I have a little problem with setting up a file and getting my Presets to work to get a consistent result.
I am attaching some Presets and two sessions and some screen grabs to illustrate what I am encountering.
I am trying to make a multi Layer file.
Here is what is happening:
I create a new file.
Add a new Layer - set the new layer Alpha Full Off
And paint with any of the Presets:
cd_tornpaperGen4-5d2-04-slate4d06
cd_tornpaperGen4-5d2-04-slate4d06B
cd_tornpaperGen4-5d2-04-slate4d07
Attached in the zip with this post
- the edges of the presets will smudge to white.
See: SA02.jpg
If I save the session and open it
The layers come in as expected - but the Paint Synth Alpha Enabled is off.
If I paint on the top layer - the smudged edges are black/opaque.
See: SA01.jpg
If I turn on Paint Synth Alpha Enabled - the edges paint with the smudges alpha-ing to black with transparency.
See same: SA01.jpg
The different behaviors from the first time I create this file to an opened session leave me confused.
I am guessing there is a setting I can use to get the effect I am after - when first creating the file and drawing.
The look I could live with would be Alpha to Black with transparency…
Better still: I would like to control the color the smudge Alphas to… For instance - the color below. I know this is possible.
Or
I would like the Alpha to not inherit any color - just transparency.
How would I get this to happen when first creating working with a file - rather than getting the alpha to black only when I reopen a session?
The look I am going for is a torn paper effect.
The Presets here in the zip are able to create a nice effect - the only problem I am having is how they alpha.
Help!
Thanks
Replies
By the way the xmas image: xmas2013
was created with these Presets... You can see in that image the trouble with the smudging going out to white.
Its almost a good thing - the effect - But I would like more control over how the smudge bleeds out.
This look and the ability to draw this way is a LOT of fun and potentially very commercial.
The potential here is tremendous!
I would love some more controls for the edge.. More fine tuning options for choices in the Processing 1 and 2.
The Advanced geodesic option for Processing gives you some additional controls for the feathering. But i can take a look at adding additional effects for treating the edges.
I'm taking a look at some other treatments for the edges. Is there anything specific you were thinking we should add?
I added a new procedural texturing processing option with some fine tune controls to adjust the texture.
Also added another fine tune control to the Advanced Geodesic processing option.
Craig, one question in clarification.
The difference that you are experiencing, is it a difference between the alpha behaviour in layer 1 vs that of layer 2 or is it a difference between the first time you create the preset and then the second time that you open it- both instances having only one layer?
The difference is actually more complex...
Building an image - I am creating a base layer 1 (the bottom) and any number of layers above that (but for this post - I just kept it to a base layer and one layer (2) on top of that - 2 layers total)
The behavior that confounds is on the second layer. The top layer. I treat the bottom layer as flat assuming it doesn't react (up) with the layer on top. (I may be mistaken)
In this post I wanted to start with noting the difference between behaviors that happen with the first time opening a file/creating a top layer 2 and drawing on the layer 2 with a Preset (making shapes) - and saving/reopening a session and drawing on the layer 2 with the same Preset.
This particular case seemed a good starting point for discussion.
I am afraid the alpha/layer options in SA are not entirely clear to me. Some things happen when turning on and off options for alpha and layer that I need a better understanding of. There may also be issues with how the image refreshes...
Here is where I am coming from:
I usually do NOT use layers - in SA. So I am a novice with them. Even after 10+ years of fiddling with SA.
The look I am experimenting with could potentially be done all on one layer.
The Presets (I am working with) alpha options were originally built while working with one layer...
But -
I wanted the flexibility to stack elements and move them around...
To make all of an image on one layer would require a LOT of preplanning... and doesn't take advantage of the digital options (layers) that make life so sweet for a lazy artist like myself.
However - the Presets and layer alpha behave a little differently on top layers than on a "flat" bottom layer. What was even more strange was the different behavior of the same layers and alphas and Presets - when applied to a saved/reopened session.
Is this making sense?
Thanks!
Yes Craig it is making sense. I believe that John will have to answer in detail. SA does treat alpha layers a bit differently than other programs. I suspect that the differences between the base layer and succesive layers explains the black vs white edging. But the rest of it is a mystery to me.
Just making a new file and running thru some of the steps above:
Make a file
Fill layer with a color
Make a new Layer (on top) 2
Set Layer Alpha to full off
Draw with Presets 6, 6b,7
It looks like my first drawing had edges going to transparent...
Save session.
Close SA
Open session
Make sure Paint Synth Alpha Enabled is on
Draw on layer 2
Edges go to black
Make a new Layer (3)
Try drawing with the Presets - edges go to white!
Looks like with each step - some things appear on - or off - different from the previous (what I assumed was the same) step...
I am sure its just a matter of knowing what is on/off with each step - each new layer and application of the Preset, and each layers behavior with the Preset...
Hard to know what is changing tho - when all I see is the results... which look inconsistent.
I am attaching the session as well - zipped
test_papercuts0606b07-d.zip
I think the differences you are seeing is a function of what the alpha channel for the layer is set to when you do the painting. And what is blending through from the previous layer in the list. Or the default background color in the case of the first layer in the list.
Also, remember that layers are blended in order from the top of the list to the bottom of the list. This mirrors the way all lists work in Studio Artist. But it's the reverse of the way Photoshop would present layers in a list.
There is a default color that is essentially a solid color backing. So any alpha blending in the first layer will be blending to that. You can set that default backing color using the Canvas : Alpha : Background menu. My guess is that you have that set to black.
You can use the Canvas : Alpha : Initialize menu options to specify what a layer's alpha channel is initialized to when a new layer is made. Most people probably have it set to Full ON, since that's the default Studio Artist ships with.
If a layer's alpha channel is set to full on, then anything in the next layer in the list that is alpha blending is going to be blending to the contents of the previous layer.
i think you probably had a situation where you were alpha blending to the default background color in one case, and alpha blending to the white erased contents of the previous layer's rgb channels in the other case, alpha being full on for that layer.
You can use the 'View Cur Alpha Only' option for the canvas view to take a look at a layer's alpha channel to help understand what is going on.
John,
I am a TOTAL novice when it comes to layers in SA.
So far I have avoided using them deliberately... But times have changed! : )
I need to read up! Your notes here help already.
I will respond about what features for edges - in a few days. When the Xmas runaround has slowed...
If I were to to pull out a couple ideas off the top of my head...
• More fine control of the soft antialias options (maybe pixel quantity) Like pixel = 1 thru 1000(+)
• Some control of the "lip" options I noted... - but I would need to experiment a little there to understand the existing lip!
Many thanks!!!
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