[neuro_01]

I tried to make my own spalsh screen but the game refuses to use it. The size ansd resolution is the same as the UI1.1 splash screen, which does work. Eventually, as I coudnt get it to work I did an experiment: I opened thet UI splashcreen image with Gimp, added one dot and saved it. Guess what? The game refused to use it and swithed back to the Russian splash creen.

Now that I think of it, I've never been able to make IL2 use any image that I modified, even though I always keep size and resolution, file name and format, everything. I guess there must be something that changes when you save a .tga file in Gimp and it must be set back to the only value that IL2 would accept, but what?

[GF_Mastiff]

yes I have made my own and you have to save it in the GUI as Background.tga make sure your saveing as that go into the properties and go advanced and dang I cant remember because
you have to rename it, or something .. :?

[Doolittle81]

When you have the image you want...in JPG format...use IrfanView (free download) to convert the JPG to the TGA format. http://www.irfanview.com/
First, resize your image/jpg to 1024X1024. It will look squished, don't worry. Then convert/save as a TGA format image. The size will always be 3073Kb. Rename it as background.tga and place in your ...\IL-2 Sturmovik 1946\MODS\SplashScreen\GUI folder, replacing (after you back it up) the default background.tga therein.

[Vpmedia]

Imho they should not exceed the filesize of 3 Mb

for example 1024*768*256 colors = 768 Kb try that first

these should work to if you need tested files: http://www.filefront.com/12579976/gui.zip/

correct path is c:\Program Files\Ubisoft\IL-2 Sturmovik 1946\MODS\something\gui\background0.tga

[Doolittle81]

vpmedia:

The 512kbX512Kb TGA files come in at 768Kb. The higher resolution (better) splashscreens (and menu screens) are 1024KbX1024Kb TGA files, which if properly formatted will always be of 3073Kb.

Oddly enough, it does appear that your Splashscreeen tga files at 1024X768 aspect ratio do work, undistorted in IL2. I cannot explain why both sizes/formats should work. Previously in my experience with Menu screens, 4:3 aspect ratio TGA files would appear distorted in IL2. Neuro 01 can suit himself as to his preferred procedure.

However, it is more important to note that you have given both an an incorrect path and file name for the splashscreens tga files. I refer Neuro 01 to my earlier guidance in that regard. Also, the procedures/techniques are explained in this Dietz/Doolittle Splashscreens thread along with 19 downloadable, ready to go, alternative SplashScreens.

[neuro_01]

I AM using a 1024x1024.tga image! But the game refuses to use it anyway. I double and triple checked, the path is OK.
As the final experiment, I used the splash screen from the UI, made sure that it worked, then I opened it with Gimp and added a coplored dot on it, then saved the file.same file name (background0.tga) same format (.tga), same location (...\MODS\Splashscreen\GUI\ ) and same size, about 1.7MB:
it did work before editing, it didnt work any more after simply adding a dot!
why is that, and how I fix it?

[Doolittle81]

As I have said, the filename must be background.tga, NOT background0.tga
I don't know what you are trying to accomplish by adding a "dot". ..I don't know anything about "Gimp"...your final TGA file size is all wrong.

I suggest you follow my detailed instructions in my earlier post. It's really VERY simple to create a Splashscreen...just follow the steps.

[neuro_01]

Looks like the problem was the encryption used by Gimp for .tga images. Saving as .jpg and converting to .tga with Ifranview did work. thx.

[Doolittle81]

Glad that you got it worked out.

For all: It does appear that for some reason after the Splash MOD (or UI Patch 1.1 maybe?), you can in fact use either 1024X768 OR 1024X1024 TGA file as a splash screen. Both show undistorted, in correct aspect ratio, in IL2. Only in the orginal unmodded IL2 was it mandatory for Menu Screens that the TGA file be squished to a square 512X512 or 1024X1024. Sorry if I misled anyone in my earlier posts discussing this matter.