Which tool to create a TGA file for RWAceTool?

[DOM107]

Hello,

I recently discovered that ToACE was replaced by RWAceTool.

To make ACE files, I use TGATOOL2.
The files work with ToACE but not with RWAceTool. I get the following error:

"Expected 8 bit, 24 bit or 32 bit RGB / ARGB image for conversion!".

Looking at this post...

Hi Phil

Your'e right I'm trying to do stuff to RailWorks
I can't find the object properties like you the one on the picture, I'm using Canvas version 8.1.4

But I did manage to find the problem, my TGA-file was corrupt, so it wasn't converted correctly with TGATOOL2,
the RWAceTool told gave me the hin't by failing converting my .tga file.

Thanks for your help so far..

... makes me think that my current tga files + ToACE are not at best.
But the post didn't show any explicit solution for tga file creation.

So I'm looking for a free tool to create the tga files.

I use gimp, but I was unable to figure out how to make a tga file.
The tutorials I found were too old or were not actually using the alpha layer (for some games).

Paint.net can do it to. I'm ready to install it but I found no tutorial so far for making tga files.

So thanks in advance for tips on tga creation with a free tool other than TGATOOL2 and the detailed steps.

[Acorncomputer]

I use gimp, but I was unable to figure out how to make a tga file.

When saving your image (save as) just add the extension .tga to the file name, click on save and then select the options that come up on the screen.

Same goes for any image from whatever source, just add the extension that you want to save in, .jpg .bmp .tga etc.

If you want to save the file with preserved layers use the GIMP format or similar such as Photoshop format.

Easy

The RWAce Tool is here - http://www.uktrainsim.com/filelib-info. ... leid=21636

[DOM107]

What's not obvious is how to create each layer with the correct properties and then add the image in each layer ( 1) primary texture + 2) specular (TrainBumpSpecEnvMask.fx / TrainSpecEnvMask.fx) or transparency (window) ).

[Acorncomputer]

I am no expert at this but I think these shaders are added in the 3D Modelling program and not the texture sheet

[DOM107]

I'm sure of the contents of the tga files.
They work when produced by TGATOOL2 and then using ToACE.

The question now is, the usage of RWAceTool (hoping maybe a better result in the texture look) is not compatible with TGATOOL2.

Thus I'm looking for alternate ways of creating the tga files.

[DOM107]

I ended asking in a Gimp forum.
Here is a solution (not straightforward!):



Open Main Picture (layer 1)
(For RW, change brightness)

Open image for tga alpha layer and choose copy (for layer 2 of the main image)
In the main image, paste as new layer

Click on Layer 2: Add a layer mask with option "Grayscale copy of layer" (right click menu).
Choose "Mask to selection" with right click menu on Layer 2.

Click on layer 1 / Add Layer Mask with option "selection".

Delete Layer 2.

Save in tga without compression.

[Acorncomputer]

Hi

I am still not quite sure what the problem is.

You can create .tga files in GIMP with just one layer if you do not need transparency. Just save your single layer with a .tga extension.

If you want to add a mask layer for transparency then select the layer you want to add a mask to and select select 'Add Layer Mask' from the menu and one will be created with your choice of opacity (Full White for compete Opacity so that you can paint holes in it). If you then select that layer mask and using a paint brush with black paint you can brush away the areas of the layer image that you want transparent so that the chequerboard shows through.

If you want to save the image for using in 3D Canvas, then chose the 'save as' option and give your file a meaningful name with the .tga extension and save. Before finally saving GIMP will advise you that it is merging the layers which is perfectly OK.

You can now use this as a texture sheet for 3D Canvas (as long as it has been created at an acceptable size for 3DC) and when painting your model any areas that were made transparent in GIMP will be transparent in 3DC.

In order for the transparency to work in RailWorks, however, you have to define the shaders you want to use in the 3D Canvas material slots before exporting.

There is no need, or facility (as far as I know) for defining the shaders in GIMP.

The RW Ace Tool will convert the .tga files into .ace files with no problem, I did it hundreds of time when creating my terrain texture set.

Interestingly, if you use .jpg format texture sheets in 3D Canvas (no transparency required) the RW Ace Tool cannot convert .jpg to .ace which ToAce does so a copy of ToAce would be handy on your computer as well.