Author Topic: Chrome/shiny effect on custom weapons  (Read 1045 times)

Legacy_Vale-X

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Chrome/shiny effect on custom weapons
« on: May 31, 2016, 01:53:38 am »


               

Hiya,


 


First time post as I was wondering; I'm trying to create a new weapon, and I've gotten it in-game and working, but I don't seem to be able to get it to have a reflection/shiny effect like the default weapons. I'm using photoshop.


 


I've tried putting transparency on the texture, but that doesn't make a difference at all. The bottom one is my custom sword, the top is a default one for comparison. Any help?


 


f2r59PI.png


 


Thanks in advanced!



               
               

               
            

Legacy_The Amethyst Dragon

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Chrome/shiny effect on custom weapons
« Reply #1 on: May 31, 2016, 04:11:51 am »


               

The texture(s) for your longsword that you want to have shiny need to have what's called an "alpha" layer (channel). This layer is a greyscale image that, in the case of longswords and other weapons, controls the shininess/reflectivity of your item model. Photoshop transparency isn't normally recognised by NWN.


 


In the alpha layer, white = matte/dull, while black = totally reflective/chrome. Shades of grey are partially shiny/reflective (darker = shinier).


 


You can use Photoshop to save the final 4-channel image (red, green, blue, alpha) as an  uncompressed .tga (targa) image, which can be used with NWN (and/or converted to a NWN-specific .dds format later).



               
               

               
            

Legacy_Vale-X

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Chrome/shiny effect on custom weapons
« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2016, 03:20:45 pm »


               


The texture(s) for your longsword that you want to have shiny need to have what's called an "alpha" layer (channel). This layer is a greyscale image that, in the case of longswords and other weapons, controls the shininess/reflectivity of your item model. Photoshop transparency isn't normally recognised by NWN.


 


In the alpha layer, white = matte/dull, while black = totally reflective/chrome. Shades of grey are partially shiny/reflective (darker = shinier).


 


You can use Photoshop to save the final 4-channel image (red, green, blue, alpha) as an  uncompressed .tga (targa) image, which can be used with NWN (and/or converted to a NWN-specific .dds format later).



 


 


Aah, photoshop transparrency isn't recognised. Alright, I'll try other programs and hope that that works.


 


Thanks for the heads up! I'll give it a go now.


 


EDIT: It works! The blade however is natrually darker than the others, any way to change that? 


               
               

               
            

Legacy_TheOneBlackRider

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Chrome/shiny effect on custom weapons
« Reply #3 on: June 01, 2016, 08:46:17 pm »


               

It has been posted for a few times, but since it fits:


This is a very simple tool to add/exchange alpha layers:


http://neverwinterva...-tool-nwn1-nwn2


 


As to your "darkness": Check your AuroraTrimesh Modifier: Did you "check" the "Override Mat Values"? Are they set to 255 (Ambient/Diffuse)? If it's not checked, it could be, that the Material values of the Gmax Material Editor are set to a darker tint.


 


Maybe that helps.