Second Life Forums Archive - This file will end your Photoshop alpha channel woes

Fallingwater Cellardoor

Registered User

Join date: 11 Oct 2003

Posts: 304

05-31-2005 05:39

Here's a great little file, Targa.8BI, that lets you create your alpha channel automatically when you save a 32 bit TGA file.
I just upgraded to Photoshop CS2 and had to hunt down this file again, so I thought I should share it with everyone. It works in PS7 also.
The file replaces the existing one included with Photoshop. I heard somewhere that advanced users didn't like the automatic alpha channel thingy, which is why it's not part of the standard installation.

Replace Targa.8BI in your Photoshop installation:
1) Open your <program files>/<adobe>/<photoshop>/Plug-Ins/File Formats folder. You'll see a list of .8BI files, including Targa.8BI
2) Save a copy of the existing Targa.8BI file in case you want to restore it later. I just renamed mine 'originaltarga' (with no extension).
3) Download and unzip the Targa.zip file I attached to this post.
4) Copy the new Targa.8BI file into Plug-Ins/File Formats.

I don't know if Photoshop needs to be closed when you do this. If you install the file with Photoshop open and still have problems, try closing and reopening Photoshop.

Save transparency:
Just make sure your layers are shown/hidden so that the image looks the way you want. You don't need to manually create an alpha channel. Save as TGA, select 32 bit, and voila, perfect alpha channels every time. (Semi-transparent areas save correctly, by the way.)

Caveats:
1) If you're using alpha channels in more sophisticated ways, you probably don't want to install this file. But then if you're that advanced, you know that aleady.
2) I have no idea how this feature interacts with matting/defringing. I've never had to use matting/defringing.
3) I totally love this little Targa.8BI file but your mileage may vary.

I hope I've explained everything clearly, and I hope this helps people.

_____________________

Shiny Things accessories
Shiny Falls(170,180)

Fallingwater Flowers
Shiny Falls(83,187)

Sangi Phaeton

And your point is??????

Join date: 18 Oct 2003

Posts: 252

05-31-2005 06:03

thanks hon....great thing to have...& btw I love my trees I bought from you...they look great at my home

_____________________

Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thàinig thu
(Remember the ones from whom you came)

I will love the light for it shows me the way,
yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.

Elle Pollack

Takes internets seriously

Join date: 12 Oct 2004

Posts: 796

08-14-2005 23:23

*bump*

Fallingwater pointed me to this and for that I am very happy.

Why have more people not found this?

_____________________

***********************************************
"Ya'll are so cute with your pitchforks and torches ..." ~Brent Linden

SL streams a world, can you also stream a mind?

Bobby Dayton

Test Pilot for Airfix

Join date: 15 Nov 2003

Posts: 206

08-15-2005 00:11

I downloaded and used this myself. But I ended up removing it. It would be nice if you could toggle between the two systems. Clothing templates come with a separate alpha channel which wouldnt work for me once I had installed the modified driver.

Wuvme Karuna

..:: Spicy Latina ::..

Join date: 6 Jun 2004

Posts: 1,669

08-15-2005 14:12

THANK YOU!!

LOL i used to have photoshop 7, and i liked it cuz it already had that!

So i switched to CS2, and it did not save alphas.. but THANKS 2 you it now does!

TY TY TY!

Btw,

Do you know if there is a file for this for: Paint shop Pro 9?

_____________________

www.calientexpress.com

Bobby Riva

Registered User

Join date: 16 Jun 2005

Posts: 7

Targa woes

08-15-2005 16:41

Thanks Fallingwater

This file saved the day for my friend who could not get cs to work.

Good Work and thanks for sharing!!
Bobby

Wuvme Karuna

..:: Spicy Latina ::..

Join date: 6 Jun 2004

Posts: 1,669

08-17-2005 15:56

*BUMP*

rofl i love this damn file, its a MUST have for someone that has CS1 or CS2!!

Instead of wasting your time with alpha channels.. this is way easier!!

_____________________

www.calientexpress.com

Seifert Surface

Mathematician

Join date: 14 Jun 2005

Posts: 912

08-17-2005 16:15

Yep, I switched over to this, and it simplifies things greatly. I had worked out how to get CS to make targas before, but this is much easier

_____________________

-Seifert Surface
2G!tGLf 2nLt9cG

pancake Stryker

Super Duper

Join date: 3 Jun 2004

Posts: 290

08-17-2005 17:25

omg thank you so much..you can not believe how bad i needed something like this.

