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Reading Topic #2918
I have a couple of questions about alpha channels:1.) What are they?
2.) What are they used for?
3.) How does one create them (in Paint Shop Pro)?Also, I've seen some people talking about "adding" or "using layers." So...1.) What are layers?
2.) What are they used for?
3.) How does one create them (in Paint Shop Pro)?Thanks!
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http://www.imagecels.com/im04006.htmlBest definition is here, also it has some other information. See the post below for tutorial links, I believe Rick Lamp covers alpha channels in his tutorial which is in the file library.Good luck!
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LAST EDITED ON Jul-26-02 AT 11:11 AM (EDT)
Assuming you have paintshop pro...Alpha Channels1.) What are they?Alpha Channels are: TADA! ... "Special Masks"
Yeah, I'm sure that clears things up. Here is what PSP says a MASK is:
A mask is a greyscale image that you apply to a layer. You can use it to hide and display parts of the layer, to fade between layers, and to create special effects with precision. Masks can be created from selections, alpha channels, and images. A mask can cover a layer completely or with varying levels of opacity. The grey value of the mask determines how much it covers. Where it is black, it completely masks the layer, producing a transparent area; where it is white, it leaves the layer unmasked (in its original state); where it is grey, it produces a semi-masking effect, with the transparency increasing as the grey becomes darker. 2.) What are they used for?To make certain parts of an image "see through" for things like windows, radiator grills, etc.3.) How does one create them (in Paint Shop Pro)?Take a look at the MASKS pulldown menu option and look at the
new-> from image option
or
the load from alpha option.
Also, I've seen some people talking about "adding" or "using layers." So...1.) What are layers?A newly created Paint Shop Pro image consists of one raster layer, the background layer. This is analogous to the canvas of a painting; every image must have at least one layer. 2.) What are they used for? Additional layers are used to fine tune things like dust, dirt, rivets, etc without disturbing the pixels on the background layer.3.) How does one create them (in Paint Shop Pro)?
layers-->create new raster layer
note: take a look at layer opacity settings... this is the best way to test and apply weathering effects.
There are also a number of good tutorials available on skinning... try searching and you will probably find them. Does this help?
Pete Willard
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