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Posted on 14/02/06 00:08:37 AM |
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mr.pbody
*** Posts: 138 Reply  |
understanding alpha channels....?
hi there! i went this this tutorial and was quite amazed at the results, it opened up a new door for me in alpha channels...what are they exactly and in what ways do you use them? are they masks? tutorial: http://www.pixel-pulse.com/ChaseBlog/video-tuts/3dIcon.html thanks all! |
Posted on 14/02/06 08:45:28 AM |
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trinityofone
Guest Reply |
Re: understanding alpha channels....?
Alpha channels are greyscale channels which store layer/selection information. So technically, masks are alpha channels. If you create a mask or quick mask, you'll see it in the channels palette. They have many uses. Lighting effects as in the video (and also Steve's book - rust, raised lettering, etc.!!). When you save a selection for later use, it stores it as an alpha channel. You can edit the information and alter the selection at any time. One thing I've always found odd is why Displace doesn't use Alpha Channels. Maybe something for Steve to nag about - even Paint Shop Pro uses them for displacement! _________________ A happy-go-lucky chap, always dressed in black |
Posted on 21/02/06 5:58:39 PM |
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jimt
Celestial Composer Posts: 59 Reply  |
understanding alpha channels....?
Wow, that guy is FAST! I had a hard time keeping up with his instructions. |
Posted on 21/02/06 6:23:30 PM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7047 Reply  |
Re: understanding alpha channels....?
It's because very often you want to displace an image with a tiled greyscale file that isn't the same shape as the original. Having said that, a preview would certainly be most helpful! |