_____________________

p.

Lo Jacobs

Awesome Possum

Join date: 28 May 2004

Posts: 2,734

08-17-2005 17:32

Thanks so much! I'll give it a try. I never started out using PS 7 (I learned alpha channels the PS CS way), so maybe this will suit me better

_____________________

http://churchofluxe.com/Luster

Fallingwater Cellardoor

Registered User

Join date: 11 Oct 2003

Posts: 304

08-17-2005 17:34

Yay, I'm glad this is finally helping some people!

Wuv, I don't use PSP so I have no idea if there's a similar file for it.

_____________________

Shiny Things accessories
Shiny Falls(170,180)

Fallingwater Flowers
Shiny Falls(83,187)

aDen Ennui

Registered User

Join date: 22 Aug 2005

Posts: 8

08-23-2005 14:16

no WONDER I was having such a hard time figuring out how to save alpha pics. Thaaaaaaanks!

Enabran Templar

Capitalist Pig

Join date: 26 Aug 2004

Posts: 4,506

08-23-2005 19:05

Damn, I wish there were an OS X version of this little goodie. I poked around the package files for Photoshop, its plugins and Library/Application Support/Adobe, but didn't see anything that would correspond to this specific file.

Anyone have an OS X solution?

_____________________

From: Hiro Pendragon

Furthermore, as Second Life goes to the Metaverse, and this becomes an open platform, Linden Lab risks lawsuit in court and [attachment culling] will, I repeat WILL be reverse in court.

Second Life Forums: Who needs Reason when you can use bold tags?

Tazzie Tuque

Registered User

Join date: 2 Sep 2005

Posts: 26

thanks! big time!

09-14-2005 09:21

Just found this thread as I was working on some clothing designs in Photoshop.. actually.
and the timing couldn't have been better. Thank you so much for sharing this.. it is most appreciated!!!!

Fox Stirling

Certified Lunatic

Join date: 16 Aug 2004

Posts: 120

09-14-2005 09:31

From: Enabran Templar

Damn, I wish there were an OS X version of this little goodie. I poked around the package files for Photoshop, its plugins and Library/Application Support/Adobe, but didn't see anything that would correspond to this specific file.

Anyone have an OS X solution?

If you haven't already resolved this, IM me in world and I'll send you the file. Also, for anyone else interested, I'll try to have it posted on a website sometime soon for easier access..

Fox

_____________________

...

Dianne Mechanique

Back from the Dead

Join date: 28 Mar 2005

Posts: 2,648

09-14-2005 09:33

From: Fallingwater Cellardoor

Here's a great little file, Targa.8BI,....

How does this work for the white fuzzy edges problem? I usually manually blur or create a coloured fil layer to get rid of that and I cant imagine that this file would do anything that way. Does it?

_____________________

.
black
art furniture & classic clothing
===================
Black in Neufreistadt
Black @ ONE
Black @ www.SLBoutique.com

.

Nephilaine Protagonist

PixelSlinger

Join date: 22 Jul 2003

Posts: 1,693

09-23-2005 14:29

this has been so incredibly useful. a HUGE time-saver. thank you so much fallingwater, you are the bestest

_____________________

Vindi Vindaloo

Registered User

Join date: 18 Aug 2004

Posts: 26

I may sound stupid ... huge doubt hehe

09-26-2005 02:45

Hello everyone, ( ohhh Nephilaine nice to meet you - me Big Fan !)

Ok I was reading the threads (and downloaded that file, didnt install it yet) but thinking:

"What are they talking about? When I save mt Tga's I dont need to use the alphachannels they come out with transperent backgrounds anyways (see setting preference-background-transparent in PS)
I remeber using the alphachannels in the beginning for over 6 months till one day i figured out that i dont need them..... anyhows, then I hit Nephilaines thread who NEEDED that file and here I am having huge doubts:

Can anyone tell me what you do with the Alpha Channels? what Do you use them for?

You dont need to go into details, just a few explanations would help

there migth be something I never knew hehe

Thx Vindi

Elle Pollack

Takes internets seriously

Join date: 12 Oct 2004

Posts: 796

09-26-2005 10:45

From: Dianne Mechanique

How does this work for the white fuzzy edges problem? I usually manually blur or create a coloured fil layer to get rid of that and I cant imagine that this file would do anything that way. Does it?

It takes care of it automagicly. What you see in your working file is what you get when you save out to TGA.

