+ DDS Images
References
What is DDS?
It stands for DirectDraw Surface. It is a format of image that compiles your graphics, including environmental effects like shine and shade), into a single database file. The Sims uses a series of images to make shading and shine, apply fixed graphics and map out how patterns will be used on your objects.
See also: What size should my DDS textures be?
What settings do I choose when saving a DDS image?
Although the interface for DDS can look a little daunting, when saving a texture, you only need to change one setting. In that setting, we only use two of the available options: DXT1 (no alpha) and DXT5 (interpolated alpha).
DXT1 is much more highly compressed (which will result in a smaller file size for your creation) but does not support alpha channels. Therefore, you will typically only use this option when creating Multipliers (without transparency) and RGB Masks (with 3 pattern channels or less).
DXT5 is better quality with the lowest amount of compression, so these images will be larger in filesize. This format also supports (and requires) an alpha channel. You will likely use this format most frequently. It is used for overlays, stencils, speculars, 4-pattern RGB masks, multipliers with transparency and wall and counter masks.
Saving your DDS images
As examples, the pink-shaded areas of the following images show where you choose the correct format. These are the only settings you need to change.
Photoshop:
Paint Shop Pro
Links:What is an alpha?
What is a multiplier?
What is an RGB/RGBA Mask?
What size should my DDS textures be?
Tutorials:
