Import Image Sequence and Alpha Channel Transparency?

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Level 1

105 points

Import Image Sequence and Alpha Channel Transparency?

Hello --

I need to go from PNG sequence (with alpha channel transparency) to FLV (with alpha retained), and am trying to do this in QuickTime Pro. Seems like this should be possible.

When I import a sequence of PNG images into QuickTime Pro, the alpha channel displays as solid black. When I export the movie as FLV (using On2 VP6 Codec, which supports alpha transparency), there is still a solid black background, and no transparency. I have looked everywhere in QT Pro for transparency settings, but to no avail. Any tips would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Mike

MacBook Pro 15" - 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - 2GB RAM, Mac OS X (10.5.3)

Posted on Oct 23, 2009 9:39 AM

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Answer 1

Wyodor

Level 6

19,930 points

Oct 23, 2009 9:47 AM in response to Michael Kunde

Do Cmd-J
Select the png file
Click *Visual settings*
Click *Transparency menu*
Choose *Straight Alpha*

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Answer 2

Michael Kunde Author

Level 1

105 points

Oct 23, 2009 10:16 AM in response to Wyodor

Thanks, that helps a lot. But when I import the movie into Flash, I still get a black background. I'm wondering if it's a Flash issue, so, I will have to look into it further.

I would never have found that transparency setting! Thank you!!!

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Answer 3

Wyodor

Level 6

19,930 points

Oct 23, 2009 10:46 AM in response to Michael Kunde

Flash will probably import only the movie part and the sound part.

Export your movie to a new file. That way the png is part of the movie image, not a separate item in the movie file.

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Answer 4

Michael Kunde Author

Level 1

105 points

Oct 23, 2009 12:37 PM in response to Wyodor

Thanks, but something is not working.

Going back to your original post, when I do Cmd-J, then set transparency to "Straight Alpha," the movie background immediately changes from black to white. So far so good. But if I export that movie as MOV (Animation, no compression, millions of colors+), then bring it back in, and confirm with Cmd-J, the transparency setting is gone. Am I missing something?

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Answer 5

Michael Kunde Author

Level 1

105 points

Oct 29, 2009 8:08 AM in response to Michael Kunde

Apparently, retaining transparency in an FLV requires Final Cut Pro, not just QuickTime Pro.

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