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MSFS20 ImageTool

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Flamer584

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unitedkingdom
Hi Folks.

I'm being a bit dense here I know. However, when I try to save .png textures as DDS I am getting a message saying that ImageTool is not found and to set the path to it in the Options menu. This is a model.dae object from the 3D Warehouse.

I am just finding my way with adding models into FS2020 and I am thinking that the textures have to be in DDS format. Is it okay to keep them as .png files?

Regards...Kenny.
 
do not save textures as DDS. The MSFS compiler will convert them. Leave them as PNG.
 
Flamer584 said:
Hi Folks.

I'm being a bit dense here I know. However, when I try to save .png textures as DDS I am getting a message saying that ImageTool is not found and to set the path to it in the Options menu. This is a model.dae object from the 3D Warehouse.

I am just finding my way with adding models into FS2020 and I am thinking that the textures have to be in DDS format. Is it okay to keep them as .png files?

Regards...Kenny.
Click to expand...

Hello:

Install ImageTool via a P3D SDK auto-installer (probably the current P3Dv5 SDK is best for MSFS), and MCX automatically finds / links to it:

SDK – Prepar3D

www.prepar3d.com www.prepar3d.com


rhumbaflappy said:
do not save textures as DDS. The MSFS compiler will convert them. Leave them as PNG.
Click to expand...

Indeed, as Dick states, 3D models imported into MCX as ex: KMZ should be opened in Material Editor, then textures converted to PNG.

The MSFS PackageTool will convert the mapped PNGs to the 'new' version of DDS used on glTFs required by the run time rendering engine.

GaryGB
 
Last edited:
Yes, as Dick says leave them as PNG. The package tool will convert them and it uses different compression algorithms not supported by ImageTool.

I have it on the wishlist to see if I can make dds files without ImageTool as people with only MSFS or X-Plane won't have that tool installed.
 
That's bad the Package Tool always create the dds files. Maybe some people know why it is bad and they using ImageTool. ;)
 
Peter Hornfeck said:
That's bad the Package Tool always create the dds files. Maybe some people know why it is bad and they using ImageTool. ;)
Click to expand...
I am not sure I understand this comment. ImageTool was made for FSX and P3D. So it has limited use for MSFS. MSFS uses different compression algorithms, which ImageTool can read neither write. Letting the package tool make the DDS files is fine, it saves the developer from having to convert the files himself. I don't see what's bad in that.
 
Thank Folks for all your replies. It looks like I was over thinking the process. Flying by my pants rather than trusting the instruments, if you get my drift. Anyway, all working now. I have another question but I'll make a new thread for it.

Regards...Kenny.
 
arno said:
Letting the package tool make the DDS files is fine, it saves the developer from having to convert the files himself. I don't see what's bad in that.
Click to expand...
Yes it's fine, except in some cases, when you want to create your own mip-maps. it's appends i need to create my own mips-maps to obtain a more sharper result in the sim for textures viewed for a low angle.
A new tool like imagetool with news compression algorithms will be great think.
 
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