Still can’t export with transparent background

[Mark Spencer]

Kay, I just tested those exact settings and it works perfectly. I exported a ProRes 4444 movie with alpha and imported into FCP X and the alpha channel in intact. Perhaps post screenshots of your canvas in Motion (with the background set to transparent), a shot of your export settings, and a shot of the clip in FCP X connected over a video clip or image so we can see the transparency or lack thereof.
Mark

—
Mark Spencer
Freelance Producer/Editor/Motion Graphics Artist
Apple-certified Master Trainer
Author, Motion 4 from Peachpit Press
https://www.applemotion.net

[Robin S. kurz]

Exactly. When in the canvas hit ⇧T. Do you see a checkerboard pattern where you expect your transparency, a lá Photoshop? If not, then there is something wrong with your project settings, there’s a rogue layer or the likes. If you DO see it but aren’t getting your alpha with the export settings as described above, then I for one am stumped…

When in doubt, copy/paste everything into a brand new project and check matters there (hitting ⇧T before pasting).

– RK

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Deutsch? Hier gibt es ein umfassendes FCP X Training für dich!

[Kay Ghey]

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for the time and attention. I’ve still got nothing. At present, here’s my canvas and export settings.

[Kay Ghey]

And here’s the clip imported into FCPX.

I’m just baffled. The alpha layer doesn’t seem to show in FCPX and I also have black backgrounding if I open or view it in VLC or quicktime (not sure if that matters.

Thanks for putting eyes on this, guys. I’m pretty well stumped. I keep trying new export settings and just don’t seem to have something in the right place.

[Bret Williams]

Have you tried it with the premultiply box off? That would be the preferred setting. That would be a straight alpha matte. Also check your project settings in Motion. Isn’t there a setting in there to render a solid background o something like that? Not at my computer right now…

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https://BretFX.com FCP X Plugins & Templates for Editors & Motion Graphics Artists

[Robin S. kurz]

Actually, there is not globally preferred alpha, be it straight or premultiplied. In the end, if the math is done correctly (i.e. the interpretation is set correctly), then both will deliver perfectly fine results. Some NLE in fact don’t even accept or recognize straight alphas, so at least in that context you’re safer going matted. But fortunately in the case of FCP it’s irrelevant.

So you’ll simply want a) check your project settings in Motion as Bret said and make sure the background isn’t set to SOLID. Because then you can render all day long with any given setting and you’ll never get your alpha.

Then b) check the clip settings IN FCP how the file is being interpreted, i.e. make sure it’s set whatever it is you used and not being ignored (which is actually extremely unlikely with a file coming from Motion).

If EVEN THEN it’s not working, which would be very odd, then you’d have to post the clip or a frame somewhere so one could have a look.

– RK

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Deutsch? Hier gibt es ein umfassendes FCP X Training für dich!

[Kay Ghey]

Hey Robin,

If I could ask, where are you checking that box in FCPX that describes alpha handling.

I had to walk off from this project for the last month and I’m just settling back in and still banging on this. I’m sure it’s something mundane I’m doing wrong, but I’ve gone down the checklist and am just still not getting results.

(I’m back on generation in FCPX, but where is that same alpha handling box you screen shotted available in 10.2.3?)

Thanks Robin

[Kay Ghey]

Ok I’ve discovered that box.
Still jiggering.

[Kay Ghey]

Hi Team,

It’s still just not budging for me. I’ve gone ahead and recorded and uploaded a quick screen cast to see if anyone can spot me making the mistake, located here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8hxl5HmE5s&feature=youtu.be

Note, I went back and immediately changed the “Alpha Handling” to “Straight” right after I cut the video.
I feel like I’ve done everything right and am just not getting it to work…

Thanks guys. you’re invaluable.

[Kay Ghey]

Sweet mother of Jehovah…

Alpha channel is non-functional when FCPX display settings are set to “Proxy Media” it would seem…
I think I just figured out where a week of my time went…