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Targas and Transparency
Hello Everyone, I’m new to the cow.
I’m also a Targa newbie.
I’m working on a job where the client always wants my graphics that I create in Photoshop CS2 as targas so that they can be brought into DPS Velocity as ‘key-able’ graphics.
Now my client is requesting that I provide graphics with transparancy as Targas.
How do I a) Create a basic key-able targa in photoshop for DPS Velocity….and b) How do I create one that is keyable and preserves it’s transparency from my Photoshop layers?
I know this seems basic, but I really would appreciate any help that you guys might have so that I can become a Targa newbie no more!
Skwerl
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4 Replies
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If there’s a Alpha Channel, then you don’t reall need it to be keyable. The Alpha Channel will do its job which is to describe areas of transparency and opacity for the image’s RGB channels.
To save a Targa with an Alpha Channel, ensure that no layer is sized to full screen. Select the layer you want to save as a single layer with Alpha Channel. Do a Save a Copy routine from the FIle Menu. When given the option, save as 32bit and if there is an option to check a box for Alpha Channel, then do so. I can’t recall the specifics of the dialog window. So be careful with what you select.
You should bring the image to AE to ensure that the Alpha Channel is working.
HTH
Roland Kahlenberg
broadcastGEMs
customizable animated backdrops with Adobe After Effects project files -
I do this by merging all the layers (minus the background), then selecting the resulting merged layer, then create an alpha from selection (I have that macro’ed to F5). Then I make sure I have a background layer that is the same color as any soft edge, drop shadow, or outer glow. Then you can either flatten it and save as a TGA, or you can just Save A Copy and it’ll flatten for you.
I’ve gotten into the habit of doing that for my Velocity at home as well as Premiere machines of different sorts at work, because it helps me insure that the layer effects and stuff come across okay. I’m not on Premiere Pro anywhere tho, I don’t know if it maintains layer effects and styles.
Clint
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Got AE? Then import your .psd file into ae as a comp. turn off any unused bkg files and check your alpha.
(click on the chip white area by the rgb chips at the bottom of the window) Render out a single .tga file,
RGB and alpha, set alpha to straight output. This is not the most elegant solution for working in psd, but I find it is more interactive as far as previewing the composite alpha and previewing the key. -
Thanks for all of your help and feedback on this!
I think that I’ve got enough info to go on now!Skwerl
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