Saving DDS images

[danwat801]

I can edit images just fine in PS. But where it all falls apart is saving. All I'm trying to do is save a specular map, normal map, diffuse map, and alpha map in photoshop. Ready for Fallout 4 in DDs But I do not have the time to read a massive wall of text. I'm looking for a short and sweet answer. What do I save as? Each one seems to have its own saving method.

[Dazaster]

Those maps are for doing different things, e.g. Alpha mapping is for transparency, specular is mostly reflections, normal maps are for lighting bumps and dents, diffuse mapping is to define an objects main colour and must have no directional lighting on it. You really need to know what you're doing before tackling these types of textures.

 

However, if you're just, say, trying to save an ordinary texture like the look of a certain weapon or outfit for e.g., then you need only save it as whatever type of tetxure the game will read, like DXT1 or 2,3,4 or 5.

 

Most common things use DXT5 for stuff like clothing and DXT1 for skin textures. If you haven't already, I suggest downloading and installing the Intel texture works plugin for Photoshop. It uses newer techniques than Nvidia's one and the textures saved will be read by most games including Fallout 4.

[RGMage2]

Short and sweet

 

If the image has no alpha channel - save as DXT1 RGB

If the image has an alpha that is simple black and white - save as DXT3 ARGB explicit alpha

If the image has an alpha that is shades of grey - save as DXT5 ARGB interpolated alpha

 

There are reasons to use other settings but explaining that would require a wall of text and neither of us want to go there.

 

Edit: I just realized how old this thread is. I guess I'm now officially a necromancer... Cool, always wanted to be.

[HadToRegister]

Short and sweet

 

If the image has no alpha channel - save as DXT1 RGB

If the image has an alpha that is simple black and white - save as DXT3 ARGB explicit alpha

If the image has an alpha that is shades of grey - save as DXT5 ARGB interpolated alpha

 

There are reasons to use other settings but explaining that would require a wall of text and neither of us want to go there.

 

Edit: I just realized how old this thread is. I guess I'm now officially a necromancer... Cool, always wanted to be.

 

 

'Twas a good necro though.

I found the information timely and useful

[Sanusingh12]

This is very useful for me.

[vapor78]

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