Need help with Alpha Channels

[dmlavan]

I'm trying to modify the "clear lens" area on the periscope's nightmask to fit ChurchSim's rectangular sky periscope mod. My photo software is Adobe's Photoshop Elements (i.e. the $150 program, not the full $600 photo shop). I've spent hours trying to figure out how to adjust the image... if my crew had red-eye I could fix it, but I'm stumped on the alpha channel.
I am able to separate the alpha channel from the rest of the image, but cannot figure out how to actual modify it using Photoshop. I've tried then separating it by RGB, but all I get is three blank images. If any experienced modders can help me out here, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[flakmonkey]

Hmm, never used elements but if its similar to the full version, you can just paint alpha channels the same way you`d paint a regular RGB channel.

Somewhere in your photoshop window there will be a smaller window with the layers/channels tabs.
Click on the channels bit, you should see Red Green and Blue channels listed by default, click the button at the bottom of the window to create a new channel, this will be your alpha channel, make sure its selected and visible and then get painting (b&w of course).

+ dont forget only certain formats can contain alpha channels (TIFF / TGA can, stuff like jpg and bmp cannot).

when i get back to my home pc i`ll rustle up some screenshots to hopefully make things a bit clearer...

[flakmonkey]

righty then, images...
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/tris1066/step1.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/tris1066/step2.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/tris1066/step3.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa186/tris1066/step4.jpg

[dmlavan]

Flakmonkey,
Thanks - appreciate all the effort in getting me these screenshots. Looked fairly straight forward until I got home to try it. My version of Photoshop is the "light" version which, after trying to follow your screenshots, I found doesn't have the "channels" feature (I need to upgrade) :down: . Disappointing, but I think I'll go ahead and upgrade anyhow for a number of reasons - and then use these to make alpha channels :up: . Thanks again!

[flakmonkey]

ahh, well nevermind, i wasnt sure just which features were missing in elements.