How to: Delete Alpha Channel parts from 3ds renders

[Nero]

Deleting Alpha Channel parts in 3dsMax renders

As you all know, a standard render in 3ds gives you stuff like this when you are using alpha layers on some body parts. I’m going to explain how to get rid of them in this short tutorial.
http://www.totalwarmods.com/tutorials/images/before.jpg

1. Importing model and applying the correct texture to it
First, you of course need to import your model with Vercingetorix’s CAS import/export script. If the correct texture isn’t already present after loading your model, open the Material Editor with the M-button on your keyboard. There, you need to go to the Maps section, and select the right texture for the Diffuse Color.
http://www.totalwarmods.com/tutorials/images/editor_1.jpg

2. Using an Opacity map
In the maps section, also mark the Opacity option, and then click on ‘None’ to select your opacity map. This new browser will open:

http://www.totalwarmods.com/tutorials/images/Image3.gif

You need to select the Scene as the source of your map. There, select the ‘Diffuse Color’ map and click OK. This screen will pop up:

http://www.totalwarmods.com/tutorials/images/Image4.gif

It doesn’t matter which of the two options you choose, both are working for me.

3. Two settings you need to adjust
After clicking OK in the previous part, you are being directed to this screen:

http://www.totalwarmods.com/tutorials/images/editor_2.jpg

Go to the ‘Bitmap Parameters’ part.

There are two options you need to adjust:
1. ‘Mono Channel Output’ – Select ‘Alpha’
2. ‘Alpha Source’ – Select ‘Image Alpha’

4. Rendering
We’re already at the end of this short and simple, but very useful, tutorial. It’s time to render your scene now, with the F9 button. As you see in the picture below, the ugly alpha parts are gone. Hope you all enjoyed reading it.

http://www.totalwarmods.com/tutorials/images/after.jpg

Note: Chivalry TW (http://www.stratcommandcenter.com/chivalry/)is the rightful owner of the unit displayed in this tutorial.

[Myrddraal]

Thanks for the tutorial Nero. :thumbsup:

EDIT: I've edited your entry to the tutorials database. Please remember to add all new tutorials to the "-- All Tutorials --" category, then select the other categories it fits under as part of the options that appear. Thanks

[Lentonius]

Man, thanks sooo much, this has been annoying me for ages!:2thumbsup:

[Nero]

Yes I didn't understand that part Myrddraal. I'll do that when I'll post a new tutorial, which I'm gonna start writing today (rendering with pose - including a list of nice render poses for all unit types).

Thanks both of you, it has been annoying me for ages too. :P

[Private Clark]

Where are the Alpha Channels? What file, or directory?

[spirit_of_rob]

erm the alpha channels are the part of the texture that makes area transparent in Rome TW they arent a seperate file

[Private Clark]

Ok what file do i select for the Alpha Channel?:huh2:

[spirit_of_rob]

the alpha channel is on the texture that you are using so you use the same file.

So what ever texture you are using this is also you alpha channel texture

[Private Clark]

Its not working, i folowed all the instructions and yet, the alpha channel still appears (:jawdrop: ):fainting: :huh2: :hanged:

[satanea juda]

Save your render as a tga.


Before you make the render press 8 to alter the bg colour
Tip; make the bg colour as close to your intended bg colour for the small cards in game. this will help avoid a ghosting effect around you unit.

Open the render window.

Hit render button.

When the render window comes up you can see the Alpha by clicking on the 1.b/w circle.

2.click on the white square to set the alpha channel to the same colour as your render bg, it doesn't have to be exact.

Save as a targa(tga). Open it in photoshop and you'll see your unit with no bg.

Should save quite a bit of time.

https://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3739/tgamax2dd2.jpg (https://imageshack.us)
https://img211.imageshack.us/img211/3619/tgamax3zr8.jpg (https://imageshack.us)

Also as a bit of shameless advertising check these, for the ui cards you can have any bg you want.

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showpost.php?p=1297059&postcount=3[/QUOTE]

[Private Clark]

i got alpha channels working but i havent done ui cards in awhile, now i cant get the channel to go away :(

[Red Spot]

go to the "channels" tab in photoshop and remove the "alpha1" layer (just rightclick it and select "delete layer")

like you can (vagely) see here;
https://img128.imageshack.us/img128/2659/nieuwbitmapafbeeldingsx7.th.png (https://img128.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nieuwbitmapafbeeldingsx7.png)


G