Conversion of 24-bit BMP to 32-bit Help

[Vraciu]

I am using Paint Shop Pro 5 and I don't see the ability to save a BMP as 32-bit.    Any thoughts on how to do this?   Was gonna' see if Brighter would do it but should that fail I am stuck.

My thanks in advance.

[Greebo]

Devil and I had the same problem, which is Paint Shop Pro will not save a bmp in 32-bit format even with the current version. Luckily I have an old copy of Photoshop Elements that I got free with a graphics tablet and that does do the job. Before submitting a skin I just load the diffuse and normal bmps into Photoshop and re-save them with it. The program then brings up a sub-menu that lets me change the bit-rate to 32-bit.

Unfortunately Photoshop isn't free. There may well be a free program out there that can save a bmp in 32-bit format but I don't know for sure. Anyone else know of one?

[Skuzzy]

Actually you can get a free/legal copy of Photoshop CS2 from Adobe.

http://www.adobe.com/downloads/other-downloads.html

Click on the "CS2" option.
It will ask you to agree to a disclaimer.
Once you check it, the list of free downloads will appear.  Pick your language, then the product.  Also note the serial number as you will need it to activate it.

It will always ask about registering when you start the product, and you just say no to that.

[Vraciu]

Will give that a try.   Thanks.   

[Devil 505]

I use GIMP and my problem was user error. Gimp can save 32bit bitmaps.

[Vraciu]

I use GIMP and my problem was user error. Gimp can save 32bit bitmaps.

Care to share how?  I just installed GIMP while waiting on CS2 to download.    I am looking through the menus...

EDIT IN: Found it.  It gives two options (A8 R8 G8... vs X8...) for 32-bit.  Does it matter which is used?

[Vraciu]

Well that worked well...

 

[Devil 505]

Use the A8 one.

[Vraciu]

No luck.  Just changed the color of the distortion.

Let me ask you this...   I am running Paint Shop Pro 5 working in layers with a .psp file.   GIMP will not open that.   What format should I save it to for GIMP to open and convert?

I tried converting BMPs and it freaks out.

CS2 doesn't like my lack of fonts so gotta' go track those down.    Fun day!

[Devil 505]

Open the .psp file in PsP then save it as a .psd. See if it will open in GIMP.

[Vraciu]

Well, at least it got the skin to fit the form properly.   

This color distortion is a bit odd...

[Devil 505]

is that 32 bit with the A8 conversion to .bmp?

[Vraciu]

Yes, sir.

You want to give it a try on your end?  I can email my master file.

[Devil 505]

sure.

[Devil 505]

Using GIMP, I took your .psd and saved as a .bmp. Be sure to select "merge visible layers" and not "flatten image". "Merge visible layers" defaults to A8 encryption and "flatten image" only does X8.

here is your file as a 32bit A8 bitmap.