Vehicle custom liveries - How to + FAQ

[Fernando Pedace]

****** PC Only! ******

Sorry, custom liveries for consoles (PS4 and XBOX One) aren't available at this moment.


Install a custom livery

Just extract and overwrite files under "[your drive]:\[your system]\STEAM\SteamApps\common\pCars\Vehicles\Textures\CustomLiveries"

You can find amazing liveries in the Download Database: here (http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/forumdisplay.php?129-PCARS-Vehicles-Custom-Paints-Download-Database)

If you wanna request a paintjob you can do so here (http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/showthread.php?21877-Livery-Requests)


Livery Creation Guide


What do I need?

1. Photoshop CS (or higher) or any other software (e.g. GIMP) that can deal with PSD and DDS file types.

2. If your software does not support DDS files out of the box you need this plugin: http://developer.nvidia.com/nvidia-texture-tools-adobe-photoshop

3. A bit of knowledge how to use Photoshop, GIMP or whatever software you chose.

4. Official Paint Templates (Download Here (http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/showthread.php?22224-PAINT-TEMPLATE-DOWNLOADS))



How to (Photoshop Guide)

1. Open the Template PSD file

http://i.imgur.com/xTtnlmsm.jpg

2. Do your art in (or closer to) the specific layer

http://i.imgur.com/Xv6wU9Bm.jpg

3. Flatten all layers (better performance when generate the DDS)
* dont forget to hide the Wireframe layer

4. Save your DDS in the proper format (see the "Size & File formats" table below)

5. Overwrite the related custom livery in "[your drive]:\[your system]\STEAM\SteamApps\common\pCars\Vehicles\Textures\CustomLiveries"


* Template file names don't necessarily correspond to the livery names. Change, if necessary.



Size & File formats



FILE NAME
RECOMMENDED SIZE*
DDS FORMAT
VEHICLE PART
RELATED TO


LIVERY_PLAYER
2048x2048
DXT1
Vehicle
Main livery


LIVERY_FRESNEL
1024x1024
DXT1
Vehicle
Livery reflections per angle


LIVERY_SPEC
1024x1024
DXT5
Vehicle
Livery specularity and glossyness


LIVERY_AI
1024x1024
DXT1
Vehicle
AI Livery. If AI uses the "Custom Livery"


PAINT_CHASSIS
256x256
DXT1
Vehicle
Chassi and Roll Cage colors


WHEEL_DIFF
512x512
DXT5
Wheel
Wheel livery


WHEEL_DIFF_BLUR
256x256
DXT5
Wheel
Wheel under rotation


WHEEL_SPEC
256x256
DXT5
Wheel
Wheel specularity and glossyness


WHEEL_SPEC_BLUR
256x256
DXT5
Wheel
Wheel specularity and glossyness under rotation



-> Always all MIP maps

Set the DDS plugin to "create new mip maps".

* 4096x4096px liveries are possible
Your PC performance and memory is the limit.



FAQ
by Jan Frischkorn (SMS Vehicle Art Manager)

Can we just use 1 custom livery per car?
Yes. Only 1 custom livery per car at moment.

There is a 3D viewer?
No. But you can save the DDS while game is running. See the "3D Viewer Alternative" in the "Tip" section of this FAQ.

Where do I find the custom textures?
In your pCARS runtime under "[your drive]:\[your system]\STEAM\SteamApps\common\pCars\Vehicles\Textures\CustomLiveries" you will find default custom liveries for all cars.
They are all white and show a black wireframe.
Simply replace these textures with your own and choose the "Custom Livery" in the GUI selection.

Will my liveries be deleted when I uninstall the game or install a new version?
We've changed the installer to not replace the files if they're already present, or uninstall them if they've been modified from the defaults, so it should be fairly safe.
But if you blindly delete your whole pCARS folder say, you'll lose them.
So you better keep the PSD files of your liveries somewhere safe.

I have problems saving the DDS files. What can I do?
Save the livery as TGA.
Then open the TGA and save the DDS from there.
That will usually always work. Sometimes there are problems saving DDS files from layered PSD files.

What settings do the liveries need to be saved with?
You save them as simple "DXT1" DDS with all MIP maps.
Set the DDS plugin to "create new mip maps".
The DDS file should be saved as a square image, so if a PSD file is not square (e.g. 4096x6144 pixels), you first need to resize it to 4096x4096 before exporting it to DDS).

Are metallic effects possible?
No, only solid paint is possible at the moment.
The shaders for these effects are too complicated to be externally influenced.
However, chrome and matte effects are possible. See specular + fresnel maps at the bottom of these FAQ.

[Fernando Pedace]

Chrome and Matte Effect
by Jan Frischkorn (SMS Vehicle Art Manager)


What can I do with specular maps for liveries?
Specular maps control the specularity and glossyness of the material.
In the RGB channels (normal painting area) you can control how much light gets reflected and what colour it reflects.
Glossy paint materials usually reflect white light, so it would be 255/255/255 white.
For matte or semigloss paint you would choose a grey tone, something around 160/160/160 works well for matte paint.
For the blue chrome (see below) you would choose a bright blue colour.
The alpha channel controls how glossy the material is, i.e. how blurred the emap reflections are.
Greyscale values: White = glossy (sharp reflections), Black = matte (blurry reflections). 20/20/20 works well for matte paint.
The darker the alpha channel, the more blurry the reflections get.
Specular maps have to be saved as DXT5 (with alpha).
See attached screenshot and livery textures as example!

What can I do with fresnel maps for liveries?
Fresnel maps control the fresnel value of the paint material, i.e. the amount of reflections per angle.
Detailed explanation here: http://www.3drender.com/glossary/fresneleffect.htm
This is actually the effect that makes paint and glass look realistic.
With the fresnel map you are able to create chrome paint effect like on the McLaren F1 cars.
Greyscale values: White = Paint material, Black/Darkgrey = Chrome
Fresnel maps have to be saved as DXT1 (without alpha).
See attached screenshot and livery textures as example!


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[Fernando Pedace]

Tips

Avoid RGB pure white and pure black
All bright colous should be 90% brightness maximum, unless you want flourescent neon colours. And pure black can cause transparency issues.
Best RGB values should be around:



Color
R-G-B


White
230-230-230


Black
20-20-20




3D Viewer Alternative
You can save your livery DDS file in the livery folder while the game is running.
ALT+TAB and back to the game. In "My Garage", move one livery left (or right) and back to the Custom Livery to see your updated livery.
You can rotate it and zoom in/out in the "Take a Photo" area.


Wireframe over light colors (Photoshop)
- Duplicate the Wireframe layer (Ctrl+J)
- Invert the layer colors: Image > Adjustments > Invert (Ctrl+I)
- Change blend mode to Darken

http://i.imgur.com/mB2quYXm.jpg



Resources

Logos

www.brandsoftheworld.com
www.logotypes101.com
www.vectorlogo.org

Project CARS Fan Kit: Download (http://www.projectcarsgame.com/uploads/2/0/6/5/20658008/fan_kit.rar)
SMS Fan Kit: Download (http://www.slightlymadstudios.com/uploads/2/0/6/5/20658008/sms_fan_kit.rar)

[t0daY]

Is there a size limit of the actual file? Because i tried once to make my own livery and my "LIVERY_PLAYER"-File was like 10-15 times bigger :O

Thanks for your FAQ so far :) :)

[youngade]

Is there a size limit of the actual file? Because i tried once to make my own livery and my "LIVERY_PLAYER"-File was like 10-15 times bigger :O

Thanks for your FAQ so far :) :)

The size of the PSD file(if using photoshop) doesn't matter. When converted to a DXT1 DDS file it should be about 10meg for a 4096x4096 livery.

