PSP + Transparency

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 by MrBadAxe | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk

This is a bit of a noob question, but:

I create a 256x256 image in Paint Shop Pro 7.02 with some parts of the image transparent. I save the file in PNG format. When I try to use the icon in ObjectDock or open the PNG in PSP again, the transparent parts have become white (#000000). How do I make these parts stay transparent?

I appreciate any help I can get I've taken so much from this site and I'm trying to give back a little. Thanks!
16 Reply 3 Referrals
Koasati
Reply #1 Wednesday, September 22, 2004 11:48 PM
Are you creating the image on a transparent background? Are you using anti-aliasing? Also perhaps you should use the Export to png function to confirm that the image transparency is being saved properly.

ama02
Reply #2 Thursday, September 23, 2004 1:13 AM
Also perhaps you should use the Export to png function to confirm that the image transparency is being saved properly.


That's how I retain transparency on png images.

SelfExiled
Reply #3 Thursday, September 23, 2004 1:31 AM
I actually had that exact problem with PSP 7.02. It is an error in that version. You need to upgrade to 7.04.

joetheblow
Reply #4 Thursday, September 23, 2004 4:41 AM
ah... doesn't 7 upgrade to 8?

Koasati
Reply #5 Thursday, September 23, 2004 7:45 AM
I had forgotten about that quirk Chas........ haven't used 7 in so long.

Joe.. yes, but what Chas really means is he needs to install the maintenance update patch for 7.04.


[Message Edited]

Csurfside
Reply #6 Thursday, September 23, 2004 10:20 AM
ah... doesn't 7 upgrade to 8?


I have PSP 8 and it is fabulous.......To bad I just suck at using it.

paxx
Reply #7 Thursday, September 23, 2004 11:49 AM
Usually nowadays, software like PSP or PS do it automatically and seamlessly, but before you used to have to do it manually.  It's a matter of creating an alpha mask in your chanel, then saving the file in 24 bits PNG.  The alpha channel is important, as that's what determines the transparency.  I don't know if PSP supports chanels or not, but that's how it should be done if the software doesn't have an "export as transparent PNG" option.

Fuzzy Logic
Reply #8 Thursday, September 23, 2004 12:17 PM
For saving png files from PSP, go file > save as > options > run optimiser , in the colour tab select 16.7 million, in the transparency tab select Alpha Channel, then save

Koasati
Reply #9 Thursday, September 23, 2004 12:24 PM
For saving png files from PSP, go file > save as > options > run optimiser ,

... or File > Export > PNG Optimizer .... gets you to the same place.

Or, using the Customize toolbars feature, place a shortcut to the PNG Optimizer on your tollbar for quick access......... (that's what I do)


MrBadAxe
Reply #10 Thursday, September 23, 2004 4:19 PM
It worked! Thanks Everyone! Now, one more question...how do I upload my works?

Csurfside
Reply #11 Thursday, September 23, 2004 5:56 PM
Now Im confused.

I keep making an image but when I save it the background appears white.
I must have missed something. Do I have to save it as a PNG, cause I keep trying to save as a gif or jpg. Please help. Im confused?

Fuzzy Logic
Reply #12 Thursday, September 23, 2004 5:58 PM
Yes, must be a png. Gifs and jpgs do not have an alpha channel.

Csurfside
Reply #13 Thursday, September 23, 2004 6:03 PM
For saving png files from PSP, go file > save as > options > run optimiser , in the colour tab select 16.7 million, in the transparency tab select Alpha Channel, then save


Thank you. That worked.
I've been trying this all day.

Phoon
Reply #14 Thursday, September 23, 2004 6:08 PM
FYI - In version 8x (or 9), go to file > preferences > file format preferences.
Click on the PNG tab and uncheck the Load and save transparency from / to alpha channel.
By doing this, your transparent areas will save properly.

Csurfside
Reply #15 Thursday, September 23, 2004 6:27 PM
Ok from what I've noticed. It is not possible to make the background transparent if you save as a JPG.

Gif's, PNG, and BMP all seem to work. Am I over looking something?

FYI - In version 8x (or 9), go to file > preferences > file format preferences.Click on the PNG tab and uncheck the Load and save transparency from / to alpha channel

Thanks for this.

Koasati
Reply #16 Thursday, September 23, 2004 8:33 PM
BMP, and JPG can't be saved with transparency, but certain programs can read a specific color as transparent.. i.e. WIndowBlinds sees magic pink (255,0,255) as transparent in BMP files. GIF has support for single color transparency. You can't use anti-aliasing against the transparent color with GIF. PNG supports alpha channel transparency anti-aliasing works perfectly with PNG. (this is why they look so smooth).

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