SC2Mapster

Hey folks,
currently I am using some dds converter to convert *.dds->*.tga and vice versa while working with them in as *.tga in PS. This does not give me many compression options, so I tried getting the DDS plugin by NVIDIA working for my Photoshop.

Well, my experience with Photoshop plugins is pretty much zero, so maybe I am just doing something wrong and it even works, but I am just too stupid to find it.
I just downloaded it and installed it, when I check the plug-ins folder in the photoshop folder the dds plugin is there with a nice little plugin icon (dds.8bi).
How do I convert files with it? I checked file->export, nothing there. Also nothing under "save as" and import.

I use Photoshop CS2 and got a 32 bit system (Win XP).

I hope I provided you with enough information to solve this, otherwise just ask.

Thanks in advance,
Infrisios

P.S.: Yes, I used the search function and Google. Found nothing helping me

Well I know it doesn't appear if you are using 64-bit Photoshop, but since you have a 32 bit OS that can't be the problem.

On a side note, it appears as the .dds format in Save As.

Anyone got an idea how to solve the problem? Or at least an alternative dds converter with good options for compressing?

Normally it is under Save As then .dds and the nvidia window will pop up (use ARGB 32bit there for transparancy)

If it is not there, check your plugins folder... Or maybe its because you're using CS2, on CS5 it works fine (if you use 32 bit photoshop)

There is a program, I think it's called Image Converter that you can also use

In your photoshop, go to Help->About Plug-In and see if you got an entry saying "D3D/DDS".
If not, then you should try to reinstall the plugin, as something did go wrong.

Generally you should be able to Save As.. any image and select D3D/DDS from the list of available formats.

@Kanaru: Go

I'm using 64-bit and using that plugin.. so at least you can get it to work.

Well it's not in "About Plug-In", I already installed it and I even installed it on my other system, with the same version of Photoshop though.

@Infrisios: Go

be sure DDS.8bi is in the folder: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS5\Plug-ins\File Formats

You only need DDS.8bi for opening the DDS Formats but why not exporting TGA? The starcraft 2 editor will import TGA to and auto compress it to DDS.
Thats best way to do. its more crossplatform friendly + the compression that starcraft 2 editor uses is great to.

@SweetZombieJesus: Go

It's supposed to work for CS2, so I don't think that is the issue.

@Underp4ntz: GoMy experiecne is that importing *.tga files costs more mapspace, also I am currently replacing original textures so they should need the dds ending, shouldn't they?
Anyway, I double-checked it and the dds.8bi is in the correct folder.

I just started messing with this using cs2 on my 64 bit os (dunno if the prog itself is 64 but whatever) so far Ive found that saving as DXT5 ARGB 8 bpp | interpolated alpha gives you the small file size AND working alpha. I just downloaded the latest plugin from nvidia (it may not be new tho) and so far its working great.

My only complain is the stupid thing grays out both my moniters when I go to save and i have open and close photoshop to get the gray to go away.

Quote from Kanaru: Go

Well I know it doesn't appear if you are using 64-bit Photoshop, but since you have a 32 bit OS that can't be the problem.

On a side note, it appears as the .dds format in Save As.

well, i guess i screwed up, when i installed PS i decided to only install the 64 bit version. so this plugin isn't working for me. lol

You can download GIMP, it's a free to use graphics program that has no issues with DDS files.

Gimp