#Alpha & Opacity mapping
2 messages in this thread
I am trying to map images created in photo-shop on transparent
surfaces, in photo-shop I created an image using several layers, then copied
each layer to new individual .PSD images with transparent backgrounds and saved
each out as a 32 bit targa, I then went into the Materials Editor and applied
each image to a material with the Targa as a texture map and as an opacity map
with alpha selcted, it work closely to what I wanted but there was a drop
shadow, and several thin lines that didn't appear in the rendering, has anyone
encountered a similar situation, are there any sugesstions?
Joe Giannasio
Joe, Well, I'd bet it's the way you're creating your alpha. In Pshop go to
channels and verify you have a #4 and that it's a black and white image. Turn
the #4 channel on and you should see a background color appear. You'll also see
how the alpha is affecting the image better. I'll bet you'll see the same black
edges and such. I've found the best way to create alphas in Pshop is by using
layer masks. Make the #4 channel the active channel and then select it and copy
it. (CTRL-A CTRL-C) Now go to layers and add a layer mask to your image. Select
the mask as the working image and then paste in your alpha channel. Now you can
add a background layer with just a solid color and interactively work on the
edges of your matte. When you're finished you can remove the background and
then flatten. The result will be a 32 bit .tga with a perfect alpha channel.
Hope that helps.
DM