I have been looking for a texture making tutorial for a couple of hours and can't seem to find anything here on SC4D nor ST that clearly explains how to make simple groundtextures for the LE, whether with the SC4Tool or something else.
Don't bother with giving me the directions for an ID demand first, because these will be private textures only and I already found that part of info.
Thanks in advance, much appreciated
Fred
Hi mrbisonm,
I've had the same problem figuring out, here's some general info as well as some usefull links I've gathered.
Simcity uses the .fsh format for graphics so first of all you'll need to be able to extract and convert into a workable format and the other way around. Depending on what graphics program you prefer, there're a number of tools available, all of which created by Null45 (linkie (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?board=382.0)).
The standard dimension for any texture is 128x128 pixels. However 256x256 can also be used and I personally recommend it given it looks better close up (more on that over here (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=13223.msg387217#msg387217))
There are two types of textures; base and overlay. The latter has transparancy, the former doesn't. You'll need to keep this in mind and check your software on how to achieve this.
A texture can be used for two things; for lots or for transit, the so-called transit textures. If interested, here's a nice tutorial (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4140.msg129985#msg129985). Though the methods described are a bit outdated there's still good general info in there.
There's one more thing; every zoom has an unique texture which it uses. Therefor you'll need 5 textures descending in dimension (256 or 128, 64, 32,16,8). Luckily Null45 has created tools that'll take care of that for you, otherwise set up somekind of batching process in the graphics software you use.
Hope this helps and feel free to ask if it doesn't or need help otherwise :)
Geeez, all that sounds terribly complicated, needing this and that to achieve a simply base ground texture in LE. I thought it to be a lot easier, but with the links you gave me, I haven't learned much of what I wanted.
I don't want a transit texture, all I need is a simple ground texture that I can use on a lots in LE underneath a BATmodel. That shouldn't need an University degree and two hours of research, does it?
If it's like this, forget it, because I don't understand it. There isn't enough info on how to make a texture from the beginning, except how to change to a fshman file. Nothing of importing nor exporting and modifying. Thanks anyways, vortext. Much appreciated.
I guess I will continue to BAT now, much simpler..... ;)
Fred
PS....hm.....got the idea of making a flat model with a texture as a ground cover, that should do the trick. &idea
Quote from: mrbisonm on October 29, 2011, 06:16:28 PM
PS....hm.....got the idea of making a flat model with a texture as a ground cover, that should do the trick. &idea
You don't want to do that, too many downsides (slope to name the first)
Nulls Patch Png to FSH is quite easy: Link (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=8047.0)
When it extracts, there will be a .txt called GroupID. Open it, type ID 0x0986135E, save and quit. The Batch PNG to FSH is ready.
Make a 128x128 texture, and save it as the Instance you want. Open the Batch PNG to FSH and drag/drop the image on it. You should see it lined up at the top with proper Group and Instance.
You will learn about the other buttons as you play with it, the important thing is that the check box "Automatically Process Mips" is checked. Click "Save Dat" and name your file something.
Should be good to go. It's always best to open the file in Reader to see that the Instances are all correct, and then check in-game.
QuoteThere isn't enough info on how to make a texture from the beginning
That's in part because it starts with a graphics program and there're many to choose from. I myself use photoshop, others use fishman or gimp. Each has it's own advantages and drawbacks I'm sure but what's more, because of this there's no standard approach for textures. Instead it depends on what program you use to begin with.
So if you want to make textures, the first thing is to familiarise yourself with a graphics program. In general, you would probably create a new file, 128x128 pixels and create something to your liking. Next either save it as a .png file and use Null45's PNGtoFSHBatch program for conversion or save it directly as a .fsh and import it into the reader.
Sounds confusing I know but in fact creating textures is quite easy once it's up and running. The hardest part is figuring out how to get there which, as said before, depends on the program you start in.
lol....I think we have a small misunderstanding here, maybe I am not explaining myself clearfully (english is only my fourth language). I do NOT want to know HOW TO MAKE the TEXTURE, because that I know, whether it is in photoshop, irfanview, gimp, paint etc. I have all these programs and know how to use them all also.
What I would like to know is how to get the freaking (done all ready) texture file (png,bitmap,jpeg or whatever it needs to be) into the files (or program) needed to recognize by the LE when you open it and be able to choose it together with all the other textures in the basegound menu , that are in the LE.....???Sorry, I cannot explain it more easier or detailed.....hope that will be understood.
Thanks
Fred
if so you perhaps may want to freaking download <a href="http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2255"> Null45's Batch Png to Fsh tool</a> all ready ;)
Thanks, I will try this now. (that is if I understand how to use it) ;) ...lol
Fred
Why you guys do not use the quiet simple texture editor of SC4 Tool?