_____________________

***********************************************
"Ya'll are so cute with your pitchforks and torches ..." ~Brent Linden

SL streams a world, can you also stream a mind?

hErbs Best

Scripting fool

Join date: 14 Mar 2004

Posts: 13

Thaaaankss!

10-14-2005 04:52

Omg :: Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank Youthank You Thank Youthank You Thank Youthank You Thank Youthank You Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael Martinez

Don't poke me!

Join date: 28 Jul 2004

Posts: 515

10-14-2005 10:36

I don't know what I am doing wrong, I downloaded, put in the place it says..

I create a picture, something simple with greys, blacks, whites, then save it using this targa, pick 32 bit...

Load in PS again, and looks normal, no alpha layer...

Load into SL and it is a pic, no alpha...

This sounds great, and would make things a little easier..but I can't get to work

PS. I use version 8 of Photoshop CS

Nepenthe Sieyes

Registered User

Join date: 26 Aug 2005

Posts: 10

10-14-2005 12:42

From: Fox Stirling

If you haven't already resolved this, IM me in world and I'll send you the file. Also, for anyone else interested, I'll try to have it posted on a website sometime soon for easier access..

Fox

I am interested in the OSX version of this file...was it ever posted anywhere, and if so could you point me in that direction?

thanks!

Fox Stirling

Certified Lunatic

Join date: 16 Aug 2004

Posts: 120

whoops!~

10-14-2005 13:46

Sorry about that, got a bit side tracked with things.. I'll post that up on my site tonight when I get home and put the link up here..

Fox

_____________________

...

Fox Stirling

Certified Lunatic

Join date: 16 Aug 2004

Posts: 120

targa file format plugin for OS X

10-16-2005 14:26

here it is folks

targa.zip

unzip and place in the "applications/{photoshop*}/plug-ins/file formats" folder.

Fox

*{photoshop} - your version of photoshop..

_____________________

...

Fallingwater Cellardoor

Registered User

Join date: 11 Oct 2003

Posts: 304

10-16-2005 19:26

From: Michael Martinez

I don't know what I am doing wrong, I downloaded, put in the place it says..

I create a picture, something simple with greys, blacks, whites, then save it using this targa, pick 32 bit...

Load in PS again, and looks normal, no alpha layer...

Load into SL and it is a pic, no alpha...

This sounds great, and would make things a little easier..but I can't get to work

PS. I use version 8 of Photoshop CS

Michael, did you rename the old file but leave a .tga extension? That will interfere with the new file. You can rename the old file with no extension at all if you want to keep it.

_____________________

Shiny Things accessories
Shiny Falls(170,180)

Fallingwater Flowers
Shiny Falls(83,187)

