How do you apply a bmp image to an alpha channel?

In Photoshop. How can I take a bit map gray scale graphic image and apply it to the alpha channel? If I load a image in to Photoshop, (tif, jpg, bmp, gif), it becomes the background image. I want to move it to the alpha channel for use as a transparency based on the image. So far I have not been able to fine out how to do this. How can this be done if it can be done?

Also I read something having to do with local lighting and an objects side zero. Can some one tell me about or where to fine the tread on how have an objet lit but not give off light? It had something to do with this side zero. And how whould you fine side zero?

you should be able to do it by copying & pasting. copy the image in that layer and paste it into the alpha channel.

I have Photoshop 6 and it would not paste the image into the alpha channel. The channel would remain black.

I think the problem here is the understanding of alpha channels. You do not move anything into an alpha channel, you create a channel for an image and you do this by selecting the area around the image, usually by using the magic wand. You can do this whether it's the background image or a layer on top.

So I guess first we need to know how you are selecting the area. Have you looked at the tutorials?

i use photoshop 7 and copy/paste b&w images into alpha channels all the time. not sure how it would work in photoshop 6 though.

I think it works the same way in 6 that it does in 7.

Open the BMP you want to use as your alpha. Select all and copy to the clipboard.

Switch to the target image.
Go to the Channels palette.
Create a new channel (or select the alpha channel if there is one already).
Turn off visibility of the R,G,B, and RGB channels.
Make sure the alpha channel is selected.
Paste what you copied from the bmp.

yep, that's what i was trying to say. i just didn't get out all the details.

Just a thought…

If it’s a bitmap you will not have access to layers and channels due to how it compresses.

Go up to the top menu bar, Image, Mode and change it to RGB. It’s probably on Indexed. If it’s set to indexed you cannot use alpha channels or layers.

Don't re-save it as a bitmap or you will loose the alpha information.
Save as a PSD for a working coply and a TGA for Loading to SL

KX

This is what happens. I take a “.tif” file, which has a back and white object with a halo gradient around it and open it into Photoshop. Then I go to channels and create a alpha channel. I select the RGB channels, then do a “Select all” and copy it. Then I make the alpha channel active, (highlighted) and do a paste. The little thumbnail in the alpha channel stays black. Now I can type large text and it appears in the alpha channel thumbnail. But the copied image will not appear in the alpha channel.

You need to highlight the RGB channel. Are you doing this, or are you perhaps just switching on the "little eyes" for the colour channels (which wwon't work)?

I found something like this. I got round it by saving the image I wanted as a greyscale GIF, then copying that and pasting it into the alpha channel.

I'm sure there must be a neater way, but it worked which was all I cared about at the time.

Yes, I highlighted the RGB channels.

I'll give these sugguestions plus any more you have a try tonight. Thanks in advance for everyones help.

If you want a really quick look at how the transparency will look, copying the bmp to a layer mask is great.

Again so many question I see in the forum center aound truly understanding Photoshop. I used to keep up a tutorial but it became too expensive too keep up with versions or keep older version to accomodate others.

(an no I will not respond to any advice involving piracy, I make software and don't plan to ever steal anyone else's)

GIMP, being free, used to not be up to these tasks.

William Whitnail had been experimenting with teaching GIMP in SL last I heard.

Will?

Hi Allen!

In order to make this work, you need to follow these steps (most of which you are already doing.)

1. Select All in grayscale.
2. Copy
3. Make new Alpha in target image
4. Select All
5. Paste

Without Step 4, for some reason, it will simply ignore the Paste command. With it, I think you'll find it works well.

You might also need to flatten the grayscale image first if it's in layers, or Copy Merged in Step 2 if you don't want to flatten it. But, if I recall my PS6 correctly, you don't need to change modes, and the correct Alpha layer will be active and the only thing visible as soon as you create it. (The image will look flat black, at that point.)

Hope this helps!

Wow, you are amazing Robin. You are like the Photoshop Goddess. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

April