• A software called paint.net (Be sure you get the free version and not the paid one)

• A Decal Tool

• A Conscientious Objector

• A specific file directory (Will provide it later on in the guide)

Step 1.

Save any image where ever you'd like that you'd like to put on a conscientious objector, for this guide, I'll be using this image!

P.S. Find an image that's more of a square for the best results, rectangular images will be squished (Reason will be explained in further steps)

Assuming you've now fully downloaded paint.net and got it up and running, you'll now be able to open the images in your files and open it with 'paint.net'.

Once you've clicked on open with paint.net, it should open up your selected image. This is where we will resize our image!

The image MUST be 128x128 or it will not work!

Also make sure to UNTICK the "Maintain aspect ratio" box or you will not be able to make the image 128 by 128!

When you go to save the image somewhere, make sure to click OK and don't just close it down or it will not work!

Now you must make the following file directory in the exact places I've put them and with the exact same names or it will not work!

Program Files (x86) > Steam > steamapps > common > Team Fortress 2 > tf > custom > userstuff > scripts > items > custom_texture_blend_layers

Once you're in the custom_texture_blend_layers file, save the image as paper_overlay.png

MAKE SURE IT'S A PNG FILE (No other formats will work!)

You'll always have to save the image in this file and with the same name, so you must replace the image every time you make a new sign!

Now once it's saved, open TF2 and click on your decal tool and apply it to a conscientious objector!



Go to the file directory I showed in the previous step and find the paper_overlay.png image that you created with your image!



If all is done correctly, your image should be coloured when you go to the next part on the decal tool system in game!

If it hasn't worked, restarted TF2 and it should work when you get back in the game! :D

Edit 2020: I've just made a basic bordered square for you to perfectly size your preferred image onto a sign without wasted background space!

The white square on the provided image is exactly 128x128. Just save into the directory given in the previous steps and it'll still work!

Hope this helps with better quality signs!



Edit 2021: Turns out this doesn't seem to be the correct measurement despite checking it, I think uploading anyway just reduces the size so I'd recommend against the use of this unless anyone can provide one otherwise! If you can, I'd love to use it and give you credit on this guide! I thank you in advance :)

Well done! You've now got yourself full colour on a conscientious objector!

One thing to bare in mind is that, if your selected image has no background colour, you'll have to do the following:

Drag the little grey bar all the way to the left and match the colours with the other option on that drop-down box just below the colour palette! This will give you a white background on the sign!

Thank you all for reading my guide, I hope it has helped you all on how to now fully take advantage of your decal tools!

Leave any comments down below and I'll respond to them asap :)