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The Staff of SOH
What software is needed to start repainting in FSX?
- Thread starter HarleyDude
- Start date
BendyFlyer
Charter Member
I can vouch for the Goucho's advice, I think the key problem you will face is getting used to using a paint program and textures, namely mouse control (not to mention what does what) and textures (format, layering, opacity etc). I am a complete novice and have so far restricted myself to a few VC or internal texture changes and have yet to do the whole outside. Lots and lots of practice. Chose a real simple aircraft too to play around with (DXT Bitmap will let you look at the textures before sending them onto a paint program.
I tried the GIMP liked it but too complex for me and I did not have the money to spend on photoshop so I am using Paint.net, seems ok, does layers and lots more but I am still finding out what is what.
Oh yeah, have a pad and paper handy and record what steps you take, it is very easy to get lost in what texture layer and format your in sometimes (well it is for me) so I find it important to keep track of what I do.
I have also found that a lot of stuff on Youtube is interesting and there sure are a lot six year olds doing it with FSX skins so it is not that hard, but then again, I am not six, my eyes are not what they used to be and well I prefer tinkering with coded files and doing stuff to the general model rather than paint but I need the skill to work on some vintage cockpits to get them correct to the real thing as best I can just for authenticity.
Yep and practice, practice, practice.
I tried the GIMP liked it but too complex for me and I did not have the money to spend on photoshop so I am using Paint.net, seems ok, does layers and lots more but I am still finding out what is what.
Oh yeah, have a pad and paper handy and record what steps you take, it is very easy to get lost in what texture layer and format your in sometimes (well it is for me) so I find it important to keep track of what I do.
I have also found that a lot of stuff on Youtube is interesting and there sure are a lot six year olds doing it with FSX skins so it is not that hard, but then again, I am not six, my eyes are not what they used to be and well I prefer tinkering with coded files and doing stuff to the general model rather than paint but I need the skill to work on some vintage cockpits to get them correct to the real thing as best I can just for authenticity.
Yep and practice, practice, practice.
gman5250
Charter Member
I've read all of the above and figured I'd throw in my two cents.
Your desire to dive into the "well", and begin learning to paint is admirable. It is a very deep well, but can be approached in steps...all of which are rewarding and enjoyable. I began in Photoshop/Corel Paint in 1993, bringing in 50 years of airbrush experience to boot, so I may have had a tiny advantage. Over the years, I have added and updated software to the point where my studio is very comfortable and capable. It's been pricey at times, but when amortized over a long period of time it's not been extremely painful.
As the others have stated, there are a number of programs that you can start with to become familiar with the technical aspects of creating models and textures. The ABC's are fairly straight forward and there is a wealth of help out there to draw from. I would strongly suggest beginning to explore GMAX to learn how the model influences the paint. It's free and a bucket load of fun.
As you progress with learning technique and tech, you can start looking at the more sophisticated programs, and perhaps begin saving your shekels to dive in more deeply. If your patience and sanity endure the learning process, you will begin to produce more and more elaborate pieces until one day you will realize that you are a full fledged "painter.
The good news is that there are always new programs being added which enhance the process. For fun, go look at Quixel and watch their promo videos. This peripheral for Photoshop allows the painter to import a complete 3D model into PS and paint in real three dimensional space, in real time, with full lighting effects that allow the painter to view their "finished" work as it will appear in the real world/sim while still in Photoshop. I recently plunked down the coin to add this to my quiver and am wondering how I got along without it before.
All of us here are always willing to lend our experience and advice to those seeking instruction or simple advice.
Your desire to dive into the "well", and begin learning to paint is admirable. It is a very deep well, but can be approached in steps...all of which are rewarding and enjoyable. I began in Photoshop/Corel Paint in 1993, bringing in 50 years of airbrush experience to boot, so I may have had a tiny advantage. Over the years, I have added and updated software to the point where my studio is very comfortable and capable. It's been pricey at times, but when amortized over a long period of time it's not been extremely painful.
As the others have stated, there are a number of programs that you can start with to become familiar with the technical aspects of creating models and textures. The ABC's are fairly straight forward and there is a wealth of help out there to draw from. I would strongly suggest beginning to explore GMAX to learn how the model influences the paint. It's free and a bucket load of fun.
As you progress with learning technique and tech, you can start looking at the more sophisticated programs, and perhaps begin saving your shekels to dive in more deeply. If your patience and sanity endure the learning process, you will begin to produce more and more elaborate pieces until one day you will realize that you are a full fledged "painter.
The good news is that there are always new programs being added which enhance the process. For fun, go look at Quixel and watch their promo videos. This peripheral for Photoshop allows the painter to import a complete 3D model into PS and paint in real three dimensional space, in real time, with full lighting effects that allow the painter to view their "finished" work as it will appear in the real world/sim while still in Photoshop. I recently plunked down the coin to add this to my quiver and am wondering how I got along without it before.
All of us here are always willing to lend our experience and advice to those seeking instruction or simple advice.
Steady Gordon, you need a version of the model source files for that, surely? FBX format, for example. Let's get the guy walking before he tries the high jump!
gman5250
Charter Member
Yeah...maybe I jumped the shark a little.
tommieboy
SOH-CM-2025
I use Photoshop CS4 as I bought the full retail version, and it has served me well over the years. However Photoshop is currently only available via yearly subscription (paid monthly). They have different levels / plans, but the plan that I would want to comfortably replace CS4 is $600 a year ($50.00 per month). The lower priced plans strip out too many features. $600 a year (for the rest of my life 
) doesn't sit well with me, as Photoshop is just one app of many on my computer that have now switched over to subscription based yearly priced plans. It's becoming too rich for me to keep up with the rest of the pack. But life goes on; I still have my guitars to keep me busy.
Bottom line as that I feel Photoshop is the best of the repainting pack, but I no longer recommend it to friends and family unless money is not an issue.
Tommy
) doesn't sit well with me, as Photoshop is just one app of many on my computer that have now switched over to subscription based yearly priced plans. It's becoming too rich for me to keep up with the rest of the pack. But life goes on; I still have my guitars to keep me busy.Bottom line as that I feel Photoshop is the best of the repainting pack, but I no longer recommend it to friends and family unless money is not an issue.
Tommy
Since your signature says you're still using Windows XP, why would you try to "keep up"? Is there some killer feature in the CC apps that will transform your work compared to CS4? Is CS4 so cranky and kludgy that it's a complete crock to use? Forgive me if I sound doubtful!
I have the small Adobe Creative Cloud subscription (photography type, covers Photoshop CC, Lightroom and some more which I don't use).
Both PP and LR are in constant use here for all kind of work, so I gladly pay those few bucks for the subscription.
Cheers,
Mark
Both PP and LR are in constant use here for all kind of work, so I gladly pay those few bucks for the subscription.
Cheers,
Mark
Jafo
SOH-CM-2024
Just a bit....
tommieboy
SOH-CM-2025
The newer versions of Photoshop just have more bells and whistles that make my workflow much easier in the long run. I have access to the newest version of Photoshop at work (subscription based version), but not at home; at home I still use CS4. So I see the differences, but CS4 can still get the job done, it just requires more planning / backups; especially if you want to undo some of the effects after the fact.
Tommy