Some users have suggested using the original layered Photoshop psd’s directly into FW, so I decided to give it a try. However, it seems that if there is an alpha channel FW Pro shows the image cut by the alpha channel the same way that Mac OSX finder does. Is there a way to stop this, or do those who use psd’s just never use alpha channels when preparing images?
Hi Richard,
Assuming you are using Photoshop to create your PSDs (rather than
another application that saves this file type) you should save the
files with the Maximize Compatibility mode switched on. In my copy of
Photoshop CS2 there is an option under Photoshop/Preferences/File
Handling called ‘Maximize PSD and PSB File Compatability’. With this
on Photoshop embeds a composite image in the PSD file that Freeway,
the OS and other applications can use rather than having to delve into
the guts of the PSD layers, channels and effects.
Regards,
Tim.
On 30 Mar 2009, at 17:47, riccc123 wrote:
Some users have suggested using the original layered Photoshop psd’s
directly into FW, so I decided to give it a try. However, it seems
that if there is an alpha channel FW Pro shows the image cut by the
alpha channel the same way that Mac OSX finder does. Is there a way
to stop this, or do those who use psd’s just never use alpha
channels when preparing images?
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Unless of course you want to use this alpha chanel and set the
background colour in the Freeway graphic box instead or to create
other effects like a drop shadow around the photoshop image.
On 31 Mar 2009, at 01:47, riccc123 wrote:
However, it seems that if there is an alpha channel FW Pro shows the
image cut by the alpha channel the same way that Mac OSX finder does.
David Owen :: Freeway Friendly Web hosting and Domains ::
It sounds like FW should be able to ignore the alpha channel or use it. Is there somewhere that my preferences might be set to see the alpha channels?
I do have Photoshop (CS3) set to “Maximize”, and other applications I use that read the composite image do it OK- although, as I said, the Mac OS Finder never has done it properly, at least on my systems.
Sometime around 31/3/09 (at 09:19 -0400) riccc123 said:
It sounds like FW should be able to ignore the alpha channel or use
it. Is there somewhere that my preferences might be set to see the
alpha channels?
Nope, Freeway works the same way that other apps do, at least in my
experience: it shows the visible/transparent state of the Photoshop
image as it was in Photoshop when it was saved. I also don’t see
oddities in the Photoshop file icons in the Finder.
Nope, Freeway works the same way that other apps do, at least in my
experience: it shows the visible/transparent state of the Photoshop
image as it was in Photoshop when it was saved. I also don’t see
oddities in the Photoshop file icons in the Finder.
How exactly do you create your masks/channels?
k
Curious. I’m using OS10.4.11. Is it possible you are using 10.5.x? I always thought the OS Finder problem was typical. In any case I’ll have to look into a problem with my system or set-up. Nothing special about my alpha channels. I save them from a selection or a copy of a regular channel; and either name them or leave them with the default name.
As long as there’s no alpha channel, I’m finding FW does fine with layers, layer masks, etc. which isn’t surprising since it’s using the flattened copy saved with “maximize”.
Nope, Freeway works the same way that other apps do, at least in my
experience: it shows the visible/transparent state of the Photoshop
image as it was in Photoshop when it was saved. I also don’t see
oddities in the Photoshop file icons in the Finder.
How exactly do you create your masks/channels?
k
Curious. I’m using OS10.4.11. Is it possible you are using 10.5.x? I always thought the OS Finder problem was typical. In any case I’ll have to look into a problem with my system or set-up. Nothing special about my alpha channels. I save them from a selection or a copy of a regular channel; and either name them or leave them with the default name.
As long as there’s no alpha channel, I’m finding FW does fine with layers, layer masks, etc. which isn’t surprising since it’s using the flattened copy saved with “maximize”.
Curious. I’m using OS10.4.11. Is it possible you are using 10.5.x?
I am now, but I’ve been using layered and masked PSDs with Freeway
and other apps for years.
Nothing special about my alpha channels. I save them from a
selection or a copy of a regular channel; and either name them or
leave them with the default name.
I have an image here which has a background layer (hidden) and a
second layer, with parts cut out and parts hidden with a layer mask.
I also have a separate alpha channel made from a selection. When I
look at the icon in the Finder or the image in Freeway it all looks
as I expect.
Could you perhaps write out a walk-through description of how to make
your Photoshop image with masks so that I could follow along? Be
clear so I don’t stray off the path! I’ll then try to replicate exactly what you make in Photoshop, in layer and mask terms at
least, and then see if I can replicate the Freeway display problem
you’re having as well.
I want to end this thread with an answer. Keith was kind enough to look at the files I sent him and discovered:
1.There is indeed a problem with alpha channels. The OS and FW both see the first alpha channel.
2. If you make the first alpha channel empty (white) FW will see this as transparent and the other alpha channels can stay with the file while still working in FW.
Sometime around 31/3/09 (at 20:58 -0400) riccc123 said:
If you make the first alpha channel empty (white) FW will see
this as transparent and the other alpha channels can stay with the
file while still working in FW.
{yawn} [reaches for more coffee]
Thanks Richard, that’s exactly the issue and the fix. Just for ultra
clarification, this is only something that happens with classic alpha
channels, not layer masks. Very curious, but luckily an easy one to
work around! And that fixes things for Finder previews too.
