Transparency/Alpha Great Mystery (IMPORTED PNG Sequence)

Ok, this one is going to fall under the "I would LOVE to get an explanation of this one!" category. Just when I thought I knew everything about transparency and alpha channels, etc ...
The problem: I am importing a PNG sequence into After Effects (CS 5.5), however AE refuses to see the Alpha channel contained within the sequence. Now before anyone jumps the gun and says, "But wait, PNG does not really support alpha, it just supports transparency!" Right, something I just learned, and still -- quite honestly -- baffles the heck out of me.
But anyway, another PNG sequence exported from the exact same program, imports into After Effects just fine with an "alpha channel" and all. I double-checked, and there is NOT an option in the program to export the PNG without transparency info.
Importing sample images from each sequence reveals the EXACT SAME THING ... both have transparency, but NEITHER have an alpha-channel per se.
Sooo ...
1) ANY idea why in the heck AE would interpret one's transparency, and not the other?
2) Is there a way to FORCE AE to see the transparency of the one?
3) IF not, is there something out there that will convert the PNG's with transparency to another format (TIF, TGA, PSD) with an alpha? I just don't want to have to re-render the sequences again.
ANY insight into this bizarre-ness would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks,
Tim

Ok another follow-up with interesting results ...
1) The second sequence I have that I tried to batch in PS, did not turn out correctly. Investinging with a single frame inside PS revealed that it was not simply adding a selection to the "solid" parts, but actually sections within the solid parts. (To make it clearer, the animation is a zoom out from an open 3D book. Instead of making a selection of the book, it selected the book, and then various things contained on the book. Not sure where it was getting this selection from.
2) In AE, I simply moved those frames in the beginning where there would not be an alpha channel (or need of one) because the book is filling the entire frame. I then imported the remaining frames and it saw the alpha channel with no problem. I then just added the starting frames as a seperate sequence to the begininnig of the timeline, and wallla ... problem solved.
So I can only surmise that the 3D app did not -- oddly enough) output any alpha/transparency info for those first 60-or-so frames where the book filled the entire frame. Thus, AE -- looking at the first frame with no alpha info -- rightfully concluded that there wasn't any, and igores the transparency info.
The other PNG sequences did not start with object(s) filling the entire frame, so alpha info was written to the first frame for those. I can test this theory pretty easily. I could probably, now that I think about it, even just have created a frame 0000 with some alpha info, and then it would have worked (possibly.)
-Tim

Similar Messages

Help importing PNG sequence

So I believe I have successfully accomplished importing PNG
sequences before more than once. However, this time around, I'm
losing my mind. I just successfully rendered a PNG sequence out of
Adobe After Effects CS3, roughly 130 images, and I'm attempting to
import all of them as a sequence to FlashCS3. However, when I do
this, every image is duplicated with a graphic, and the graphics
are about 50x larger than the original PNG size. I cannot figure
out what I am doing wrong, I've never come across this problem. If
anyone has any advice, please let me know; it will be greatly
appreciated.
I also wanted to know how to move the position of images or
movie clips on multiple key frames at one time. If that makes
sense. As this PNG sequence for example.... If I don't like the
position of the sequence, I have to manually click each key frame,
and move the selected position... any help.
Thank you
Austin
[email protected]

Please disregard this post... I have found a solution. Thanks
for taking the time to read this post.

Problems importing PNG sequence

So I believe I have successfully accomplished importing PNG
sequences before more than once. However, this time around, I'm
losing my mind. I just successfully rendered a PNG sequence out of
Adobe After Effects CS3, roughly 130 images, and I'm attempting to
import all of them as a sequence to FlashCS3. However, when I do
this, every image is duplicated with a graphic, and the graphics
are about 50x larger than the original PNG size. I cannot figure
out what I am doing wrong, I've never come across this problem. If
anyone has any advice, please let me know; it will be greatly
appreciated.
I also wanted to know how to move the position of images or
movie clips on multiple key frames at one time. If that makes
sense. As this PNG sequence for example.... If I don't like the
position of the sequence, I have to manually click each key frame,
and move the selected position... any help.
Thank you
Austin
[email protected]

your first problem here is likely that the images you've
rendered are not set to 72dpi, standard screen resolution. Flash
will automatically render the image at a size related to 72, eg. if
your images are higher res they will be shown larger to compensate.
the second issue can be resolved by using the 'edit multiple
frames' button and selecting all items in the timeline you wish to
move, including multiple layers and frames. to do so, turn on
'onion skinning' place the playhead in the first frame you wish to
move, extend the handle to the last frame you wish to move - then
turn on the edit multiple frames button (third option in the
timeline toolbar) - then select all of the layers and frames you
wish to move in the timeline - now all the items on the stage
should be shown as selected, you can now click and drag the items
all together or use the arrow keys to nudge the images to a new
position.

