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Shadow Map Tutorialby DallasGirl
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In this brief tutorial, I will explain how to make a shadow map that prevents these black lines/pixels and subsequently will fix the issue @grimcookies discussed about the crunchiness that happens with an incorrectly made shadow map.
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LINK to @grimcookies post
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Why is this happening?
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Short answer: Probably because it's in PNG file format. Your shadow map should always be in DDS file format with a proper Alpha Layer. NOTE: This can happen even if you export the shadow map, change nothing, then re-import the shadow map. Clicking MAKE BLANK doesn't help either because it doesn't actually make it blank, it just removes the files.
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I am running a Windows 10 desktop PC with Photoshop CC 2020 installed.
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You will need:
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1)
Sims4Studio (S4S)
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2)Photoshop CC
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or GIMP
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3)Nvidia DDS Plugin (allows to 'Save As' in the DDS file format)
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for Photoshop CCORfor GIMP
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Newest (March 2020)Newest
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Older (v8.xxx)
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(If you can already save files in DDS file format, you don't need this)
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(You might need to research how to get DDS files to show in PhotoShop or GIMP)
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4)
A Package that needs a new or fixed shadow map
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If your file doesn't need a shadow map, NEVER click Make Blank in S4S… it removes the files instead of making them blank. If you need an actual blank shadow map, you need to Import a blank one. If you don’t have one, you can download them below. This same 'rule' applies to the Specular, Diffuse, and Normal Maps - if you need it to be blank, then Import a blank one.
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DOWNLOAD: Blank DDS: Shadow, Specular, and Normal in HQ and NonHQ
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I will be using a hair that produces a black line from the Shadow Map.
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Step 1Open the package with S4S.
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In the Texture section, select SHADOW.
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Export SHADOW as a DDS file.
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