TGA files how to edit multi channel.

[Reece]

Hi, I opened a tga file, that is 7 meg in size, and has multi channels & I wanted to change the color of the alpha channel from white print to green (if it's even possable) but when I save the file, even without editing, it is 160meg!!!:-? I tried another program & does exactly the same, could someone please let me know where I am going wrong?:x
Many Thanks.

[danlisa]

What program are you using?

[Reece]

Photoshop.:yep: If I save as a PSD file that is 6 meg, strange?:-?

[danlisa]

Firstly, make sure your image is RGB 8 bit @ 72 pixels/inch. (72 is enough, anymore and your file size increases exponentially) Also, make sure your visable layers are merged (NOT flattened) and you still have a transparent background.

Then try this route.

1. Select the channel and then choose Channel Options from the palette options menu.
2. Enter a name for the alpha channel.
3. Specify the color and opacity of the overlay.
4. Specify whether you want the masked area (what the overlay will cover) to include the Masked Area (the unselected area), Selected Area, or Spot Color.
5. Click OK to close the Channel Options dialog box.

You can also simply double-click the channel thumbnail to bring up the Channel Options dialog box. Then follow Steps 2 through 5.

I'm struggling a little as I'm not near my PS installation.

[Reece]

Thanks Dan, I'll give it a try, but since it's 12.15 am I think I'll call it a day!:D
Cheers.