Looking for Help in Converting Ace Files to DDS Files

[texascowboy]

Is anyone aware of a simplified method or converting ace files to dds files? Specifically, I'm trying to find something like a step-by-step procedure, preferably written in language that dummies can understand, that details how to do this. My primary focus is the conversion of terrtex files.
I've done a forum search and found several post discussing this subject but nothing in the way of a procedure. Any suggestions would be appreciated. clint

[slipperman]

Hi,
Google comes up with this :

To convert Microsoft Train Simulator (.ace) texture files to DirectDraw Surface (.dds) format, you must first extract or open the .ace file using a specialized tool like TGATool2a or DxtBmp into an intermediate image format, then save or re-export it as a .dds file. Alternatively, dedicated batch utility software like reaConverter handles direct file conversion.

Conversion Steps

• Step 1: Open the file — Launch TGATool2a or DxtBmp and load your .ace texture file.

• Step 2: Export to Bitmap/TGA — Send or save the image as an uncompressed .bmp or .tga file using the program's export options.

• Step 3: Save as DDS — Open the exported image in an image editor with .dds support (such as Paint.NET or Photoshop with the NVIDIA plugin), then choose Save As and select .dds.

• Step 4: Choose compression — Set the format to DXT1 / BC1 (if the texture has no transparency) or DXT5 / BC3 (if it uses an alpha channel).

Note the reference to utility reaConverter - I have no experience of it, but, maybe, others have

Cheers,
Ged

[niknak]

Ged said..."Note the reference to utility reaConverter - I have no experience of it, but, maybe, others have"

Yes I downloaded the trial version of this utility a couple of years ago.

I haven't had the need to make use of it lately but it was very simple to use and did the job.

[texascowboy]

Well it doesn't get any easier than that. I d/l reaConverter & used the trial version & it works perfectly Thank you both for the help. Its much appreciated. clint