There should be an tutorial included in the readme of Sc4 Tool.
It is quiet simple, you just select your texture file, click on a button to shrink it into all sizes needed, enter an IID and click on save to .dat and the tool will save your texture into a .dat file.
It is the simplest method in my opinion.
Quote from: Simcitler on October 30, 2011, 03:15:16 AM
Why you guys do not use the quiet simple texture editor of SC4 Tool?
There should be an tutorial included in the readme of Sc4 Tool.
It is quiet simple, you just select your texture file, click on a button to shrink it into all sizes needed, enter an IID and click on save to .dat and the tool will save your texture into a .dat file.
It is the simplest method in my opinion.
Because SC4Tool does not work properly with versions of Windows beyond XP. In any case, null45's Batch PNG to FSH will do the job just as quickly.
Null's tool also supports transparencies instead of needing an alpha map. being able to process 100s of textures at once, and processing images that are not necessarily 128x128.
Quote
SC4Tool. It is the simplest method in my opinion.
Super! That could be the tool necessary for the easiest way to making texture....only problem, no explanation on how it works is included, nor have I found anything that explains how the texture tool works.
I open the SC4Tool, choose the texture creator and come up with an empty space asking for a dat file.....????? Datfile???? For a texture picture??....lol
Same thing for Null's tool, no instructions how to use it.
Any instructions on this somewhere? Thanks
Fred
Quote from: mrbisonm on October 30, 2011, 07:22:27 AMSame thing for Null's tool, no instructions how to use it.Same thing for Null's tool, no instructions how to use it. Any instructions on this somewhere?
sorry, but did you actually read any of the replies? ??? This is pretty explanatory and there's nothing more to it really.
Quote from: Lowkee33 on October 29, 2011, 06:49:20 PM
When it extracts, there will be a .txt called GroupID. Open it, type ID 0x0986135E, save and quit. The Batch PNG to FSH is ready.
Make a 128x128 texture, and save it as the Instance you want. Open the Batch PNG to FSH and drag/drop the image on it. You should see it lined up at the top with proper Group and Instance.
You will learn about the other buttons as you play with it, the important thing is that the check box "Automatically Process Mips" is checked. Click "Save Dat" and name your file something.
Should be good to go. It's always best to open the file in Reader to see that the Instances are all correct, and then check in-game.
And yes, batch PNGtoFSH will also create a dat file since simcity nor the LE recognizes single fsh files.
@Shadow Assassin, Lowkee
I never had problems using SC4Tool under Windows 7 :)
@mrbisonm
just a quick tutorial for you (and others too)!
when the texture creator asks you for a .dat file, just type in a proper name for a .dat in which your textures will be saved by the tool.
like this: (german version of SC4TOOL)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ld-host.de%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2Fc633649495811aa39de80fe1d27ec2ea.jpg&hash=e7300834ad5afb17562af7bef6608e42aa295ea4) (http://www.ld-host.de/)
then click on the picture symbol:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ld-host.de%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2F8f435f5b6cd55bc2e6787d44bec04309.jpg&hash=4a58a79589e94e704396cc2d96f240b1eeb9ea39) (http://www.ld-host.de/)
a new window opens, fill in the IID (for the texture) in the corresponding field in the upper left section.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ld-host.de%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2F24e0de0727a9cd8922926c11c8a87d05.jpg&hash=8b22bb40900b30848e1115559f8cccd44df84ac9) (http://www.ld-host.de/)
then, click on the "open folder symbol" next to 128x128 in the bitmap section; search for your texture (AFAIK the file has to be .bmp, or .png) and click OK.
you should see something like this now:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ld-host.de%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2F11e1e4022faa784ec06e821d35d71a93.jpg&hash=31dcdd1c8399400d5bec40266fc9e7e7d0e4c5a9) (http://www.ld-host.de/)
click the small icon including a camera, to shrink your texture for all sizes
now the window should look like this:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ld-host.de%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2F1a36df3e3df8f783fbe0717ac3a64578.jpg&hash=56bd7611ba8c90a90727efeacdae45224f1f43fb) (http://www.ld-host.de/)
now click the big OK button in the upper right.
there should open a small icon with "succesfull saved" or something like that.
Then you should see this:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ld-host.de%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2F3fc4409d58bf3c4013cb3854980388a5.jpg&hash=e08c88c2aa4cc11ffda1dee4d769e10da57735d6) (http://www.ld-host.de/)
If you want to add another texture repeat the steps.
