Transparency

[Riva]

Yeah. But PS7 is enough for a lot of TGA. Only for the Forza textures (when I want to remove the transparency from the wheel or for a cockpit), I'm using now TGA Viewer.

If I want to save one of these textures from PS7, in 32 bits to 24, when I'll open it, the transparency layer will be white (I guess PS7 don't support multiple layers).

[CarLuver69]

TGA uses Alpha Transparency. You need to make the alpha layer white for parts that are visible, and black for parts that are not visible. Obviously PS7 does this for you automatically, but you have more control if you use an Alpha layer.

To do this, go to your Channels tab, create a new channel (this will be called Alpha) and then make your selection that you don't want transparent and make sure you have the Alpha channel selected and delete it. What you should now have is an Alpha channel, with mostly black and some white parts. This is how the professional game artists do it!

Also, if you want variable degrees of transparency, you need to save it as a 32-bit TGA and not a 24-bit. I found this by experimenting with the transparent windows with what would've been my FlatOut 2 Trailblazer.

[Riva]

Hmm. Thanks for the tip.

But, if I save a TGA as a 24-bit, the current transparency will be lost in-game (I mean, for MM2). Maybe a "real" alpha layer started from the channel tab will be supported by another video game (like the GTA serie) ? I never tried that.

[CarLuver69]

Yes, that is why you should save it as a 32-bit TGA.