Conversion of 24-bit BMP to 32-bit Help

[Vraciu]

Not bad.  Looks like I sent you the wrong Environment map if that's what is making it mirror.

I will try it when I get home.  Thanks for doing that.   

If you'll return my p51d and normal files as converted just in case I would be grateful. 

[Devil 505]

I never got a normal map from you

[Vraciu]

I never got a normal map from you

D'oh!

My phone is not exactly cooperative.   Sorry about that. 

[oboe]

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.

I use Photoshop CS6, and when I save the .PSD as my .bmp, I don't get the option to save in A8 format - its greyed out:



The A8 option is disabled whether or not I save the file as .bmp directly from my multi-layered .psd file, or first choose either "Merge Visible" or "Flatten Image".  No difference in the
dialog box.

[Greebo]

I don't have any experience using Photoshop but maybe you need to create an alpha map layer on your PSD file before it will let you use that option, a 32-bit bmp is just a 24-bit bmp with an alpha channel to control transparency.

Another option that might work is saving your psd as a 24-bit bmp and then loading this bmp back into Photoshop and re-saving it into the 32-bit format you want. That's basically what I am doing with PSP and Photoshop.

[Vraciu]

I don't have any experience using Photoshop but maybe you need to create an alpha map layer on your PSD file before it will let you use that option, a 32-bit bmp is just a 24-bit bmp with an alpha channel to control transparency.

Another option that might work is saving your psd as a 24-bit bmp and then loading this bmp back into Photoshop and re-saving it into the 32-bit format you want. That's basically what I am doing with PSP and Photoshop.

I believe I tried that and it still distorted the color--though I think both options were available.   I have yet to give it a go with Devil's directions.

[Vraciu]

[A] 32-bit bmp is just a 24-bit bmp with an alpha channel to control transparency.

Why do we need transparency?   For game purposes aren't 24-bit BMPs visually identical to 32s?

[Greebo]

Currently I don't think there is a use for the 32-bit alpha channel with skins, although they may be using it on buildings or vegetation.

I could imagine HTC using the alpha channel in future skins to replace the separate alpha maps used for things like tank tracks or damaged areas.

[oboe]

I don't have any experience using Photoshop but maybe you need to create an alpha map layer on your PSD file before it will let you use that option, a 32-bit bmp is just a 24-bit bmp with an alpha channel to control transparency.

Another option that might work is saving your psd as a 24-bit bmp and then loading this bmp back into Photoshop and re-saving it into the 32-bit format you want. That's basically what I am doing with PSP and Photoshop.

I'm modifying the pilot also, and when I save Dude2.psd as a 32-bit bmp, I the A8 encryption is enabled.  This file has many fewer layers than the aircraft skin, however I have to believe I used the same procedure to create the .psd files from the original bitmap.   I've never messed around with alpha channels or layers; I don't know why they'd be different.

[Devil 505]

The encryption is somehow related to how the program processes the conversion of a layered file to a single, flat image. Be sure that your .psd files have multiple layers before saving to a .bmp. This should enable the selection of conversion types.

[Vraciu]

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.

It's still skewing the colors.

When I merge layers it offers three options.  Two for trimming and one for expanding.   Which should it be?

[Vraciu]

In the meantime, is anyone willing/able to convert my _N and p51d bitmaps to 32-bit?    I can find absolutely no way to do it on this end so far.   I would like to get these in before the submission deadline.

 

[Devil 505]

And that pops up when saving a .psd as a .bmp?

[Vraciu]

And that pops up when saving a .psd as a .bmp?

That pops up with MERGE LAYERS.

When you try the EXPORT AS you get the following...

[Devil 505]

That pops up with MERGE LAYERS.

When you try the EXPORT AS you get the following...

Bam! click export and you should be all set.