SteelcladBeowulf

So, I found another way to edit the alpha channel for a normal map on GIMP, just by toying around with it. All that needs to be done, is to first decompose the image in RGBA color model, emphasis on the "A" so that all the channels can go into different layers, Alpha Channel included. Once the wanted edits are made, you can just recompose it back again, also in an RGBA model. Just thought I'd share this info, if it wasn't readily available already. You can also make the alpha channel as a seperate specular map, if you want a cubemap reflection. Though you will likely need to edit that further, especially for non-metallic parts of an object, considering that it affects reflection, rather than how light interacts with an object.

Huh. That video is actually exactly what I need. Thank you!

Now, for a variety of reasons, I'm not interested in using Photoshop just for texture maps. I have used it, mind you, it's just that Adobe has its own problems that I can't really deal with. GIMP is a close second, but admittedly I'm still trying to figure out its own quirks, with difficulty in particular to normalmaps. As well as BC7 compressed textures, but that's an issue outside of my control. Recently, I've discovered that the alpha channel for a normal map is what holds its specular information, meaning it controls how shiny a particular part of a texture is, like the individual Specular Texture Maps. However, I'm absolutely stumped with how to use GIMP's Colour Channels to begin with, considering that it displays them differently to photoshop. Assuming that I'm not going to use Photoshop in the near future, how can I edit "only" the alpha channel in GIMP, or at least copy and paste the specular map into the normal map's alpha channel? I ask because I haven't found anything on the internet that covers it. Apparently it's not that common of a topic, nor is using GIMP for texture maps for that matter, probably because Photoshop is still that much better.

Wait, that's what the alpha channel's for? If so, how does one properly add the specular information so stuff that shouldn't be glossy, like a weapon's leather grip, won't be that when using GIMP? I've been wondering why when I mess around with making normal maps, some parts of an armor or a weapon are shiny when it shouldn't be.