CCG/Modelling: Textures and Opacity Effects - Revision history

Mjolnir: /* Alpha Channel Use */

2013-03-01T02:35:41Z

Alpha Channel Use

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:35, 1 March 2013
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	While a separate opacity map to create the transparent effects may be used, it is better to make the opacity map an Alpha channel of the original .tga diffuse texture.		While a separate opacity map to create the transparent effects may be used, it is better to make the opacity map an Alpha channel of the original .tga diffuse texture.

	This may be made in Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro or TgaTools2. The primarily black and white Alpha channel is saved (embedded) within the diffuse .tga texture file. Using the alpha channel procedure is more efficient for Trainz to process, it is quicker to load, than two separate maps. This is the recommended process for loading the opacity effects. Of course there are instances where the separate opacity map is useful (see reflective materials below).		This may be made in GIMP, Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro or TgaTools2. The primarily black and white Alpha channel is saved (embedded) within the diffuse .tga texture file. Using the alpha channel procedure is more efficient for Trainz to process, it is quicker to load, than two separate maps. This is the recommended process for loading the opacity effects. Of course there are instances where the separate opacity map is useful (see reflective materials below).

	'''Example'''		'''Example'''
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	The window frame will show in the model, because the corresponding area on the opacity map is white. The green glass area will be translucent (show a green tinge) in this example because the "black" areas are actually a grey, rgb, 64,64,64. Once again, it is good practice to combine this opacity file as the Alpha channel of the original .tga texture file.		The window frame will show in the model, because the corresponding area on the opacity map is white. The green glass area will be translucent (show a green tinge) in this example because the "black" areas are actually a grey, rgb, 64,64,64. Once again, it is good practice to combine this opacity file as the Alpha channel of the original .tga texture file.
	In TS2009 onwards, it doesn't matter how the images are constructed as long as a supported format is used. Content Manager builds a compressed texture when the asset is committed.		In TS2009 onwards, it doesn't matter how the images are constructed as long as a supported format is used. Content Manager builds a compressed texture when the asset is committed.


	===Applying Opacity to Models===		===Applying Opacity to Models===

Pev: /* Opacity on Roads, Track and Bridges */ obsolete

2012-08-17T23:46:34Z

Opacity on Roads, Track and Bridges: obsolete

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:46, 17 August 2012
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	===Opacity on Roads, Track and Bridges===		===Opacity on Roads, Track and Bridges===
			;This technique is no longer recommended as it has undesirable effects in TS2009 onwards.

	To blend a road or track model into the ground, track built-in to Trainz has used an opacity map as part of the ballast or road diffuse texture. The edges of the road or track are made transparent, blending into the opaque track or road texture.		To blend a road or track model into the ground, track built-in to Trainz has used an opacity map as part of the ballast or road diffuse texture. The edges of the road or track are made transparent, blending into the opaque track or road texture.

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	You could also use the Auran no ballast track across a truss bridge for instance, then model the track check rails as part of the bridge model.		You could also use the Auran no ballast track across a truss bridge for instance, then model the track check rails as part of the bridge model.


	===Opacity Texture Bleeding===		===Opacity Texture Bleeding===

Pev at 11:13, 24 December 2011

2011-12-24T11:13:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:13, 24 December 2011
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	The window frame will show in the model, because the corresponding area on the opacity map is white. The green glass area will be translucent (show a green tinge) in this example because the "black" areas are actually a grey, rgb, 64,64,64. Once again, it is good practice to combine this opacity file as the Alpha channel of the original .tga texture file.		The window frame will show in the model, because the corresponding area on the opacity map is white. The green glass area will be translucent (show a green tinge) in this example because the "black" areas are actually a grey, rgb, 64,64,64. Once again, it is good practice to combine this opacity file as the Alpha channel of the original .tga texture file.
			In TS2009 onwards, it doesn't matter how the images are constructed as long as a supported format is used. Content Manager builds a compressed texture when the asset is committed.

Pev at 12:37, 18 June 2011

2011-06-18T12:37:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:37, 18 June 2011
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	Most opacity maps are primarily black and white. In TRS, requirements have changed for the opacity map. If the map consists only of black and white, a third colour must be added. It is convenient to add at least one pixel of another colour, say rgb 32,32,32 to an area of black.		Most opacity maps are primarily black and white. In TRS, requirements have changed for the opacity map. If the map consists only of black and white, a third colour must be added. It is convenient to add at least one pixel of another colour, say rgb 32,32,32 to an area of black.

