Edit in External Software

When using texture image files, you can edit the texture image in an external software. After editing, you can save the file and it will be updated automatically to reflect the changes in VStitcher or Lotta. You do not need to save the file separately and re-add it to the software manually.

The external editor is defined in the Preferences dialog box.

To set an image editor:

1. Open the Preferences dialog box, then click the Images & Colors tab.

2. Select Browse next to the Image editor field.

   

3. Navigate to the program file on your computer and select it.

When working with raster files, most raster-based image editors can be used, for example Photoshop. When working with Ai vector files, VStitcher will automatically use Illustrator to open the file.

To edit an image:

1. If the Materials tab is not already open, on the Resources tabs, click Materials.

   

2. On the Materials tab, select the material.

3. In the Context view, click an image thumbnail. The image editor is displayed.

4. Click to edit the image in an external editor.

5. Edit the image as desired.

6. Prior to saving the file, check that no actions have been done that would change the file format. If this has been done, you will not be able to save the file as is.

   For example:

   • If the image file type only has one layer, then an action created a second layer in the file, the layers must be flatted prior to saving. Once the image is flattened, the file can be saved for automatic update in the software.

   • If the image layer was a background layer, then unlocked to edit, you will need to make the layer a background layer again for it to be saved for automatic update in the software. To do this in Photoshop, either right click the layer and chose Flatten Image or go to Layer > New > Layer from Background.

   • If the image is a JPG, then transparency is created in the image, you will not be able to save the file and see the update in VStitcher. When saving, the transparency would be removed. This is because JPG does not support transparency. You would need to use save as and save the file on your computer for manual updating.

7. Save the file.

8. In the software a pop up will appear alerting you to the image being updated.

9. Click OK to see the automatic update.

Using Edit in External Software for Vector Files

If you are encountering a message asking you to confirm a script to be run, it must be confirmed so that the software can connect to Illustrator to edit and update files.

If you would like to turn this message off, you can do so by following the steps in Adobe AI Script Pop Up Message.