Hi there,i need to add Alpha channel to an AI plane.But cannot find the way in Image Tool :-(Can anyone experienced please help?Thanks in advanceLuigi ;-)

Hi Luigi, I just made one myself for a repaint of the PMDG B1900C using PaintShopPro7. You create a mask from the original image then process it in Imagetool in DXT3. I have a little notepad doc that someone gave me on how to create a mask if you want it unless you already know how to do it.Adam

Thanks Adam.But, can you explain what alpha channel is used for?cheersLuigi ;-)

Luigi, the alpha texture is used for adding a reflective/shiny property to the aircraft. For AI, it looks nice, but will add a slight hit to FPS with lots of AI. The alpha channel is a grayscale texture and the darker the color, the more shiny it is.I find the DXTBmp works better for adding alpha channels than Imagetool.Regards, MichaelKDFWhttp://www.calvirair.com/mcpics/mcdcvabanner.jpgCalVirAir International

Thanks a lot MIchael. I'll give it a goNow, in PSP MASK>>>NEW>>>FROM IMAGE>>>THIS WINDOW. After that? CREATE MASK FROM? SOURCE LUMINANCE or ANY NON-ZERO VALUE or SOURCE OPACITY? After that i have to save this new image and import in Imagetool or DXTBmpcheersLuigi ;-)

Luigi, note that alpha channels must be enabled in the model for individual textures. Not all developers allocate alpha properties to every texture, although most ensure that key textures can use an alpha channel. What I am saying is that you can't just go adding alpha channels into aircraft that were not designed for them.In FS2002 and before, alpha channels were used for transparency. In FS2004, there is the choice of transparency or reflection, but not both. Be careful to identify which type of alpha a developer has used for a particular texture, otherwise you might end up with see-through aircraft!MarkMark "Dark Moment" BeaumontVP Fleet, DC-3 AirwaysTeam Member, MAAM-SIM[a href=http://www.swiremariners.com/cathayhk.html" target="_blank]http://www.paxship.com/maamlogo2.jpg[/a]

Hi,Go to my Cal Classic tutorials page and choose the Repainting Tutorial. Then look at the Reflections page. Tells you how to do it with PSP.Hope this helps,--Tom GibsonCal Classic Propliner Page: http://www.calclassic.comFreeflight Design Shop: http://www.freeflightdesign.comDrop by! ___x_x_(")_x_x___

Thanks a lot my friendsall the bestLuigi ;-)

"In FS2002 and before, alpha channels were used for transparency."I believe you mean FS2000. I have used alpha channels for reflections in my FS2002 aircraft/FSDS designs with no issues at all since A/C reflections were introduced for FS2002. They are not only supported by GMAX for this purpose, but also by FSDS 2.-John

Yes, John, sorry! Too many sims, so little time ...MarkMark "Dark Moment" BeaumontVP Fleet, DC-3 AirwaysTeam Member, MAAM-SIM[a href=http://www.swiremariners.com/cathayhk.html" target="_blank]http://www.paxship.com/maamlogo2.jpg[/a]