Adobe CS2 for free...

[mikeadams2k]

....... I can't find the NVidia DDS plugin in my PS CS2 plugins directory. I guess I need some guidance here.

It should be in ..\Plug-Ins\File Formats. (dds.8bi)

[OlPaint]

Mikeadams2k

Thank you, I found the "dds.8bi" right where you said it should be.

OK, Now I am able to save DDS formatted files from within PS CS2. The NVidia plugin config window now pops up as it should when I save the .dds file.

But now I need to learn how to convert these .dds files into .TgPcDx files that I can use as textures. I am getting an error message that I am missing a header file and it fails to convert.

OlPaint

[PapaXpress]

What is complaining about a missing header file?

[mikeadams2k]

I am getting an error message that I am missing a header file and it fails to convert.

If you're referring to RW_Tools, I had the same problem. I was using Windows 7 at the time (using Windows 8 now) and I found that by setting RW_Tools compatibility to WinXP SP3, I was able to get it to work.
If you're not familiar with doing this, right-click the RW_Tools icon, click 'Properties' and then 'Compatibility'. Under 'Compatibility Mode', check the box 'Run the program in compatibility mode for:' and select Windows XP (Service Pack 3). Also in Privilege Level at the bottom, check 'Run this program as an administrator'.

This may or may not work for you, but it's worth a try. You can more help with RW_Tools at this link: http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewforum.php?f=374

[OlPaint]

PapaX

Bob Artim at NERW suggested that I need to set the DXT level and MipMaps count when I save the DDS file from PS CS2 using the NVidia DDS Plugin config. Maybe that is what RW_Tools is complaining about "the header file is missing". I am just now getting RW_Tools configured to use PS CS2 as my graphics editor. The NVidia plugin installer finally placed the DDS.8bi file in the proper place after I rebooted my machine.

OlPaint

[PapaXpress]

Perhaps that is what is causing the problem. Personally I would set them to the same values as the original texture.

Why not use RSBinTool?

[OlPaint]

PapaX

Where can I get a manual for RSBinTool?

I can see where RSBinTool can convert TgPcDx files to dds files and can give me the DXT level and MipMap count automatically. I still must open the dds file in PS CS2 to edit it. Where as, RW_Tools can configure PS CS2 as the designated graphical editor.

So, is there a special advantage for using RSBinTool over RW_Tools that I am overlooking?

OK, I think I found special advantage that I was overlooking. RSBinTool can view the higher density graphical format introduced with the new RailWorks4 release that RW_Tools only shows as a dithered hodgepodge of colors.

Olpaint

[PapaXpress]

There is no manual.

I don't have the app in front of me right now but there is a drop down menu item which says Export (ie save TgPcDx as DDS) and Import (save DDS as TgPcDx).

[OlPaint]

PapaX

I found the "DDSTools" tab on the Menu Bar and the Export and Import options in the dropdown after I have successfully brought a TgPcDx file into RSBinTool by File>Open>Serz File (Cntl+O). I have successfully worked those options to convert and to export a DDS file. And then open that DDS file in PS CS2 for editing. I have saved the edited DDS file with the aid of NVidia dds plugin with the correct DXT level and MipMap count. And then I also imported the PS CS2 edited and saved DDS file back into RSBinTools.

So how do I convert my edited DDS file back to a new TgPcDx file formatted with the proper DXT level and MipMap count from within RSBinTools?

OlPaint

[OlPaint]

PapaX

I am getting an following error message "Image width and height must be multiple of four" in PS CS2 when I attempt to save the DDS file (DXT1 ARGB, MIP maps 6) to match the 'PreLoad' TgPcDx texture I started with but with a different picture. After I "Flatten Image", I am failing to save the edited DDS file out of PS CS3. I attach a screen shot of PS CS2 showing the NVidia dds plugin settings I am trying to use.

DDS_Save_Error.jpg

What do you suppose I am doing wrong? I have no clue.

OlPaint

[PapaXpress]

This error is correct. Just resize or crop your image to be a multiple of four.

[OlPaint]

PapaX

Success!!! Thanks for your tutoring. I did it. I finally took a 'screen shot.jpg' file and converted it to a 'RouteThumbnail.tgpcdx' file.

'Re-Paints' can not be far behind...now then, what should I tackle next? Hum.

OlPaint

[PapaXpress]

Glad I could help.

[robbit]

OK I tried following along but I just do not get it. I get the same error about the tempdds folder not having the info. I am trying to convert a screenshot to a route loading pic for a quick drive thumbnail. to I do not have a TgPcDx file to start with. I have a Jpg that I took a screenshot of what I want. I opened it in Photoshop CS5 and cropped it to 256 x 128 Then I saved it using the nvidea pluggin as a dds file. I got the same error in rw tools as olpaint. I downloaded Rsbintool and when I open it I cannot open a dds file and I do not get the import export menu because I cannot open a texture file to get it. What am I missing? Any Help please!

[buzz456]

Let's walk through this. If you want to use RSBinTool the first thing you need to do is open a folder with the proper size. Then the import export tab will open. Go get any route loading pic. It doesn't matter what it is. It will be the right size. Assuming you are saving your picture the right size then when you save it it will import OK. The you save it with the new name in the proper place you should be good to go.