[Pinna]

For the 3D viewer part:

You can safe your livery DDS file in the livery folder (or safe it elsewhere and overwrite the ones in the livery folder) while the game is running.
ALT-Tab back in the game move one livery up and one down again and you will see your updated livery ;)

[t0daY]

The size of the PSD file(if using photoshop) doesn't matter. When converted to a DXT1 DDS file it should be about 10meg for a 4096x4096 livery.

I use/used GIMP with a plugin for the PSD files. Okay thanks for your fast respond :)

[Alan Dallas]

Sticky Thread please. :D

[Rob Prange]

Done :)

[SwiftyOne]

Can I ask...Is there a way of having a pack of car liveries per car, or is it still one livery per car?

[GrepuS]

This could work for PS4?

[Morgan Henstridge]

Can I ask...Is there a way of having a pack of car liveries per car, or is it still one livery per car?

I believe it is just 1 per vehicle.

[Pinna]

This could work for PS4?

PC only, for now - livery editor for consoles still to be discussed

[Morgan Henstridge]

This could work for PS4?

Not 100% sure on how this works for console, but if you scroll through the liveries, do you see one called "Custom Livery"??

If not then there may not be support for Custom Liveries on the console.


edit - Ninja'd :)

[Alan Dallas]

This could work for PS4?


PC only, for now - livery editor for consoles still to be discussed

Yup, Andy T. talked about a Race Locker for PS4 in a couple of his interviews that could contain user made custom liveries. But for the time being they're PC only.

[OutbreakDV]

So, I love the idea of custom liveries but I have one question before I bother making any.. Can other players see them online?

[Giovtec]

hhhmmmm!!!~~~~ niceeee!!! :D

[Alan Dallas]

So, I love the idea of custom liveries but I have one question before I bother making any.. Can other players see them online?

Currently only you can see your Custom livery. I think it was planned to expand that once they workout how to implement distribution of custom livery files to all MP clients in your session. Steam Workshop integration could work for this I think as long as the custom your using is subscribed on the Workshop. Maybe the pCARS client could report that info to the other clients and pull the livery files before the beginning of a MP session. Lots of fine details to work out first.

[ryandtw]

I can only find the dds file...where can I find the PSD? I'm planning to use GIMP to possibly paint a splash of AKB48 here on Project CARS.

[Yuyuko]

The DDS files for custom liveries also work just fine as a template, as you'll have to hide the wire-frame anyways when exporting.

Don't forget to save your work file as a XCF or PSD depending on what you're using to edit the files.

[ryandtw]

So, how do I make custom Project CARS liveries with GIMP? I already installed 'gimp-dds' plugin, but I'm kind of lost...

[Yuyuko]

My GIMP-fu is mega weak, so excuse me if I sound like a Photoshop guy. Here goes.

1) Go into the custom liveries directory:
<drive name>...\Steam\steamapps\common\pCars\Vehicles\Textures\CustomLiveries

2) I think for GIMP you need to import the DDS file first. Do that. All car liveries use <car name>_LIVERY_PLAYER.DDS as the naming format for the painting the car body.

3) Create a new layer out of the wire-frame that the LIVERY_PLAYER file gives you by default. In Photoshop you need to set this layer to 'Multiply'. This layer gives you the exact mapping of all the car parts that can be painted.

4) Now create a new layer below that. Use the fill tool to pick your livery's base color.

5) Export the file as <CAR NAME>_TEMPLATE.XCF or .PSD (case depending). You can use this file as a template now, if you want to paint multiple liveries for this car.

6) Go crazy, let your mind run free and paint, paint, paint. It'd be a good idea to use multiple layers for each element of your livery's design. This will become your 'work file'. Export the work file XCF/PSD under a different name, ie. if your theme is "Yuyuko" and your car is the Aston-Martin Vantage GT3, save this work file as AM_VAN_GT3_YUYUKO.XCF.

7) Export the file as <CAR NAME>_LIVERY_PLAYER.DDS when you're totally done and/or if you want to have a look in-game.

Repeat 6 and 7 if you need to make changes to your livery. I'll assume you know how to resize images to create AI versions of your custom livery.

[ryandtw]

3) Create a new layer out of the wire-frame that the LIVERY_PLAYER file gives you by default. In Photoshop you need to set this layer to 'Multiply'. This layer gives you the exact mapping of all the car parts that can be painted.

How do I do that under GIMP? I'm still not sure.

[Yuyuko]

How do I do that under GIMP? I'm still not sure.

http://askubuntu.com/a/530287

[ryandtw]

And does that 'copied' wireframe layer needs to be transparent or no?

EDIT: never mind, I did it! Now I'm free to put AKB48 on pCARS! :D

[TheJuzzy]

So this is mainly for PC & not PS4 or Xbox 0ne ?

[Yuyuko]

Unfortunately, yes. Livery packs (hopefully free) from the PC community will be a thing for the PS4 and Xbox One owners, though.

[ryandtw]

I see that the dds files are 1:1, but do I have to actually stretch it to 3:2 in order for the cars to show the custom liveries properly?

[GAT_Montana]

Unfortunately, yes. Livery packs (hopefully free) from the PC community will be a thing for the PS4 and Xbox One owners, though.

True, but solely for fictional liveries unfortunatelly. Because of licencing issues.

[Pamellaaa]

Thanks for this, looks like a straightforward tutorial and I am looking forward to giving it a go!

I read somewhere that custom liveries can't be used in career mode, assuming that is correct and as mentioned earlier in the thread these liveries aren't currently visible when racing offline am I right in saying that you can only use these liveries in solo mode for now?

[deedub777]

Is this possible for the console versions?

[inkster]

I see that the dds files are 1:1, but do I have to actually stretch it to 3:2 in order for the cars to show the custom liveries properly?

Set your template set to 6144x4096 res to make painting easier. Scale it back to 4096x4096 when you're done.

EDIT: Just found out you don't need to scale it down to 4k square.

[deedub777]

oops, I missed the other three pages of comments, my bad

[azynkron]

I was thinking about copyright issues. Some companies are VERY particular how and if their logos e t c can be used. Is this something you guys have talked about?

[Nicklancaster]

Are the templates out for phototshop ???

[Fernando Pedace]

Are the templates out for phototshop ???

Yes!!!

here: http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/showthread.php?22224-PAINT-TEMPLATE-DOWNLOADS

[Alan Dallas]

I was thinking about copyright issues. Some companies are VERY particular how and if their logos e t c can be used. Is this something you guys have talked about?
It's only an issue if you try to sell the Livery with real world logo's on them. Giving them away free is covered under Fair Use. Stock liveries in pCARS that contain real world logo's are licensed.

[OutbreakDV]

I hate to ask so many questions but, is there a place to get all the in game logos to add to paintjobs? (yirotires ect)

[ryandtw]

I hate to ask so many questions but, is there a place to get all the in game logos to add to paintjobs? (yirotires ect)

Yeah, I want those logos please!!!

All that aside...this has got to be my favorite feature of Project CARS - custom liveries! And only PC users can take advantage of it! :D (sorry for offending those PS4/Xbox One users)

I really have to imagine to myself...J-pop + Project CARS? Hmm...

[lukedude]

It it possible to apply skins (custom or not) to our career mode car? if so, how?

[Chris Arnett]

I hate to ask so many questions but, is there a place to get all the in game logos to add to paintjobs? (yirotires ect)

Yeah, I want those logos please!!!

