Texture Guidelines

Q: What is the darkmod_hires SVN directory for?

A: To help us maintain original .tga textures, we have had to setup a darkmod_hires repository on SVN. It will contain map, object and character hi_res textures .tgas that can later be released as a self installing upgrade package. The hi-res .tga versions are also used for any modifications that need to be made to the textures (since resaving .dds files decreases resolution).

Q: When do I upload to the darkmod_hires repository?

A: Anytime you create a new texture. You should upload a .tga version to the hires repository, and a .dds version to the regular texture folders.

Q: I have uploaded my hires textures, now what?

A: Switch back to the regular 'darkmod' mod directory and upload the .dds textures.

Q: How do I download the hires textures?

A: In the same way you download the rest of the mod. The only exception is that you have to change the file path while using the darkmod_hires directory.

Q: What is the reason for having these texture guidelines?

A: There are several.

1. To make downloading the mod easier for our members who are on dialup.

2. To prevent the mod from ballooning into a huge monster. Uncompressed TGA's add up quickly.

3. To make the mod accessible to members and eventually players who will not have high end computers that are capable of handling the textures.

Here is the basic setup for uploading and downloading from this repository.

TEXTURE GUIDELINES:

Texture groups should attempt to stay within the following standards.

Format: DDS Compression.

With this formula,the largest DDS textures (1024x1024) weigh in at roughly 1 to 1.5 megs, mip maps included.

Do keep a backup of the ultra hi-res versions of your work. Try not to forget that you must upload a .tga and .dds version to their respective repositories.

Tiled textures- Walls, Floors, Ceiling, Doors...ect -

Diffuse: [ Min/Max: 1024 x 1024]

Normal: [ Min: 512 x 512 / Max: 1024 x 1024]

Specular: [ Min: 256 x 256 / Max: 512 x 512]

Large objects- Beds, barrels, chairs, bookshelves-

Diffuse: [ Min/Max: 1024 x 1024]

Normal: [ Min: 512 x 512 / Max: 1024 x 1024]

Specular: [ Min: 256 x 256 / Max: 512 x 512]

Small objects- Keys, books, goblets, utensils-

Diffuse: [ Min/Max: 256 x 256]

Normal: [ Min: 256 x 256 / Max: 512 x 512]

Specular: [ Min: 128 x 128 / Max: 256 x 256]

AI: All characters-

Diffuse: [ Min/Max: 1024 x 1024]

Normal: [ Min: 512 x 512 / Max: 1024 x 1024]

Other: [ Min: 256 x 256 / Max: 512 x 512]

By following this formula, you will reduce your final file size while retaining high quality presentation.

Coming soon: DDS creation.