Alpha-mask vs. merged-Transparency in PSD format

Hi,
I'm trying to read merged RGBA data from PSD format. "Image data" section contains channels (RGBAA... where first A might be a merged transparency or Alpha mask). Can someone tell me how to know what is stored in first A? I noticed that:
when image contains no transparency, but has at least one Alpha mask, then first Alpha channel will contain that alpha mask
when image contains transparency, then first Alpha channel will contain merged transparency and other Alpha channels will contain alpha masks
So how do I reliably differentiate between Transparency and Alpha mask in first Alpha channel?
Regards,
Paulius Liekis
Unity Technologies

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Merging alpha masks

Hi,
I have about 10 layers that I want to merge together. Each layer has its own individual alpha mask that doesn't overlap each other. I was wondering if it's possible to merge all the layers onto one while preserving an alpha that encompasses all 10 alpha masks as well.
Thanks.

I am not sure how the merged alpha channel will help you and I am pretty sure if you applied that combined alpha channel as a layer mask on the merged images that you would not get the same result as a Merge operation (Michael already mentioned this above). In the layer stack, each Layer Mask operates wtih the existing layer and the next lower layer (with all other layer settings) to determine the Composite image to present to the next higher Layer and Layer Mask. The masks are not directly working in a cascade fashion with each other directly from a conceptual point of view (IMHO of course). That is why preserve only keeps the bottom Layer Mask. All the other masks were merged into their respective Layers druing the merge process (except the last one).
That given, if you want to create a composite mask for some purpose that I do not understand (very likely) then here is how you can do it:
- Make sure that selections are cleared
- On each Layer, add the Layer Mask to the selection
- After all Layer Masks have been added to the selection, either a) save selection as a) Channel Mask or b) create a new Layer Mask on its own independent layer from the selection.
At this point you have the combined mask as you requested either in the channels panel or as an independent layer mask. You can do the merge without preserve set and still have a combined mask as you requested to be used whereever.
Hope this is helpful and if I just don't understand your request I apologize for taking up your time. If I am off base, it may be helpful to describe what you want to achieve with your image as opposed to just what operations you want to execute. I sense other forum members don't quite understand the end result you want to achieve. I am sure you will get lots of suggestions once forum members understand the end image objectives. Good luck.

Alpha masks

I searched everywhere for a tutorial explaining how to make an image with an aplha mask ( not uniform transparency ) Can you hel me?

Do you mean making an image that is a mask, or making an image using a mask?
To create an image that will be used as a mask, start with a new BufferedImage having an alpha channel (like TYPE_INT_ARGB). Then draw into that image using any of the Java2D primitives, employing transparency either in the color value or an AlphaComposite. Note that the actual color is not important, only the alpha value will be used.
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Graphics2D g = bi.createGraphics();
Font f = new Font("sansserif", Font.BOLD, 140);
g.setFont(f);
g.setColor(Color.black);
g.drawString("A", 0, 100);
g.setComposite(AlphaComposite.SrcIn);
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Gradient alpha mask problem

Hello-
I am attempting to create a gradient alpha mask for a PNG file, the effect being that of a reflection fading out gradually into the background. CS4 doesn't recognize the white to black alpha gradient or solid to transparent gradient. It uses the entire gradient as the mask.
I have searched and searched, but cannot figure out how to make a simple alpha gradient mask for an image.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Jesse
Artwork attahced for concept.

You need to make the mask and the maskee movie clips, give them instance names, set cache as bitmap on both to true, and then use setMask to make the mask work.
I believe pretty good directions are here: http://www.align.sk/blog/blog1.php/2008/10/23/transparent-masks-with-cacheasbitmap-as3
For what it's worth, it's a well known enhancement request to have this work at author time in addition to runtime with AS (I for one sure hope we can add this).

Alpha Mask

Is there a way to use a grayscale image as an alpha mask? I'm trying to do lighting effects, also let me know if there is a better (or just easier) way to do lighting effects.

Sure there is. Heres an example which takes an original image and sets the alpha or the destination pixel based upon the "grayness" of the mask pixel.
-This assumes the mask image and src image are the same size.
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import java.awt.Graphics2D;
import java.awt.image.BufferedImage;
import java.io.File;
import javax.imageio.ImageIO;
import javax.swing.ImageIcon;
import javax.swing.JFrame;
import javax.swing.JLabel;
* @author Ian Schneider
public class AlphaMask {
    public static final void main(String[] args) throws Exception {
        BufferedImage orig = ImageIO.read(new File(args[0]));
        BufferedImage mask = ImageIO.read(new File(args[1]));
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                int argb = orig.getRGB(x,y);
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        f.setDefaultCloseOperation(f.EXIT_ON_CLOSE);
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        f.setLocationRelativeTo(null);
        f.show();
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        return (int) (
          ((rgb >> 16 & 0xff) * .299) +
          ((rgb >> 8 & 0xff) * .587) +
          ((rgb & 0xff) * .114)
}There is probably some other, easier way, but hey, I learned a cool gray algorithm in the process...