Issues importing PNG sequences

Hey all,
Using Flash CS3, I'm having an issue when importing a png
sequence to the stage. For some reason, a sequence rendered out of
after effects at 1920 x 1080 imports at 5442508.75 x 3061411.15.
Anyone know why? I never had this problem in the previous versions.
Thanks for the Help!
~Mike

mdebeer wrote:
> Hey all,
>
> Using Flash CS3, I'm having an issue when importing a
png sequence to the
> stage. For some reason, a sequence rendered out of after
effects at 1920 x 1080
> imports at 5442508.75 x 3061411.15. Anyone know why? I
never had this problem
> in the previous versions.
>
import to library instead and then drag drop on stage.
most likely it's a resolution thing. Flash only get 72dpi so
images
in higher resolution might be scaled to redo the size maths.
Best Regards
Urami
"Never play Leap-Frog with a Unicorn."
<urami>
If you want to mail me - DO NOT LAUGH AT MY ADDRESS
</urami>

Importing PNG sequence from After Effects (or anywhere)

From some reason when I'm importing a PNG sequence onto stage, it's loading all of the PNGs into one frame instead of distributing them into their own keyframes like it's supposed to.
I've seen this problem posted before. Anybody have a solution for this?
I've also seen that people have posted that Flash CS3 HATES After Effects PNGs....how bizarre....I'm starting to figure that out.
Any solutions?

Well now it's working. Hmmmm.Thanks Jim.
Well, there's something you can do that accidently stacks them into one frame.....I guess I get one brain-fart per month....and I just used my quota.

Import png sequence and scrub through

Hi all,
Can edge animate do something like this?
Click on the 3D model and it will spin with mouse control
http://visualscience.ru/en/projects/hiv/3d-model/
So its a collection of images that when played, represent a spinning 3D object. Scrub right and the timeline plays, scrub left and the time line rewinds - and it will scrub in either direction forever.
I have done something like this in flash, but wondered if edge can do this too?
Thank you

You could easily achieve this 3D rotation effect using Sprite Sheets.
The best way to create sprite sheets for Edge Animate is Adobe Flash CC 2014.
Since you have 100+ images, you need multiple sprite sheets each having a max dimention of 1K x 1K pixels. (For making it mobile friendly)
Each sprite sheet needs to be imported as a separate symbol in Animate. These symbols needs to be instantiated one after another in the stage.
How import a PNG sequence as a symbol in Animate
Using Flash, create a symbol out of your PNG sequence -> Refer this
Using Flash, export the symbol as a sprite sheet -> Refer this
Using Animate , import the sprite sheet ( created by flash) as a symbol -> Refer this

Import PNG sequence in to Photoshop, ignoring transparency?

I've been able to ignore the transparency in PNG images when needed by using "Layer>Layer mask>From Transparency" and then deleting the mask created.
However, importing an image sequence as a Timeline, this option is not available. What should I do instead? (Other than using After Effects to re-output my image sequence without transparency)
Any suggestions gratefully received!
Peter Spence
Electric Putty Studios
www.ElectricPutty.com

Worst case, I guess, one could always strip the transparency from the Layers with a Script.

Problems importing PNG Sequences as Footage

Using AfterEffects CS6 with the latest patch (11.0.1).. We have several PNG frame sequences (output from 3dsMax & Mental Ray) that we usually load into AfterEffects for manipulation and rendering. With the files on our network share, we are unable to import them as sequences (the options at the bottom of the Open File dialog are all greyed out). We can open individual frames just fine, and we can open these sequences as Some users, but not all. All users have all permissions to the files and folders.
Is there some additional hidden file or special attribute that CS6 is keying on to enable/disable that open?

Ok.. we figured it out..
It only works if "Hide extensions for known file types" is checked... IF we can see file extensions, it doesn't work.

Import Image Sequence and Alpha Channel Transparency?

Hello --
I need to go from PNG sequence (with alpha channel transparency) to FLV (with alpha retained), and am trying to do this in QuickTime Pro. Seems like this should be possible.
When I import a sequence of PNG images into QuickTime Pro, the alpha channel displays as solid black. When I export the movie as FLV (using On2 VP6 Codec, which supports alpha transparency), there is still a solid black background, and no transparency. I have looked everywhere in QT Pro for transparency settings, but to no avail. Any tips would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Mike

Thanks, but something is not working.
Going back to your original post, when I do Cmd-J, then set transparency to "Straight Alpha," the movie background immediately changes from black to white. So far so good. But if I export that movie as MOV (Animation, no compression, millions of colors+), then bring it back in, and confirm with Cmd-J, the transparency setting is gone. Am I missing something?

