DDS textures and CC Disk

Pure · #1 08-26-2004, 09:08 PM

Posted a topic on SOE EQ2 Forums and waiting for response.

What I posted >>

Quote:

After purchasing the CC disk I searched over it and discovered that there are many UI graphics for use in game. However, instead of seeing the usual .tga files they are all .dds format.

When modding the UI using .dds textures it may be more difficult for some to work with. Does anyone know why they changed from .tga for UI components?

I can understand wanting the highest detail, but .tga seemed fine or was there other reasons?

Working on learning the details of New UI and XML used therein. Like many I like the XML much better.

So, any idea what's up with this change?

***Dolby*** · #2 08-27-2004, 03:40 AM

Pritty sure that will either change or a converter will be provided by them.

Deathbane27 · #3 08-28-2004, 10:45 PM

Pure: DDS files are smaller. Not just hard drive space, but in system memory as well. They also don't need any system time to convert to a usable format, because they're in the exact format that DirectX uses.

TGA works, but so does a 1 Ghz machine with a GeForce 3. :P

#4 08-29-2004, 02:10 AM

There was an unpacker and a DDS extractor tool released over a month ago.

You can edit DDS in Photoshop with a plugin or use one of the 3rd party tools.

Joanaho · #5 08-29-2004, 03:44 AM

I believe the .dds format is used with the Unreal Engine. If you go to any of the sites that deal with any Unreal Games you will find a Photoshop Plugin that also works with Paintshop Pro. All you have to do is drop the plugin in your plugins folder and it loads at program startup. It can also be found at the following link:
http://developer.nvidia.com/object/n...ure_tools.html
7th item from the top.

***Dolby*** · #6 08-29-2004, 11:30 AM

I did a search on DDS Photoshop plugin and found that Nvidia has provided a plugin here. I'm at work so I cant test it out at the moment but I will when I get home.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathbane27

Pure: DDS files are smaller. Not just hard drive space, but in system memory as well. They also don't need any system time to convert to a usable format, because they're in the exact format that DirectX uses.

Wow I did not know that, thanks for that bit of information.

Pure · #7 09-21-2004, 09:07 AM

Thank you for all the help. Yep, I knew the size was smaller and .dds is nice. Also, knew about the tools available for Photoshop and Paintshop.
However, it seems BOTH .tga and .dds will be used in the UI just for various windows.

When game is released I am sure Dolby will have all the FAQ's needed for those that will need help

I cant wait