perhaps it's an older program and needs an older version?

it's this one ->  Photoshop_Plugins_x64_8.55.0109.1800

Try  this forum.

 

https://forums.developer.nvidia.com/t/nvidia-texture-tools-for-adobe-photoshop-to-be-used-in-corel-paintshoppro-x5/27725/2

Edited January 11, 2021 by pjmack11377

[bad_grant]

Is the DDS format file extension supposed to show up here? if so, then I have no clue. I have done all I know how to do and even installed the older version listed above.Photoshop_Plugins_x64_8.55.0109.1800.

[RNAS10_Oliver]

@bad_grant

 

What version of photoshop is that? As if its CS6 or later (am on latest and works a charm) then the Intel Texture Works Plugin is another option;

 

Intel® Texture Works Plugin for Photoshop*

 

Using that plugin you save as normal choosing Intel Texture Works (*.DDS) and another window is then presented where you choose the format for your DDS. There is a readme included in the download that gives instructions for various things such as installation;

## Getting Started (Installation)
1. Close Photoshop
2. Download the IntelTextureWorks_1.0.4.zip file and expand it on your local computer
3. Copy the desired plugin from either of the following unzipped folders
	* .../IntelTextureWorks_1.0.4\Plugins\x64\IntelTextureWorks.8bi
	* .../IntelTextureWorks_1.0.4\Plugins\Win32\IntelTextureWorks.8bi
4. Paste the plugin into the appropriate Photoshop Plugin folder
	* D:\Program Files\Adobe Photoshop CC 2014\Required\Plug-Ins\File Formats
	* D:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS6 (64 Bit)\Plug-ins\File Formats
5. Copy the cubemap scripts from:
	* .../IntelTextureWorks_1.0.4\PhotoshopScripts\IntelTextureWorks-ConvertCubeMap.jsx
	* .../IntelTextureWorks_1.0.4\PhotoshopScripts\IntelTextureWorks-CubeMapGaussianBlur.jsx
6. Paste the cubemap scripts into:
	* D:\Program Files\Adobe Photoshop CC 2014\Presets\Scripts

 

Edited January 15, 2021 by Oliver88

[bad_grant]

On 1/15/2021 at 8:23 AM, Oliver88 said:

@bad_grant

 

What version of photoshop is that? As if its CS6 or later (am on latest and works a charm) then the Intel Texture Works Plugin is another option;

 

Intel® Texture Works Plugin for Photoshop*

 

Using that plugin you save as normal choosing Intel Texture Works (*.DDS) and another window is then presented where you choose the format for your DDS. There is a readme included in the download that gives instructions for various things such as installation;

## Getting Started (Installation)
1. Close Photoshop
2. Download the IntelTextureWorks_1.0.4.zip file and expand it on your local computer
3. Copy the desired plugin from either of the following unzipped folders
	* .../IntelTextureWorks_1.0.4\Plugins\x64\IntelTextureWorks.8bi
	* .../IntelTextureWorks_1.0.4\Plugins\Win32\IntelTextureWorks.8bi
4. Paste the plugin into the appropriate Photoshop Plugin folder
	* D:\Program Files\Adobe Photoshop CC 2014\Required\Plug-Ins\File Formats
	* D:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS6 (64 Bit)\Plug-ins\File Formats
5. Copy the cubemap scripts from:
	* .../IntelTextureWorks_1.0.4\PhotoshopScripts\IntelTextureWorks-ConvertCubeMap.jsx
	* .../IntelTextureWorks_1.0.4\PhotoshopScripts\IntelTextureWorks-CubeMapGaussianBlur.jsx
6. Paste the cubemap scripts into:
	* D:\Program Files\Adobe Photoshop CC 2014\Presets\Scripts

 

I am using CS6 Extended. I just followed the instructions above and got nothing. Still not working.

[DetCord12B]

@bad_grant I actually forgot about this thread, sorry. Photoshop professional here so I'll try and guide you through the process.

 

Are you sure you installed it correctly? The Save As file type will be DDS - Nvidia Texture Tools Exporter. It's also paramount that CC is installed on your core drive (same as Windows) as it can prevent a lot of compat problems.

 

If not, hard reset time.