All that aside...this has got to be my favorite feature of Project CARS - custom liveries! And only PC users can take advantage of it! :D (sorry for offending those PS4/Xbox One users)

I really have to imagine to myself...J-pop + Project CARS? Hmm...

I will try and find you more.

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[Chris Arnett]

It it possible to apply skins (custom or not) to our career mode car? if so, how?

:welcoming:
http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/showthread.php?21857-Vehicle-custom-liveries-How-to-FAQ

[lukedude]

:welcoming:
http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/showthread.php?21857-Vehicle-custom-liveries-How-to-FAQ

But how do i select that livery in CAREER mode? or is my skin in career mode fixed to the team i am driving for?

[Martin03]

So its not possible to change all cars on the grid? like make the AI drive all the real F1 cars?

Sorry if im stupid and dit not find it on this thread, lets blame its 06.10 in the morning and I have not slept yet...

[Alan Dallas]

So its not possible to change all cars on the grid? like make the AI drive all the real F1 cars?

Sorry if im stupid and dit not find it on this thread, lets blame its 06.10 in the morning and I have not slept yet...

The only Custom livery you can do at this time is your own car in Single player.

[Darknoodles]

Is their anyway to get the cars' model ? I'd really like to paint the cars with Substance Designer/Painter. Would be much more easy to visualize also :)

[EmilGlockner]

Is their anyway to get the cars' model ? I'd really like to paint the cars with Substance Designer/Painter. Would be much more easy to visualize also :)

Yes, there is. >HERE (http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/showthread.php?22224-PAINT-TEMPLATE-DOWNLOADS)< you can find all the templates that have been released, so far.
If you want to preview your custom liveries you have to put them in the game and select custom livery for the cars. Make sure to backup the original files.

[Martin03]

The only Custom livery you can do at this time is your own car in Single player.


Ok, thanks. Hope it will be possible to add it to AI to in the future then, in the non licensed cars atleast

[Siddo]

Thanks for all the information and FAQ's so far, can't wait to get stuck in creating some custom liveries.

[Buster2day]

Quick question,
For PS4 i have downloaded the custom livery pack #1.
If i create a custom livery, is it possible to get it into upcomming livery packs? (there is no other way to get custom livery on PS4?)

[Martin03]

The only Custom livery you can do at this time is your own car in Single player.


But in the custom livery map in the game folder it stands 2 types of files. Like ''AM_RAPIDE_LIVERY_AI'' and ''AM_RAPIDE_LIVERY_PLAYER'' So what does that mean then?...

[Darknoodles]

Yes, there is. >HERE (http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/showthread.php?22224-PAINT-TEMPLATE-DOWNLOADS)< you can find all the templates that have been released, so far.
If you want to preview your custom liveries you have to put them in the game and select custom livery for the cars. Make sure to backup the original files.

Sorry, i should have been more precise ^^ i was speaking about 3D models, as FBX, Obj files for exemple.

[ChipWood]

Make a YouTube video please. I mean the text is fine but videos are neat.

[AOD_Venom]

So I get how to make and save a custom livery... but here's my challenge now. How do I pick a paint scheme to drive around in free practice so that I can photograph my creation? It keeps picking random paint schemes for me, even when I go into the garage and click the arrow to the "custom livery" selection.

[SphereOfChaos]

Quote: [The DDS file should be saved as a square image, so if a PSD file is not square (e.g. 4096x6144 pixels), you first need to resize it to 4096x4096 before exporting it to DDS]

I accidentally saved my livery as 4096x6144 pixels .dds DX1 and it looks fine (i.e., I didn't save it square like it says to). Not sure if that's the case for every car, but it worked for the BMW Z4 GT3.
I am loving this game/sim BTW! The User Interface is a work of art - please don't ever change it!

[Fernando Pedace]

How do I pick a paint scheme to drive around in free practice so that I can photograph my creation? It keeps picking random paint schemes for me, even when I go into the garage and click the arrow to the "custom livery" selection.
u must select your car and the livery through the right panel ("My Garage") of the session... if u pick your car using the list u will get a random livery

http://i.imgur.com/7GSNOfA.jpg

its a recurring question, don't know if we should add somewhere

[Winglet]

Set your template set to 6144x4096 res to make painting easier. Scale it back to 4096x4096 when you're done.

EDIT: Just found out you don't need to scale it down to 4k square.

The standard (and recommended format) is 2096x2096. However you can also use 4096x4096. Your PC performance and memory is the limit.

Every other format with the image width and hight as multiplier of 4, might work as well, but are not the standards and might create unpredictable results.

So you can paint in whatever format you like. The templates for example are all in 4096x6144 for a better visibility during paint. Before you create a DDS you need to scale them down to the square format.

[afroguy]

Can the headlamp glass colour be changed using this method? for example can i tint my GT3 and 4 Vantages headlight lens yellow?

Thanks?

[F1_Racer68]

OK, I need some help please......

I am trying to follow the steps to open the file and get started in GIMP 2.8, but so far I have gotten nowhere. I have GIMP 2.8 and the DDS-Plugin installed. I am able to open the .DDS files, but it seems to simply open it as a solid single layer. Can someone please type up a step by step on how to get to a point where I can start editing? I tried these steps, but it's not working as advertised (although I appreciate the effort)......


My GIMP-fu is mega weak, so excuse me if I sound like a Photoshop guy. Here goes.

1) Go into the custom liveries directory:
<drive name>...\Steam\steamapps\common\pCars\Vehicles\Textures\CustomLiveries

2) I think for GIMP you need to import the DDS file first. Do that. All car liveries use <car name>_LIVERY_PLAYER.DDS as the naming format for the painting the car body.

3) Create a new layer out of the wire-frame that the LIVERY_PLAYER file gives you by default. In Photoshop you need to set this layer to 'Multiply'. This layer gives you the exact mapping of all the car parts that can be painted.

4) Now create a new layer below that. Use the fill tool to pick your livery's base color.

5) Export the file as <CAR NAME>_TEMPLATE.XCF or .PSD (case depending). You can use this file as a template now, if you want to paint multiple liveries for this car.

6) Go crazy, let your mind run free and paint, paint, paint. It'd be a good idea to use multiple layers for each element of your livery's design. This will become your 'work file'. Export the work file XCF/PSD under a different name, ie. if your theme is "Yuyuko" and your car is the Aston-Martin Vantage GT3, save this work file as AM_VAN_GT3_YUYUKO.XCF.

7) Export the file as <CAR NAME>_LIVERY_PLAYER.DDS when you're totally done and/or if you want to have a look in-game.

Repeat 6 and 7 if you need to make changes to your livery. I'll assume you know how to resize images to create AI versions of your custom livery.

I suspect it is something I am doing wrong, so I am hoping that someone who has had success can provide additional info regarding steps/process.

EDIT: To clarify, I am able to open the DDS file but it seems the wire frame, background, etc. all seem to be a single layer and I am not able to follow the above steps to create separate multiple layers.

[b_akerlite]

would anyone be kind enough to share a PSD that's already painted and at the stage where its ready to export to dds?
I dont care which one or how 'awesome' it is! I just need to see an example of one painted to get my head round the theory
thanks

EDIT: Oh and before it has been flattened/laerys merged otherwise i wont figure it out. thanks..:)

[NaRP]

i have strange problem, when i save. frames at right are not duplicate correctly. why ?
http://www90.zippyshare.com/thumb/9AsN1XD2/file.html

-- edit --

because i'm not save PSD in TGA with size 2048*2048

i'ts my first test. and it's ok now !

[EmilGlockner]

Sorry, i should have been more precise ^^ i was speaking about 3D models, as FBX, Obj files for exemple.

