Alpha channel - cannot save pic 1

[andyberlin2000]

In Photoshop (Elements) you reduce a multi-channel pic to one level and save the pic.
In PhotoPaint ther is no reduction functionality - at least I could not find anything in HELP.

My problem is that I can generate what I want but not save the pic, I can only save the alpha channel mask. But there is no menu item for "saving all channels to one pic", my picture is always saved without alpha channel, even though the pic looks alright on screen (while still using the program).

Can anyone help me since I HAVE TO use PhotoPaint for a couple of reasons.

Thanks in advance

Andy

 

[attrofy]

This is one of the fundamental differences between Photoshop (PS) and Photopaint (PP). In PP the Alpha channel is really only used to store masks, or layer properties - which are different then they are in PS. In PP, everything works by manipulating objects (mostly) - instead of layers. The layers are used to arrange the order of the objects (and other things) but this is the best rule of thumb to use to help organize your thoughts. Another way of thinking of it, every object is on its own layer, and any manipulations you do, affect the object, not the layer.

If I understand what you want to do correctly, you want everything "flattend" onto one layer. Assuming that you actually have multiple objects, and everything is on different layers, and depending on if your version supports this, right click on an object, go down to "Combine -> All Objects with Background". This should put everything on the same layer. If this doesnt seem to work, you can drag the pick tool around all objects, or go to the Objects window (which is easiest - if it isnt showing go to Window -> Dockers -> Objects) and select each object while holding the shift key. Each object will turn blue when it is selected. Right click on any of the objects, either in the docker or on the workspace, and select Combine -> All Objects with Background.

Be forewarned, doing this will render your individual objects uneditable. If you really have need to combine everything into one "locked" object, this is the best way to do it. However, if you want to edit something later, it is best to leave the objects "free floating" and use one of the export functions (Web Image Optimizer, Export for Web, Export, or Export for Office). Presumably this is for web work, or to produce a jpg or gif which automatically "flattens" the objects. The gif export dialog box allows for selection of transparency through masks (alpha channels) or by color selection. This is the better option to use, as it retains your editability for future work. The export function doesnt change your PP file, it will still be saved as "image.cpt" and your exported file will be a copy converted to gif, jpg, tiff, etc (image.gif). Hope this helps.