• Go to Add Remove Programs and Uninstall Nvidia Textures Tools Exporter.
• Open Photoshop, Preferences - General, and select both Reset All Warning Dialogues and Reset Preferences on Quit and close PS.
• Open Creative Cloud, under installed apps for Photoshop select the three dots icon (right of Open) on the installed section. Select other versions and ensure you're running the latest version (22.11). If you are proceed below.
• Open C:\Users\YOUR NAME\App Data\Local\Temp and delete the contents of this folder. It contains CC logs, prefs, ASD's, WinLogs and various files you don't need. Select skip for any files it states can't be deleted. Deleting the contents of this folder is perfectly safe. CC has severe optimization issues and dumps gigs of unnecessary files in there, so it's a good idea to clear it out a few times a month anyway.

Next.

• Conduct a system restart for poops and giggles.
• Download and install the new Nvidia Dev Suite. Make sure the it's pathed to the correct Dir as you seem to be experiencing issues here.
• Once installed open PS, select File > New, and create a blank document of your choice and attempt to save the doc as a DDS file (DDS - Nvidia Texture Tools Exporter). 

 

EDIT - CS6 Extended? Just noticed your comment and it's probably your issue. It's antiquated and substandard to the current build of CC PS and has issues in Win10 native. That means that the plugins aren't going to work. So, this is all on you, mate. Upgrade or die.

 

Edited January 20, 2021 by DetCord12B

[bad_grant]

On 1/20/2021 at 12:22 AM, DetCord12B said:

@bad_grant I actually forgot about this thread, sorry. Photoshop professional here so I'll try and guide you through the process.

 

Are you sure you installed it correctly? The Save As file type will be DDS - Nvidia Texture Tools Exporter. It's also paramount that CC is installed on your core drive (same as Windows) as it can prevent a lot of compat problems.

 

If not, hard reset time.

• Go to Add Remove Programs and Uninstall Nvidia Textures Tools Exporter.
• Open Photoshop, Preferences - General, and select both Reset All Warning Dialogues and Reset Preferences on Quit and close PS.
• Open Creative Cloud, under installed apps for Photoshop select the three dots icon (right of Open) on the installed section. Select other versions and ensure you're running the latest version (22.11). If you are proceed below.
• Open C:\Users\YOUR NAME\App Data\Local\Temp and delete the contents of this folder. It contains CC logs, prefs, ASD's, WinLogs and various files you don't need. Select skip for any files it states can't be deleted. Deleting the contents of this folder is perfectly safe. CC has severe optimization issues and dumps gigs of unnecessary files in there, so it's a good idea to clear it out a few times a month anyway.

Next.

• Conduct a system restart for poops and giggles.
• Download and install the new Nvidia Dev Suite. Make sure the it's pathed to the correct Dir as you seem to be experiencing issues here.
• Once installed open PS, select File > New, and create a blank document of your choice and attempt to save the doc as a DDS file (DDS - Nvidia Texture Tools Exporter). 

 

EDIT - CS6 Extended? Just noticed your comment and it's probably your issue. It's antiquated and substandard to the current build of CC PS and has issues in Win10 native. That means that the plugins aren't going to work. So, this is all on you, mate. Upgrade or die.

 

Yeah, guess I'll be switching to another program. Just not doing skinning to the point I am willing to pay a monthly or yearly fee. If I can't own the program outright, it's just not worth the money to me. Maybe I'll give GIMP a try again.

[DetCord12B]

On 1/27/2021 at 9:15 AM, bad_grant said:

Yeah, guess I'll be switching to another program. Just not doing skinning to the point I am willing to pay a monthly or yearly fee. If I can't own the program outright, it's just not worth the money to me. Maybe I'll give GIMP a try again.

 

You don't own any piece software. What you do own is a license to use it, which can be revoked at any time by the license holder, hence the EULA you're required to accept in order to be able to use anything.

 

Before Photoshop became a digital platform it tended to cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,000 for a single license. Once you had it on your HDD it was rarely updated, and the previous iterations of Photoshop were rarely patched and were chocked full of bugs and issues. Now however, Adobe is constantly updating it and adding features. It's easily the best $10 a month you'll spend.