I am currently using Photoshop CS with the VTF Plugin when skinning player models in DOD:S.

My question is this, What would be the best options (format) to save my VTF file. I have used..

Format: DXTS (Common Format)
MipMap: BOX
Sharpen: Sharpen Soft

I really do not think my skins come out the best using this selection and I think it may be wrong. Can some one please help me out here.

Yeah, I would like a full explaination on the format and options also, as I can find none.

I would also like to know if there is a way to chrome models by saving under one of the selection options like the old Jeds HLMV.

I recommend reading the following (by yours truely and Nem) and also check out the comparison picture.

http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/VTF
http://developer.valvesoftware.com/w/images/8/8e/Dxtn_comparison.jpg

In short, you should use DXT1 when there is no Alpha DXT3 if there is an alpha with smooth gradients and DXT5 if there is alpha with coarse gradients. RGB888 and RGBA8888 format take a lot of memory and should only be used for small textures or special purpose ones like halo sprites where 100% visual fidelity is a must.

As for the filters, the BOX filter is the most basic filter for the reduction of the image when making the MIP levels. I can't remember all of the names but basically ones lower down the list produce better looking MIP levels but take a little longer to create the file. Kaiser is a good example of this.

The sharpening is again to do with MIP Maps and will sharpen up the edges when MIP levels are created.

If you want to see what your MIP levels actually look like, try using VTFEdit to preview them.

For chroming - thats an effect produced in the VMT file. Most usually you create a base material, give it a specular "shine" via an alpha mask and maybe mix in a little env_map reflection. I believe there was a tutorial on HL2World that showed the basics of making a gold texture.

Thanks Jed, I'll give it a try.

Thank you again for the quick responce Jed and for the links. Thanks Again!