It is not possible to preview the car, no. At least not outside of the game. All you can do is copy the dds file into the steam folder and check the livery in the garage menu.

[AOD_Venom]

u must select your car and the livery through the right panel ("My Garage") of the session... if u pick your car using the list u will get a random livery

http://i.imgur.com/7GSNOfA.jpg

its a recurring question, don't know if we should add somewhere

Thanks man. Yeah I was checking it in the garage, but the part I was confused about was clicking the panel after choosing the paint scheme. ( seems like you click the little green dot and it will remember the paint job you picked )

In any case, it worked and I can now pick my paint.

[Darknoodles]

It is not possible to preview the car, no. At least not outside of the game. All you can do is copy the dds file into the steam folder and check the livery in the garage menu.

Mhhh, gonna make things more difficult :-/
Any plan on sharing at least the body-work parts model ?

[ryandtw]

I will try and find you more.

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Where are the "Masculin" (Michelin) and "Vulcan" (for RWD P30 LMP1) logos? I don't see them.

[Clawhammer]

I did not tested this yet, but how is it working in multiplayer matches? I really would like to use this feature with my friends, so we can make our own teams. Do we see each others skins?

[Winglet]

would anyone be kind enough to share a PSD that's already painted and at the stage where its ready to export to dds?
I dont care which one or how 'awesome' it is! I just need to see an example of one painted to get my head round the theory
thanks

EDIT: Oh and before it has been flattened/laerys merged otherwise i wont figure it out. thanks..:)

You can download all PSD templates in the PAINT TEMPLATE DOWNLOADS (http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/showthread.php?22224-PAINT-TEMPLATE-DOWNLOADS) section.

Download and open any PSD file, click on the layer name 'PAINT HERE!' and start to paint. Then convert to DDS and that's it.

[Winglet]

I did not tested this yet, but how is it working in multiplayer matches? I really would like to use this feature with my friends, so we can make our own teams. Do we see each others skins?

Unfortunately not yet, and I do not know when/if it will be planned.

Actually you can only change one skin per car and only you see it (or your friends have to change their player.dds as well).

[Clawhammer]

Unfortunately not yet, and I do not know when/if it will be planned.

Actually you can only change one skin per car and only you see it (or your friends have to change their player.dds as well).

Thanks, i hope it comes, i know some online leagues wich use custom liveries for their self created teams.

[Daler007]

I have downloaded a Plug in - I have Photoshop Elements 12 too. Is there a step by step guide please from downloading a template to getting it loaded into the PS Elements so I can use it? How does the plug in link to my photoshop? Sorry if this seems a basic as - I am good with PS Elements but not good with plug ins etc!

[Winglet]

@Daler007: Have your read the very first post in this thread? This should give you a good start on where to get the templates and what to do with them.

Re. your plugin I do not know what you downloaded, I am using Photoshop with the NVIDIA DDS plugin (both 64 bit). The installation is self-explaining, as you simple need to run the EXE file. But I do not know if this plugin runs with Photoshop Elements, perhaps the 32 bit version?

[Tom_Gamesplanet]

Ahoi there, drivers!

Did my first paintjob on a Ford Mustang Cobra Transam using Photoshop (CC) with the Nvidia-plugin and 4096res. Everything's fine but somehow I am not able to ignite the frontlights when driving with this custom painting. The "headlights"-layer in den group "optional parts" is active while saving. Is that correct? Deactivated for testing purposes but then the lights were just plain white. What do?

202041

Further I'd like to know what settings do you prefer when making screenshots (Steam or Ingame-function?). Having a GTX970 here running at FullHD with all settings to the max. But it seems that everyone else get better results, seeing the pics in the screenshot-section. Is it just because the FullHD-res?
Will post some previews soon.

Cheers
Tom

[Mrzimac]

Hi, Starting to get into painting liveries for PCARS and was wondering if there is a file or template for the drivers suit or helmet anywhere or if it is possible to make at all?

[broccli]

Why does it say SMS on my headlights and have the Tester Driver on the side window? Not sure if im missing anything.

[RU486]

Is anyone aware of a work around for OSX users, (CS6) to export the required file format (DDS)

RU

[Daler007]

I know this seems blindingly simple - but exactly HOW do you overwrite a file in custom livery ?

[EleZ]

I know this seems blindingly simple - but exactly HOW do you overwrite a file in custom livery ?

Do your paint. Save as DDS ( Example : RENAULT_CLIO_CUP_LIVERY_PLAYER ) Then you need to find you way to steamapps/common/pCars/Vehicles/Textures/CustomLiveries . I put a Shortcut on Desktop for the CustomLiveries folder. That way once I've saved my DDS, just drag and drop, click yes to overwrite. Done. :) Hope that helps.

[EmilGlockner]

I did not tested this yet, but how is it working in multiplayer matches? I really would like to use this feature with my friends, so we can make our own teams. Do we see each others skins?

So far only you can see your custom livery. AFAIK it might be possible later on to have custom liveries visible for everyone in MP races.

EDIT: Nevermind, ninja'd by some days...

[ryandtw]

How do I change specular maps with GIMP? I'm having trouble with the alpha channel part, since I want some matte effect to some of my cars.

[OlaHaldor]

Fresh user here, just finished some kart races and got into a Focus invitation and noticed that WOOOH! CUSTOM LIVERIES!

I'm a 3D student/hobbyist, thus I prefer to paint directly on the model using tools such as Substance Painter or similar tools. So I wonder if there's any way I could get my hands on 3D models of the shell of the car so I can paint things I wouldn't otherwise be able to. I know it's possible to use Photoshop, but I prefer not to paint flat on the UV map.

[JedinHD]

I cant figure out what I am doing wrong. I open up the Lotus 49 template in PS. I paint in the paint layer. I hide the wire layer and flatten. I save as a DDS yet my car ends up gray wire frame. Any suggestions?

[icedstar]

Chrome and Matte Effect
by Jan Frischkorn (SMS Vehicle Art Manager)


What can I do with specular maps for liveries?
Specular maps control the specularity and glossyness of the material.
In the RGB channels (normal painting area) you can control how much light gets reflected and what colour it reflects.
Glossy paint materials usually reflect white light, so it would be 255/255/255 white.
For matte or semigloss paint you would choose a grey tone, something around 160/160/160 works well for matte paint.
For the blue chrome (see below) you would choose a bright blue colour.
The alpha channel controls how glossy the material is, i.e. how blurred the emap reflections are.
Greyscale values: White = glossy (sharp reflections), Black = matte (blurry reflections). 20/20/20 works well for matte paint.
The darker the alpha channel, the more blurry the reflections get.
Specular maps have to be saved as DXT5 (with alpha).
See attached screenshot and livery textures as example!

What can I do with fresnel maps for liveries?
Fresnel maps control the fresnel value of the paint material, i.e. the amount of reflections per angle.
Detailed explanation here: http://www.3drender.com/glossary/fresneleffect.htm
This is actually the effect that makes paint and glass look realistic.
With the fresnel map you are able to create chrome paint effect like on the McLaren F1 cars.
Greyscale values: White = Paint material, Black/Darkgrey = Chrome
Fresnel maps have to be saved as DXT1 (without alpha).
See attached screenshot and livery textures as example!


200326

hi i have a question, when i open the specular DDS file from the custom livery folder it opens up as a small white square, i see yours as the full size of the uvw map, what am i doing wrong?

