What you'll learn: This tutorial will teach you the basics of creating a semi-transparent (32-bit) Truevision Targa file. These files can be used in a variety of games as textures, including Red Faction and Half-Life 2.
Requirements: A full copy of Jasc Software's Paintshop Pro 7 (versions 8+ also support these features, but may not use the exact same steps). A basic understanding of the Paintshop Pro working enviroment. And last, but not least, some program to test the image(s) in.
Step 1
Create or open the image you would like to turn semi-transparent. Immediately "save" the file, then "save as..." so you have another copy to work with. Open you're "save as.." copy and be ready to edit. Note: Images must be in 'binary format'. As in 32x32, 64x64, 128x128, etc.
Step 2
Turn the image into a greyscale image (Colors -> Greyscale). This is not entirely necessary, but I find it makes it easier to work with. Now, there are two ways we can do this. We can either give the entire image the same transparency levels, or we can give it varying levels of opacity/transparency. This image will serve as the alpha layer (the layer that tells the program how transparent it is and where trancparency applies). Color this layer however you like, just keep in in blacks, whites and greys. Note: Black is fully transparent and white is fully opaque. Greys have varying transparency depending on how close to black/white they are.
Step 3
Assuming you've finished coloring your greyscale image, open your main image up. Leave your greyscale open, if you've closed it just reopen it. Select your main image, and apply a new mask "from image..." (masks-> new -> from image...). In the dialog that pops up, change the source window to that of your greyscale image. Be sure "Source Luminance" is selected, "Invert Mask" isn't checked and click "OK". Now we're almost done.
Step 4
Now that your image is transparent, we just need to save this information to the alpha layer. Under masks click "Svae to Alpha Channel" (masks-> save to alpha channel...). Now without changing anything, click "OK" and then "OK" again in the new dialog box. There you go, semi-transparancy. Just save your color image, test it out and delete your greyscale image.
Questions or Comments?: Need a little more help? Feel free to contact me via e-mail at
or instant message me on MSN (same as e-mail) AIM (Assman Pwns) or Xfire (Assman15).