If you are ready, close the SC4Tool and put the .dat file into your Plugin folder. Open up LE and have fun!
Hope that helps!
~Simcitler
Yes vortext, I have read the posts above and I simply do not understand the works of it. Must be stupid, I guess, because nothing works or I cannot open anything.
When I want to open a new project with Null's tool, nothing happens, nothing to click on nor nothing opens.....??
Maybe the program doesn't function with my XP.
Same for the SC4Tool, I guess I do not have the same program, although I got it from the same link.
I Open it, it looks like this...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg577.imageshack.us%2Fimg577%2F6687%2F236he.jpg&hash=74bc4f1244a41ef68dd4019d0b446f04a5c19684)
Then I click on "Create your own textures" and this comes up, without knowing where to go from here on, because it asks for a dat file??? That picture symbol is not lit up on my version.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg31.imageshack.us%2Fimg31%2F44%2F235p.jpg&hash=2f8c5c31cd7656524551828db8c91aa0726d4504)
When I click on the "Scan for texture packs to analyse them", then again it asks for datfiles only.........?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg846.imageshack.us%2Fimg846%2F3049%2F237r.jpg&hash=8d52340df6e2e69fcf22b129fc332fe70f99132a)
Am I too stupid to see things or do I have a problem with my programs?
simcitler, thanks very much for the tut, much appreciated, but I would like to know how to get to the first picture of yours. The german version is ok, I speak among 7 other languages also german. (I'm not too stupid for this....lol ;) ) Vielen Dank fuer Deine Hilfe.
Fred
EDIT:
Ok, I finally was able to open the program and create a name for my file, the picture symbol appeared, but when I choose the texture (png or bmp) it shows nothing on the little squares on the right....stuck there....again.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg191.imageshack.us%2Fimg191%2F6674%2F238po.jpg&hash=cd127d18f89330523ccf3d26ff1542a1ed231ff6)
I tried different png or bmp textures and none seem to appear in those little windows, nor can I click on the camera symbol.......? Thanks
Fred
ok sorry 'bout that. What you're missing is an empty dat file. Hit the star next to the 'open file' icon in order to create one and save it. Now click the icon next to the star, the one that says 'add texture' and follow Simcitler steps from here on.
edit, nevermind, just saw your edit. Have you tried PNGtoFSH yet? It's more convenient to use anyway.
Double edit, hopefully this wil be of use.
Open Png to Fsh Batch and click 'new dat'.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg849.imageshack.us%2Fimg849%2F5526%2F41781552.jpg&hash=528a6bc43057b857cc8c7a949b9b78f24570d6b2)
Next drag and drop the textures into Png to Fsh. Also notice that it says 'Dat in Memory' and 'Automatically process Mips' is checked.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg253.imageshack.us%2Fimg253%2F9590%2F69912954.jpg&hash=35ffd38bb9894689874edbcbbceb6871ec629358)
After this hit 'save dat'. Note it may take a while to process the textures, up to the point you start to think something went wrong, especially when dealing with large number of textures.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg84.imageshack.us%2Fimg84%2F7536%2F49153571.jpg&hash=f2c4daef66d816a7ec07eda3e08ac1a795b2b490)
Once it's done, specify name & location for the .dat file and click 'ok'. It again may take a while before saving is completed. Finally put the dat file into the plugins and fire up the LE. :)
Quote from: mrbisonm on October 30, 2011, 12:28:06 PM
When I want to open a new project with Null's tool, nothing happens, nothing to click on nor nothing opens.....??
Maybe the program doesn't function with my XP.
It works fine with XP but it requires the .NET Framework 3.5 Client profile (http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=14037), my fault for not mentioning it in the readme. ::)
Quote from: vortext on October 30, 2011, 01:06:34 PM
Open Png to Fsh Batch and click 'new dat'.
Actually you can skip this step as the 'Save Dat' function will create a new dat automatically, also instead of dragging all the files in a folder onto the list you can just drag the folder that contains them.
Quote from: vortext on October 30, 2011, 01:06:34 PM
It again may take a while before saving is completed.
In version
1.5.0.2 and later you can watch the progress bar while you wait. :thumbsup:
Well, I suppose my computer, or maybe myself, is not made to create textures.
Listen guys, thanks for the help, but it doesn't work on my computer.
I downloaded and installed the .NET Framework 3.5 Client profile, now I can click on "new dat", drag the file (png or bmp) needed and click on save.....a small window opens and tells me that the program encountered a problem and must close.
It closes and saves nothing.....lol...excellent.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg708.imageshack.us%2Fimg708%2F3064%2F2575.jpg&hash=7130ab811bb6ca645e0adf36694eafb620c37d1c)
Now I don't know why I bother with this, my computer simply hates some homemade programs. The same problem occured with wouanagaine's SC4mapmaker and terraformer, I was never able to get them to work.
