Exporting alpha masks ? (Tutorial: Alpha Mask)

[boozy floozie]

Hi there,I would greatly appreciate your advice. I'd like to export an
alpha mask of my model in Z-Brush to use as a cut-out in photoshop for
futher manipulation. I've been using a flat render with the
contrast/brightness bumped up to achieve an alpha mask effect. I've also
tried this effect with best render to have anti-aliased edges. Is there a
better method than this ? Perhaps an automatic feature ? :qu: :qu:

[Kruzr]

Hi Boozie Floozie, boy that's some handle!!! In regards to your question, there's not a direct export alpha function in ZBrush at this time. But honestly, I think I would just color my object white & my background black - render my scene in Flat render & export my image. Once you import it into PhotoShop, You have the same thing as a cutout alpha. Or - If your looking for a "Bump" alpha, then render your scene as usual - export the image - & when you import it into PhotoShop, convert the image to "Greyscale" & you now have a bumpmap alpha. :) I hope this helps some? Have a good one..... :cool: Mark.

[Digits]

Use the MRGBZ Grabber tool and capture a bitmap and alpha image from your model. You can then use the alpha palette to export the alpha image as a bmp or psd file. The cool thing about Zbrush alphas are that they use 64000 colors whereas Photoshop uses 256 for greyscale

[Pixolator]

Hi,
Thanks Kruzr and Digits :)
Here is some info about the MRGBZGrabber tool…

By using the MRGBZGrabber tool, you will be able to ‘grab’ both the texture and the alpha from the canvas…
http://www.pixolator.com/images01/RGBandALPHA.jpg
Note: You may need to choose the proper settings for the TOOL ::MODIFIERS ::SHADED RGB and the TOOL ::MODIFIERS ::AUTO CROP

-Pixolator

[Kruzr]

Thanks Digits & Pixolator.....I didn't even know that. ;) See'ya later..... :cool: Mark.

[boozy floozie]

RE:Alpha export.
Thank you so much one and all for your excellant suggestions.
The booze is on me.
Yours in gratitude,Boozy Floozie

[ZBC Moderator]

Hi boozy floozie, and Welcome to ZBrush Central!

Here is some more information about Alphas, including importing/exporting, and using Alphas as a mask.

Alpha FAQ (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=000046)

-ZuZu :)