Is there any way to combine .tga images with alpha chan
Started by bpratt6 posts5 min read
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I often want to combine several small .tga images with alpha channels,(or copied parts of them) into one larger .tga texture image. Is there a way to do this and save a combined alpha channel, or must I paste the new image(s) and then redraw the alpha(s) ?Using PSP 8 and 3D CanvasAny help appreciated, Bill
Modeling the Uintah NG Railway, with it’s 7.5 % grade, 66 degree curve, and the largest NG locomotives used in North America. http://home.bresnan.net/~bpratt15/
RE: Is there any way to combine .tga images with alpha
You won't be able to combine the alpha channels into the new image. You will have to re-create the alpha channel on your new image when you add the smaller textures to it.A Targa file will only support one alpha layer per file.It it really necessary for you to merga them all into the one ?It they follow the standard 32x32, 64x64 etc format and they are small files, why not leave them as they are.If you do want to merge the smaller textures into a larger Tga file use a dark background (Black) on your new file, click on each of the smaller Targa files individually and load each one's alpha channel. Then right click>copy each one and paste as a new layer onto your new larger file. Then use the magic wand tool and select the areas you want to become your alpha channel and this should now be highlighted with a marching border around your parts. Then create your alpha channel as you normally would and use the flood fill tool to mask your alpha layer. This method saves a lot of time but you can sometimes get funny results if the textures you are joining onto the one large sheet are anti-aliased.This method will only work for the parts you want to have the same level of transparency.
RE: Is there any way to combine .tga images with alpha
>You won't be able to combine the alpha channels into the new >image. You will have to re-create the alpha channel on your >new image when you add the smaller textures to it. That is what I expected and was afraid of. > >A Targa file will only support one alpha layer per file.Knew that - that is why I was wondering if , or how, they could be combined into one. > >Is it really necessary for you to merge them all into the >one ?No, just would be convenient sometimes - like if I wanted to change a truck sideframe from Betendorf to arch bar. Mainly wanting to expand my skills even if I don't do it very often.>It they follow the standard 32x32, 64x64 etc format and they >are small files, why not leave them as they are. Just like the neatness of having fewer texture files plus sometimes I see, or draw, something better then I already have. > >If you do want to merge the smaller textures into a larger >Tga file use a dark background (Black) on your new file, >click on each of the smaller Targa files individually and >load each one's alpha channel. Then right click>copy each >one and paste as a new layer onto your new larger file. Then >use the magic wand tool and select the areas you want to >become your alpha channel and this should now be highlighted >with a marching border around your parts. Then create your >alpha channel as you normally would and use the flood fill >tool to mask your alpha layer. This method saves a lot of >time but you can sometimes get funny results if the textures >you are joining onto the one large sheet are anti-aliased. This is the answer to my problem. Using the Magic Wand makes the re-creating practical. Tried to use it before for alphas but didn't get anywhere and the book doesn’t say squat.>This method will only work for the parts you want to have >the same level of transparency.Understood. Thanks for the help, the Magic Wand bit will help a lot.Bill
Modeling the Uintah NG Railway, with it’s 7.5 % grade, 66 degree curve, and the largest NG locomotives used in North America. http://home.bresnan.net/~bpratt15/
RE: Is there any way to combine .tga images with alpha
It's doable, but you have to do it on a builder's level.You'd have to convince builders to combine their tga and alphas into a single tga and alpha. I already do this to some degree, but on larger engines and cars, it can be a pain.
RE: Is there any way to combine .tga images with alpha
That is exactly what I want to do. I have made a few buildings with transparent windows and am now building a Loco, and would like to have a single .tga and alpha for each project when possible. Just a mater of professional pride. Bill
Modeling the Uintah NG Railway, with it’s 7.5 % grade, 66 degree curve, and the largest NG locomotives used in North America. http://home.bresnan.net/~bpratt15/
