[MLProject]

Hello everyone! Recently, I've started noticing that TGATools wasn't saving the Alpha Channel properly, (as I was using Paint.NET as a editing program) as they came with corruptions or very smaller or duplicated.
However, only when I decided to use Microsoft Paint as a editing program, it saved the alpha channel (I mean, it saved without any problem, did came any corruption and etc...). Otherwise, I feel uncomfortable using Microsoft Paint (cuz, comparing it to other actual paint programs, it seems useless), and so, I've been thinking in which program I should use (as paint.NET seems to be incompatible to TGATools). http://www.elvastower.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/sorry2.gif

[Weter]

Under win95 I used Serif PhotoPlus.
PhotoShop costs huge money in Western part of World...
Now... really don't know.

[steved]

Not all paint programs have a default save file type that supports transparencies.
TGATool doesn't support all file formats that also support transparencies.
The .tga file type works with both, hence the name.
It's also possible that the image doesn't have any transparent properties.
Transparent parts of an image show as a white/grey check pattern.
 trans.JPG (13.6K)
Number of downloads: 0
If you don't have these you don't have any transparencies.
PaintDotNet is the only paint program I use and it does a grand job.
Another option is to use .dds (DirectDraw Surface) image files.
They work just fine in OR and PaintDotNet will save them natively.
You'll want the updated .dds friendly ShapeViewer program available here at ET to be able to view your work.

Randy

[QJ-6811]

I've also been looking into the "low quality" Alpha problem for a while now.

For example, if I open this .ACE
 Lblau.zip (1.23K)
Number of downloads: 1

 Open_AceFile.jpg (46.7K)
Number of downloads: 0

, Standard via MSPaint, I can save the picture and Alpha as TGA or BMP, good quality.

 blau_as_BMP.jpg (454bytes)
Number of downloads: 0  Alpha_as_BMP.jpg (565bytes)
Number of downloads: 0


If I "mirror" both as a test, such as CTR-C/CTR-V via an Editor, or via MSPaint, it works fine until I close MSPaint.
Then, if Export to .ACE and reopen, the Alpha is as "Low Quality". (actually as less pixels build up).
 AfterSave_MSPaint.jpg (50.08K)
Number of downloads: 0


After searching I found this post, and now also use PaintDotNet (5.0.11).
This indeed works better, if I have edited both, TGATool gives a good quality picture and Alpha after a "mirror". [OK]
 AfterSave_paintDotNet.jpg (52.57K)
Number of downloads: 1

However, after exporting to .ACE (and reopening) everything is 'garbled' ?
 AfterSave_to_ACE.jpg (54.58K)
Number of downloads: 1



Does anyone have an idea what causes this, or better yet how to solve it, to make a good .ACE (with good Alpha) again?

[mrmosky]

I also use Paint.net. I don't understand where TGATool comes into your workflow.

My method is to create the texture in Paint.net, then if I need a transparent area, I cut that out of the image, which leaves a checkered area - which means no colour. Then if I want a tinted glass, I add a layer in Paint.net and put the colour there. I change the properties of the new layer and change the transparency until the tint looks right.

Then I save to a .TGA file with 32 bit depth. It asks if it's ok to flatten, which adds the layers together.

Then I convert to a .ace file with AceIt , using the Format RGB + alpha (8 bit alpha).

That then works perfectly in OR, with the alpha parts showing transparent and the rest of the image opaque.

edit.. I did not see that you are using TGATool to convert the .ace file to TGA as a first step. Now I understand.

The file is very small to begin with. Maybe that is causing a problem.

edit edit... The .ace file is compressed, and it is also 44x19 pixels. When it is converted into a .TGA by TGATools it makes it into a square image of 60x60 pixels, with a lot of white space. I think that is the problem. When you re-convert that image to a .ace file, It is distorted, compared to the original.

Geoff

[mrmosky]

Okay,

Try this file that is attached.

I have converted to a TGA file and then stretched it in Paint.net to be 64x64 size. Then I have converted it using AceIt to .ace again.

Geoff

Attached File(s)

•  Lblau2.zip (6.13K)
  Number of downloads: 4

[pwillard]

First of all, MSPAINT has always been a TOY and not a real bitmap manipulators tool. Yes, the most recent versions in Windows 11 might improve it a little... but it remains a TOY, nonetheless. Second, many of our 3rd Party tools limit us to legacy requirements placed on us by the original MSTS.   [NO DDS]

I would say... Use PAINT.NET.  It's reasonably intuitive (unlike GIMP), free, and supports all of the formats we want, including DDS (which I prefer). It also has a LOT of cool addons available (also free).  It understands layers and can work with PSD files... (which is a plus).

[QJ-6811]

Thanks in advance for the answers, I will try further.

By the way, I had already tried it with.TGA. I have often used TGAtool to open existing .ACE, and after adjustments export it again to .ACE (usually it works fine...)
I see that you are converting to .ACE via Acelt, I will test this to see if it goes well.

[Weter]

Tag tool is just manipulator, not converter. It just a shell, handy interface, calling dedicated programs to do the work.
Latter should be pointed, by settings.

[steved]

Did you try saving like this?
 dxt5.jpg (77.78K)
Number of downloads: 2

Randy