What are .DDS Files?

[veng]

I dare not say what I am doing, i'd face a train to a particular German summer camp.

 

I'm guessing they are Model files. What program is recommend to view them?

 

Then how to I use them in the geck.

 

Is there a guide anywhere on the internet?

Thanks, again...

 

Found this, FO3 Training Manual. Still I'd like a brief summery alongside any additional user information.

 

 

Almighty verwalter.

For the love of you specific deity, should you have one, please do not ban me for I am just here to learn.

Edited January 24, 2013 by veng

[FavoredSoul]

Textures.

 

Photoshop / GIMP.

 

Google.

[BarefootWarrior]

DDS files are known as 'Direct Draw Surface' files and are used for textures. The textures are applied to the model to give it the look. Example, a leather (DDS) texture applied to a leather armor model. Depending on what you want to do, you can apply an 'alpha' or transparency to your texture to make it partially sheer or see through. If you use Photoshop or GIMP, you can get the DDS plug ins to look at or create your own DDS files / textures. For Photoshop, go to Nvidia.com and look for the 'tools' section and download the plug in, it is free. For GIMP, go to GIMP.com and get the scripts for DDS files, and of course GIMP which is an open source application that is just as capable as Photoshop and is free. There is also the issue of 'UV' maps for placement of your textures onto your model. If you are just changing a texture on an exsisiting model, the UV map is already made and you would use that.

 

You will need other applications such as NikSkope to work with your models and textures, this too is free. Much, much more, but there is the basics for what a DDS is. You would use these applications to create your textures (DDS files) and get your project together. You would use GECK to incorporate your project into your game. I'm sure someone else who knows more about this then I do will add to this as I'm just a novice at this point. :thumbsup:

[Xaranth]

That was a pretty good summation, actually, Barefoot. You get a Kudos for it. Simple, but detailed, with all correct information. I'd've added links, myself, but still!

 

Edit: Speaking of links.

 

Here's a useful one if you want to completely retexture something: http://tesalliance.org/forums/index.php?/topic/3144-guest-workshop-uv-mapping-in-nifskope-by-lady-n/

 

If you're photoshopping:

 

If you're GIMP'd: https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Normal_Map_Creation_in_The_GIMP

Edited January 24, 2013 by Xaranth

[Gribbleshnibit8]

Irfanview is also capable of displaying DDS files with a few caveats. Anything transparent will be solid black, and it will not show mipmaps. Otherwise it works fine, and is much faster than loading photoshop or GIMP to view a few textures.