Transparency mask in PhotoShop (5.2)
by Tim "Zear" Hammock · in Technical Issues · 11/27/2001 (9:05 am) · 2 replies
Hello. Wanna help an wannabe artist?
Before I continue, yes, I have looked on the web, etc., but it seems that I am missing something...
I need to create a mask that will determine the transparency of a layer. I assume that I need an alpha channel, and have (somehow) created one. Now I need to associate it with a layer so that it can specify the transparency of the pixels in that layer.
Note: The alpha channel has more than just black and white - it is greyscale, so I need the grey areas to indicate levels of transparency for the layer in question.
I assume this is possible. Anyone want to enlighten me?
Before I continue, yes, I have looked on the web, etc., but it seems that I am missing something...
I need to create a mask that will determine the transparency of a layer. I assume that I need an alpha channel, and have (somehow) created one. Now I need to associate it with a layer so that it can specify the transparency of the pixels in that layer.
Note: The alpha channel has more than just black and white - it is greyscale, so I need the grey areas to indicate levels of transparency for the layer in question.
I assume this is possible. Anyone want to enlighten me?
#2
And yes, as a part time PS user and completely amateur artist, I often seem to confuse the intent of the features in this program. Nothing like the logic of code. :] It sucks when I know what I want, and can clearly see it in my head, but can't find a way to get it out. My freehand drawings are atrocious. I guess that's a common problem among us non-art folks.
Thanks again.
11/27/2001 (10:55 am)
You rock. Thanks - I seem to have it down now.And yes, as a part time PS user and completely amateur artist, I often seem to confuse the intent of the features in this program. Nothing like the logic of code. :] It sucks when I know what I want, and can clearly see it in my head, but can't find a way to get it out. My freehand drawings are atrocious. I guess that's a common problem among us non-art folks.
Thanks again.
Associate Logan Foster
perPixel Studios
Though they are both similar and work off of an 8-bit greyscale setting, they have different end results. An Alpha Channel applies itself to the whole image, while a Layer Mask is specific to a single layer.
Creating a Mask for a specific layer is quite simple and is done on the layers palette (the rest of the information that you need can be found in the Photoshop manuals or the help files for Photoshop).
Logan