This file will end your Photoshop alpha channel woes
Fallingwater Cellardoor Registered User Join date: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 304	05-31-2005 05:39 Here's a great little file, Targa.8BI, that lets you create your alpha channel automatically when you save a 32 bit TGA file. I just upgraded to Photoshop CS2 and had to hunt down this file again, so I thought I should share it with everyone. It works in PS7 also. The file replaces the existing one included with Photoshop. I heard somewhere that advanced users didn't like the automatic alpha channel thingy, which is why it's not part of the standard installation. Replace Targa.8BI in your Photoshop installation: 1) Open your <program files>/<adobe>/<photoshop>/Plug-Ins/File Formats folder. You'll see a list of .8BI files, including Targa.8BI 2) Save a copy of the existing Targa.8BI file in case you want to restore it later. I just renamed mine 'originaltarga' (with no extension). 3) Download and unzip the Targa.zip file I attached to this post. 4) Copy the new Targa.8BI file into Plug-Ins/File Formats. I don't know if Photoshop needs to be closed when you do this. If you install the file with Photoshop open and still have problems, try closing and reopening Photoshop. Save transparency: Just make sure your layers are shown/hidden so that the image looks the way you want. You don't need to manually create an alpha channel. Save as TGA, select 32 bit, and voila, perfect alpha channels every time. (Semi-transparent areas save correctly, by the way.) Caveats: 1) If you're using alpha channels in more sophisticated ways, you probably don't want to install this file. But then if you're that advanced, you know that aleady. 2) I have no idea how this feature interacts with matting/defringing. I've never had to use matting/defringing. 3) I totally love this little Targa.8BI file but your mileage may vary. I hope I've explained everything clearly, and I hope this helps people. _____________________ Shiny Things accessories Shiny Falls(170,180) Fallingwater Flowers Shiny Falls(83,187)
Sangi Phaeton And your point is?????? Join date: 18 Oct 2003 Posts: 252	05-31-2005 06:03 thanks hon....great thing to have...& btw I love my trees I bought from you...they look great at my home _____________________ Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thàinig thu (Remember the ones from whom you came) I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.
Elle Pollack Takes internets seriously Join date: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 796	08-14-2005 23:23 bump Fallingwater pointed me to this and for that I am very happy. Why have more people not found this? _____________________ *********************************************** "Ya'll are so cute with your pitchforks and torches ..." ~Brent Linden SL streams a world, can you also stream a mind?
Bobby Dayton Test Pilot for Airfix Join date: 15 Nov 2003 Posts: 206	08-15-2005 00:11 I downloaded and used this myself. But I ended up removing it. It would be nice if you could toggle between the two systems. Clothing templates come with a separate alpha channel which wouldnt work for me once I had installed the modified driver.
Wuvme Karuna ..:: Spicy Latina ::.. Join date: 6 Jun 2004 Posts: 1,669	08-15-2005 14:12 THANK YOU!! LOL i used to have photoshop 7, and i liked it cuz it already had that! So i switched to CS2, and it did not save alphas.. but THANKS 2 you it now does! TY TY TY! Btw, Do you know if there is a file for this for: Paint shop Pro 9? _____________________ www.calientexpress.com
Bobby Riva Registered User Join date: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 7	Targa woes 08-15-2005 16:41 Thanks Fallingwater This file saved the day for my friend who could not get cs to work. Good Work and thanks for sharing!! Bobby
Wuvme Karuna ..:: Spicy Latina ::.. Join date: 6 Jun 2004 Posts: 1,669	08-17-2005 15:56 BUMP rofl i love this damn file, its a MUST have for someone that has CS1 or CS2!! Instead of wasting your time with alpha channels.. this is way easier!! _____________________ www.calientexpress.com
Seifert Surface Mathematician Join date: 14 Jun 2005 Posts: 912	08-17-2005 16:15 Yep, I switched over to this, and it simplifies things greatly. I had worked out how to get CS to make targas before, but this is much easier _____________________ -Seifert Surface 2G!tGLf 2nLt9cG
pancake Stryker Super Duper Join date: 3 Jun 2004 Posts: 290	08-17-2005 17:25 omg thank you so much..you can not believe how bad i needed something like this. _____________________ p.
Lo Jacobs Awesome Possum Join date: 28 May 2004 Posts: 2,734	08-17-2005 17:32 Thanks so much! I'll give it a try. I never started out using PS 7 (I learned alpha channels the PS CS way), so maybe this will suit me better _____________________ http://churchofluxe.com/Luster
Fallingwater Cellardoor Registered User Join date: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 304	08-17-2005 17:34 Yay, I'm glad this is finally helping some people! Wuv, I don't use PSP so I have no idea if there's a similar file for it. _____________________ Shiny Things accessories Shiny Falls(170,180) Fallingwater Flowers Shiny Falls(83,187)
aDen Ennui Registered User Join date: 22 Aug 2005 Posts: 8	08-23-2005 14:16 no WONDER I was having such a hard time figuring out how to save alpha pics. Thaaaaaaanks!
Enabran Templar Capitalist Pig Join date: 26 Aug 2004 Posts: 4,506	08-23-2005 19:05 Damn, I wish there were an OS X version of this little goodie. I poked around the package files for Photoshop, its plugins and Library/Application Support/Adobe, but didn't see anything that would correspond to this specific file. Anyone have an OS X solution? _____________________ From: Hiro Pendragon Furthermore, as Second Life goes to the Metaverse, and this becomes an open platform, Linden Lab risks lawsuit in court and [attachment culling] will, I repeat WILL be reverse in court. Second Life Forums: Who needs Reason when you can use bold tags?
