Hi,

I have Direct3D loading images as textures, using the alpha value defined in the image file. Thus I'm trying to draw images in which the alpha value is defined for each pixel just as the R,G, and B are, which would seem a common task but the method has proven elusive.

Using Photoshop Elements 5.0 I have been able, through tutorials which point out the unintuitive "Save Selection" option, to create BMPs (or any other file format) which have everything in a selected area totally opaque (alpha 255), and the rest totally transparent (alpha 0).

I would like, however, to create files with various translucent alpha values in between the two, so as to have smooth anti-aliased edges and colored glass amongst solid wall, for example. Thus this is a question about paint tools, specifically how to do it in Photoshop Elements or anything else.

Thanks.

Use GIMP or Photoshop.

.png files and .tga files both support alpha values, just start with a transparent background layer, add the elements you want, merge down visible layers at the end, and save as the correct file type. (...does Photoshop Elements let you save as png?)

Yes, Photoshop Elements can save PNG's, and it looks like it works when I do as per your directions. I guess PNG has more alpha data or something natively, and I thought TGA did too, but I tried that and it simply has the same all-or-nothing alpha sections as BMP. So, I guess I have to convert all my BMPs to PNG.

Thanks.