How to Add Custom Squad Emblems in IL-2 Korea

[Mr.ChippyPancake]

[Download Templates here from my Google Drive]

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I created the corresponding templates to make it easy to add new emblems in the correct locations and the correct size.

The PSD is a 4096×4096 atlas divided into an 8×8 grid. Each emblem occupies one 512×512 square.
 

Quick Process Overview - In-Depth Info Below:
Using the Frame tool, I added placeholder images in remaining slots in the grid.

 

1. - Open template in Photoshop
2. - Select the layer and make it visible.
3. - Over the placeholder image there should be a tool bar.
4. - Click 'Replace Image' --> 'Import Image'
5. This will add the selected artwork in the proper place.
   [You may have to slightly adjust artwork bounds if part of the design is cut off when imported.]
6. - Save File as .psd
7. - Convert to .dds
   [I use the free NVIDIA Texture Tools Exporter (https://developer.nvidia.com/texture-tools-exporter) / Export settings outlined below]
8. - Go to game folder: \game\data\Graphics\textures\common
9. - Backup or rename the original OEM Squad Emblems file
   [I just renamed the original file EmblemsSQUAD_ORIGINAL.dds and left it where it was in the folder.]
10. - Drag in your Customized Template .dds file
11. - Rename it to original file's name: EmblemsSQUAD.dds / EmblemsEasternBlock.dds
12. - Update the Emblems.cfg file
13. - Launch game and verify its working.

 

In-Depth Process

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# 1. Add your emblem
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[I filled out eleven squares with placeholder frames / more for the Eastern Block.]

1. Open `EmblemsSQUAD_Template.psd` or `EmblemsEasternBlock_Template.psd` in Photoshop
2. Activate a placeholder layer
3. Place your artwork in placeholder frame by selecting it and click the option 'Replace Image' --> 'Import Image'
4. Adjust your artwork bounds if needed.
5. Save as .psd file

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# 2. Export the PSD as DDS
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I use the official NVIDIA Texture Tools Exporter (https://developer.nvidia.com/texture-tools-exporter).

Export the finished image using these settings:

File type: DDS
Texture type: 2D
Dimensions: 4096×4096
Format: BC3 RGBA 8 bpp / DXT5
Alpha: Preserve the RGBA alpha channel
Mipmaps: Generate a complete mipmap chain
Maximum mipmap count: 13, including the 4096×4096 base image
Compression quality: Highest
Premultiplied alpha: Off

A complete 4096×4096 mipmap chain contains 13 levels, ending at 1×1.

Name the exported file exactly:
EmblemsSQUAD.dds

Place it here:
game\data\Graphics\textures\common\EmblemsSQUAD.dds

- Backup or rename the original OEM Squad Emblems file
[I just renamed the original file EmblemsSQUAD_ORIGINAL.dds and left it where it was in the folder.]

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# 3. Enable the new grid position in the Emblems.cfg file
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Open:

game\data\GUI\Emblems.cfg

Each `Row` contains eight characters representing the eight grid columns from left to right:

- `1` = enabled and selectable
- `0` = disabled

The stock SQUAD atlas has five enabled emblems on row 6:

Row6="11111000"

To enable a new emblem in row 6, column 6, change it to:

Row6="11111100"

Additional positions can be enabled by changing their corresponding `0` to `1`.

The Eastern Block is the second `[Emblem]` section in the same file: `Emblems.cfg`.

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# 4. Test
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Make sure Mods On mode is enabled, then fully restart the game.

 

JSGME METHOD NOT TESTED BUT MAY WORK
For JSGME, package both edited files together:
MODS\Custom Squad Emblems\
└─ game\data\
   ├─ GUI\Emblems.cfg
   └─ Graphics\textures\common\EmblemsSQUAD.dds

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Ps. Not Tested in Multiplayer
Other players may need the same atlas and configuration to see your custom emblem in multiplayer.
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[Stonehouse]

Good tutorial.

It works in multiplayer as long as everyone has the same files, been running custom emblems for my friends for about the last month.

One thing missing is that you have omitted the LOD dds files for the main emblem dds. These are !emblemssquad.dds and !emblemseasternblock.dds and are 256x256 copies of the main emblems dds files. They are in the same location as the main emblem dds files.

As I mentioned elsewhere, I would also suggest that people set up custom emblems as a JSGME enabled "mod" (I say "mod" because it is not a true mod but more like a custom skin so you do not need to tick the mods enabled box in game settings). Two reasons I suggest JSGME:

1. These files are subject to updates via game patches. If you don't use JSGME (or similar mod manager) then you will lose your custom emblems without warning if a patch touches this aspect of the game in some way. Also, it means you can disable the custom emblems prior to a patch and be able to check to see if your custom stuff needs tweaking post patch.
2. If set up as a JSGME mod, then it is easily shared between squad mates and friends and also easily managed by people who may not have good PC skills.