Difference between revisions of "AlphaChannel"

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An optional channel of image date in a texture file that can be used as a [[Transparency map]], [[Height map]], [[:Category:Specular map|specular map]], etc.
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= Alpha Channel =
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An optional channel in the texture file that usually defines the transparency of the texture’s [[Pixel|pixels]].  
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The alpha channel is usually 8 bits per pixel (256 colors), though certain file formats support different [[Transparency#Alpha_Bit_Depths|bit depths]].
  
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It can also be used for other things like a [[HeightMap|height map]] or grey-scale [[Category:SpecularMap|specular map]].  
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See also [[ChannelPacking]], [[MultiTexture]].
  
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The alpha is usually anywhere from 1bit up to 8bits, depending on the amount of detail you need. Generally, the lower the [[BitDepth|bit depth]] you use, the more [[Memory|memory]] you save, but the less image quality you get. Some visual examples can be found on the Glossary page [[Transparency#Alpha_Bit_Depths]].
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== Tools ==
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* [http://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/channel-basics.html Photoshop alpha channels]
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A [[Category:Shaders|shader]] can be written to extract particular color channels and use them for particular effects, like alpha for transparency, or red channel for glow and green channel for specular and blue channel for sound information, etc. In this way, a bitmap can store more information than just RGB color.
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* [http://docs.gimp.org/en/gimp-channel-dialog.html Gimp alpha channels]
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* [http://polycount.com/discussion/148082 Channel Shuffle]
  
 
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[[Category:Glossary]]
 
[[Category:Glossary]]

Latest revision as of 06:20, 3 November 2015

An optional channel of image date in a texture file that can be used as a Transparency map, Height map, specular map, etc.

The alpha channel is usually 8 bits per pixel (256 colors), though certain file formats support different bit depths.

See also ChannelPacking, MultiTexture.

Tools

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