Thanks for the help.
I hope that someone can help me with SC4Tool problem I have above, because the rest of that tool works fine.
mrb
What does the additional details screen of that error message say?
That should give me a better idea what is failing. &mmm
Quote from: null45 on October 30, 2011, 06:03:52 PM
What does the additional details screen of that error message say?
That should give me a better idea what is failing. &mmm
It doesn't really say anything besides that they excuse themselves and if I had not registered my work earlier that it will be lost and asks me if I want to report it to Microsoft. It has made a report. That's about it.
Here's the report:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg508.imageshack.us%2Fimg508%2F8743%2F364hf.jpg&hash=e156e808e40fa1e00424165a7587a660fd14ded3)
Fred
From the error code I guess that GDI+ may be crashing. :thumbsdown:
Could you PM me all of the Exception Information?
Quote from: null45 on October 30, 2011, 10:39:08 PM
From the error code I guess that GDI+ may be crashing. :thumbsdown:
Could you PM me all of the Exception Information?
I don't know if this is possible, where do I find that report? Because taking a picture of these 100 + pages that is on that report is too much of an effort to be worth the trouble.
Unless you know exactly what you're looking for and give me a hint where to find it.
Fred
Just copy and paste all of the text from the dialog in your screenshot with the green title bar starting with where it says Exception Information into a code block and PM that to me (you may have to attach it in a text file as there is probably a limit on how much text can be sent in a PM).
Hopefully the cause of the crash is somewhere in all that text. :)
Well, I'm sorry to say this but the report cannot be copied and pasted. I cannot even underline anything on that page. If you look at the pulldownbar on the right on th picture below, you can see that there's easily more than 100 pages in that report, showing mostly numbers etc.
So, let's say we have tried, but the program does NOT work on my computer.
The same thing happened once before a few years back with wouanagaine's Mapmaker and Terraformer, which I was never able to open and make it function without crashing. (even after re-installing windows)
I thank you very much for trying to help Null45, plus all the others, but I think I'm going to ask someone (hopefully I find someone) to "render" or transform my 5 textures for me. What else could I do...... (funny, or should I say strange thing, it doesn't work on my laptop, neither on my office computer, so it's not the computer, right?)
Could someone help me with this please? Thank you all, much appreciated.
Fred
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg513.imageshack.us%2Fimg513%2F2175%2F4457.jpg&hash=c3090f01da2bf034dd50cdc3c56312aa2fba3e1b)
If you have a copy of Photoshop 6 or later did you try the Fsh Format Plugin (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2623)?
That does not rely on GDI+, unlike my other tools so it should be able to convert your files. ;)
Quote from: null45 on October 31, 2011, 06:12:01 PM
If you have a copy of Photoshop 6 or later did you try the Fsh Format Plugin (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2623)?
That does not rely on GDI+, unlike my other tools so it should be able to convert your files. ;)
I only have Photoshop 5.....
Fred
All of the text in the error dialog is contained in a file with a .mdmp extension in your Temp folder,
one of the dialogs should give the path to this file which I can check to get the location and hopefully the cause of the crash (I believe SC4 uses the same format for it's crash-logs, all the ones I remember seeing were caused by the game accessing invalid memory addresses :().
Quote from: mrbisonm on October 31, 2011, 06:20:10 PM
I only have Photoshop 5.....
I could send you a private build of that plugin that would work in Photoshop 5, the only thing is you could not save overlay textures as saving transparency was added in Photoshop 6.
Sorry it didn't work out for you. There is a FSH plugin for GIMP too you may want to try at some point.
Quote from: mrbisonm on October 31, 2011, 05:57:40 PM
Could someone help me with this please? Thank you all, much appreciated.
Glad to. E-mail?
Quote from: Lowkee33 on October 31, 2011, 07:16:53 PM
Sorry it didn't work out for you. There is a FSH plugin for GIMP too you may want to try at some point.
That might work, although if the problem is with some part of the .NET framework it will probably fail like Png to Fsh Batch.
Quote
All of the text in the error dialog is contained in a file with a .mdmp extension in your Temp folder
I couldn't find any of these files in any temp folder on my computer. I guess it didn't save.
Quote
I could send you a private build of that plugin that would work in Photoshop 5, the only thing is you could not save overlay textures as saving transparency was added in Photoshop 6.
Well, that is actually very kind of you, but for the moment I think I have partially solved the problem with Png to Fsh Batch.
