Question regarding Illustrator/PS images

I have an unusual problem that I haven't seen here before (could be that I didn't look hard enough, hehe). I prefer to use Illustrator to create textures, then open them in Photoshop to save as Targa files. I'm trying something new with Illustrator, where instead of playing with one layer, I'm creating multiple layers for different effects in the texture.

When I get my new layered texture into PS, it looks fine, and the image is on one layer (with the RGB layers, of course). When I save it as a Targa file, and go to upload it into SL, it appears transparent. I've never had problems with my single layer textures before, so I'm assuming it's because I'm now using multiple layers.

I keep seeing mentions of saving the image in an Alpha channel, but for the life of me I can't get it to work. I tend to make strictly solid textures (no transparencies), so the suggestions I've been reading don't seem to apply to me.

I'm pulling my hair out trying to get this to work. I figure it *can't* be that hard, but I'm so confused. I use Photoshop 6, and am considering downloading Gimp since it's free (and newer than my PS). I might also just give up using Illustrator for textures.

Anyone have ideas as to what I need to do? Thanks in advance.

I saved it as 32 bit, so maybe that's my problem. I normally save as 24 bit, but for some reason I thought I should save it as 32 bit. I'll try saving as a 24 bit and see if that fixes it. Thanks for the fast reply, I hope that's the problem.

That was it! I just needed to save it as a 24 bit Targa. And here I thought it would be something really difficult, lol.

Thanks again!

I can save you a step, Lilith. Illustrator has been able to export TGA for many years now. There's no need to open the file in Photoshop just to convert it. Of course, if you want to do raster effects that Illustrator can't handle, by all means use Photoshop, but if all you're looking to do is export to TGA from what you've created right inside Illustrator, it's easy to do. Here's how:

1. Frame Your Work
   Illustrator will export your artwork without regard to the canvas, so before you do anything else, frame your image with a rectangle, lock it down, and use it as a substitute canvas. The image size will be determined solely by the artwork, not in any way by the canvas, so it's vital that you do this. Do not rely on the real canvas in any way. It won't be there when you export. Also, if you've got anything on the artboard outside of the image itself, get rid of it before exporting.
   
   If you're doing clothing, the template will be your background. If you're using one of the larger templates like Chip's or Robin's, just remember to group all and resize by 50% before export. Clothing and skin files should never be bigger than 512x512.
   
   
   
2. Export the File
   On the File menu at the top of the screen, go File -> Export. In the dialog that pops up, name your file in the aproporiate field, select TGA the drop down menu, and click OK.
   
   
   
3. Set Raster Options
   A new dialog called Raster Options will now appear. Where it says Color Model, select RGB. Under Resolution, select Screen (72 ppi). Under Options, check or uncheck Anti-Alias as you see fit. If you want curves and diagonals to be smoothed, turn AA on. If you don't want any blurring at all, turn it off. After you've made your selections, click OK.
   
   
   
4. Set Bit Depth
   Another dialog called Targa Options will now appear. Here you will set the bit depth for your new TGA file. As always, save as 24-bit if you don't want transparency, and 32-bit if you do. Never ever use 32-bit unless you really need it or you'll have problems. If you do use 32-bit, Illustrator will automatically create the alpha channel, according the transparency values in your artwork (remember, the canvas will not be inculded in the export). After you've selected your bit depth, click OK, and you're done.
   
   NOTE: For more information on bit depth, the difference between 24-bit and 32-bit, and when to use each, see the FAQ section of "Transparency & Alpha Channels: The Definitive Guide", which is stickied at the top of this forum.

That's all there is to it. Assuming you don't need to add anything to your images in Photoshop, this should save you a ton of time. Keep in mind Adobe software is VERY robust. While there are times when jumping back and forth from from application to application is warranted, generally speaking it's hardly necessary for minor tasks such as file formatting. Photoshop and Illustrator can both produce most common image formats.

Thank you so much, Chosen, that's a huge help! I'm not nearly as proficient with either Illustrator or Photoshop as I'd like to be, mostly just learning things by messing around with all the settings and tools. It's good to have some real knowledge to work with lol.

I really like using PS for the texturing options, but it's good to know that I can skip the Illustrator to Photoshop step altogether for basic images.