Problem with layer transparency

[onevision]

The image attached shows a nice pantyhose (credit: snipesso). I'm trying to make a custom skin layer of it, and after an epic struggle with scaling, offsets and layer masks, I got very close to the intended result. But one thing is still driving me mad: no matter how I try, can't get the same alpha gradients of the original image. The texture looks very different (better, honestly) with a regular skin, if not for the ugly glossiness set by the skin shader, which is why I decided to use layers in the first place.

I'm using
diffuse blend mode = 0
and
normals blend mode = 3

and I'm starting to worry that the GIMP normalmap plugin is behind the problem. Any ideas?

[Aries76]

Dear onevision,

I think the problem is, your picture tool saved a white background. Did you save it as PNG?

I took your screenshot and deleted the white above your pantyhose:

 

best regards Aries76

 

I use paint.net and when its transparent it looks like this in the programm:

 

null

be

[onevision]

21 hours ago, Aries76 said:

Dear onevision,

I think the problem is, your picture tool saved a white background. Did you save it as PNG?

I took your screenshot and deleted the white above your pantyhose

best regards Aries76

The left side of the image is just for show (but I can post the original texture not rescaled, if necessary). It has alpha as intended, nothing wrong there.

But you may have a point, original format is indeed png. I'll try the conversion in .dds format taking care of preserving the transparency.

Thanks for the suggestion, we'll see how it turns out very soon.

P.S.

I'm now more familiar with Hook5 Extended GUI, but still I can't get the result I want.

Incidentally I learned that map resolution can't be set higher than 2048x4096 (and yet I've seen often 8x normalmaps, from @Driver or Morokei, I can't remember).

I tried several combinations of diffuse and normal blend modes, and they seem to have no effect. Maybe the layer mask is bad.

By the way, model's skin has a dark tone. Should try with a brighter one, you never know.

In attachment is the original PNG from snipesso, in case you want to try.

snipesso 03.7z

[Aries76]

the pantyhose genital is missing?

[Aries76]

try this. It works in my game.

thin PH.zip

should I upload it new in my Pantyhose share downloads?

[onevision]

21 hours ago, Aries76 said:

should I upload it new in my Pantyhose share downloads?

I don't think it will be necessary, but do as you please.

As for the missing part, try this (it's what I use as 4x layer):

missing part.7z

Note: works also with male/shemale models, but the result is rather funny and impractical.

Probably the best option is to hide penis and use displacement to get a simple bulge (I'm not sure it's possible, I never tried).

[onevision]

@Aries76

Frankly I expexted layerdata text files. More like:

Spoiler

[LayerData]
enable = true
LayerHSB = 0.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000
OffsetX = 0.000000
OffsetY = 0.000000
ScaleX = 1.000000
ScaleY = 1.000000
Angle = 0.000000
FlipX = false
FlipY = false
FlipNormalsX = false
FlipNormalsY = false
LayerVisibility = 1.000000
DiffuseStrength = 1.000000
NormalsStrength = 1.000000
DisplacementStrength = 1.000000
GlossinessScale = 1.000000
DiffsueBlendMode = 0
NormalsBlendMode = 0
DiffuseMap = HDB\mod_female_white_body.png
NormalsMap = HDB\fembody_norm.dds
SpecularMap = HDB\fembody_spec.dds
SubsurfaceMap = HDB\fembody_sub.dds

These are about the same textures I posted, and still DON'T look good as a customizable, layered skin, if you know what I'm talking about.
Not with my layerdata and maps, I mean.

[Aries76]

how does the png i shared look in your game?

5 hours ago, onevision said:

@Aries76

Frankly I expexted layerdata text files. More like:

  Hide contents

[LayerData]
enable = true
LayerHSB = 0.000000, 0.000000, 0.000000
OffsetX = 0.000000
OffsetY = 0.000000
ScaleX = 1.000000
ScaleY = 1.000000
Angle = 0.000000
FlipX = false
FlipY = false
FlipNormalsX = false
FlipNormalsY = false
LayerVisibility = 1.000000
DiffuseStrength = 1.000000
NormalsStrength = 1.000000
DisplacementStrength = 1.000000
GlossinessScale = 1.000000
DiffsueBlendMode = 0
NormalsBlendMode = 0
DiffuseMap = HDB\mod_female_white_body.png
NormalsMap = HDB\fembody_norm.dds
SpecularMap = HDB\fembody_spec.dds
SubsurfaceMap = HDB\fembody_sub.dds

These are about the same textures I posted, and still DON'T look good as a customizable, layered skin, if you know what I'm talking about.
Not with my layerdata and maps, I mean.

I don't know that much about it now.

I have never changed anything there

[onevision]

I never expected the reason for the problem to be something so stupid: wrong texture name, I used mod_F_stockingsFeet.png for the body (instead of mod_F_stockings.png).

Since feet have uniform transparency, no gradients, and all scalings and offsets were completely oversized.

I hope "I'm sorry" will suffice...

[nikoli]

Though this is an old topic and not exactly on topic, I have found layering transparencies can sometimes become screwed up, adding halos or other unwanted items, especially when using multiple overlays. I usually add a temporary contrasting background on the lowest layer so I can see what is actually there and what still needs to be removed. I then use the programs snip tool or magic wand, depending on your paint program, on the layer I'm working on to see how much of the item I'm adjusting is being used.

Even though it looks transparent, with a contrasting background you can see the issue. 

After using the programs snip tool or magic wand to only grab what I actually want to use and deleting the rest.