#Visual Image
4 messages in this thread
Nick:
I'm finally getting into using Visual Image and I'm discovering that it is
another truly great product. I've got a few interface tips to pass along for
the next release (when will that be by the way?) but at the moment I've got a
pressing functionality question:
-How do you "drop-out" a single color besides black?
I've fidgeted with the settings for almost hours but I can't get just one color
to disappear. The option would be perfect if it worked just like it does in
Renderize where you simply pick the alpha channel color you want to become
transparent from the image. The present method is great for special, artsy
collage affects but limiting precision masks to black only SEVERLY limits
architectural rendering effects on high contrast renderings that you want to
superimpose (black is to major a component.)
Hope we can chat about this for awhile.
joel*
Hello Joel:
You can drop out a background color using the alpha channel matte button in the
Objects Mode. It certainly isn't as easy as it is in Rendedrize Live, but that
intimidating graph gives you enormous flexibility (BTW, we had some major
pow-wows in regards to the interface for this command, with the "ease of use"
camp and the "power user" camp trying to find a common ground. I'll spare you
the details!).
Here's what to do. After selecting the Alpha Matte command, point to the
desired dropout color in the image and select: this color should now appear in
the color box on the Alpha Matte window. This means that the far left edge of
the graph represents the color you chose, with positions further to the right
representing increasingly different colors. The top of the graph represents
fully opaque, and since the line runs across the top, all colors in the image
are opaque.
So, drag the left edge of the line down as far as it will go to reduce opacity
for the chosen color. You may need to drop the line at several control points
on the left side to get the desired effect. Or, reduce the number of control
points. You must press the Apply button to see your results as you change the
nature of the graph.
Hope this helps, glad you like Visual Image.
Nick Josephs
Visual Software
Nick:
That knocks out that one color but is still takes a handful of other colors
with it which can be quite a "wierd" effect for architectural renderings.
joel*
Joel:
Then increase the number of control points on the graph. That will allow you
to work in a reduced range of colors.
BTW, none of this is intended to belittle your original point: we _do_ need to
offer a simpler method to drop out a single, specific color.
Nick Josephs
Visual Software