Post by Sarkut on Feb 6, 2011 1:38:45 GMT
Plugin Download
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What is the Alpha Mask effect?
The Alpha Mask effect is a way to manipulate transparency and opacity
that provides greater control than other methods might allow.
=========================================
Understanding the Mask Layer
In this tutorial, you will be using a layer in your .pdn file as an alpha mask.
The mask layer is a set of instructions to the alpha mask effect.
The mask layer tells the the Alpha Mask effect specifically what to do.
It determines which pixels will have their opacity reduced, and to what degree.
(This could be anywhere from zero to 100%)
=========================================
Mask Preparation
Allow The Force to help you to an understanding of the nature of the mask layer.
"On one hand is darkness, on the other is clarity and light."
On one hand is darkness (black), on the other is clarity (alpha) and light (white).
Alpha/transparency and white are functionally the same in the mask layer.
Black is functionally the opposite of white and/or alpha.
The simplest way to make a mask is to add black to a new (transparent) layer.
=========================================
Screenshot of an example Alpha Mask layer.
The effect of the mask applied to an image.
Notice that alpha and white in the mask yield an identical result in the image.
See how gray or partially transparent black in the mask
result in partial transparency in the image.
=========================================
Simplified Instructions for Beginners
1 )
In the Layers window click on the mask layer.
Now, on your keyboard, press:
Ctrl + A
Ctrl + C
Ctrl + D
This will copy the mask image into the Windows clipboard.
In the Layers window click to remove the checkmark from the mask layer.
This will make the mask layer not visible.
2)
In the Layers window click on the image layer.
Open the Alpha Mask effect:
Effects > Alpha Mask
Move the Alpha Mask dialogue window to the top of the canvas.
Ignore the Mask File: / Browse... box at the top.
Be sure that there are checkmarks in all three check boxes.
=========================================
If the Alpha Mask effect Preview shows the image altered
in the way that you wanted, click on OK.
If the Preview shows the exact opposite of what you wanted,
remove the checkmark from the top check box: Invert Mask
Click on OK.
All done.
.
What is the Alpha Mask effect?
The Alpha Mask effect is a way to manipulate transparency and opacity
that provides greater control than other methods might allow.
=========================================
Understanding the Mask Layer
In this tutorial, you will be using a layer in your .pdn file as an alpha mask.
The mask layer is a set of instructions to the alpha mask effect.
The mask layer tells the the Alpha Mask effect specifically what to do.
It determines which pixels will have their opacity reduced, and to what degree.
(This could be anywhere from zero to 100%)
=========================================
Mask Preparation
Allow The Force to help you to an understanding of the nature of the mask layer.
"On one hand is darkness, on the other is clarity and light."
On one hand is darkness (black), on the other is clarity (alpha) and light (white).
Alpha/transparency and white are functionally the same in the mask layer.
Black is functionally the opposite of white and/or alpha.
The simplest way to make a mask is to add black to a new (transparent) layer.
=========================================
Screenshot of an example Alpha Mask layer.
The effect of the mask applied to an image.
Notice that alpha and white in the mask yield an identical result in the image.
See how gray or partially transparent black in the mask
result in partial transparency in the image.
=========================================
Simplified Instructions for Beginners
1 )
In the Layers window click on the mask layer.
Now, on your keyboard, press:
Ctrl + A
Ctrl + C
Ctrl + D
This will copy the mask image into the Windows clipboard.
In the Layers window click to remove the checkmark from the mask layer.
This will make the mask layer not visible.
2)
In the Layers window click on the image layer.
Open the Alpha Mask effect:
Effects > Alpha Mask
Move the Alpha Mask dialogue window to the top of the canvas.
Ignore the Mask File: / Browse... box at the top.
Be sure that there are checkmarks in all three check boxes.
=========================================
If the Alpha Mask effect Preview shows the image altered
in the way that you wanted, click on OK.
If the Preview shows the exact opposite of what you wanted,
remove the checkmark from the top check box: Invert Mask
Click on OK.
All done.