How do I make a detail texture??
by Joel Schilling · in General Discussion · 09/20/2009 (9:22 pm) · 3 replies
Ok, I've figured out how to use detail textures in the World Editor, and have used the example files to add good textures for grass, stone, and snow. I want to add a good cobblestone road using the same technique.
From what I understand, the diffuse texture is what it looks like at a distance. The detail is what it looks like up close by taking the diffuse and applying the detail map. The detail map looks like some greyscale map, but I have no idea how to make one myself.
Does anyone know a link to a tutorial or can explain the process of making them? Or if you have the diffuse and detail for cobblestone, that would be even better.
And, yes, I do have T3D, and I could use the path editor, which works very nicely. However, I want to have intersections, and I just can't get the textures to line up right.
Thanks!
From what I understand, the diffuse texture is what it looks like at a distance. The detail is what it looks like up close by taking the diffuse and applying the detail map. The detail map looks like some greyscale map, but I have no idea how to make one myself.
Does anyone know a link to a tutorial or can explain the process of making them? Or if you have the diffuse and detail for cobblestone, that would be even better.
And, yes, I do have T3D, and I could use the path editor, which works very nicely. However, I want to have intersections, and I just can't get the textures to line up right.
Thanks!
#2
There is no magic 1-2-3 step to making good detail textures -- that's why some people are artists (and I'm not).
Decals are under-utilized (abused), and as Steve mentioned, are a great alternative for road intersections.
09/21/2009 (2:20 am)
Greyscale or desaturation filter or high-pass filter are the easiest methods. You would just have to experiment to find the right brightness/contrast/gamma balance due to the way in which highlights and accents are 'picked out'.There is no magic 1-2-3 step to making good detail textures -- that's why some people are artists (and I'm not).
Decals are under-utilized (abused), and as Steve mentioned, are a great alternative for road intersections.
#3
09/21/2009 (4:05 pm)
Thanks guys for the answers! I think you are right about needing to be an artist. Using your techniques, I managed to make what looks like a good detail textures, but all i get is black on the terrain, lol. All my leet programming skills aren't going to help out here!
Associate Steve Acaster
[YorkshireRifles]
Find a "detailed" texture - eg: grass, dirt, etc, - greyscale or desaturate it, and Bob is your uncle ... as it were.
Just think of it as a way to pick out highlights and shadows, because that is basically what it does. You can use colour, but it gets exaggerated badly and looks kinda off.
As for intersections ... I'd suggest you try a decal, you're not going to manage an intersection with the terrain as it is.