[HOW TO] Importing BC7 DDS Textures in GIMP

[prccowboy]

folks still seem to be having trouble following @SinusoidDelta instructions, so I'm going to repeat his instructions (without the links) and add example screenshots from my install to clarify

1. Install the GIMP dds plugin 

example:

 

2. Download the Microsoft DirectXTex utility called texconv.exe. Extract it to a folder and make note of the directory.
 example:

 

3. Download python script. Open file-dds-texconv.py in Notepad++. Now enter the full directory for your texconv.exe binary from the previous step. Save file-dds-texconv.py

 example:
 

note the direction of the slash. it is / not \

4. Paste file-dds-texconv.py in your gimp plug-in folder (eg, Program Files\GIMP 2\lib\gimp\2.0\plug-ins
 

 

Using the above method to install the plugins, I have TWO dds file type options when exporting:

 

The first exports BC7 format and the second type allows the option of all other dds compression formats.

 

Edited September 13, 2022 by prccowboy

[RustyGunner]

Nice instructions prccowboy.  I have been using this method for a couple of years now but my line 7 in the python script is:

BINARY = "C:/Program Files/GIMP 2/texconv.exe"     (no triple quotes)

GIMP (2.10.30) seems to work fine importing and exporting the different DDS files.   Not sure why triple quotes should be needed.

 

[prccowboy]

50 minutes ago, RustyGunner said:

Not sure why triple quotes should be needed.

 

It might not be required. Honestly, my python is rusty, and I hate code syntax in general so if it works, I don't question it 

and credit for the instructions to SinusoidDelta. I was just adding examples of my install 

Edited September 13, 2022 by prccowboy

[Chewmann]

I am not getting the "DDS" file format in the list in the "Select File Type".  I do see the "DDS Image" though, which doesn't work.  It pops the error "Unsupported file format DXGI 98".  Any suggestions?

I am using GIMP 2.10.32.

 

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[titi69]

work fine but it doesnt export all visible layer for BC7 of my psd, with other option i have possibility to select all visible layers

is there a way to force it?

[western_JPN]

7 hours ago, titi69 said:

work fine but it doesnt export all visible layer for BC7 of my psd, with other option i have possibility to select all visible layers

is there a way to force it?

When the texture doesn't contain (isn't needed in DCS) transparent alpha-channel , Do mouse right button click on layers and choose "Flatten Image" before exporting.

When the texture needs transparent alpha-channel, choose "Merge Visible Layers".

How the results are for you ?

[titi69]

Thank you for the tips , i finally used the following option, it just create another layer ,just need to select this new layer before exporting , and it doesnt modify all other layers by merging them as i need to reuse this PSD with different layer base on pilot name or board number for example

it seems simmilar to your 2nd option and result seems to be fine
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