I have a cpt image that has a single object with transparency applied as a gradient from 100 to 0 via the interactive transparency tool. I would like to export this as a transparent png for web use. However, photopaint x4 doesn't seem to allow me to do this - I get a message that object(s) will be merged, and then no option to maintain the transparency.
My workaround is to save it as a psd from photopaint, open in photoshop, and then use photoshop's export for the web. But there must be a direct way to do it in x4, right?
From my experience, merging with background is not necessary, but either way, the quality of the export is poor. If I feather the edges of a square, create mask from layer, then export to transparent png, it works, but there's an ugly white haze in the feathered area which makes this unusable in Photopaint. The result is the same flattened or left as layer before export.
yep...
Brian, a Cnews reader, tried my steps and provided this excellent example that shows the difference.
This anomaly has been in PP since at least v. 9, but most wouldn't realize it since the damage is more or less apparent on an image by image basis. The background color that the PNG is placed against later also contributes to the awareness of it or lack thereof.
Note that I tried something similar with TIFF export, no problem in that format.
KuttyJoe said: From my experience, merging with background is not necessary, but either way, the quality of the export is poor. If I feather the edges of a square, create mask from layer, then export to transparent png, it works, but there's an ugly white haze in the feathered area which makes this unusable in Photopaint. The result is the same flattened or left as layer before export.
Hello Mr. Jeff,
I have no idea what you guy's are doing different, but there is no white haze anywhere to be found in my transparent PNG's, I tryed anyway I knew. Perhaps this issue is system dependant?
The file I included here is the tranparent PNG on a black background.
here is the original transparent PNG file http://www.alfredky.com/pp/test.png
Hi Foster,
Sending out of Draw, no problem.
But there is always a problem when saving from PP... the change is noticeable only when comparing the difference with what Draw sends out for the same image. And, the damage may or may not be critical, depending on the range of transparency. That's why it's so elusive. For ex, a 3 px feathered mask, not a deal breaker. A wide spanning transp - much more noticeable for the anomaly.
I noticed this in V. 9 days when importing PNG's from PP into Flash, something didn't seem right.
FosterCoburn said:Alfred, I've never run into the problem either and rarely does a day go by when I don't have a transparent PNG to create.
Thanks Foster, that post does give me some indication that I'm not totally cookoo yet :)