[TheDoctor46]

hi i have a question, when i open the specular DDS file from the custom livery folder it opens up as a small white square, i see yours as the full size of the uvw map, what am i doing wrong?
The files in this folder are placeholders. You have to resize them (preferrably 1024x1024px) in order to create a new specular effect on your painting :)

[Espen S. Andresen]

I cant figure out what I am doing wrong. I open up the Lotus 49 template in PS. I paint in the paint layer. I hide the wire layer and flatten. I save as a DDS yet my car ends up gray wire frame. Any suggestions?

Check the filename and location you save to. Template filenames do not necessarily correspond with livery file names.

Filename for this particular car should be "LEONUS_F68_LIVERY_PLAYER.dds", and location is pCARS\Vehicles\Textures\CustomLiveries

[icedstar]

The files in this folder are placeholders. You have to resize them (preferrably 1024x1024px) in order to create a new specular effect on your painting :)

Thank you so much :D

[PunchRockgroin]

Am I the only one that doesn't have a clue how to extract the elements in the *.DDS-file?

Nevermind! I was derping

[JedinHD]

Check the filename and location you save to. Template filenames do not necessarily correspond with livery file names.

Filename for this particular car should be "LEONUS_F68_LIVERY_PLAYER.dds", and location is pCARS\Vehicles\Textures\CustomLiveries

BINGO! Thank you!

[Thales Baptista]

Is there a possibility of a full combo patch mod for career mode with real teams liveries, real pilots and most important, their own attributes and skills? Sorry if its the wrong place to ask.

[CDUK oOParaOo]

203267

203268

[RadioactiveSwag]

Hi all!
I just don't seem to be able to save files as .dds even after installing the plugins required.
If someone could possibly make a video tutorial it would be of great help for people like me.

[RedFire]

Boa tarde Fernando, tem algum tutorial em Português?
Obrigado.

[Russtyruss]

I hope this becomes possible in all races (not only in single player) otherwise this does not really make it worth all the work involved unless you don't mind being the only person in the game seeing it. Personally I don't feel any interest now that I know nobody else sees my work in game :/

[CosmicFTW]

I have a noob question that I'm sure someone can answer. In cs6 how do I select a certain body panel in the wireframe to paint rather than painting the whole canvas a base Color. Is there an easier way rather than using magnetic lasso? Cheers.

[Ryno917]

I'd recommend using the pen tool to loosely 'trace' out the body panel. Whenever possible, it's a good idea to draw everything in vector.

[icedstar]

i was wondering how can i make higher resolution fresnel and spec maps, since they are in 1024x1024 px when i zoom in on the car i can see the blurred dented edge of those maps on top of the really high res paint map

[TheDoctor46]

Have you tried to up the resolution to like 2048x2048 or 4096x4096? ;)

[Ryno917]

i was wondering how can i make higher resolution fresnel and spec maps, since they are in 1024x1024 px when i zoom in on the car i can see the blurred dented edge of those maps on top of the really high res paint map

When I'm working on a custom spec or fresnel map, I just duplicate my livery PSD file and make the needed colour changes to it, and leave it at the same resolution (4K). :)

[icedstar]

When I'm working on a custom spec or fresnel map, I just duplicate my livery PSD file and make the needed colour changes to it, and leave it at the same resolution (4K). :)

that works, thanks :)

[leon1772]

Do you have a date or a deadline for that we can see the personal livery the other players in the multiplayer mode ?

[SwiftyOne]

Can a painter look at this and tell me why things are misaligned? It's not mine....it's from over here: http://www.simracingdesign.com/threads/liveries-share-them-request-them.56005/

[Rayge]

This really needs to be integrated into the game some how. It would definitely lead to more interest from other people. Plus, only being able to use one custom livery for the same car at a time is just cumbersome. I hope there are plans down the road to get this into the actual game. Hell, even using Steam Community would be huge.

[SwiftyOne]

Can a painter look at this and tell me why things are misaligned? It's not mine...

Thank you, all sorted now :)

[Epiplayer]

Okay, so im trying to make my car look 30 years old and patched together, just like the e30 m3 I actually might be able to afford. I saw that you should be able to change the glossiness, and the blur, one via the paint color and one via the alpha color. however, I don't know how to edit the alpha color. I have tried making another layer for the mask, but no go. can anyone help me make a crappy paint job/old paint job finish?

[Luisroyo]

Hello,
now i want to "gimp" my own skin too. At this time i multiply the Layer and add a new Layer below and painting works fine.
But when i add a *jpg or *.png file as a new Layer, this decals are not seen in the showroom, can anybody tell me what i did wrong?

(sorry for my bad english but i hope u understand me)

Thanks a lot.

Greetings
Luis

PS: I think i upload the File for better understanding

http://i57.tinypic.com/1exu75.png

http://i57.tinypic.com/n2o0mv.png

at this time all works fine, but then i add a *jpg file:

http://i61.tinypic.com/29yjdjt.png

http://i58.tinypic.com/1gists.png

[Luisroyo]

Hello again,
now i did it with my own skills! I think it´s right to
combine all Layers down to Paint-Layer! :p:o:rolleyes::cool:

http://i62.tinypic.com/23u6b0n.png

[paranoidsound]

I have a Problem with Gold colour. In PS works fine, but in Game is it a very ugly colour. I don't unterstand why

[ZeroFreak]

Hey i just made a livery for the BMW 1 M coupe in Pcars it is a redbull based design hopefully you guys like it

[Luisroyo]

Hello again,
now i need, grey and white matte effect, can anybody post the steps for gimp?

Thx
Luis

[eD-]

Is there any chance somebody could make a youtube vid of the process, I'm really struggling with this. Don't know if I need to follow the outline of the wireframe or if I can overlap. Also having trouble working out how to save it as a DDS, I've downloaded the nVidia plug-in but still can't work it out.

[Luisroyo]

Is there any chance somebody could make a youtube vid of the process, I'm really struggling with this. Don't know if I need to follow the outline of the wireframe or if I can overlap. Also having trouble working out how to save it as a DDS, I've downloaded the nVidia plug-in but still can't work it out.

Im from germany, if you understand i can tell it you via skype. How it works with gimp ;)

[WTFFSwan]

So, I made an oops.

I forgot to save an unedited version of the RUF RGT8 GT3 Player livery file.

Does anyone happen to have one they can upload?

I would appreciate it.

[Espen S. Andresen]

So, I made an oops.

I forgot to save an unedited version of the RUF RGT8 GT3 Player livery file.

Does anyone happen to have one they can upload?

I would appreciate it.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/14678315/RUF_RGT8_GT3_LIVERY_PLAYER.dds

[WTFFSwan]

Thanks Espen

[ryandtw]

Avoid RGB pure white and pure black
All bright colous should be 90% brightness maximum, unless you want flourescent neon colours. And pure black can cause transparency issues.

How can pure black cause transparency issues? Any examples?

[Westbeef]

Could I use an image for part of my livery, for example - Create a livery containing a person on the side of my car? Or a cartoon character?

[Ryno917]

How can pure black cause transparency issues? Any examples?

I don't believe it affects things in pCARS, but many games in the past used pure black, or a hot pink, to mean 'invisible.' I don't believe pCARS does this, though.


Could I use an image for part of my livery, for example - Create a livery containing a person on the side of my car? Or a cartoon character?

Absolutely. Just paste it on where you want it in the template.

[Espen S. Andresen]

I don't believe it affects things in pCARS, but many games in the past used pure black, or a hot pink, to mean 'invisible.' I don't believe pCARS does this, though.


It should however be mentioned that using pure black (RGB 0/0/0) is a bad idea because it leaves the game engine no room to apply lighting effects (in this case - shadows).
Art department specifies 20/20/20 - 230/230/230 as the usable brightness range.
(Yes, I know, Ryno, you know this already - just trying to clarify to the guys who may not have been quite as involved as we have ;) )

[Westbeef]

I don't believe it affects things in pCARS, but many games in the past used pure black, or a hot pink, to mean 'invisible.' I don't believe pCARS does this, though.



