Question re Transparency in Png/Filter Forge

One thing that would be nice is for alpha channel transparency to export in the .png as easily as in DAZ Studio (DS). In DS, when you render anything with no background image and save the file as a .png, then place the image over a background image, no separate mask is needed. It simply is transparent anywhere the objects were not present. With FF, choosing "save transparency" does NOTHING, near as I can tell. If your image had the "life preserver" in the background, meaning it was supposed to be transparent. FF includes the life preserver background with the image. Same thing happens with any other background, such as a solid color. So you need to take the separate step to modify the filter result to surface, if not already, and add the alpha channel to something like height, or whatever you are not using, then save the alpha or bump or whatever as a separate alpha image and use as a mask. It's not a huge deal, but in short, it ain't automatic like DS! Therefore, what is the benefit of the "save transparency" option when saving a .png? Can't see any. (I'm still using ver. 4, and I'm using GIMP); options may be different now, and should be automatic when using FF as a plugin such as in photoshop. BTW I used to use Photoimpact, once made by Ulead, then bought by Corel like they did Bryce, and PI used .8bf so I could use it directly in the program. That was nice. But PI didn't allow fully transparent layers, only allowed duplicating layers then adding effects, which is a no go.

You need to edit the filter and add the get and set alpha components between the result and tone curve components. This is a filter that does not support transparent backgrounds. Read from the beginning of this thread.
This filter that you posted has a blend that can be extended to a get and set alpha. This way it will give you back the transparent background. Follow the image or you can even mail stevie to update for you. When editing the filter load your image so you know it works with your image.

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RiverMissy wrote: Perfect!!! It works beautifully. Thank you so much!!!

Glad you got it working

File 2

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CFandM wrote: Connect the invert to a get alpha and connect the threshold to a set alpha. Connect them as in the image below.

This is working beautifully also!!! I am afraid to post the third problem filter. It is Artification and a rather complex filter. I tried some things that did not work. After seeing what you have done it inspires me to keep trying but this one is a bit over my head. Thank you for your help. I couldn't do it without you.

The third filter is complex but for what you need to do it is not to dive into its complexity but just a couple of connections. We are going to connect the "Image" at the beginning to a "Get Alpha" A to B in the pict below...

Thank you again! I followed your directions but lost the different Presets. The background is transparent but I don't have the sliders to change settings and the picture is the same on all presets. I am unable to attach any files of my actual pictures because they are too big after using this filter. That's interesting.

I am attaching a picture showing my changes to the filter below.

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RiverMissy wrote: Thank you again! I followed your directions but lost the different Presets.

You are welcome. Open the unedited filter and connect the set and get alpha again. The settings sliders should not disappear.

Here is a quick vid of me adding a get set alpha to this filter....
Get Set Alpha to Artification

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RiverMissy wrote: I started with a new instance of the filter and followed along with your video and that solved the problem. Something somewhere got amiss but it is working perfectly now. This will be such a help in my current projects. Thank you again!

Glad you got it working.

Never mind the problem I was having is fixed. but I still need help with Artification that is posted above this post. Thank you.

You can always add component to the source before setting the alpha.

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saurabhgayali wrote: You can always add component to the source before setting the alpha.

I added the Desaturate in between the Get Alpha and Set Alpha but it doesn't appear to be doing anything. There must be something I am missing. Thank you.

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CFandM wrote: You can use a threshold and add some controls to it for further tweaking of the image. We are again working with that same spot as the set alpha. Here is the video there is no sound. ARTIFICATION BW

Thank you. I will be playing with this and hopefully it will do what I need.

What components address outlines? Whether they exist and how thick they are? When I am playing with this I want to be able to make the outlines thicker sometimes. I have seen in other filters something to do with Edge, but didn't see a Component for that. I keep trying and am getting further but there's definitely an art to this.

I appreciate your assistance and getting back to me so quickly! If you have the time and can give me help on the outlines, cool! Thank you and take care.

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RiverMissy wrote:

Sent you a mail....