User:Z929669/Sandbox/HeaderTabs Functionality: Difference between revisions
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The available web documentation on ''DDSopt'' is highly technical and not very extensive. This guide provides the bulk of available documentation on how to use ''DDSopt''. The guide includes information aimed at users across a wide range of backgrounds from mod developers with significant experience with Solid Modeling and the associated tools for creating and editing these models to new users with limited understanding of these models. For much of the material in the guide it is currently the only available source. The guide includes some step-by-step instructions along with explanations. This fulfills one of the goals of the guide which is to provide insight in using ''DDSopt'' so it can also be used for situations not described in detail in the specific steps listed in the guide. | The available web documentation on ''DDSopt'' is highly technical and not very extensive. This guide provides the bulk of available documentation on how to use ''DDSopt''. The guide includes information aimed at users across a wide range of backgrounds from mod developers with significant experience with Solid Modeling and the associated tools for creating and editing these models to new users with limited understanding of these models. For much of the material in the guide it is currently the only available source. The guide includes some step-by-step instructions along with explanations. This fulfills one of the goals of the guide which is to provide insight in using ''DDSopt'' so it can also be used for situations not described in detail in the specific steps listed in the guide. | ||
As suggested by [https://forums.bethsoft.com/topic/1330609-if-youve-released-a-texture-mod-or-plan-to-please-read/page__view__findpost__p__20011839 Martigen], it is hoped that mod authors will adopt "best practices" that are put forth in this guide as standard procedure when creating textures for the modding community. The main goal is to facilitate proper implementation of ''DDSopt'' for modders and mod authors without requiring too much pain or need for hours of research and preparation. This guide's authors are not graphics experts or artists. The STEP community has modders with enough experience to recognize that ''DDSopt'' is quite useful for the purpose of improving performance and quality, and empirical evidence is presented here to support this claim. Thus, aside from being a practical guide to using ''DDSopt'' and some effective benefits of doing so, this guide also serves as a review and "DDSopt-''imization''" of some of the major texture overhauls including Bethesda's [[Guide: | As suggested by [https://forums.bethsoft.com/topic/1330609-if-youve-released-a-texture-mod-or-plan-to-please-read/page__view__findpost__p__20011839 Martigen], it is hoped that mod authors will adopt "best practices" that are put forth in this guide as standard procedure when creating textures for the modding community. The main goal is to facilitate proper implementation of ''DDSopt'' for modders and mod authors without requiring too much pain or need for hours of research and preparation. This guide's authors are not graphics experts or artists. The STEP community has modders with enough experience to recognize that ''DDSopt'' is quite useful for the purpose of improving performance and quality, and empirical evidence is presented here to support this claim. Thus, aside from being a practical guide to using ''DDSopt'' and some effective benefits of doing so, this guide also serves as a review and "DDSopt-''imization''" of some of the major texture overhauls including Bethesda's [[Guide:System Setup Guide#DLC|Hi-Res Texture Pack DLC]], Vano89's [https://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=9080 Hi_Res DLC Optimized], Nebula's [https://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=607 Skyrim HD], Starac's Skyrim Realistic Overhaul, Z4G4's [https://skyrim.nexusmods.com/downloads/file.php?id=2146 Serious HD Retexture Skyrim] and [https://tesalliance.org/forums/index.php?/files/file/1098-insanitys-texture-pack-skyrim/ Insanity's Texture Pack]. | ||
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===Main Menu Setting Descriptions:=== | ===Main Menu Setting Descriptions:=== | ||
{{Sidebox|right|width=600|What are mip-maps??|Mip-maps are resampled, downscaled versions of the primary image that exist at each resolution level underneath the resolution of the parent image (e.g., if the texture resolution is 256x256, then it should have embedded mip-maps at 128x128, 64x64, 16x16, 4x4, 2x2, and 1x1 resolutions). This is important in situations where the image is being viewed from varying 'distances' or steep angles, as in a game like Skyrim. Mip-maps are embedded within the texture itself and each mip level can be reviewed for a texture in the ''Preview'' tab (more on the ''Preview'' tab below). When DDSopt optimizes textures, it will recalculate the relevant mip-maps for the image and apply applicable changes at each mip level. Therefore, it is always wise to at least check some of the mip levels when reviewing a texture in the ''Preview'' tab.}} | {{Sidebox|float=right|width=600|What are mip-maps??|Mip-maps are resampled, downscaled versions of the primary image that exist at each resolution level underneath the resolution of the parent image (e.g., if the texture resolution is 256x256, then it should have embedded mip-maps at 128x128, 64x64, 16x16, 4x4, 2x2, and 1x1 resolutions). This is important in situations where the image is being viewed from varying 'distances' or steep angles, as in a game like Skyrim. Mip-maps are embedded within the texture itself and each mip level can be reviewed for a texture in the ''Preview'' tab (more on the ''Preview'' tab below). When DDSopt optimizes textures, it will recalculate the relevant mip-maps for the image and apply applicable changes at each mip level. Therefore, it is always wise to at least check some of the mip levels when reviewing a texture in the ''Preview'' tab.}} | ||
The following explanation of settings are taken largely from [https://obge.paradice-insight.us/wiki/DDSopt Ehatron's OBGE page] and augmented with information provided by Ethatron or gleaned ourselves, so it is incomplete and may even have some misinformation. Revisions to inaccuracies are always welcome for that to which we remain uncertain {{Fc|#D8E058|... these speculations are highlighted in yellow}}. | The following explanation of settings are taken largely from [https://obge.paradice-insight.us/wiki/DDSopt Ehatron's OBGE page] and augmented with information provided by Ethatron or gleaned ourselves, so it is incomplete and may even have some misinformation. Revisions to inaccuracies are always welcome for that to which we remain uncertain {{Fc|#D8E058|... these speculations are highlighted in yellow}}. | ||
* {{Fc|#e6b69e|'''Game'''}}: Indicates the game for which texture optimization applies. Behavior is assumed to be dependent upon this selection. Select ''Skyrim'' to be safe. | * {{Fc|#e6b69e|'''Game'''}}: Indicates the game for which texture optimization applies. Behavior is assumed to be dependent upon this selection. Select ''Skyrim'' to be safe. |
Latest revision as of 04:12, August 26, 2024
WIP
This guide is currently under heavy revision. The information in some sections is accurate, but linked information may be out of 'order' or out of context with the current guide format.
A simplified guide to using DDSopt to improve texture quality & performance -- by z929669 & Kelmych & S.T.E.P. Team
- Updated: 4:12:39 26 August 2024 (UTC)