Using GIMP for reskinning.

[Huey Iroquois]

I'm trying to reskin some E8s, but I don't know how to convert multi-layer ACE and PSP files into something GIMP can understand. Can anyone suggest something? TGATool2A can only do single-layer files, and AceIt fails to launch, giving a Direct3D error.

[yellowdog]

Use the Export function of PSP instead of the Save/Save As function

[Huey Iroquois]

PSP is too expensive. That's why I'm using GIMP.

[yellowdog]

Does Gimp require a plug in to open PSP files? I don't use either program.

[Huey Iroquois]

Does Gimp require a plug in to open PSP files? I don't use either program.

The files in question contain vector layers which GIMP can't read, although GIMP can do vector graphics.

[baldwin]

The MSTS ace file is only two layer which TGAtool can handle. It splits the ace into two bmp files, one for the color layer and the other for the alpha channel. These are what you would send to Gimp for editing.

[eric]

Paint.net will open PSP and can save DDS.

[pwillard]

Paint.net will open PSP and can save DDS.

Best Advice so far.

[Huey Iroquois]

Paint.net will open PSP and can save DDS.

The PSP files contain vector layers, and the PSP plugin only reads raster files.

[pwillard]

If you want to work with Vectors, generic bitmap tools are not ideal. Vector objects in PSP 7 or 9 were always sort of a hack job anyway. I work almost exclusively with Vector based files, which is why I use Affinity Designer for much of my work.

If you really want to work with vectors, consider InkScape... as a free vector based tool option.

If you NEED PSP features, you should just buy PSP since, like Affinity tools, you buy, you keep... unlike subscription models.

You are always going to have to compromise with free tools.

[Huey Iroquois]

If you want to work with Vectors, generic bitmap tools are not ideal. Vector objects in PSP 7 or 9 were always sort of a hack job anyway. I work almost exclusively with Vector based files, which is why I use Affinity Designer for much of my work.

If you really want to work with vectors, consider InkScape... as a free vector based tool option.

If you NEED PSP features, you should just buy PSP since, like Affinity tools, you buy, you keep... unlike subscription models.

You are always going to have to compromise with free tools.

I'd rather use bitmaps, but the files that came with the kit use vectors. Exporting each of the 12 layers as a PNG (so I can edit the files in GIMP) works (although it's a little tedious), so now, I just need more general tutorial advice.

[yellowdog]

IrfanView?

[Huey Iroquois]

IrfanView?

As far as I can tell, Irfanview only understands single layer files.

[pwillard]

The problem with PSP files is clear: they were never intended to serve as an industry-standard format like PNG, JPG, or BMP. PSP files are a proprietary format designed exclusively for Paint Shop Pro, and they are meant to be used solely with this software. Consequently, PSP files occupy a limited niche, resulting in minimal knowledge and support available for them. It's important to note that vector support only became available starting with PSP version 6.

There are only five products that I personally know of that maintain their own formats to ensure you retain all features that would be lost when exporting to standard formats. like PNG, TGA, and JPG, for example. The programs that maintain more than just raw bitmap data are ones like GIMP (XCF), Paint.NET (PDN), Paint Shop Pro (PSP), and Serif Affinity (which includes afphoto and afdesign), and finally, Adobe Photoshop. (Hang on while I spit the bad taste out of my mouth on the last one... got sucked into subscriptions... wasn't fun.)

These formats gain things like layers and adjustments that plain bitmap formats lose. What they lose is compatibility among tools.

Each of these programs can export to widely recognized formats such as TGA, PNG, BMP, and JPG.

If you can't get a copy of Paint Shop Pro, don’t hesitate to contact someone in the community. Maybe someone with PSP will help with a one-time conversion. They can assist you with converting vector layers to a more common format, like PSD.

or... maybe hunting for a used copy of "Paintshop Pro 9 or 7" (I see a copy for $29 on ebay) will get you started.

PSP was the go-to tool for skinners, and I installed a copy of the PSP7 that I bought EONS in 2001 on Windows 11, so it still works. (I paid Roughly $80 for mine with no regrets based on how much I have used it)

[Huey Iroquois]

... maybe hunting for a used copy of "Paintshop Pro 9 or 7" (I see a copy for $29 on ebay) will get you started.

PSP was the go-to tool for skinners, and I installed a copy of the PSP7 that I bought EONS in 2001 on Windows 11, so it still works. (I paid Roughly $80 for mine with no regrets based on how much I have used it)

Due to lousy proofreading, I left out that I do have an old copy of JASC PSP 9. As I said (or meant to say), exporting individual layers is tedious, but it works.