hi there! i have question that's really keeping me busy for quite a long time!
i imported an x model into game guru und GG suggested me to add a texture to this object so i chose a jpg file and this texture really looks great on the final object. now i want to change the texture into a dds file to have better quality when i put the shaders on "high".
i have learned that the texture is actually three files
texture_D.dds
texture_N.dds
texture_S.dds
the D file is the actual texture and the N and S files must be created f.e. with GIMP to be used in the entity shader.
i have a seamless texture that would look good but i don't know how to produce the N and S dds file. i have GIMP and afaik i have all the needed plugins for GIMP (normalmap). i think i remember how to create the N file (i guess it was the normal map function).
could you tell me how i create the N and S file based on the main texture (D) ??

i have this for a long time, this would really help me! thanks in advance!

You have to use the export function in gimp instead of save as. Then you just choose .DDS format. Save your texture as name_D and then make a greyscale copy of your texture and add white where you want stuff to be really shiny. Then export that as name_S. Then run your texture through gimp normal map plugin and export as Name_N. Good luck.

P.S Theres better free software out there for normal mapping etc that will create all the files you need. Awsome Bump is the one I use.

Hi Nuncio,
Try AwesomeBump, its free and opensource
edit( i see that its allready recommend, i was to late)
Harry

You can also use insanebump plugin which does all 3 types.

did not know that...hmmm thanks
Harry

the first try i made caused a terrible never ending crash with GG. then i tried the insanebump plugin (it was very hard to find and to install for me). well it actually works but it totally doesn't look like i wanted it to be. the concrete wall looks like a mountain now. i think i'll have to change the settings more.

Insanebump is for Gimp. The link is here: - http://registry.gimp.org/node/28638

Once installed, you can then go to Filters->Map (see screenshot). You can change settings and it produces quite a few files. You may have to play around with it to get what you want.

yes, i installed it and i already did a test but i was not happy with the result. i have to change the settings to get a good result. my concrete wall was too bumpy and it looked like a harsh rock formation. that was a little too much and the _D file was way too dark. but it was my first try i can still play around with the settings...
thanks for the help so far, this was a lot of knowledge!