Importing a PNG sequence from AE to PS timeline issue

Hello Adobe community
I've exported a PNG sequence from After effects so I can stop frame animate over it in Photoshop. When I add the PNG sequence to a Video group in photoshop, it brings each frame in as 120 frames long where I want them to be one frame long each. Is there ether a way of adjusting the duration of multiple clips to make them one frame long ( I know this doesn't work in frame animation mode), or is there anyway of doing this on import? I hope this makes sense and any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time

So are you trying to export this aninamtion as a .gif and not a .swf?
Either way I would suggest you re-test a couple of steps in the whole process to see if you can isolate where the problem is.
To start with in PS, are you working on a transparent background? or a white background? must be transparent....
For testing, create a couple of images with a transparent background in PS. Or use just one or two of your layers, save the file, import to Library in Flash, place on your stage, give you Flash doc a non-white color and test. . There should be no border or background around the image...
And if you use wmode of transparent in the html, even the background of the Flash doc will be transparent.
Best wishes,
Adninjastrator

Export movie with alpha to png sequence

I'm trying to export tweened animation to .png image sequence
with alpha transparency.
The individual png files appear to be clean -- but when I
open the file sequence in QuickTime, it looses the 8-bit alpha.
Anyone know how to get around this? Thanks!
QT 7.4.1, 10.5.2, CS3

MCs are dynamic and designed to play at runtime in the flash
player - to export to video you simply
need to convert them to Graphic symbols.
--> Adobe Certified Expert *ACE*
--> www.mudbubble.com
--> www.keyframer.com
xfiretyra wrote:
> I've created a flash animation and I need to export it
to Quick time or PNG
> sequence so I then can importet to premiere. When I
export it to Quicktime the
> movie clips in the scenes doesn't play and the same with
PNG. So now Im cuting
> out all the movie clips to individual scenes. However
this is a hell of a job
> as when I paste the frames on to the scenes they don't
end up on the right
> place, centered on the page so I've to almost redo
everything. Do you have any
> good advice for me how to make it a bit easier?
>

Transparent background for png sequences

I have a 30 sec cube rotating with transparent background in After effect cs 5-5.. But I am getting png sequence with Black ground. How to get Transparent background in png sequence ?

Thank you Barsik.. In after effect cs 4 I was geeting Transparent background for png sequence but in after effect cs 5-5 I was geeting Black Background and this was creating problem in premiere..

After Effects .png sequence mask feather

Forgive me if this question is in the wrong place, I am new to this forum.
I have a .png sequence in AE (animation comprised of png files as frames). I use this format since the built in alpha channel/mask/transparency allows me to create composite images with blurred background/foregrounds (mimicking depth of field).
Basically the edges are too 'crisp' and I would like to feather them. I am used to working with masks but I havn't used the .png format for animation until now.
If I were in Photoshop I would simply select the layers pixels, create mask, feather the edge and voila. But I can't seem to access this png mask in after effects. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks for the quick reply. I seem to remember that about png's from a first year class
Well my footage comes from a cg application and there are too many frames to manage in photoshop (unless there is a macro or batch script).
So there is no way to feather the transparency in AE (or premiere pro)?
As a last resort I suppose I can render an alpha channel as a separate sequence an use that.
Sent from my iPhone

How do I set the Alpha when opening an Image Sequence?

I'm trying to imported a tiff image sequence w/embeded alpha into Final Cut Pro. Since Final Cut Pro has no feature for importing image sequences, I assume that Quicktime Pro is my only choice.
Here's what I've done so far:
1. Opened Image sequence in Quicktime Pro
2. Went to "show movie properties"
3. Selected "Video "Track" which is only track to select
4. Went to "Visual Settings" tab, "transparency"
5. Selected "straight alpha"
It turns the alpha or matte area into a solid white. I've tried the other transparency options but they always give me the white.
6. Import saved quicktime into FCP, edit into timeline, select different alpha settings, always white background.
Am I doing something wrong, or is my graphics guy giving me image sequences with improperly embeded alphas?
Avid will import the image sequence and read the alpha with no problem.

In Final Cut (prefs) set the duration for still's
Import the still folder. Or make a bin folder in the bowser window...
Drop the still folder on the time line ....done
I just did a test and it works.........

PNG sequence problem

Hi --
Kinda new. When I import a png sequence of an outlined subject (meaning the area around the subject is clear) AE is adding black rectangles against the subject that cover the edges of the subject. See pic. Do I need to set another mask inside AE? Is there a new setting in Photoshop 6, where I made the pngs so that I have to do something to make sure there's an alpha channel?
Thanks.

Depends on how you saved the PNG in PS. There's a difference using Save As... and Save for Web... and of course for video editing only 24bit PNGs make sense at all... Also check your footage interpretation. Anyway, simply use native PSDs or TIFFs if you'already work in PS. Much less troublesome then the many tiny annoyances with PNGs.
Mylenium

Transparency/Alpha Great Mystery (IMPORTED PNG Sequence)

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for