#I dont accept 1024x face masks in my game - raw32 or not - I either resize it to 512x512 DXT5 or delete it

[pforestsims]

Does Raw32bit texture format make TS2 CC makeup look better?

Raw 32bit format is basically what it says it is. It doesn't use compression and contains much more colour information than your standard 8bit DXT format - that is 32 bits per pixel. So CC item that contains Raw32bit texture takes up more texture memory. It's like loading FOUR textures instead of ONE.. Is it worth it?

Apparently there's a myth that Raw format is 'best for makeup' (but you can find Raw32 or Raw24 textures in all sorts of custom content). It increases the file size and clogs texture memory. Is it a good idea to use it in CC for the game that is not even able to display 8bit color depth correctly? After all, banding artifacts on dark colour gradients still show up, no matter what format you use.

Below is a little comparison. In extreme close-up, both 512x512 eyelashes are more crunchy - but also, quite crisp.

1024x1024 DXT5 lash mask looks a bit different to 1024x1024 Raw32, which is more smooth, but also a little blurry - none of those two looks as crisp as actual texture viewed in SimPe.

That's because the game shrinks 1024x1024 to 512 x 512 px, which is the default size of TS2 face texture (and also the scalp) and so the quality suffers from it.

I've shown my comparative pics to a few people, some said 1024x1024 DXT5 lashes look better. Let's zoom out just a little bit:

There's still a difference. But personally I prefer crisper-looking details.

If you go through TS2 game files, you'll find very few Raw colour textures that are actually being used. I only know about this one - lamp debris contains Raw24bit texture and I bet it was done by mistake.

I don't know if/how makeup files add up to pink flashing. These files tend to be much smaller than other Bodyshop CC items (when compressed ofc). Hairs are probably a much bigger culprit. But then again, if you often use layered face masks and you get pink flashing a lot, then it's something to think about.

Here's part2 and a few more comparative pics if you're interested.

*Lashes come from this really nice set by @goingmintal - textures are 1024x1024 raw32 so I had to suppress the urge to download all of it 😉