Absolutely. Just paste it on where you want it in the template.

Perfect thanks :D, time to brush up on the old PS skills :P

[Daler007]

Are there any known issues with Formula Gulf....the custom livery doe
s not appear? I have created a livery but the file isnt in the game?

[NWRAP]

Are there any Ambient Occlusion maps available?

[Ryno917]

Are there any Ambient Occlusion maps available?

AO is added by the game itself, it doesn't need to be in the diffuse map in pCARS. :)

[NWRAP]

As an avid painter who like to paint replica cars for a complete series the limit of only being able to save 1 custom livery is not good.

For example the Ford RS500a Sierra I want to and have stared painting all liveries for the following series

ATCC 1986 to 1992 has 67 cars
BTCC 1987 to 1992 has 76 cars
DTM 1987 to 1989 has 19 cars

So far I have painted 86 of them BUT can only ever see 1 in game at a time.

Any updates as to when this will change or if we are able to create our own livery packs?

[Maxi127]

I have a question. :)

I have made two Skins, one for me and one für my dad, and is it possible that we can see the livery of each other when we drive online togehter?
Could it work, when i copy his Skin in my game and he copy my Skin in his game? :)

[DucSnoopy]

Thank you for this FAQ I will share it on our forum as we are of skin creators and we also organize races.
But this will greatly help my beginner skinners.

a big thank you Aguares ;)

[Maxi127]

Hello togehter,

I have a question... Can someone maybe explain me how i can make mat colours in Gimp, or btter said, that i see the mat colour in the game? :)

[Ryno917]

It's all in the first post here :)

You need to make a SPEC file in addition to your normal diffuse map, and colour the matte areas approriately. More indepth info is in the OP

[mct80]

can somebody explain how to do Chrome and Matte Effect i don't understand it at all.

some explanation with photo's ???

i work with photoshop cs6.

thanx guy's

[mct80]

sorry

[Ryno917]

Have a look at the post in my skinning help thread here (http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/showthread.php?24719-Ryno-s-Painting-Tips&p=907761&viewfull=1#post907761). It has all of the information in it, along with a completed examples of all of the files used in the Keon Z4 GT3 livery.

[mct80]

oke thanx gone take a look
:rolleyes:

[airdriver]

hello guys,
i added a skin for the rwd p30 lmp1 but it looks like the car doesn't support custom skins for me ingame =(
is there a way to fix this problem?
i downloaded some skins but i dont even have the skin "custom livery" like i have for the rwd p20 lmp2.

[Mancunain]

the problem i have being a total noob to paint stuff... (using gimp 2.8), once i open a livery, i do get it, but all i see is a blue rectangle.. ive scoured the web & gimp tutorials but cant seem to get the wireframe to show me what it is im painting.. i know i need to duplicate lyers to do different changes, but still.. blue rectangles is all i see..
any advice for a learner ? i mustve spent 6hrs now and not got anywhere :/

[Machinist90]

do the AI use the custom livery in quick race?

[AB_Attack]

Currently only you can see your Custom livery. I think it was planned to expand that once they workout how to implement distribution of custom livery files to all MP clients in your session. Steam Workshop integration could work for this I think as long as the custom your using is subscribed on the Workshop. Maybe the pCARS client could report that info to the other clients and pull the livery files before the beginning of a MP session. Lots of fine details to work out first.
This answer to the question if custom liveries can be seen by others in a multiplayer session should be added to FAQ.

[Blackfire49]

I got one question how can i use this fresnel map with my Liveries??

[TheDoctor46]

Hi Jan, would it be possible to match the UVs from the bumper better to the bonnet? Because otherwise making stripes on the Mustang 2015 is a ****** ** :eek:

216580

[FLX81]

The stripes on the trunk of the 66' Fastback dont align properly with the ones on the roof.

[menos]

I am a complete beginner when it comes to painting and I am doing my first baby steps here.
I have found a DDS plugin which works on Photoshop on a Mac (I am using CS6 on Mac OS X).

Which of the respective DDS plugin settings should I use when exporting for pCars:

Format:
DXT1
DXT1A
DXT2
DXT3
DXT4
DXT5
DXT5A
3Dc
DXN
uncompressed

Filter:
Box
Tent
Lanczos4
Mitchell
Kaiser

Alpha Channel:
none
transparent
Checkbox: Premultiply ?

I used DXT5 and had textures showing up in the showroom but had some issues with areas with wrong parts of the car painted.

I made quick masks with the magic tool to paint only within the wire mesh background.
How precise should I do these masks?
Should I rather "overpaint" into the empty space outside the wire mesh background or must I find pixel perfect positions?

I am trying my first steps with the Ruf CTR Yellowbird and find that painting the mirrors works beautifully but when trying to paint the front bumper I do get wrongly painted areas at the headlight bezel and the front fenders although I stay within the confines of the front bumper mesh.

[Ralf1973]

What size and file formats are recommended?
LIVERY_PLAYER - 2048x2048 - DXT1
LIVERY_AI - 1024x1024 - DXT1
LIVERY_FRESNEL - 1024x1024 - DXT1
LIVERY_SPEC - 1024x1024 - DXT5
WHEEL_DIFF - 512x512 - DXT5
WHEEL_DIFF_BLUR - 256x256 - DXT5
WHEEL_SPEC - 256x256 - DXT5
WHEEL_SPEC_BLUR - 256x256 - DXT5
-> always all MIP maps

Of course you can save your Player Livery 4096x4096 or what you want.
Its the Info from the old Forum from Jan Frischkorn.

[Blackfire49]

@menos
Format sould be DXT1 the rest can be default

[Ralf1973]

jep, and if you want to paint the (Livery Spec) you save it in DXT1.........without Alpha ?????? :sorrow::highly_amused:

@menos
Look at the first site for all questions.
http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/showthread.php?21857-Vehicle-custom-liveries-How-to-FAQ

[menos]

Thanks for the quick help guys - after getting my head into the files for too long I simply forgot about the file format over view on page 1 ;-)

Now to my other questions:

How precise should I mask around the template wireframes (I do have issues with wrong patches of the car being painted)?
Should I rather "overpaint" into the empty space outside the wire mesh background or must I find pixel perfect positions?

For example I am trying to paint the Ruf CTR Yellowbird headlight bezels and the painted bezel does not line up in game.

What can cause this misalignment?
Is the template not precise enough?
Is it an issue during conversion from PSD to DDS?
Is it a wrong setting I choose?

[Ralf1973]

You can only paint what the car in Game has as Bodywork. If the Car not have this headlight bezels as 3d part you dont can paint it, the same for the lights and windows.
You can paint behind the Headlights like this.
find this part under the Mirrors of the Template.
217667

[menos]

Yes, those are the head light bezels.

I found the main issue why it was not working in the beginning for me:

If you leave the entire template empty and only paint the small parts you want, the car will appear to be white in game with only the parts painted as intended BUT: there will be misalignments and issues.

If you paint THE ENTIRE template and do not leave out any empty areas - no such issues appear - no more misalignments! Nice.


Do I understand it correctly we cannot paint metallic effects like silver metallic?

[Ralf1973]

no we cant paint with metalic effects at the moment.

[artao]

Is there somewhere we can download ALL the templates in one nice big file, rather than clicking thru to DL each one individually?

