DDS Files

[redband]

I'am having some issues in trying to convert .PSP files over to DXT5 with alpha channel in paint shop pro7. I have the NVIDIA plug-in v 3.02. Each time I try convert a file with a tranparent background my file appears with a solid white background. I havent really worked with DDS files very much in the past, so Iam a bit unfamilier with what I may be doing wrong

redband

[Vigilante]

Are you saving your alpha channel before converting the file?

[redband]

Hmm, no I havent. Can you tell me how I would do that?

Redband

[Osram]

Sorry if I try to correct/extend this
Also, keep in mind I neither own nor know PSP.

Redband emailled me the DDS and it was indeed shot as he says. He then sent me a TGA and it was shot exactly the same way (either no alpha channel or all of the alpha channel says "100% opaque texel").

So, it does NOT seem to be a DDS export issue, but either an issue with the original picture or with export / save as in general.

[bzhyoyo]

I guess you're using the Nvidia plugin for dds ?
Apparently, it doesn't allow us to save a dds with an alpha channel.
Grab DXTbmp, it's a cool (and free) utility by Martin Wright that will allow you to do so.
I use it when I need an alpha channel and I don't when I just need a DXT1 texture.
More here :
http://www.mnwright.btinternet.co.uk/

[Osram]

I am still not convinced the basic issue is a DDS issue (although there might be several issues :-/ ), so:

- How do you check in PSP the thing has an alpha channel and what the alpha channel contains? Is there a "view alpha channel" command?
- Is there anything you can do wrong when saving a picture with alpha into TGA?

[Vigilante]

Before saving to TGA you need to save the mask to the alpha channel or you will end up with white instead of transparency. Here's how it looks in PSP9:


I have screen captures of all the steps if that would help.

[Osram]

Good info

[redband]

Thanks for the information bzhyoyo. I'll download and try the grab DXTbmp.

Vigilante, if you have the screen captures that would be most helpful and appreciated !

Redband

[adlabs6]

Vig, feel free to use the attachment uploader on the forum if you'd like to save on your hosting space.