Saving a Photoshop CC project from a Mac (in .PSD format) to a thumb drive and trying to transfer it to a Dell laptop with Photoshop CS6. Will not open...Error message: could not complete your request because it is not a valid photoshop document.

Saving a Photoshop CC project from a Mac (in .PSD format) to a thumb drive and trying to transfer it to a Dell laptop with Photoshop CS6. Will not open...Error message: could not complete your request because it is not a valid photoshop document.

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How to mask the amount in Euro currency format .

Hi Gurus ,
In my xml publisher report there is amount column where i need to display mask the value in euro currecnt format like 9.999,99 where "." represent thousand position and "," decimal position.
i tried with
1.) Format mask 9.999,00
2.) Format mask: #,##0.00
3.) <?format-number:fieldname;'999G999D99'?>
I registered the report with German territory and language but no favorable result .
any hint would be very helpful,Please suggest ,Thanks in advance .
Thanks
Pratap

Hi ,
Look the below thread that may helpful to you
Euro sign in template
and also look the below link
http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/B40078_02/doc/bi.1013/b40017/T421739T481157.htm#hor_table_brk (search for Data Source Requirements)
you may get some additional information
Thanks,
Ananth

Can only view file in its blue psd format when I open them in CS6

Can only view file in its blue psd format when I open them in CS6
Is anyone else having this problem?

Start Firefox in <u>[[Safe Mode]]</u> to check if one of the extensions is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox (Tools) > Add-ons > Appearance/Themes).
* Don't make any changes on the Safe mode start window.
* https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Safe+Mode
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When I try to save an edited photo in PSD format, I end up with an unknown file and Elements 7 cannot open again. It is not JPG, or PDF so I cannot open it in any program. Can anyone help? James Poling

Hi James,
Haven't faced this problem ever but wanted to understand it. Want to know a few things :
What is the extension of the files after you save them in psd format ?
and To what location are you trying to save the files ?
Have you tried changing the extension of the files to psd manually and then opening it in PSE?
Thanks

Animate Particles Using Image Source Alpha Mask - Outline

I am trying to animate particles emitted from the outline of an alpha mask. I can get the emitter to see the mask, but only as a rectangular bounding box. How do I get the particles to be emitted from the organic shape within the mask? I created the alpha mask in Motion.

Heya,
I see what you're talking about: using the alpha for Fll or Random Fill seems to work fine, but using the alpha with Outline doesn't seem to work (except using the outline of the whole bounding box).
Maybe a bug, though I would guess that generating an outline path from an alpha channel would be an expensive process, computing-wise. It makes sense if you have a relatively simple alpha with a single "blob" of solidity, but if you had a complex (noisy) alpha, it would be a royal pain to solve.
Would be nice, though

Batch Process: Add Alpha Mask From File

I did a search for this, but couldn't find anything. If there is something, please feel free to send me in that direction.
I use Photoshop a lot for my 3D work. Usually, when I render an image sequence out, I have the mask saved in the alpha channel. Unfortunately, ZBrush doesn't allow me to do that, and instead saves the mask out as a separate image. I need to add the alpha mask to the color plate file. Is there any way to do this with batch processing?
--Andrew

AndrewRaz wrote:
Thank you for your response. I guess for now, I'll just add the masks by hand, since I don't know scripting at all.
It would be worth asking in the Scripting forum. There may be something available, in which case you just copy the file into the appropriate folder in PS and it's there on the menu to use.
Scripting forum.

[svn:fx-trunk] 11641: A simple fix - we need to keep track of the display list index for non-clipping masks such as luminosity masks , not just alpha masks.

Revision: 11641
Author:   [email protected]
Date:     2009-11-10 18:29:57 -0800 (Tue, 10 Nov 2009)
Log Message:
A simple fix - we need to keep track of the display list index for non-clipping masks such as luminosity masks, not just alpha masks.
QE notes: Please include tests for multiple graphic content nodes with masks under a .
Doc notes: N/A
Bugs:
SDK-24133 - Multiple non-Group maskees don't work when using maskType="luminosity"
Reviewer: Deepa
Tests run: Checkintests, Bug test case
Is noteworthy for integration: No
Ticket Links:
    http://bugs.adobe.com/jira/browse/SDK-24133
Modified Paths:
    flex/sdk/trunk/modules/compiler/src/java/flex2/compiler/fxg/FlexFXG2SWFTranscoder.java

Revision: 11641
Author:   [email protected]
Date:     2009-11-10 18:29:57 -0800 (Tue, 10 Nov 2009)
Log Message:
A simple fix - we need to keep track of the display list index for non-clipping masks such as luminosity masks, not just alpha masks.
QE notes: Please include tests for multiple graphic content nodes with masks under a .
Doc notes: N/A
Bugs:
SDK-24133 - Multiple non-Group maskees don't work when using maskType="luminosity"
Reviewer: Deepa
Tests run: Checkintests, Bug test case
Is noteworthy for integration: No
Ticket Links:
    http://bugs.adobe.com/jira/browse/SDK-24133
Modified Paths:
    flex/sdk/trunk/modules/compiler/src/java/flex2/compiler/fxg/FlexFXG2SWFTranscoder.java

Alpha Mask Limit?