I don't actually know what exactly I did correct, but now I am able to open the program, choose the bmp and save it as a datfile.
I have been changing things so much, like changing programs to change my jpeg's to bmp's, now I'm with irfanview. Then I changed the location of the program, now it's in Programfiles, I also changed the save location, now it's in MyDocs, and many other small changes. One of them , or maybe several, have triggered the program to function all of sudden.
It works fine, I've tried several textures and they all come out fine in the datfile , which I can easily open with the ilive reader (see picture)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg33.imageshack.us%2Fimg33%2F2070%2F776s.jpg&hash=0f672548add15a6e8b88ff18621fefdd5c550da3)
Only one problem.....lol...would have been too nice if there wasn't....I put the datfile into the Plugins folder, open the LE, but it does not show under basetexture or anywhere else. What's wrong now?
Quote
Glad to. E-mail?
Thanks
Lowkee33, very much appreciated your offer, if nothing works, I might pm you with my e-mail or upload the files somewhere to download.
Fred
Quote from: mrbisonm on October 31, 2011, 08:58:36 PM
I couldn't find any of these files in any temp folder on my computer. I guess it didn't save.
I believe they are deleted when the dialog is closed.
Quote from: mrbisonm on October 31, 2011, 08:58:36 PM
I have been changing things so much, like changing programs to change my jpeg's to bmp's, now I'm with irfanview. Then I changed the location of the program, now it's in Programfiles, I also changed the save location, now it's in MyDocs, and many other small changes. One of them , or maybe several, have triggered the program to function all of sudden.
It works fine, I've tried several textures and they all come out fine in the datfile , which I can easily open with the ilive reader
If it was GDI+ that was failing changing the format of the image may very well have fixed it, GDI+ is somewhat unstable and prone to giving generic / cryptic errors. ::)
I may have to move to the new image loading functions in .NET 3.5 which hopefully might be more stable.
I personally would not put it in Program Files, it should work fine in other locations and that would fail on non-admin accounts.
QuoteOnly one problem.....lol...would have been too nice if there wasn't....I put the datfile into the Plugins folder, open the LE, but it does not show under basetexture or anywhere else. What's wrong now?
Almost there ;)
Do they have the right TGI? In particular the Group needs to be 0x0986135E. This can be changed in the reader with the TGI editor.
Maybe the images still have transparancy, in which case they would be located in the overlay textures department.
Or sometimes, in order for the LE to recognize the textures or something, it helpes to put the dat file into a seperate folder instead of the plugins root.
Quote
Almost there ;)
I hope so..... ;)
Quote
Do they have the right TGI? In particular the Group needs to be 0x0986135E. This can be changed in the reader with the TGI editor.
What does
TGI mean and what is the TGI Editor? I changed the Group numbers with the reader as shown on the picture below, but when I saved the file, it goes back to the original numbers which are 0x1BAE787D. Unless I didn't change them in the right case, or the right matter.?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg823.imageshack.us%2Fimg823%2F3524%2F566y.jpg&hash=e6c1f042a117c4bd486a8e4f73de313c561241a0)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg405.imageshack.us%2Fimg405%2F9092%2F567e.jpg&hash=ec68b132111fadd2136153e8b092e4c31a6fcd7f)
Quote
Maybe the images still have transparancy, in which case they would be located in the overlay textures department.
Or sometimes, in order for the LE to recognize the textures or something, it helpes to put the dat file into a seperate folder instead of the plugins root.
No, they are not in the overlay texture menu neither, and I also tried to put them in a subfolder, nothing seems to make them appear. I even tried to open them with the SC$Tool, and as supsected, they do not open with it neither. Besides, the SC4Tool in my case, does not open any file at all in the texture creator.
EDIT: Ok, forget the the question where the TGI Editor is, I found it, changed the group to 0x0986135E, saved and opened the LE. Wow, Now the texture appears on the menu, but still not on the lot, it's just plein white.....lol.....Geeez, what's wrong now?
Ingame, nothing shows.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg94.imageshack.us%2Fimg94%2F7908%2F568y.jpg&hash=8a99a97fd1af75e0623c4cda77a89a7d5e5ddd62)
Hey thanks guys for following me with this, otherwise I would have given up long time ago.
Fred
Maybe the textures don't like you? $%Grinno$% Can't believe that there can be so much trouble with the programms/textures. a bit unbelievable. ::)
If you want, i could try my luck with your textures. Just mail the texture files to simcitler(at)hotmail.de
I would have a look on them in the evening. ;)
You probably did not set the group ID to use in "Groupid.txt" which defaults to 1ABE787D.