[santu929]

Hello Guys| i am new here.Guys i really admire your livery stuff...but now,i'm facing some problems with this liveries guys.I did download the formula A's lotus,williams and merc's liveries last night and replace lotus's one under custom liveries.But now,once i open the game..bang the car is still white under custom livery and can't find the lotus's livery on my car.Please help me with this guys.TQ

[Reiche]

Did you rename it to Formula_A_Livery_Player.dds (or something similar, I’m on my mobile right now)? Make sure it’s the file ending with _Player.dds“, not „_AI.dds“

[santu929]

yep mate| the name of this dds file is still the same-_Livery_Player.dds..BTW the problem seems to be persisting on and on and on...

[Shinzah]

Where did you put the file?

[AvellBoy]

I made a tutorial to install custom ready-made liveries .

In the next video will teach how to create your project from the beginning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmqmYvcjhD0

thank you for watching and share!

[santu929]

Under custom liveries as mentioned in the first page @Shinzah---

[AvellBoy]

Under custom liveries as mentioned in the first page @Shinzah---

yes, i see! this tutorial it was done in Portuguese. It is the first in this language.

[Shinzah]

Under custom liveries as mentioned in the first page @Shinzah---

Did you replace the file that was already in the folder or did it just drop into the folder and not replace any files?

[AvellBoy]

Did you replace the file that was already in the folder or did it just drop into the folder and not replace any files?

don't work?

[santu929]

i moved and replaced them as well as shown on the very first page.My badluck|GUys would you suggest deleting the custom livery file and then perform a Integrity check through the Steam?

[santu929]

Thank god Guys,i found the solution and fixed it.The game has created a back up file or i might have accidentally copied the files into another location under steam files.There i took a look down through the project car's common files and have copied and replaced the files there too and it worked>great liveries.It might sound bit weird but it worked and thanks for the quick response>GOOD LUCk

[Johnny BeGood]

Hello,

I don't find the Pcars folder under steam. I get all the way to:E:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\pCars but there is no folder named Pcars. Can you help me, please. OK I finally find it, thanks anyway.

Johnny BeGood

[eat5]

cause the engine uses black to define transparent

[Giovtec]

Would love to have an OBJ file so i can work with projecting images rather eyeballing :(

[AOD_Frosty]

I've tried everything to make it chrome, but it doesnt work. please help. Steam: AOD_Frosty [RR]

[KaarloRies]

am i able to edit the racing numbers in the liveries with logos(i.e. AM_DBR1-2_LMP_LIVERY_with_logos)? or do i need to delete them in order to make my own..

if they can be edited, how do i go about doing that in GIMP?

if not, and i need to make my own, what font are the numbers in?

[speedracer1893]

I have problems with the carbon of the DLC Renault Megane Trophy V6 Livery.

PSD Datei Carbon with Front Left Logo. Right nothing.
224536

In Game then the left Side Logo was automatically mirrored on the right Side. It does not matter what you do right, it will always be mirrored from the left side.
224537

Have I made a mistake?

[EmilGlockner]

I have problems with the carbon of the DLC Renault Megane Trophy V6 Livery.

PSD Datei Carbon with Front Left Logo. Right nothing.
224536

In Game then the left Side Logo was automatically mirrored on the right Side. It does not matter what you do right, it will always be mirrored from the left side.
224537

Have I made a mistake?

I'd say that's an issue with the template itself.

[supermegaultra]

Hi guys, apologies if this has been answered already, but is it possible to add a windscreen banner to a car that doesn't already have one? Eg. the mk1 Escort?

[EmilGlockner]

Hi guys, apologies if this has been answered already, but is it possible to add a windscreen banner to a car that doesn't already have one? Eg. the mk1 Escort?

Nope, not possible.

[OBigO]

Hi! Am i right in thinking there is no way to create custom liveries for the DTM?

[EmilGlockner]

Yes.

[McKiernan]

Yes.

Post #1064 here http://forum.projectcarsgame.com/showthread.php?21872-Show-Off-Your-Custom-Paints-Here-(WIP-finished-etc)-RULES!-read-the-first-post/page107 seems to disagree.

[Shino]

Hey guys!

I've ran into a bit of trouble here:
For some reason the Nvidia DDS plugi (Photoshop CS6 64Bit) randomly changes some of the colours.

For example this dark grey base paint is 20/20/20 on the original file:
228162

But saving it as DDS file turns it into 16/20/16 a very ugly green:
228163

Now I've been working with Photoshop and DDS files for years and never had this happen before... I've even tried different DDS settings (DXT1-DXT5 or compression levels) and nothing works.
It also does not matter whether I save it as DDS from a layerd PSD file or save it as something else (PNG/TGA) before.
The resolution has no effect on it as well.

I hope somebody can help me with that...
(It happened to a mate of mine as well where it turned from grey to purple)

Cheers

[bopper2010]

Its probably a conflicting ICC profile, some logos or files you pull into Photoshop try to run using their ICC profile and display the colours they were saved with. I would try set you own specific ICC profile to override any colour changes. If that doesnt work Im outta ideas.

[Shino]

I fixed it by setting the compression method of the DDS ülugin to "high" instead of "fastest" ;)

[Telstar]

am i able to edit the racing numbers in the liveries with logos(i.e. AM_DBR1-2_LMP_LIVERY_with_logos)? or do i need to delete them in order to make my own..

if they can be edited, how do i go about doing that in GIMP?

if not, and i need to make my own, what font are the numbers in?

I want to bump this one. What's the font of the numbers? I am using GIMP and Inkscape mainly, so the .psd files only provide half the information to me.
Same goes for the fictional logos offered here on the forum. As a vector file format they would be much more helpful to me.

[Darren O'Brien]

Oh, Not familiar with GIMP.

I use Photoshop.
Normally the Numberboards have different layers on them so you can change the Number, Board background Colour and even take the logo out and put your own in.
I think.. Think the Font is Halvecia ? Correct me if im wrong.

Normally Photoshop will update the font if its not recognised, but you can add your own.
Most people use Photoshop as its easy with the Layers and you can add or take out and save as a psd.

[gregc]

Think the Font is Halvecia ? Correct me if im wrong.

Possibly you mean Helvetica? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helvetica)

[Telstar]

Thanks, guys.

The only thing that stands between me and Photoshop are a few hundred Euros :rolleyes: So I'll stay with the freeware programs, they can do most of what Photoshop can do and that's all I need. It's a little inconvenient switching between two programs but you learn to deal with it.

[Telstar]

Apologize for the double post, I just wanted to give a quick update. I found out the font on the number plate is Arial Black Italic.

[Midnightm3nace]

How do you have multiple liveries like in the WEC Porsche shot?

[AbeWoz]

need some help with getting the matte effects to work. I'm creating the _SPEC.dds correctly (i think) and all the paint looks like normal glass.
I made the stuff I want matte to be gray. Alpha is enabled.

[NWRAP]

need some help with getting the matte effects to work. I'm creating the _SPEC.dds correctly (i think) and all the paint looks like normal glass.
I made the stuff I want matte to be gray. Alpha is enabled.


Have you also modified the _fresnal.dds?

