.dds works in NifSkope but not Oblivion

[Genzel]

I've done that, but it is worth another shot, I'll try about anything at this point.

[LHammonds]

The steps you mentioned do not reference the creation of a normal map at all.

 

For a model to work in-game, you need at least two texture files:

 

Color Map

Normal Map

 

Example:

 

textures\weapons\gurguranttexture.dds <-- Your color map

textures\weapons\gurguranttexture_n.dds <-- Your normal map

 

When creating the DDS files, make sure you select the correct compression type and determine if you need mipmaps or not.

 

If this is a weapon that does not have any transparency, use the following settings:

 

Color map --> DXT1 + Mipmaps

Normal map --> DXT5 + Mipmaps

 

If this is armor with transparent parts, use the following:

 

Color map --> DXT5 + Mipmaps

Normal map --> DXT5 + Mipmaps

 

If this is a menu icon which uses an alpha mask to show transparent edges:

 

Color map --> DXT3

 

LHammonds

[Genzel]

Ohhh, thank you! I'll get to work on that!

[heavywaters]

The only real difference between DXT3 and DXT5 is quality...

Choose 3 if file size is an issue, choose 5 for clearer image.

[Pronam]

The only real difference between DXT3 and DXT5 is quality...

Choose 3 if file size is an issue, choose 5 for clearer image.

The compression/quality rate of both is the same. Only the alpha channel is different as LHammonds told.

If the alpha isn't that important, DXT1 is of the same quality as any other.

[LHammonds]

The only real difference between DXT3 and DXT5 is quality...

Choose 3 if file size is an issue, choose 5 for clearer image.

Please read Choose the right DXTC compression algorithm. The article covers "common mistakes" just like this.

 

EDIT: GIMP and all necessary plugins along with step-by-step install instructions can be downloaded here

 

LHammonds

[Genzel]

Links to download the GIMP normal map plugin aren't working. Know where to get it?

 

EDIT: I think I found one. nvm

Now does Oblivion load the UV and normal together automatically, or do I do anything in NifSkope?

 

 

Okay, the texture loads and all, but I guess my normal map isn't quite right, cause the texture is all black. (Not all black as in the texture is non-existent, because the texture definitely loaded as I can see shine and it is not a transparent black.)

[heavywaters]

The only real difference between DXT3 and DXT5 is quality...

Choose 3 if file size is an issue, choose 5 for clearer image.

Please read Choose the right DXTC compression algorithm. The article covers "common mistakes" just like this.

 

LHammonds

I have had that article printed off for some time.

I should have said choose 5 for clearer Alpha Gradient detail.

 

DXT3

"There application field is the same of DXT5, theoretically you should use this when alpha channel is featuring steep variations. However, I must point out that from my personal experience in 99% of cases DXT5 will preserve better alpha channel detail, so if you don't have time enough to make a comparison, I recommend using DXT5 instead."

 

DXT5

"The application field is the same of DXT3, theoretically this should be chosen if alpha channel is featuring slow gradients. Again, from my personal experience this algorithm is better than DXT3 in most cases, so I recommend using DXT5 when a comparison is not available."

I was mistaken in that it has nothing to do with file size.

sorry...

...still learning myself.

[Genzel]

Here is what it now looks like.

 

http://www.imagebam.com/image/6693bb82763996

 

While better than before, its still not right :(

[LHammonds]

Upload the NIF and DDS somewhere like MediaFire.com and send the link to me via PM and I'll look at it.

 

LHammonds