[FSX] GIMP, PSD format and Imagetool

[preynolds]

Hi all,

Does anyone use GIMP to create .psd files (with alpha) which they then convert using Imagetool to create a .dds?

I'm having problems with the alpha. I'm creating my alpha by adding a layer mask to my image layer, drawing the alpha channel on the mask, applying the mask to push it to the alpha channel, then saving the file as a psd.

However, pushing this file through imagetool creates the alpha channel as expected, but it also alters the main image by colouring the area that is transparent in the alpha channel as white?

I expect I'm not creating the alpha channel the way the .psd format expects it, but I'm not sure how GIMP handles .psd alpha channels so I'm a bit stuck.

The other reason for using GIMP is that I'm scripting a lot of stuff automatically using the script-fu engine to manipulate my aerial images into 1024x1024 pieces, so alternatives such as using DXTbmp are out of the question.

Any help would be appreciated!

Phil

[Heretic]

I only export .psd files for use in (G)Max.

For MSFS, I'll export textures as .bmps (32bit) before running them through Imagetool.


IIRC, bump maps are the only files for which GIMP -> .psd -> Imagetool is the best and a necessary method.

[preynolds]

Hi Bjoern,

I didn't know imagetool could process 32-bit bmp files, I though it was only .psd or .tga files. I'll give that a go...

Thanks

Phil

[preynolds]

Hi Bjoern,

GIMP does a great job of saving 32bit BMP files interactively which runs through imagetool great, but unfortunately the scripting language doesn't allow you to set any alpha channel option and so saves the .bmp with a blank alpha.

Are there any other formats that imagetool accepts as input?

Phil

[Heretic]

Originally Posted by preynolds

Are there any other formats that imagetool accepts as input?

PNG maybe...

[arno]

Hi,

I have used gimp before to make an alpha channel in a psd and convert it with Imagetool. I don't remember seeing this problem, but it is some time ago.

[preynolds]

I've resorted to creating .tga files which look like they're doing what they are supposed to when pushing them through imagetool

Thanks for your help.

Phil