Repaint aircraft with Macromedia Flash MX ?

Yes it is possible and very easy is you are familiar with this vectorial editor (witch supposes that it is already installed on your computer). Flash MX is primarely an vectorial web editor spécialised in web animation, database, menus etc. You will work in vectorial environment but would be able to export your texture in 100% FS2004 compatible bitmap format. Four stages : convert, import, edit and export !

1. CONVERT

With BMPDXT, save the original (extended or DXT) texture or template in normal (24bits) format (to be able to import and view it in Flash).

2. IMPORT

Import the 24bits texture in Flash MX in the lower layer ; this will be the background of your new texture.

3. EDIT

Resize canvas to the size of the 24bits BMP file (512x512, 1024x1024 etc.).

Lock background layer and create other layers over it for texture modifications (one layer for new colors, one for logos, one for lettering, one for fuselage details etc.).

Apply new colors and patterns everywhere you want over the background.  If you whant to keep fuselage details visible through your new pattern colors, just apply little transparancy (aplha option; 15% to 25%) on them. The surfaces not recovered will be visible as is on the plane.

4. EXPORT

Save your file in FLA format (so you can works on it after) and export the result as an image of "32 bits with alpha" format.


The weight of the resulting BMP file will probably be greater than a simple DXT file but the quality will be superior, even in zoomed in view (perfect aliasing, clear lettering, smoth lines, gradiants etc.).

To not overcharge the texture folder (or slowing framerate, or affect global performance) use this technique only for fuselage texture (not for wheels, motors, traps, interior etc.). If your new textures seem to affect the simulation performance, you can reduce their weight with BMPBXT simply by saving them in "DXT with alpha" format (it will also reduce quality, but at normal viewing distance this is not perceptible).

Good aircraft re-painting !

Jean-Pierre Fillion
Québec