Problem viewing .dds file

[Eriklover555]

Okay, I've been slowly learning how to mod items in DA:O, and decided I wanted to recolor some armour. I've been following along with the tutorial from this link: http://social.bioware.com/wiki/datoolset/index.php/Creating_recolors_of_existing_items_tutorial.

 

However, when I went to the site to download the Windows Texture Viewer, it didn't allow me to download the program (a new window filled with gibberish popped up). So I thought, "No problem, I'll just download a plugin for GIMP." I did that, it's installed correctly, and it will open the files. The only problem is that I'm not seeing what I'm supposed to be seeing.

 

I'm supposed to get see the RBG map of the items, instead I'm getting a shadow or complete nothing (like the transparency checkerboard). I tried turning off Alpha channel to see if that helped (it didn't). I also tried not loading mipmaps, and that also didn't work.

 

I tried attaching photos, but they were too big to be uploaded. Any help would be appreciated :D

[patdc]

Which armour are you trying to recolour. Are you looking at the correct file type. If you could say exactly the file names it will help identify the problems you are having :smile:

[Eriklover555]

I'm recolouring Heavy Armour, variety C - mostly because that's what they use in the tutorial. I'm trying to view the pm_arm_hvyc_0t.dds file.

 

I followed a set of instructions online that at least allowed me to see them a little bit:

 

colors > components > decompose ... rgba and decompose to layers.

 

However, the images are in grayscale no matter what I try.

 

Another problem I'm having is understanding whether or not I'll even be able to view any changes I make in the toolset on the file. Since it's not a native file type for GIMP, they export it - doesn't that mean that it's in essence a temporary file? The tutorial talks about viewing any changes you make on the .dds file, but will I be able to see the changes?

[patdc]

Just tried to pull these file using DA Tool and also Extract them using the Toolset and all coming up empty or just the normal map (outline grey checker board). So the good news is your not doing anything wrong. I think there is another way to access these files but i need to have a look for it. I think that the update releases of DAO removed these files as they were duplicates but this was after the tutorial your using was made.

I will see if i can find the files and get back to you

[Eriklover555]

Thank you very much!

[patdc]

Can't find the items you need. You could try going the retint using light armor A (pm_arm_lgta_0t.dds) instead . Sorry i cant be of any more help on this one.

The Gimp part of your question with the dds plugin you just export out of Gimp as a dds file type to the file name required.

[Eriklover555]

Okay. Thank you for trying. I'll try retinting with with light armour a.

 

 

EDIT

 

I tried opening the pm_arm_lgta_0t.dds file, and still got a blank checkerboard. I wonder what I'm doing wrong ...

Edited June 28, 2013 by Eriklover555

[patdc]

The reason is the tint map has only got the skin part set to no tint.

I've had a look at what i've got on my install. If this retint is for your own use then The Pheonix Armory for Females

http://dragonage.nexusmods.com/mods/1660/ - has tint file on the b type pf_phoenixb_body_0t.dds in th XT_PhoenixArmoury_Tex ERF

User\Documents\BioWare\Dragon Age\AddIns\XT_Phoenix_Armory\core\textures\high. When you finish altering the tint file put it in the Override folder and start the game. If you have a save from the second time you go to camp Bodahn will have the Phoenix armor in stock

I think b is the battlemaiden set (not sure may have to buy some of then to find the right set) and equip on female char ( should have Leliana by this stage). As this is someone else work you can only alter it for your personal use ( posting images is fine) .

 

I think i gave up trying to follow some of the old tutorials as the resourse mentioned are missing or the people involved have moved on.

[Eriklover555]

Thank you for your help. Okay, I managed to open the Phoenix Armoury .erf and .dds files with no problem, my question now is: how do I manage to edit the armours that come with the game? I'd really like to do a recolour on some of them. Is there a new tutorial that helps, or maybe someone who could guide me through the specific process?

[Thandal]

...: how do I manage to edit the armours that come with the game? I'd really like to do a recolour on some of them. Is there a new tutorial that helps, or maybe someone who could guide me through the specific process?

 

There is a mod, the Universal Dye Kit (UDK), that makes this easy. If that's all you want to do, I recommend using it over trying to mod each piece yourself.