[AbeWoz]

yes. probably not doing something properly tho

[NWRAP]

yes. probably not doing something properly tho

Here is a sample of a livery I did and what I done for each dds file

Livery screenshot
https://scontent.fmel1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/11411994_1137115322969220_7171997174378066247_o.jpg

dds files
https://scontent.fmel1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/11713712_1137191892961563_791044154006899493_o.jpg


on the spec alpha black is flat/matte & white is gloss/shine

on the fresnal black controls how much gloss/shine so the lighter it is from black to white the less shine it will have.....So as you can see on my example flat paint = white

[AbeWoz]

thanks. i'l keep working at it

[NWRAP]

thanks. i'l keep working at it

If you get stuck feel free to send me your files and I can take a look for you :)

[AbeWoz]

PM Sent

[AvellBoy]

https://s19.postimg.org/x0fcmencj/image.jpg
https://s19.postimg.org/8xyirj6pf/image.jpg
https://s19.postimg.org/o7ydyq27n/image.jpg
https://s19.postimg.org/lf56ep1v7/image.jpg
https://s19.postimg.org/t95s039o3/image.jpg
https://s19.postimg.org/h8kbzd29f/image.jpg
https://s19.postimg.org/4v7hsgckz/image.jpg

[1185323118]

Hey, can some one send me a ORIGINAL copy of Sierra Cosworth's headlight & window sticker? I lost it by accident
I have made 2 awesome liveries but due forum policy I can't show you guys here:(

(Don't criticize me for bumping, I don't know where else to ask)

[EmilGlockner]

Hey, can some one send me a ORIGINAL copy of Sierra Cosworth's headlight & window sticker? I lost it by accident
I have made 2 awesome liveries but due forum policy I can't show you guys here:(

(Don't criticize me for bumping, I don't know where else to ask)

I can help you out if you are using photoshop or if you are able to open *.psd files. Here's the link (https://www.dropbox.com/s/6z0l1strnl4enn7/FORD_SIERRA_LIVERY_ALPHA_clean.psd?dl=0) to my dropbox. Remember to save it with dxt5 attributes.

[1185323118]

I can help you out if you are using photoshop or if you are able to open *.psd files. Here's the to my dropbox. Remember to save it with dxt5 attributes.

Thx, but I mean the original one in CustomLiveries folder which wrote "SMS" and "Test Driver" on it:p Would you mind upload that one?

[_madotter]

Is there a way to pull out a livery from the game, there's a livery in game I'd like to edit and make my own.

Thanks,
madotter.

[Reiche]

Is there a way to pull out a livery from the game, there's a livery in game I'd like to edit and make my own.

Thanks,
madotter.

Check JDougNY's public folder (https://www.mediafire.com/folder/cy3jl6679k7i1/Public_for_PCARS), PCARS_vehicleHRliveries_... should help you

[_madotter]

Thank you VERY much!

[pacman5088]

no, only pc

[pacman5088]

ik doing the son my mac with the dds file and then i put it on my windows pc but it doesn't work?

[Mtyuiop07]

I have a little problem, whene i go to a race for fun, i can choose my custom liverie, but when i go to my career, one day i run with my custom liverie, and the other, it chage to a random liverie and they dont let me change my skin.
Why i can change my skin like this, but wont change in my career?

[AbeWoz]

I have a little problem, whene i go to a race for fun, i can choose my custom liverie, but when i go to my career, one day i run with my custom liverie, and the other, it chage to a random liverie and they dont let me change my skin.
Why i can change my skin like this, but wont change in my career?

the career skins are pre-assigned to your race team. the only time you can change them is if you are running in an invitational event.

[amirzaim]

Ok...I have doing some of my custom-made livery but unfortunately I'm can't post it here because I'm still really "noob" at this area at the moment but I can give some tips about how to create your own livery especially for noobs...

1. Study the layout of car body first before applying some stuffs. Templates will actually helps you to know what kind of body part of the car.
2. For the best experience, use the PNG format picture file when loading into the image editor especially when you want to put logo brands and other kind stuffs. If jpg files are used, you might need to remove the white or black background first and save it into PNG file.
3. You can preview the livery that just applied by viewing it inside the garage and to refresh it, simply select other livery and return to custom livery back. You can use photo mode to observe the livery that you just applied.
4. You can load multiple layers of image during designing the custom livery but remember that all layers must me flattened or merged down into a single layer image before saving it and don't merging down with the template layer as you might losing it when saving multiple times, means you can't undo that thing!
5. Make sure that the image layer does not exceed the canvas area of the template layer. Been doing that thing and the result it you found the image stretched and produces such ugly pixel on the livery.
6. Make backup of the image layer and save it into one layer group and make it non-visible. This is really useful when you can't undo it further just to edit some tiny detail of the livery.
7. If you want to edit your livery work on next day, better save your work on .xcf or .psd format and don't rely on .dds file to save more layer stuffs because it will remove the rest of unused layers after exporting as .dds file.

[amirzaim]

Another tip for adjusting wheel liveries:

1. You can only coloring the wheel livery, period.
2. Study the shape and properties of wheel first before doing coloring of the wheel livery.
3. Apply the same wheel livery color on both '...WHEEL_DIFF.dds" and "...WHEEL_DIFF_BLUR.dds". Save the color adjustment value so you can save more time to apply on other side.

[sim_driver85]

Is placing a driver number/name on front/side/rear window not possible? I tried and it doesn't show up.

[Laserbeak43]

I wish the wireframe were closed squares, so I could paint-by-numbers :hopelessness:

[bluenoes]

Is it still the case that custom liveries can not be used for all players in an online race?

[JesiahBlanche]

Hello everyone.

Does it work the same for Project Cars 2? I tried doing a spec map and put it alongside the livery, but it didn't work. Is it possible to do matte and chrome?

[ChrisKimballGaming]

Am I missing something? I put the new livery files in the proper location and over right the stock one. I can't get the new ones to show up. Do I need to select it somewhere?

[AbeWoz]

Hello everyone.

Does it work the same for Project Cars 2? I tried doing a spec map and put it alongside the livery, but it didn't work. Is it possible to do matte and chrome?

Not at this time without a lot of behind the scenes stuff


Am I missing something? I put the new livery files in the proper location and over right the stock one. I can't get the new ones to show up. Do I need to select it somewhere?

select it via the livery selector when you pick the car. the little 'image' of the car will still be white, but if you press 'showroom' your livery should be there, assuming you created it properly.

[JesiahBlanche]

Not at this time without a lot of behind the scenes stuff.

Is there a tutorial around explaining how to do those behind the scenes tasks? I wouldn't mind fiddling around with it.

[Xago]

I'm not sure how to overwrite the files if I have 5 .dds files for the body and rims altogether. Could someone help me out? Do I overwrite it as a folder?

[mcooley9891]

PC only, for now - livery editor for consoles still to be discussed

Yeah it could work just look at GT Sport they have a livery editor and photo mode I have GT SPORT for liveries and pc2 for my real racing all this bunk that they are talking about its to hard is nothing but a excuse to do nothing I voted for the livery editor when slightly mad asked us do we want it and we didn't get anything now I have 2 games .

[MillieG420]

PCars fan kit & SMS fan kit 404

[barril]

How do I load fresnel & spec maps? I can only load one file at a time in the Vehicles/Textures/CustomLiveries folder

[larsony99]

Hi All. This is definitely a newb question, but where are the master .rcf files stored? I am racing with a group of coworkers and last time I did a livery for Formula Rookie, they provided two .rcf files for it, and then the mods.txt file pointed to those files. This allows us to use multiple custom liveries for each car.

However now I'm trying to do a livery for the Audi R8 LMS Ultra and I have no idea where to find the original copy of the .rcf file. I searched the install directory and the only files that came up were from the first custom set we did (Formula Rookie). Also, where are all the stock livery files located in the game?

Thanks in advance.

[rzy]

i cant use my custom livery on my project cars 2
my custom livery still white in game

[Xer0Nova]

I'm using gimp to make my first car for a friend, do I need to export the car as a DDS when I'm finished with it?

[stevenwills007]

The texture tools don't work for me I need a step by step video, is there a tourorial?