Tazzie Tuque Registered User Join date: 2 Sep 2005 Posts: 26	thanks! big time! 09-14-2005 09:21 Just found this thread as I was working on some clothing designs in Photoshop.. actually. and the timing couldn't have been better. Thank you so much for sharing this.. it is most appreciated!!!!
Fox Stirling Certified Lunatic Join date: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 120	09-14-2005 09:31 From: Enabran Templar Damn, I wish there were an OS X version of this little goodie. I poked around the package files for Photoshop, its plugins and Library/Application Support/Adobe, but didn't see anything that would correspond to this specific file. Anyone have an OS X solution? If you haven't already resolved this, IM me in world and I'll send you the file. Also, for anyone else interested, I'll try to have it posted on a website sometime soon for easier access.. Fox _____________________ ...
Dianne Mechanique Back from the Dead Join date: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 2,648	09-14-2005 09:33 From: Fallingwater Cellardoor Here's a great little file, Targa.8BI,.... How does this work for the white fuzzy edges problem? I usually manually blur or create a coloured fil layer to get rid of that and I cant imagine that this file would do anything that way. Does it? _____________________ . black art furniture & classic clothing =================== Black in Neufreistadt Black @ ONE Black @ www.SLBoutique.com .
Nephilaine Protagonist PixelSlinger Join date: 22 Jul 2003 Posts: 1,693	09-23-2005 14:29 this has been so incredibly useful. a HUGE time-saver. thank you so much fallingwater, you are the bestest _____________________
Vindi Vindaloo Registered User Join date: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 26	I may sound stupid ... huge doubt hehe 09-26-2005 02:45 Hello everyone, ( ohhh Nephilaine nice to meet you - me Big Fan !) Ok I was reading the threads (and downloaded that file, didnt install it yet) but thinking: "What are they talking about? When I save mt Tga's I dont need to use the alphachannels they come out with transperent backgrounds anyways (see setting preference-background-transparent in PS) I remeber using the alphachannels in the beginning for over 6 months till one day i figured out that i dont need them..... anyhows, then I hit Nephilaines thread who NEEDED that file and here I am having huge doubts: Can anyone tell me what you do with the Alpha Channels? what Do you use them for? You dont need to go into details, just a few explanations would help there migth be something I never knew hehe Thx Vindi
Elle Pollack Takes internets seriously Join date: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 796	09-26-2005 10:45 From: Dianne Mechanique How does this work for the white fuzzy edges problem? I usually manually blur or create a coloured fil layer to get rid of that and I cant imagine that this file would do anything that way. Does it? It takes care of it automagicly. What you see in your working file is what you get when you save out to TGA. _____________________ *********************************************** "Ya'll are so cute with your pitchforks and torches ..." ~Brent Linden SL streams a world, can you also stream a mind?
hErbs Best Scripting fool Join date: 14 Mar 2004 Posts: 13	Thaaaankss! 10-14-2005 04:52 Omg :: Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank Youthank You Thank Youthank You Thank Youthank You Thank Youthank You Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michael Martinez Don't poke me! Join date: 28 Jul 2004 Posts: 515	10-14-2005 10:36 I don't know what I am doing wrong, I downloaded, put in the place it says.. I create a picture, something simple with greys, blacks, whites, then save it using this targa, pick 32 bit... Load in PS again, and looks normal, no alpha layer... Load into SL and it is a pic, no alpha... This sounds great, and would make things a little easier..but I can't get to work PS. I use version 8 of Photoshop CS
Nepenthe Sieyes Registered User Join date: 26 Aug 2005 Posts: 10	10-14-2005 12:42 From: Fox Stirling If you haven't already resolved this, IM me in world and I'll send you the file. Also, for anyone else interested, I'll try to have it posted on a website sometime soon for easier access.. Fox I am interested in the OSX version of this file...was it ever posted anywhere, and if so could you point me in that direction? thanks!
Fox Stirling Certified Lunatic Join date: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 120	whoops!~ 10-14-2005 13:46 Sorry about that, got a bit side tracked with things.. I'll post that up on my site tonight when I get home and put the link up here.. Fox _____________________ ...
Fox Stirling Certified Lunatic Join date: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 120	targa file format plugin for OS X 10-16-2005 14:26 here it is folks targa.zip unzip and place in the "applications/{photoshop}/plug-ins/file formats" folder. Fox {photoshop} - your version of photoshop.. _____________________ ...
Fallingwater Cellardoor Registered User Join date: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 304	10-16-2005 19:26 From: Michael Martinez I don't know what I am doing wrong, I downloaded, put in the place it says.. I create a picture, something simple with greys, blacks, whites, then save it using this targa, pick 32 bit... Load in PS again, and looks normal, no alpha layer... Load into SL and it is a pic, no alpha... This sounds great, and would make things a little easier..but I can't get to work PS. I use version 8 of Photoshop CS Michael, did you rename the old file but leave a .tga extension? That will interfere with the new file. You can rename the old file with no extension at all if you want to keep it. _____________________ Shiny Things accessories Shiny Falls(170,180) Fallingwater Flowers Shiny Falls(83,187)

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This file will end your Photoshop alpha channel woes