How to make the model translucent?

[TsingLoong]

I got a translucent model. I ONLY changed $basetexture in VMT file then the model became opaque.I wonder how to keep it translucent?

The codes in the VMT file:
"$basetexture" "models/LordAardvark/Commission/Kasumi_Outfit_HotSummer/kas_cloth_base"
"$bumpmap"
"models/LordAardvark/Commission/Kasumi_Outfit_HotSummer/kas_cloth_nrm"

"$translucent" "1"
"$ambientocclusion" "1"

[Zappy]

Originally posted by FBTsingLoong:

- I ONLY changed $basetexture in VMT file -

It's probably "better" to override $BaseTexture using override materials within Source Filmmaker. (One of the positive things about doing that is that it won't be "undone" if you just try to update the model's installation or such.) See the below guide for instructions on doing so:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=291500222

Originally posted by FBTsingLoong:

- I ONLY changed $basetexture in VMT file then the model became opaque.I wonder how to keep it translucent? -

Does the original VTF have an alpha mask, and does the custom VTF have an (probably-identical) alpha mask?

[TsingLoong]

Originally posted by Zappy:

Originally posted by FBTsingLoong:

- I ONLY changed $basetexture in VMT file -

It's probably "better" to override $BaseTexture using override materials within Source Filmmaker. (One of the positive things about doing that is that it won't be "undone" if you just try to update the model's installation or such.) See the below guide for instructions on doing so:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=291500222

Originally posted by FBTsingLoong:

- I ONLY changed $basetexture in VMT file then the model became opaque.I wonder how to keep it translucent? -

Does the original VTF have an alpha mask, and does the custom VTF have an (probably-identical) alpha mask?

Thanks,but excuse me,what is "alpha mask"?

[Zappy]

Originally posted by FBTsingLoong:

Thanks,but excuse me,what is "alpha mask"?

An alpha/transparency/translucency channel in the image (much like the red, green, and blue channels, but for opacity instead of colour).

[TsingLoong]

Originally posted by Zappy:

Originally posted by FBTsingLoong:

Thanks,but excuse me,what is "alpha mask"?

An alpha/transparency/translucency channel in the image (much like the red, green, and blue channels, but for opacity instead of colour).

Oh thanks,it is just as what you said at #1.
So the reason is the custom VTF doesn't have a transparency mask,right?What should I do to make it have the mask?

[Zappy]

Originally posted by FBTsingLoong:

- So the reason is the custom VTF doesn't have a transparency mask,right?What should I do to make it have the mask?

Firstly, make sure that it has one in whichever image-editing tool you're using. Secondly, make sure that the VTF image format that you use supports alpha (DXT5 and RGBA8888 do, DXT1 and RGB888 don't, et cetera).

[Moonify]

having a issue where adding $translucent 1 doesnt work and $alphatest