how to import image with alpha

[Randy Pfeiffer]

I use Photoshop 7, but I think this works the same in 6…

Using “select” menu, go to “load selection”
Under “channel:” make sure it’s set to “transparency” (of the layer with your object ie:lower 1/3)
Click OK (under window menu, check “channels” to make sure you have an alpha channel)
Using “select” menu, go to “save selection”
Under “channel:” – set to “new” and give name of “Alpha” or “Alpha 1” (photoshop allows for multiple channels, so I use “Alpha 1” to prevent my own confusion)
Do a “save as” (I use tiff for format) and make sure the “Alpha Channels” is selected
Import into Avid (under “options”, check “invert existing” (alpha)) and click OK
Avid should import with alpha channel

I know there are faster ways, but this is the one I use

HTH,
Randy

[Rob Stemm]

I usually create my photoshops and keep them layered. Open Aftereffects and import the photoshop as a comp. You now have control over each layer in After Effects if you want to tweak something. click on your timeline with the playhead at the point you would like to make a still image. Press (mac) apple + option + s to save a single frame to the Render Que or go to Composition menu drage down to Save Fram As and click on File… Now set your output settings in the render que to pict sequence. Click the Channels Drop down menu and choose RGB + Alpha. Choose the Color drop down menu and choose Straight (Unmatted). Chang all other appropriate settings to fit your needs. Render and it should just render one still frame pict file. Just import this into your appropriate bin in Media Composer. Make sure you use Invert Alpha when importing otherwise you won’t see your lower third.

This seems like a lot of work, but when you make output module tamplates in your render que you can just select those and hit render. I have one saved as NTSC Pict Alpha.

Hope this helps!

[Satesh Ramjattan]

why not just create the alpha in Photoshop? Then export as targa file. This is the way we do it everyday.

[Jon Zanone]

The simplest, easiest, fastest way is to save a copy as a .png (I think ver 6.0 still makes you ‘save a copy – if it has ‘save as’, .png export is available there). You’ll get your alpha – provided your PShop image is created with a transparent background (this should be an option when you first create your image).

Jon