OK, you can laugh at my question, but here goes - is a "template" the same as a skin? Reason I ask, I downloaded a template the other day, and the result isn't the same as I have always gotten when I download a "skin". Thanks for any answers. :oops:
A template is a multi-layer file that is used to make a skin. By using an image manipulating program like PhotoShop, GIMT, or PaintShop Pro, you make many layers to create the look you want for a particular acft. The skin is the finished product of the template. Depending on the complexity of the template, you can make a skin that looks like a 5 year did it or a true artist. Most skin makers start with a void and through a number of processes will turn that voind into a template that can then be used to make a wide variety of skins for a particular plane.
A template will also usually contain many superfluous layers that are not always needed to make a good skin. For instance a template may contain various nationality markings which cannot of course all be used on one and the same skin at the same time.
A template may also contain various camouflage schemes or various squadron insignia and so on.
By turning on or turning off various layers, you can make many different looking skins.
A template is therefore a sort of do-it-yourself kit for making skins. It has all the parts you need to make a skin and often much much more and the option of easily modifying layers. But you have to know which parts to use to create the look you want your skin to have.
Once you get the hang of using a template, the sky and your imagination or research is the limit.
Thanks for the info. Now I know.
