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Zbrush 2022.0.02 won't load PNG files into alpha window from lightbox

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hey y’all,

title says most of it. I have a bunch of alphas that I’m trying to organize and categorize for future use and I have a large set of PNG, JPEG, and TIFF files that I want to use as alphas. However, these files don’t automatically load into the alpha channel from Lightbox but instead go to the Texture window. TIFF’s don’t load at all from Lightbox (at least for me).

They work fine if I import them from the alpha menu, but this is a hassle and clutters up my alpha window when I open it. So, short of me converting all my files to PSDs or PSBs in order to make them auto-load into the alpha channel, is there a way to make these files auto-load into the alpha channel from Lightbox as PNGs, JPEGs, etc?

I already tried converting them to 16-bit greyscale in Photoshop, but they still only load into the Texture window. Is there some obscure preference I’m missing or is this just currently a limitation of Lightbox?

#2

Hi @Resplendency

They will have to be PSD files, but the process can be painless and quick. See below video.

#3

Ah, … well that’s a bit of a bummer, but alright.

Didn’t know you could batch export PSDs like that, though apparently my Photoshop is busted and that script doesn’t appear for me. I did manage to find a way to batch render the images to PSDs though and it seems to be working fine.

For anyone that happens to stumble upon the same problem, you can also go to Windows —> Actions and create an action to transform the file into a 16-bit greyscale image and save it as PSD. Then use Flie —> Automate —> Create Droplet. This makes a file that’ll allow you to do the same thing (and other actions if you were so inclined). This was done on Photoshop V22.5.1

The video I learned it from is here: How to Convert Multiple Images to Grayscale Using Photoshop CC Droplets EASY (4k UHD) - YouTube

Just out of curiosity, is there a “Best” type of file to use as an alpha? Or does it not really matter so long as it’s 16 bit greyscale?

Thanks for the help, Zber!

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#4

:+1: @Resplendency

Yes, 16 bit grayscale is the best for alphas. Try to avoid 8 bit grayscale if you can. It will usually cause noticeable banding if you do.

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