QuoteWow, Now the texture appears on the menu, but still not on the lot, it's just plein white.....lol.....Geeez, what's wrong now?
Ingame, nothing shows.
Well well, now this
is unusual. My best guess would be it has to do with the original images, which need to be in RGB color mode and have 8-bits per channel. In photoshop, open the texture and go to IMAGE->MODUS. Here you'll see a bunch of options, including the aforementioned RGB color mode and 8-bits/channel.
Also, for base textures make sure the texture is background only. Go to LAYER-> MERGE ALL (which is different from the 'merge visible' by short-key option).
See if this helps, if not. . well, you can always send your files to Lowkee, Simcitler or myself.
Quote from: null45 on November 01, 2011, 09:41:33 AM
You probably did not set the group ID to use in "Groupid.txt" which defaults to 1ABE787D.
Now what does that mean? Where is Groupid.txt and in what program? I set the group nr to 0x0986135E with the TGI Editor in the reader like Vortext told me. I have to change it to 1ABE787D?. That doesn't work, the program does not accept it, maybe it is 0x1ABE787D?
Without touching it, once it comes through the Png to Fsh Batch, it is 0x1BAE787D........,looks almost the same as 0x1ABE787D. &Thk/(
Honestly, I am totally confused and don't know what to do anymore....so many numbers and so mixed up, which are right and which are wrong and where goes what. That's enough to get me a headache. I can't believe that it is or was like that for everyone.
I guess I am not made for this. Like I said, BATting with 3d Max or gmax is hell easier.
Shame that it doesn't work, I had some nice ideas and asking someone to do it for me everytime I need some textures, is not really my thing.
So, Thank you all and sorry for having taken your time, but I give up.
Fred
null45 essentially asked the same as I did; if the Group ID was set to 0x0986135E, which it is so it's nothing to be confused about.
Furthermore, in the PNGtoFSH folder is a text file which is called Groupid.txt. Change it to read 0986135E, without the 0x prefix.
QuoteLike I said, BATting with 3d Max or gmax is hell easier.
once you get the hang of it that is ::)
Ok, I did exactly what you said (I think and hope)
After creating the image dat with the PNG to Fsh Batch, I changed the Groupid file to:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg412.imageshack.us%2Fimg412%2F4259%2F542d.jpg&hash=b415b5b2756bb02c6ae9e0efe407ec587aafc21e)
Then I opened the file in the ilive Reader and changed the group number to :
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg7.imageshack.us%2Fimg7%2F791%2F543m.jpg&hash=50ba53a353d11471cbdf37f622a85ea7f177190f)
Sofar, so good.....Finally I put the file (dat) into my Plugins folder under MyDocuments and opened the LE and found the image that I used to make the file and which is clearly visible, chose it as a ground texture, put it on the lot and voila.........same f******* white texture that doesn't show ingame. Youpie!!!! (F******* means Freaking, ok) ;)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg267.imageshack.us%2Fimg267%2F7951%2F544q.jpg&hash=4a8b7cff82f21eb9e796f95da6439527b2e30019)
I suppose that is all right, step by step?
I only wonder, do I have to resize the image before I open it with the Png to Fsh Batch, and to what size? It is 700x 700 right now (bmp).
All this is still confusing for me, because this is a mess and nothing works. Strange that I have tried it on three different computers and always the same problems, either the crashing of the program while saving or the white textures appear.
I cannot understand why it works for you folks and it doesn't for me.
Thanks for all the help, just answer my last question please (the size of the original picture) and I am about to thing of using 3dmax or gmax to make the lot that I want, hoping that it will be possible to do with it, because a prop does not slant like the texture.
Fred
QuoteIt is 700x 700 right now (bmp).
Try 128x128 pixels and save it as a PNG file.
Also, since you've changed the GroupID in the text file, there's no need to do it again afterwards. ;)
I followed the discussion with interest, having also problems trying to make a HD texture. Finally, I made it doing the following steps: 1. saved the image for texture as 256*256 .png with Gimp
2. exported it to .fsh with the multifsh-batch (button "save fsh"),
3. opened a blank file in ilive reader and inserted the fsh-files there (rightclic in the white area, then "insert & compress file" option) - You can select all fsh in one procedure using the ctrl-key
4. changed the group-ID to 0x0986135E (it was always 0000000) and the Instance-ID to a value of my texture range. Here it is important to give the right ID to the textures. The smallest one has to have the smallest number, then You have to increase this value for each texture like it is shown in Your image of the TGI-Editor. After that, it worked.
Perhaps this may help You. Good luck :thumbsup:
Quote from: mrbisonm on November 01, 2011, 10:02:32 PM
I only wonder, do I have to resize the image before I open it with the Png to Fsh Batch, and to what size? It is 700x 700 right now (bmp).
I'm not completely sure about this point, but I also resized my textures to this format before using them in SC4Tool!
You have to resize the image to a format of a power of 2, like 128x128 (SD) or 256x256 (HD). Otherwise, it won't work in-game.
I cannot understand why anyone didn't tell me that we have to resize the picture first to get it to be viewed ingame, and please don't tell me why I didn't ask. Now even the Png to Fsh Batch doesn't crash anymore when importing the image and is located anywhere on my computer. I was lucky to have had the idea to ask as a last resort.
Well folks, it worked just fine. Everything is back to normal and I can now create and import basetextures into my LE and game.
To everyone on these three pages of this thread, I would like to thank for helping, directing me into the right direction and solving the problems I had. It was a tough one, but worthwhile and just about when I was going to hang up, we finally found the solution. Thank You.
I decided to write a step by step tutorial for those who experience the same problems or for those who have no idea how to import basetextures to the LE and game, since no valid or detailed info on this is available on anywhere.
Base Texture Tutorial
How to transform and import a basetexture into the LE and Game.
I used these programs, which can be found free on the net or on ST and/Sc4 Devotion. Google search for the links.
- Irfanview, a small, simple, quick and easy to use Paint Program.
- Png to Fsh Batch, a program to transform png to fsh image, necessary for importing. Found on SC4D.
- ilive Reader, a fairly simple tool to open the gamefiles of SC4, found on ST and SC4D.
- LE or Lot Editor, Maxis tool found on the original site to vreate your own lots with props and textures.
IMPORTANT
Make sure that you get yourself an instance Id from the BSC Group first, before there will be some unwanted interactions with other files that use the same instances, if you plan to upload these basetextures.
1. Choose an image that you would like to have as a basetexture for the game.
2. Open it with a paint program (I prefer irfanview, easy, free and simple), it also works with Paint, Gimp, Photoshop and others.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg3.imageshack.us%2Fimg3%2F3339%2Ftxtut1.jpg&hash=e12277d91c3292b6a17a83c699524a1eb96cfac8)
3. Click on "Resize/Resample Image" and resize your image to 128x128. Make sure that the "Preserve aspect ratio" is not checked.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg854.imageshack.us%2Fimg854%2F6714%2Ftxtut2.jpg&hash=ce70cdeb8a9e0b9ef7c2fdc49e98b2ad742e8855)
4. Now save the image as a png or bmp anywhere you like to. Give it a name that you will be able to identify later. I recommend to create a folder in MyDocuments only for this.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg502.imageshack.us%2Fimg502%2F875%2Ftxtut3.jpg&hash=5a62a404a6dc270cf006406ae2a21a87a4bbe2fe)
5. Open the "Png to Fsh Batch" Program and first click on "New Dat", this will create a new dat and keep it in memory pending.
Note: In the Png to Fsh Batch folder is a small notebook file called Groupid, open it and make sure that the number written is 0986135e without the "0x". If not, change it and save
6. Rightclick and hold on the image and slide it over the empty space in the "Png to Fsh Batch" program, leaving a copy there.
7. Now click on "save". It might take awhile, all depending on the size and quantity of textures you have in the window above. You might save it in the same folder as your image, I recommend to keep the same name. It is now a .dat file.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg196.imageshack.us%2Fimg196%2F7803%2Ftxtut4.jpg&hash=2acda8f1335e26de170ad935c5fdcfc6f31e1979)
8. Open this saved datfile with the "ilive Reader" and click on "dir" under the fsh images on the left. The Group numbers should all be 0x0986135e. If not, click on "TGI Editor" on top left of the Reader, then change all five numbers to 0x0986135e, click on apply, close the window and save the file with the reader on top left.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg72.imageshack.us%2Fimg72%2F816%2Ftxtut5.jpg&hash=fd9faa0f95f411090c71017542e48f8be31e4196)
9. Now you're ready to import the .dat file into the MyDocuments/Simcity4/Plugins folder and open the "Lot Editor". Your new creation will be found in the basetexture menu. Enjoy!
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg210.imageshack.us%2Fimg210%2F2449%2Ftxtut6.jpg&hash=8c41734ec122f318405f5dae6320777d0c85fb3e)
Thanks again to all who helped me with this adventure.... ;)
So next time someone asks for a tutorial on how to make basetetxures and import them into the game, link them here.
Fred
%BUd% Victory!
QuoteI cannot understand why anyone didn't tell me that we have to resize the picture first to get it to be viewed ingame
erm, no offense, but reading isn't exactly your strong point, is it? ;)
It has been pointed out at least 4 different times the textures should be 128x128 pixels (or 256x256 if you want it to look pretty up close).
