Personalizing existing a/c templates and saving as dds file. Help please.

[69th_kilo9]

Hello everybody
I've been trying to create my own Spitfire IX skin by amending the ICDP 4k template. I've changed the colour/camo scheme, added squadron lettering, etc. and then saved the amended psd file as a dds file. The new skin is listed as a custom paint scheme but will not load.

I am running Windows 10, and use Photoshop CC 2018 - along with the Intel Texture Works plug-in to generate the dds file. (I couldn't get it the Nvidia plug-in to install.)

 

So...............................what I need is for some kindly soul to run through in as much detail as possible the steps required to create a dds file for a newly amended skin using the Intel plug-in, starting from the point where the mk 9 ICDP template file is opened in Photoshop.

 

I've listed some q's below that hopefully can be addressed in any step by step explanation as they highlight the areas that I'm not sure about.

 

Can I add as many new layers and in whatever order I choose to the template or do all amendments have to be incorporated into the 'User Paint Here' layer?
Do I need to merge all layers at some point?
Do I need to delete all hidden layers at some point?
Do I need to flatten the image at some point?
Does the amended psd file need to be saved in a different file format - eg as a png - prior to saving as/creating the dds file?
Do I need to concern myself with the Alpha Channel?
If so, do I need to add Alpha channels and if so, how?
When saving the amended psd template file as a dds file using the Intel Texture works plugin - which Texture and Compression types to select in 'Save As' options window?
Texture type - colour/colour+alpha/Cube Map from layers/Cube Map from crossed image/Normal Map?
Compression type? (linear or sRGB using which of following - BC1, BC3 BC6, BC7, none?)

 

Thanks to anybody who is prepared to take time to offer advice.

 

Finally, thank you ICDP et al for your a/c templates.  Your work is exceptional.

Edited May 22, 2020 by 69th_kilo9
Embolden title font

[69th_kilo9]

I resolved the dds file format problem by saving my re-worked .psd template as a bitmap file and then using the DXTBmp texture tool to convert the bitmap to a dds file.

 

It's very straightforward.

 

So, to create your own skin using Photoshop/your image editing software and the standalone DXTBmp texture tool and to answer my own q's at the same time, do the following.........

 

Download the DXTBmp texture tool

Use as many layers as you require for changing camo/colours and for adding things like squadron lettering, artwork,squadron badges etc - the layers that you use to alter the skin template don't have to be merged onto the single 'User Paint Here' layer. However make sure that you place your new layers above the 'User Paint Here' layer in the layers palette.

There is no need to merge layers/delete hidden layers/flatten the image or concern yourself with Alpha channels.

Save your new skin as a bitmap (BMP) - select the default File Format windows  Depth 32 bit in the 'save as' window/dialogue box.

Open your newly created BMP file in DXTBmp

Save the BMP as DDS Texture selecting type DDS DXT5

 

Copy and then paste the dds file to Windows (C:)>Program Files(x86)>Steam>steam apps>common>IL2 Battle of Stalingrad>data>graphics>skins>relevant a/c folder.

As a quick check, run BoX. Select Quick Mission. Select your a/c. In the Paint Scheme section of the Plane Settings dialogue box, click on the Official tab at the top and scroll to Custom to view/select your new skin.

 

Done:)

[ngatimozart]

I do repaints of FSX aircraft and have done a skin for IL-2 1946 for my own use which worked.  I use an older version of Photoshop (CS6) and the Nvidia plugin. I think that regardless of the plugin Photoshop should handle the process the same way. This is how I do it.

 

I do everything in layers because it's easier to work with and I always save as a *.pdf file. When I am satisfied with everything, I then make sure that I have saved the master file then go into the layers menu and go <Flatten Image> After the next command is <Save Image As - DDS > In the DDS sub-menu set the settings that settings that you want.

 

Hope that this helps.