Premiere takes a dim view of alpha channels?

[EdwardMartinIII]

Hiya.

For one of my projects, I import a lot of stills. Some are just ordinary bitmaps or PCTs. Others are PCT files with an alpha channel. I've noticed that where Premiere would have just a hunky-dory time importing an ordinary file, the same file with an alpha channel chokes the program the instant I place it on the timeline.

I've gotten into the habit of saving pretty regularly because, of course, when the program hoses, I lose all unsaved data.

Has anyone else noticed this? If so, do you have any information regarding it?

Thanks,
Edward

Like Lovecraft? Know Photoshop? Got time for the Unspeakable?

http://www.petting-zoo.org/Movies_Dreamquest.html

 

[Pixelchik]

I haven't had those types of problems, but I always use either .psd files (from Photoshop) or 32 bit Targa files.

 

[EdwardMartinIII]

Interesting. Targa files seem to support alpha channels, too. On the next transparent object, I'll see if I can import a large-sized Targa file with an alpha channel and place it on the timeline.

Hm, I wonder if Premiere 5.1c can accept PSD files with transparency. I guess I'll have to explore that, too.

Thanks!
Edward

Like Lovecraft? Know Photoshop? Got time for the Unspeakable?

http://www.petting-zoo.org/Movies_Dreamquest.html

 

[Pixelchik]

Yes it can. I curretnly use Premiere 6.0, but I did use PSD files with alpha channel with Premiere 5.1 with no issues. I'm also on the Win200Pro OS if that makes any difference.

 

[EdwardMartinIII]

While reviewing, I came across this.

It seems my version of Premiere (5.1c) doesn't do so well when importing PSD files. That's okay.

It also seems that PCT files with an alpha channel simply have to be smaller than 4000 x 4000 pixels. Once I make them smaller, they drop right in on the timeline.

Okay, hope that helps someone else.

Cheers,


Edward

"Cut a hole in the door. Hang a flap. Criminy, why didn't I think of this earlier?!" -- inventor of the cat door

 

[Flavor4real]

wehn i import a psd file it ask me merge layers or something with layer1 ... what do i ned to chose to get transparent areas? how do i need to save the file from photoshop 7.o to get a alpha area?

icna't import png files somehow? why?

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[EdwardMartinIII]

Transparency via alpha channel is supported by PNG, PCT, and TGA formats. Well, I know for sure it's supported by PCT because that's what I use, but the others come highly recommended.

Photoshop should be capable of exporting those formats. Try all three.

Cheers,


Edward

"Cut a hole in the door. Hang a flap. Criminy, why didn't I think of this earlier?!" -- inventor of the cat door