PSP + Transparency

from WinCustomize Forums
This is a bit of a noob question, but:

I create a 256x256 image in Paint Shop Pro 7.02 with some parts of the image transparent. I save the file in PNG format. When I try to use the icon in ObjectDock or open the PNG in PSP again, the transparent parts have become white (#000000). How do I make these parts stay transparent?

I appreciate any help I can get I've taken so much from this site and I'm trying to give back a little. Thanks!
5,241 views 16 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Are you creating the image on a transparent background? Are you using anti-aliasing? Also perhaps you should use the Export to png function to confirm that the image transparency is being saved properly.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Also perhaps you should use the Export to png function to confirm that the image transparency is being saved properly.


That's how I retain transparency on png images.
Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I actually had that exact problem with PSP 7.02. It is an error in that version. You need to upgrade to 7.04.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
ah... doesn't 7 upgrade to 8?
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I had forgotten about that quirk Chas........ haven't used 7 in so long.

Joe.. yes, but what Chas really means is he needs to install the maintenance update patch for 7.04.


[Message Edited]
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
ah... doesn't 7 upgrade to 8?


I have PSP 8 and it is fabulous.......To bad I just suck at using it.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Usually nowadays, software like PSP or PS do it automatically and seamlessly, but before you used to have to do it manually.  It's a matter of creating an alpha mask in your chanel, then saving the file in 24 bits PNG.  The alpha channel is important, as that's what determines the transparency.  I don't know if PSP supports chanels or not, but that's how it should be done if the software doesn't have an "export as transparent PNG" option.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
For saving png files from PSP, go file > save as > options > run optimiser , in the colour tab select 16.7 million, in the transparency tab select Alpha Channel, then save
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
For saving png files from PSP, go file > save as > options > run optimiser ,

... or File > Export > PNG Optimizer .... gets you to the same place.

Or, using the Customize toolbars feature, place a shortcut to the PNG Optimizer on your tollbar for quick access......... (that's what I do)

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It worked! Thanks Everyone! Now, one more question...how do I upload my works?
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Now Im confused.

I keep making an image but when I save it the background appears white.
I must have missed something. Do I have to save it as a PNG, cause I keep trying to save as a gif or jpg. Please help. Im confused?
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yes, must be a png. Gifs and jpgs do not have an alpha channel.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
For saving png files from PSP, go file > save as > options > run optimiser , in the colour tab select 16.7 million, in the transparency tab select Alpha Channel, then save


Thank you. That worked.
I've been trying this all day.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
FYI - In version 8x (or 9), go to file > preferences > file format preferences.
Click on the PNG tab and uncheck the Load and save transparency from / to alpha channel.
By doing this, your transparent areas will save properly.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ok from what I've noticed. It is not possible to make the background transparent if you save as a JPG.

Gif's, PNG, and BMP all seem to work. Am I over looking something?

FYI - In version 8x (or 9), go to file > preferences > file format preferences.Click on the PNG tab and uncheck the Load and save transparency from / to alpha channel

Thanks for this.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
BMP, and JPG can't be saved with transparency, but certain programs can read a specific color as transparent.. i.e. WIndowBlinds sees magic pink (255,0,255) as transparent in BMP files. GIF has support for single color transparency. You can't use anti-aliasing against the transparent color with GIF. PNG supports alpha channel transparency anti-aliasing works perfectly with PNG. (this is why they look so smooth).