How can I get started creating repaints for FSX aircraft?

Getting started with FSX repaints (practical steps)

You can absolutely get into repainting without spending a fortune, and you don’t need a “monster” computer. The big thing is having the right tools and picking a friendly first aircraft to learn on.

1) Pick a good “starter” aircraft
Stick with something that has:

• A simple paint kit (layers, panel lines, rivets, etc.)
• A straightforward texture layout (fewer mirrored/stacked parts)
• Plenty of repaints already out there (so you can study how they did it)

The default Cessna 172/182 style aircraft are usually a lot easier than complex airliners.

2) Know what you’re actually editing
FSX repaints are mostly about editing the aircraft’s texture sheets (usually .dds files) and then adding a new livery entry in the aircraft’s aircraft.cfg.

Your basic workflow looks like:

1. Grab the aircraft’s paint kit (if available)
2. Edit the layered master file in a paint program
3. Export to DDS in the right format
4. Place textures in a new texture folder
5. Add a new [fltsim.X] entry in aircraft.cfg
6. Test in FSX, then tweak, repeat

3) Tools you’ll need (keep it simple)

• Image editor that can handle layers (this is where you spend your time)
• DDS export support so FSX can read the textures
• A way to preview/check alpha channels (alphas control shininess/reflectivity/transparency on many models)

A lot of frustration early on comes from DDS export settings or missing alpha channels, so don’t feel bad if the first few attempts look “too shiny,” “too dull,” or have weird transparency.

4) Learn the “three big gotchas” early

1. Mirroring/stacking: Many models reuse the same texture area for both sides (left/right). That means text/logos may appear backwards on one side unless you design around it.
2. Alpha channel: If your alpha gets overwritten or exported wrong, the paint can look like plastic wrap or completely flat.
3. Mipmaps: If mipmaps are wrong/missing you can get shimmering at distance. If they’re too aggressive, text/logos can get blurry sooner than you expect.

5) Do a first “training repaint”
Before you try a perfect real-world livery, do a quick practice:

• Big stripes and solid colors only
• One registration number
• No tiny text

That lets you learn where things map on the model and how the sim renders your work.

6) About buying a used MacBook
Personally, I wouldn’t buy a MacBook specifically for FSX repainting unless you already plan to run Windows on it. FSX itself is Windows-native, and while you can edit textures on macOS, you’ll still want a reliable way to test in FSX (and to deal with DDS quirks). If you’re starting from scratch and you want the smoothest path, a basic Windows laptop/desktop tends to be the least hassle for the whole workflow (edit + export + test).

A couple quick questions so I can steer you the right way

• Are you repainting the default FSX aircraft, or a specific add-on (which one)?
• What image editor do you plan to use (or already have)?
• Are you on FSX boxed, FSX:Steam Edition, or another sim as well?
• When you say “buy a used MacBook,” do you plan to run Windows on it, or stay on macOS?