Paint layers
Customuse provides layer painting functionality, from what you can see in the editor area on the main website. To be able to do that we need to prepare the model colour texture by splitting it, as well as creating some supportive masks. This page is a general overview and guideline, but please make sure to check specific platform guidelines as different platforms may have unique requirements.
Prerequisites
We recommend using one of the following editors to do layers: - Adobe Photoshop (no specific version) - GIMP (no specific version)
The tutorial is made using photoshop, but you can do the same process in any other editor Make sure to download and explore the prepared template with paint layers. You can find examples for every platform
Link - https://gitlab.com/customuse/contributor-program
Layered
In general, paint layers are discolored textures cut into pieces. The principle of work here is simple. We re-build texture in the engine from all layers and paint them separately. The painting here means multiplying layer on color (Same as if you do "color overlay: multiply" in photoshop or others).
We recommend using the following instruction to achieve the best look:
Cut and place layers from big to small. Because we know that layers will be ordered the same as they are enumerated, you can overlay small on big without cutting them.
Make sure, that when your layers are enabled together in right order it looks like a black-and-white version of your original concept.
Also, make sure there are no transparent gaps or holes in the final images. It will cause artefacts in the editor and moderators will reject it.
Create proper naming. Paint layers have names like "paint1", "paint2" etc. Where 1 layer is the lowest level and the other goes above.
Mask and Non-Paint layers are always named "mask" and "non_paint" accordingly.
You can find an example here.
Non-Paint Layer (optional)
Optional service layer. This layer (which can be coloured) can be added and contain some static elements or overall shading. It always goes last in layering by the engine, so whatever you put here will not be changed by paint layers or masks. However, all areas not covered by the mask still could be overlayed in the 2d editor.
Mask Layer
One more obligatory service layer. In essence, it is a black-and-white mask, where:
black colour marks an area that could be overlaid by images in 2d editor when editing design on Customuse
white colour marks an area where the user will not be able to add images, but still can be affected by paint layers. In fact, you can cover with white areas you don't wont to be coloured at all or only via paint layers.
Important to know
The number of paint layers (except mask and nonPaint) should be a maximum of 8 layers
Make sure that all paint layers, mask and nonPaint are the same resolution and fit each other
Always export layers in PNG format only
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