Logos

[gordon_fan_24]

I know it is possible to create a logo, without the white border around the image, by removing the alpha channel. My question is, what programs can do this, and how to do it.

[DVDDoug]

I've never done this... but I think you want to use the GIF format. GIFs can have "transparent" colors & backgrounds. So, any program that can create a transparent GIF might work. I assume that Video Studio can handle transparent GIFs.

Ulead Photo Impact is supposed to be able to make transparent GIFs, and I assume that any good graphics program (Paint Shop Pro, etc.) can do it too.

You could try searching the net for a any-old-random transparent GIF to try out, before you work on creating or re-creating your logo.

[rwernyei]

In addition to GIF. PNG, UFO, TGA and PSD work the same way. Most photo editing software will do. The advantage of using COOL3D is being able to convert images to vector, which makes them into models. From there you can maniplute attributes, add effects, lighting, movement, etc. Save as 32 bit avi keeping the alpha channel and import into editor and you've got yourself something close to an ESPN advertisement. Also, COOL3D allows you to save by frame any part of your animation as a TGA or the whole as a TGA image sequence that keeps the alpha channel too.

[BrianCee]

You need to create your graphics in an image manipulation package which allows you to create .png or .tga (or in some instances .tif) images with a transparent alpha channel. Many of the better photo editing type programmes will allow you to do this and from Ulead you can use Photo Impact or Cool 3D.

If you go to my website (WWW button below) and look at the bottom picture on the "Screen Views 1" page you will see an example I have done showing a small flower shaped logo - this is a .png image created in Photo Plus 9 - you can choose to put it wherever you like on the screen..

[joetg]

You can also do this with less trouble in Adobe Photoshop. It's really easy to use the eraser around the edges of the image. Althought this is not the best way to do it, it's easier to do than figuring alpha channel, etc.. Make sure to save the image as a .psd otherwise, it will not save the transparent background. (when you import the image to Video Studio, the background will be white, but will show up transparent when you play the video back.) Joe TG

[Trevor Andrew]

Thanks joetg

You can also do this with less trouble in Adobe Photoshop. Althought this is not the best way to do it, it's easier to do than figuring alpha channel, etc.. Make sure to save the image as a .psd

I did not realise you can import *.psd files to video studio.
As you say it makes it very easy to make a transparent frame.

Thanks again for the tip.

Trevor