How to create and import custom overlay masks in VS9

WorBry · Post by **WorBry** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 5:41 am

Hi,

I've just upgraded to VS9, largely because of the overlay chroma key and mask features it offers. However, I am a bit dissappointed to find only one mask shape (an eliptical vignette) in the sample library. The product info tells me that it is possible to make comptatible custom masks with PhotoImpact, but frankly, my main interest is video editing and I dont really do enough digital photography to justify purchasing a still image editing program. When I do need one, I mostly use Gimp. I've tried making simple grayscale masks saved as bmp files with Gimp and had assumed that if I place them in the Samples>Images folder (where the sample vignette mask resides) that they would appear in the mask selection box in the Overlay edit window; but no such luck

So, either I'm not creating the masks correctly or am not importing them correctly. I'd really appreciate some advice on this.

Thanks

David Rodgers · Post by **David Rodgers** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 8:21 pm

Worbry,

I am using VS9 also, when I want to create an overlay I use PhotoImpact and save as .png which is Portable Network Graphic file. With this format within PI it is very easy to make the background transparent. Once you have have it on the overlay track you can make your image as transparent as you want.

Try using this file format, although I am not sure if you can do it in GIMP, I have never used it before but I know that it is very easy to do in PhotoImpact.

I hope this helps.

wonhead3 · Post by **wonhead3** » Sun Aug 14, 2005 5:22 am

I'm going through the "Getting Results with videoStudio 9" cd I purchased when I upgraded to VS9 (It's very good by the way). The section on masks has a screen capture where there are at least a half dozen shown. But just like the person that posted this question, I too have only 1 available. The cd does not mention how to create or import additinoal ones either. I can't imagine that they would create this feature and only give you 1 and no instructions on how to add more. I tried the help, but it only talked about the A, B, and C Mask transition folders, which is obviously not the same thing.

Adding a mask to the overly track would work to mask the main video track but not if you want to mask the overlay track where you are doing say a pip. It's a very cool effect, but I too would like more than one mask to work with.

Can anybody help? Should the software have come with more than 1? Can I create my own? I'm sure I can, but where do they go? There is no "Mask" folder within the samples folder. And the one mask I have does not display a name for itself, so I have nothing to search on.

peaceprophet · Post by **peaceprophet** » Sat Sep 17, 2005 10:34 pm

I finally get to help someone else out for a change...

First: You should have had a bunch more masks than 1. Did you install the extras? I have about a dozen. They're .bmp files that are in program files\ulead\ulead videostudio 9.0\samples\images\...

Mask: I made a mask for my project of the same characteristics... 720x480 with 8/256 color configuration (black and white). You could use Paint Shop Pro, Photo Shop or another graphics program for that.

Next: Brows the directory to see if you can find an image that looks like the mask in the library. Although I couldn't find a way of adding them to the mask library, I saw one I didn't like and replaced it with the BMP image I made (M08.bmp). Essentially, when I select the image from the library that looks like M08.bmp from Ulead, it actually applies the one I created.

Cracy, but worked!

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Sun Sep 18, 2005 12:58 am

Although I couldn't find a way of adding them to the mask library,

To "add them to your library", select the library, then use the "open file" option at the top right, navigate to your newly created mask.
It will now be a permanent addition to your library.

If you have several, use the library manager to create your own new custom lists, then follow the same steps above.

I use Adobe Photoshop and find it easy to create my own masks.

elubin1234 · Post by **elubin1234** » Wed Oct 05, 2005 6:58 pm

Has anyone yet figured this out? Besides copying over one of the existing masks to get your own????

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 2:06 am

Elubin,

Depends on what photo software you have available. I use Adobe Photoshop. It is a cinch to create them. just select an area of whatever shape you want, click "help" and there you will find a wizard to export to transparant image. The Area you selected will now be made transparant.

Go for PNG. Import it into VS9 and away you go.

elubin1234 · Post by **elubin1234** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 2:02 pm

Creating the mask is no problem. I use CorelPhotoPaint.

The question was about how to "import" them into VS9. I do not see any import MASK option, and had to replace M01.bmp with my BMP in order to use the mask.

Can you post the EXACT steps to import a new mask so it appears in my MASK options on the OverLay track attributes?

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 5:26 pm

Step 1 Open Video Studio
Step 2. Click the drop down box on the right under the Video Studio Logo
and select "decoration - frame"
Step 3. Click the yellow open folder on the extreme right of that drop down box. This opens up a windows explorer window entitled "Open Decoration file"
- Now navigate to wherever you saved your PNG.
Step 5. Click "Open"

elubin1234 · Post by **elubin1234** » Thu Oct 06, 2005 5:36 pm

Thanks for the detailed explaination and the sarcasm.

However, when trying to add images in this manner, everything I try says it can not be added. Unknown format, not enough memory, or copy protected.

These exact same files work fine if I replace M01.bmp with my bmp.

Futhermore, why would they call it a DECORATION FRAME on the menu as you described, but a MASK FRAME in the overlay attributes where I am trying to use it? Are you sure they are the same thing? That if I can get a BMP or PNG to import, it will appear in the graphics list of MASK FRAMES on the attribute tab of my overlay video?

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 2:53 am

OK, View this link
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/bri ... page1.html

You can use the library manager to create a seperate folder to 'save' them into if you prefer.

Also for wonhead3

Adding a mask to the overly track would work to mask the main video track but not if you want to mask the overlay track where you are doing say a pip. It's a very cool effect, but I too would like more than one mask to work with.

Take a look at my post here:-
http://phpbb.ulead.com.tw/EN/viewtopic. ... ght=spiral