Hello, I recently just had a long problem that I could not
figure out. I couldn't get a particular image to take an alpha
blended mask. Since I've been able to successfully do this
countless times prior (through both the timeline and AS), I wasn't
able to find the reason why this particular image wouldn't accept
it. Naturally, I went insane. If I had runtime caching checked, I
would get no masking at all. If I had it unchecked, I would get a
solid mask.
I've narrowed the issue down to one factor and one factor
alone, the physical size of the image. It doesn't matter the file
size of the image being used, rather its dimensions in relation to
the stage. Shrinking the image worked, blowing up any other image
(as a test) makes it stop working again.
My question is this: What's the largest size image we can
alpha mask? Mine was 1608x259(original) and I was trying to scroll
it across a 705x504 size stage. I didn't keep sizing down until it
worked, rather I just cut it up at its current size, so I don't
know yet this limit, but it's there.

300thnickattempt wrote:
> Hello, I recently just had a long problem that I could
not figure out. I
> couldn't get a particular image to take an alpha blended
mask. Since I've been
> able to successfully do this countless times prior
(through both the timeline
> and AS), I wasn't able to find the reason why this
particular image wouldn't
> accept it. Naturally, I went insane. If I had runtime
caching checked, I would
> get no masking at all. If I had it unchecked, I would
get a solid mask.
>
> I've narrowed the issue down to one factor and one
factor alone, the physical
> size of the image. It doesn't matter the file size of
the image being used,
> rather its dimensions in relation to the stage.
Shrinking the image worked,
> blowing up any other image (as a test) makes it stop
working again.
>
> My question is this: What's the largest size image we
can alpha mask? Mine was
> 1608x259(original) and I was trying to scroll it across
a 705x504 size stage. I
> didn't keep sizing down until it worked, rather I just
cut it up at its current
> size, so I don't know yet this limit, but it's there.
>
I could not reproduce the problem. For test I imported 2000
by 700 pixels image.
Set caching bitmap and mask using setMask action, animated
the mask, animate the image
and than the both in the same time.
Variety of combinations, each time it work w/o problem.
My guess is the file get somehow corrupted. FLA are very
delicate and its common to
experience unusually behaviors for no apparent reason.
Try to do the same in new file see if happens again. Try to
adjust the dimensions, make
the image slightly bigger or smaller. Remove the image from
stage, drag it from library
to stage again and convert it to an instance movie clip.
Sometimes the link between
library content and stage get messed up.
Regards
Urami
Happy New Year guys - all the best there is in the 2006 :)
<urami>
http://www.Flashfugitive.com
</urami>
<web junk free>
http://www.firefox.com
</web junk free>

Import image as a mask or How to use an alpha mask for transparency mask

Hello,
Basically I need to know how to import 1 image into another image as a mask.
What I'm trying to do:
I have a bunch of large images that put together make 1 very large image (ortho land images). I also have corresponding images, lets refer to them as mask images, that would mask out parts of the large ortho image I want to import it too. These mask images basically look like a PS mask. They are feathered black to white images. I need to be able to import them as a mask.
Is there away, if so how?
Thanks!!!!

If the masked out areas of your image are to be black, see if this approach fits your needs and forget about creating a mask. Instead bring your "mask image" into your ortho land image using your favorite technique. Now change the blend mode of this mask image to mutiply. You should now see land wherever your mask is white, black where the mask is black and transition regions where the mask has a gray value.
Alternatively, you can make an alpha channel if you want by turning off all layers except your "mask image", switching to the channel palette, Ctrl clicking on the rgb channel (to create a selection) and then clicking on the Save Selection as Channel icon at the bottom of the palette. You can then create a luminance mask by going back to the layer palette, selecting the layer you want to mask and click the Add LAyer Mask icon at the bottom of the palette.
Paulo

Alpha Channel - can't export to psd after update?

Been doing this for years... from After effects CC
Composition, Save frame as, File, Photoshop, RGB+Alpha etc - and its worked fine exported with transparency like you'd expect.
Updated Photoshop CC this morning and suddenly alpha channel not being recognised...
Bug...or have I gone mad in the last 24 hours??

Maybe I misunderstand your question but Photoshop CC opens psd files with Alpha Channels just fine here, so it seems likely that the issue is with the files.
But you seem to be mixing Alpha Channels and Transparency – so what are you talking about exactly?
Could you post screenshots to illustrate what you are doing and what results you get?

Alpha-mask vs. merged-Transparency in PSD format

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