Deconvert DDS

[The_Shadow]

I'm sorry, if I'm using Gimp, how do I convert a dds skin file from my game folder back to the format where I can view/edit it?  When I remove the alpha channel, I just get a washed out image.  Thanks.

[ACG_Ginger]

You can't  / maybe you could paint on the flat image.

 

Edited October 6, 2023 by ACG_Ginger

[czech693]

The only way I've gotten it to work is:  Open in GIMP. Accepted mipmaps.  Unchecked Alpha.  Exported as a .bmp.  Opened with Paint Shop Pro and it opens without being grayed out.  Open the .bmp with DDS Viewer, Paint, or Paint 3D and it is grayed out.  When I save it in PSP it saves as a .png.  Then I open that in GIMP and export as a .dds format.  Oh, when I open the .bmp with Windows it shows grayed out also.

Edited October 9, 2023 by czech693

[Taurus]

@Randy_Leggett

To disable the alpha channel to see what you are doing with the actual bitmap layer you need to uncheck it.

 

Load the WORKING COPY .dds file you want to alter and click off the eye for the alpha channel in the channels tab. Re-enable it before saving your work.

 

Edited October 17, 2023 by Taurus

[Hanu]

I would advise against removing the alpha layer completely as sometimes there are something that is and needs to be 100% transparent.

Just duplicate the layer for example 10 times, merge all layers, then just to be sure duplicate it 10 times again and merge. And there you have the layer you can paint.

After painting just add layer mask -> alpha channel (from some template or self-created) and export to .dds (BC3 / DXT5, generate mipmaps)