	This is necessary to prevent the object from fading out and flickering a short distance away. It is particularly important with ladders, railings and catenary, any model with fine detail. However, use of the third color can give interference between different overlapping opacity layers, see Opacity Interference on below.		This is necessary to prevent the object from fading out and flickering a short distance away. It is particularly important with ladders, railings and catenary, any model with fine detail. However, use of the third color can give interference between different overlapping opacity layers, see Opacity Interference below.

	===Alpha Channel Use===		===Alpha Channel Use===

Pev at 12:35, 18 June 2011

2011-06-18T12:35:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:35, 18 June 2011
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	Most opacity maps are primarily black and white. In TRS, requirements have changed for the opacity map. If the map consists only of black and white, a third colour must be added. It is convenient to add at least one pixel of another colour, say rgb 32,32,32 to an area of black.		Most opacity maps are primarily black and white. In TRS, requirements have changed for the opacity map. If the map consists only of black and white, a third colour must be added. It is convenient to add at least one pixel of another colour, say rgb 32,32,32 to an area of black.

	This is necessary to prevent the object from fading out and flickering a short distance away. It is particularly important with ladders, railings and catenary, any model with fine detail. However, use of the third color can give interference between different overlapping opacity layers, see Opacity Interference on ~~Page 356~~.		This is necessary to prevent the object from fading out and flickering a short distance away. It is particularly important with ladders, railings and catenary, any model with fine detail. However, use of the third color can give interference between different overlapping opacity layers, see Opacity Interference on below.

	===Alpha Channel Use===		===Alpha Channel Use===
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	If there are two opacity planes (transparency) close together and behind each other, there may be some display issues in Trainz. Current graphic cards are not always capable of determining the depth order of opacity texture in a scene in Trainz. This means that an object behind another object, both using transparency, may actually be shown in front of the foreground object.		If there are two opacity planes (transparency) close together and behind each other, there may be some display issues in Trainz. Current graphic cards are not always capable of determining the depth order of opacity texture in a scene in Trainz. This means that an object behind another object, both using transparency, may actually be shown in front of the foreground object.

	An example would be a footbridge using transparency to show the timber lattice construction, being behind a train with transparent windows, the footbridge supports may actually appear in front of the train, instead of behind. This effect can occur on different parts of the same model, but also with separate objects. It may be reduced by using only black and white in the opacity map. If grey is used, the effect can be accentuated ~~- <font color="red">see Page 355~~.~~</font>~~		An example would be a footbridge using transparency to show the timber lattice construction, being behind a train with transparent windows, the footbridge supports may actually appear in front of the train, instead of behind. This effect can occur on different parts of the same model, but also with separate objects. It may be reduced by using only black and white in the opacity map. If grey is used, the effect can be accentuated. See Opacity Fade Out above.

Pev at 03:21, 15 June 2011

2011-06-15T03:21:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:21, 15 June 2011
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	[[Modelling: Bump Mapping Information\|Previous Page]] . . . . [[Modelling: Creating an Interior for Trainz\|Next Page]]		[[CCG/Modelling: Bump Mapping Information\|Previous Page]] . . . . [[CCG/Modelling: Creating an Interior for Trainz\|Next Page]]

Pev: Modelling: Textures and Opacity Effects moved to CCG/Modelling: Textures and Opacity Effects

2011-06-15T03:05:38Z

Modelling: Textures and Opacity Effects moved to CCG/Modelling: Textures and Opacity Effects

← Older revision	Revision as of 03:05, 15 June 2011
(No difference)

Pev at 13:51, 14 June 2011

2011-06-14T13:51:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:51, 14 June 2011
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	</td></tr></table>		</td></tr></table>

	In TS2009 onwards, the use of "Hint=dynamic" is not recommended, as it increases GPU load. Use ~~anti-aliasing~~ setting instead. ~~<font color="red">~~See ~~XXXXXXXXX</font>~~		In TS2009 onwards, the use of "Hint=dynamic" is not recommended, as it increases GPU load. Use Anisotropy setting instead.
			See [[.texture.txt_Files]]

Pev at 07:34, 14 June 2011

2011-06-14T07:34:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:34, 14 June 2011
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	[[Modelling: Bump Mapping Information\|Previous Page]] . . . . [[Modelling: ~~Opacity Setting in 3DSMax~~\|Next Page]]		[[Modelling: Bump Mapping Information\|Previous Page]] . . . . [[Modelling: Creating an Interior for Trainz\|Next Page]]



	==Return to CCG Index==		==Return to CCG Index==
	[[Content Creator's Guide]]		[[Content Creator's Guide]]

Pev at 07:31, 14 June 2011

2011-06-14T07:31:10Z

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