Textures - what are proper file types?

Beginning my first ever track. I'd like to use textures from existing tracks, but I don't know how to get THOSE textures into Max to use on mine. Every file in each track's .mas file is either .dds or .gmt, those obviously don't work...so where can I get textures to use, short of snipping squares of the track I'm making from Google Earth? (considering doing that anyway, however the resolution is obviously poor).

 

DDS is probably the main type of texture used. Other textures will work and some things do call for a TGA to be used. This video will at least explain how to get a texture in Max to be used (its setup for rF1 but its the same thing). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjrHlfZa_M4

I have used Google Earth pics as a track texture just not the main texture. It also can be used a temporary texture till you find/make a better one.

 

I've been watching your videos, especially that one! Thanks for them, they rock! I understand the texturing process, unfortunately when I get to the point of selecting and loading a bitmap (you chose a .dds file in your video) I get an "Invalid file type" error. I've setup Max with the correct gMotor 2 plugins (I use Max 9) so what could the problem be?

 

I dont think its Max 9 since its supported by rF2. Is it any texture you select? Did you select Multi/Sub Object first?

And you are welcome! Glad they help most of the time. lol

 

Yes I did, I tried again with a new material sphere just to see if I did something wrong the first time, and same result.

Just so I know I did it right, I copied the Max 9 .dlu & .dlt files in rFactor/Support/Tools/Plugins/Max 9 and put them in the Max 9/Plugins folder.

 

Did you get asked to select your shaders folder? Also is your dds file to the power of 2? That's all I have to offer lol

 

Yes, and I selected /ModDev/Shared. What does the power of 2 mean exactly?

 

http://www.panda3d.org/manual/index.php/Choosing_a_Texture_Size

 

You may need the Windows Texture Viewer and/or nVidia tools. Have you done a search for 3dsmax dds issues? I dont believe ut has anything to do with anything specific to ISI's tools.

 

I agree with blakboks, I don't think its a tools issue. Ive never had the windows texture viewer but always have had the NVidia tools installed. If you use Photoshop here is a link to the plugin,

https://developer.nvidia.com/nvidia-texture-tools-adobe-photoshop

 

Haha, what did it was installing Max 9 SP2

Can you tell me why my textures look stretched out, though?

View attachment 13172

 

I would have never guessed that. My guess you extruded from the center road bit?

 

Yep, bad?

 

You will just need to map each section is all.

 

UVW map?...can't bring up the tool in my editor...

 

Which tool cant you bring up? In Max?

UVW should work fine.

 

You probably want the Unwrap UVW modifier, not UVW Map modifier.... ?

 

Both will work, for me I would use mainly the UVW Map for that. It would depend on what kind of wall texture he is using if Unwrap is needed. Everyone does stuff different and gets the same results.