Importing PSD's?

Question

Importing PSD's?

Thank you in advance for any help on this...
I'm trying to import some PSD files and when I drag them into the timeline and they pop up in the canvas/viewer window the image doesn't show up; instead a white box shows up with the words, "This layered photoshop file was not saved with a composite image"... What have I done wrong? It's a basic PSD file; they are all single layer files; not complicated at all??? one of them has an alpha channel, but that's it...
thanks again for any help on this... much appreciated!
seth

G5 Dual 2.0, Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Jul 19, 2006 12:06 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 19, 2006 12:29 PM in response to Seth Eskigian

Nevermind... I just figured it out! Helps to read the online "help" menu... huh?
thanks,
seth

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Answer 2

Jul 19, 2006 12:44 PM in response to Seth Eskigian

OK... well, I got them to show up by using the menu and choosing the layer in the PSD, but I think my question still stands... I only had one layer. Why couldn't I just import the PSD straight into the project as an image and see it? Is there something in the way I created the PSD that I need to change?
thanks,
seth

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Answer 3

Jul 19, 2006 1:41 PM in response to Seth Eskigian

Don't really understand your problem. I just imported a PSD with no problems. What's your workflow. How are you saving and importing?

Would like to help...

Jonathan

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Answer 4

Jul 19, 2006 2:05 PM in response to 8Lincoln30

Thanks man...
After several different test I finally figured it out. I have been using After Effects for TOO MANY years and it has a much more forgiving import process for PSD's with an alpha channel...
I had to flatten the PSD and check off the "alpha channel" radio button while saving and this worked...
With AE you don't have to do any of this... it just detects the alpha and you are good to go...
but thank you for offering to help... I really appreciate it!
seth

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Answer 5

Jul 19, 2006 2:13 PM in response to Seth Eskigian

No prob. I've used AE and I know it lets you choose what layer you want to work with (or all)...but I haven't come across that in Motion. I've trashed background layers of pictures in Photoshop so I can make an alpha channel out of something (like deleting the background of a logo or something)...and saved it as one layer...no problem. Hmm...

Glad you got it to work. And thanks for posting your solution.

Jonathan

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Answer 6

Jul 19, 2006 2:26 PM in response to Seth Eskigian

I'm sure that there still is A LOT I still have to learn about Motion, but so far it's pretty cool... I really like it! I'll probably be back here VERY soon with other questions...
thanks,
seth

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Answer 7

Jul 19, 2006 8:42 PM in response to 8Lincoln30

Motion will let you choose which layer of a multi-layered photoshop file to import. Just drag it from the File Browser into the Canvas, but don't let go of the mouse. You'll be presented with options to merge all the layers together into one object, import them all as separate objects, or choose a specific layer to import. This also works by going through the File > Import process.
Mark

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Answer 8

Jul 20, 2006 1:10 AM in response to Seth Eskigian

This will help you:

http://www.apple.com/pro/techniques/motionimport/

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Answer 9

Jul 20, 2006 7:52 AM in response to Mark Spencer4

Motion will let you choose which layer of a multi-layered photoshop file to import. Just drag it from the File Browser into the Canvas, but don't let

go of the mouse. You'll be presented with options to merge all the layers together into one object, import them all as separate objects, or choose a specific layer to import. This also works by going through the File > Import process.
Mark

Ah...did not know that. I usually just hit the import button (next to the preview window) and go. Then again, most of my psd's are one layer. Ya learn something new every day.

Jonathan

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