Matrix Games Forums

Good day all,

[left][/left]I am having a hard time with custom transparent png files; I hope someone has some insights.

I am copying standard game png files from the SC3 media folder and saving them in a custom campaign media folder. I then modify and save the file, but I am unable to keep the transparency as the original file had.

The inability to save the file with its transparency settings is distracting as the white boarder is seen when displayed in-game.

I have used Paint, Paint 3D, and Paint.NET. No success with any of them. I looked-up online how to save with transparency for each application, but have had no luck.

Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated.

-Robert

I don't know how any of those apps handle transparency but I've had very good success with GIMP. GIMP is a free app that is very powerful (rivals PhotoShop). If you continue to struggle you might give GIMP a go - it's a bit of a learning curve but in the end you will have more power than you'll need.

-Mark R.

I use Paint.Net for all the graphics modifications for my stuff and have no issue like you are describing. PNG files retain their transparency, so perhaps you are changing them to bmp or jpg at some point ? Maybe post one of your files or a screenshot of one so that we can see what you are talking about.

The white can be easily removed with the Magic Wand, but this shouldn't be a necessary step.

I use paint.net as well. Two ways to use transparency that I have had good luck with...
1. Use layers: one layer has the colors I want to be transparent. Another layer contains the objects I want to stand out like all the blacks and whites.I believe that the regular "transparency" only works for the whole layer.

Then when u save choose .png and flatten the image.

2. Get BoldBaits plugins at the paint.net website. One of the plugins is called "transparency" and let's u change the transparency of only the selected items.
I've had no trouble saving a file with
transparencies myself.it always works for me.

Thanks guys - very interesting issue.

I do not get an error message when I save a SC3 png file in Paint 3D or Paint.NET. However, in Paint I get "any transparency will be lost if you save this picture"

Then, when I open a Paint 3D or Paint file I see the transparency setting is reset to Off.

I am running Windows 10.

I'll keep looking.

Robert

I don't know about saving with transparency in Paint.net. You go to the Adjustments if you've installed BoltBaits plugins and it is the last choice in the menu. You select you objects then go to Effects and choose Transparency. A dialogue will pop up and you work from there. Hit ok and your objects will be transparent to what ever degree you need.

If you use the layer method you have to go the Layers menu or F7. Choose your layer you want to work with. on the far right bottom is a tag called properties. click on that and choose your poison.

Again it will follow your saves with nothing needed to be checked for either method.

Here is BoldBait's solution

Hi Hairog,
Your advice for Paint.NET worked.
I was missing that transperancy.dll file - I got it from Boltbait as you suggested.
-Robert

Great! Looking forward to some innovative sprites.

LOL, sorry, no new sprites [:)]

I am working on a modification - 1940 Operation Seelowe [;)]

The transparency fix helped with the campaign.png file - I changed it to a British Home Guard soldier looking skyward.

I am almost done with the modification. I think I can have it ready by next weekend.

Thanks again to all helping me figure this out.

I am working on a modification - 1940 Operation Seelowe [;)]

Nice!

-Mark R.