How to edit DDS texture files?

[Gudulba]

I would like to edit the texture files used for showing dirt on the player's skin when using mods like Bathing in Skyrim etc. (see attached example file). I would like the dirt to look more subtle, not to look that dirty, to be less dark.

 

How can I do that? What values would I have to change by using for example paint.net?

DirtFX.rar

Edited October 14, 2024 by Gudulba

[traison]

2 hours ago, Gudulba said:

What values would I have to change

 

Alpha channel.

[Gudulba]

2 hours ago, traison said:

 

Alpha channel.

= opacity?

[traison]

27 minutes ago, Gudulba said:

= opacity?

 

It goes by many names yes.

[Gudulba]

I finally managed to solve this. I tried with Photoshop and Gimp with their respective recommended/available DDS plugsins, but I just couldn't edit the files properly.

 

With paint.net however, it's working like a charm. DDS support is included out of the box. And changing the opacity is pretty easy in this tool 🙂

[traison]

The Gimp plugin is unfortunately very outdated, and I find it practically useless at this point. I generally stay away from trial software, so Paint.Net is not an option for me. Luckily I found Microsoft's DirectXTex. They're CLI applications which is perfect for me as they can be easily automated.