Anyway, glad to hear you finally succeeded and great job on the tutorial &apls
When I begun making textures I had a hard time figuring out as well and it would have been of great help, as it will be to anyone who would like to do some custom textures in the future.
Happy lotting for now :)
@Mrbisonm: It's the first thing I said.
Quote from: vortext on October 30, 2011, 08:09:52 AM
Quote from: mrbisonm on October 30, 2011, 07:22:27 AMSame thing for Null's tool, no instructions how to use it.Same thing for Null's tool, no instructions how to use it. Any instructions on this somewhere?
sorry, but did you actually read any of the replies? ??? This is pretty explanatory and there's nothing more to it really.
Quote from: Lowkee33 on October 29, 2011, 06:49:20 PM
When it extracts, there will be a .txt called GroupID. Open it, type ID 0x0986135E, save and quit. The Batch PNG to FSH is ready.
Make a 128x128 texture, and save it as the Instance you want. Open the Batch PNG to FSH and drag/drop the image on it. You should see it lined up at the top with proper Group and Instance.
You will learn about the other buttons as you play with it, the important thing is that the check box "Automatically Process Mips" is checked. Click "Save Dat" and name your file something.
Should be good to go. It's always best to open the file in Reader to see that the Instances are all correct, and then check in-game.
And yes, batch PNGtoFSH will also create a dat file since simcity nor the LE recognizes single fsh files.
The 256x256 thing is a myth. SC4 can only display 8 pixels per meter, which is 128 pixels on a base texture. It's why terrain textures are the size they are. HD models are still only 8 pixels per meter, and SD are 4. Everything in SC4 is 8 pixels per meter. You are waiting time if you use anything but 128 pixels on a base texture, and if you use anything but 4 or 8 pixels per meter while in BAT.
Well, I guess I have to ask for pardon now, while I have read the entire thread and actually saw the resizing to 128x128 mentioned. I don't know why, but I probably have misunderstood something there, because I remember that I was trying to figure out where to resize them in that program, but still didn't put any importance on this and left it aside. Sorry and excuse me please, folks.
Maybe all this wouldn't have been necessary if I would have carefully read and understood everything from the beginning. Although my English is not too bad (I hope), I speak three other languages better than english (my original languages), since it is only my fourth language spoken, I still have a problem here and there to understand when it gets too complicated. Except for Montreal partially only, we don't speak english in french Québec/Canada and being from German and Swedish descendance, at home we only spoke these two. So it must be a language problem as it often is, but I learn.... ;)
Thanks again for your help, I'm off with working on my textures and BATs that go along with them.
Fred
If you are making base textures the Multi Fsh tool (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2371) was designed for this purpose, it's group id defaults to 0x0986135E. :thumbsup:
Also if you prefix your files with 0x followed by the instance id you want to use both tools will pick it up, the id generator used in both tools picks a random number from within the assigned texture range so it potentially could have a collision issue. &mmm
After having read your tutorial the process seems quite simple. Maybe even I can do it!
Would it be a good idea to post your tutorial in the tutorials section with a clear and simple name, so that anyone will be able to find it? It is of great help I am sure.
Thanks null45, I tried it, but now I am used to the png to fsh batch, I find it easier for me.
FrankU, surely you can do it also, if I can. ;)
Just to show what I have been up to and needed to know how to create basetextures for the game, here is a picture of my CJ/MD here on SC4D. Since I couldn't achieve the effect of a nice looking seawall with gmax, this bastexture with a small wall from my gmax on top makes it looked perfectly for my taste, without going through hours of "gmaxing". This is to represent the low tide on the coastal area of town. ;)
Thanks again for the patience with me.
Fred
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg267.imageshack.us%2Fimg267%2F51%2Fgoosebay.jpg&hash=3f7bcee58ac8241b10c1d64d2b319f6bc47db7b1)
Hello Fred
Quote from: mrbisonm on November 03, 2011, 03:05:05 PM
... this bastexture with a small wall from my gmax on top makes it looked perfectly for my taste, without going through hours of "gmaxing". This is to represent the low tide on the coastal area of town. ...
looks perfectly for my taste too. Feel like sharing?
- Jim
Check your mailbox, Jim. ;)
Hey Fred
Quote from: mrbisonm on November 04, 2011, 07:40:06 AM
Check your mailbox, Jim. ;)
I've got mail just in time for the weekend. Thank you.
- Jim
Hey Fred,
Looks good indeed. And... ehm... do I see a Modern Farm Barn?