So, with a wave of enthusiasm I downloaded the PMDG Paint Kit. I was glad to see Photoshop files since that is my preferred image editor.My question is probably very basic but I have played with things for hours on end and still have not been able to manage.What is the difference between the 700_full_left.psd, 700_full_left.psd and the pmdg_700_fuse_t.psd.Now, I have learned that when the 700_full left and right are saved into my texture folder, they don't work. I then opened the pmdg_700_fuse_t.psd file and realized the the same layers do not exist. Painting on that file will simply cover all the windows, seams, etc.Am I missing something in Photoshop here? Is there maybe a special compiler that changes the 700_full_left and right into the 700_fuse_t?I'm really at a loss here and any help would be appreciated.Bob

Hi Bob,until one of the paint gurus can jump in, here's what I can make out:Only the 'pmdg_700_fuse_t.bmp' will be displayed on the model in FS. As the fuselage is 'cut' in half in that bitmap, it appears that the 'full left' and 'full right' files are included for your convenience. Just paint those how you'd like them, and then cut and paste the segments into the 'pmdg_700_fuse_t.psd' file, convert to .bmp (DXT3 or 32-bit format) and you should see your paint in FS.Cheers,Gosta.http://hifi.avsim.net/activesky/images/wxrebeta.jpg

Hi Bob,nope there's no special compiler used for the full sided fuselage maps, they are there for you to do a complete paint job without the hassel of making your own or trying to line up livery's, when finished, they need to be transfered to the smaller pmdg_700_fuse_.psd or .tga.Here's a brief rundown of what to do.....1, complete the livery on both full sided fuselage maps, then flatten/merge all the layers (do not save as a flattened/merged file).2, copy each full sided flattened map to either the small fuse psd or tga, then flatten that also (if you put onto the small fuse psd, you will need to copy/paste that onto the small fuse .tga).3, undo flatten changes to full sided fuselage and small fuselage psd maps and just hit "save.4, open either Imagetool or DTXbmp, open new paint job, save pmdg_700_fuse_t.tga as pmdg_700_fuse_t.bmp in either 32 bit or DTX3 format, remember not to add mipmaps.5, open FS and admire your work ;).Regards,Bob JonesPrecision Manuals Development [email protected]

Thank you for the very fast reply!That information was excellent. May I suggest a text file be included with a few basic instructions on how to paint. This is my first ever attempt at painting aircraft and something to start with (anything....hehe) is very helpful.I'm hisitant to impose on you folks more... but..heheCan you give me a quick explanation as to the different layers on the pmdg_700_fuse_t.psd? What is the purpose of the alpha base, alpha windows, alpha lines, etc... layers? And while we're at it, what is the purpose of the the rest of the layers, like night splash, etc.Now, if there is a place for me to go to learn this without someone writing a book here, just post the link :)Thank you for your help!Bob

Hi Bob,I found this tutorial very useful: http://www.jetdoc.com/HLP/helprp1.htmlIt uses Photoshop 7, but I'm sure there are not too many differences to Photoshop 6.Cheers,Gosta.http://hifi.avsim.net/activesky/images/wxrebeta.jpg

Wow - that's great... I've got 7