How to Create a Spec Map in iRacing for Beginners

[@insidethreewide7133]

Thank you for your time and effort. I have been racking mt fat head trying to figure out how this is done.

[@XJSimulations]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching.

[@waltwalker8117]

Thanks for showing this. Never worked on a spec map. After 250 + paint schemes through 15 years this will be a first

[@XJSimulations]

The spec map changes everything!

[@videomanchris]

This is great. Thank you for making these videos. I've been painting NR2003 for years, now I'm diving into iRacing. Spec Maps are slightly confusing, but with this, it's waaaaay clearer. Thanks!

[@XJSimulations]

Glad it helped you!

[@insidethreewide7133]

Great video. Is this version of photoshop called elements? It seems to be the only thing I can find and not just plain Photoshop.

[@XJSimulations]

It is PS from Creative Cloud Suite, but the version is likely a few years out of date now.

[@waltwalker8117]

I did find something out while playing with spec maps. Merge your paint layers, layer adjustment and brighten it up with a little contrast then move it up to spec. I now have an all chrome red, black, silver and yellow chrome ride. You have created a monster...lol

[@XJSimulations]

Glad I could assist with your creativity! Paint ‘em pretty!

[@waltwalker8117]

So.... I did what you explained. Thank you so much... you have created a monster and possible divorcee because I am about to update A LOT of old schemes to the new templates!

[@XJSimulations]

I take no responsibility lol

[@brentkenney2502]

what's a good range for night lights in the spec map? iv been messing around with it and it looks good in the daylight but at night under lights it turns dark when using a white as a main color.

[@XJSimulations]

Great topic. I have never really worried about the change due to nighttime conditions. TP offers a loadable paint specifically for night races for each car (may need a pro membership). I may have to experiment with this now :)

[@robdob09]

Very informative and to the point. I do have a question though, in other videos I've seen on Spec Map how to's, they are adjusting the R, G and B's. Does this produce the same outcome, are there scenarios when you adjust the R, G and B's along with the the B that you are adjusting?

[@XJSimulations]

Since it is based on a greyscale, I'm not sure how the RGB channel would effect the spec map. I might have to do some research, but I do not think it will change anything.

[@malaven11]

how are you applying the spec maps in the UI?

[@XJSimulations]

It applies automatically once the spec map is placed into the car's paint folder. As soon as you place the file in the folder, the UI window will blink a couple of times when its applied.

[@isimrace]

The new blue channel clear coat is confusing me. I set it at 16 black but they just don’t look like they did before. Everything looks darker and less reflective😢

[@XJSimulations]

Video coming soon. I’m the meantime, set the blue channel to zero black and it will be as close to the old spec map as possible. There were changes altogether. For example, the mirror chrome is not like it was previously and is a bit more natural.

[@isimrace]

@@XJSimulations thanks! Looking forward to the video. 👍