Creating "Invisibility" in other programs.

ID:159964
 
Dec 11 2008, 5:30 pm
I was wondering if it was possible to define a certain color or make a color "invisible" while importing it from another program, for instance Paint. I have a few graphics that are more than 32x31 pixels and I am running into a few problems with white backgrounds for instance. Anything about how to do this would be greatly appreciated.
Dec 12 2008, 5:54 am
This is something I would like to know. There is a certain pigment that byond makes into a mask.
Dec 12 2008, 5:57 am
It might be possible with programs like Photoshop, where there already is a mask, but probably not with paint. Just take the couple of seconds to remove all the white (or whatever the background is, make it a color that stands out) with the flood etc. tools.
Dec 12 2008, 7:08 am
Save the image as a .png file with all transparency intact. When imported into BYOND (has to be imported, not copy and pasted) it will maintain any transparency it had.

Paint cannot do this, but most other image editors can. Paint.NET is a free and easy to use editor that can do this. Google for it.
Dec 12 2008, 12:30 pm
In response to The Magic Man
Another program I use for transparencies since I'm not going to buy Photoshop, is Photofiltre. It's a little more confusing from Pain, but a lot of the controls are there. including a lot more than Paint. It's freeware as well. Google it.
Dec 12 2008, 1:05 pm
In response to Dpheonix7
There used to be. 192,192,192 was the alpha color.

An easy way to convert your images to alpha in BYOND is this:
mob/verb/iconalpha(i as icon)
    var/icon/I=new(i)//use the filename of your non-transparent icon
    I.SwapColor(rgb(192,192,192,255),rgb(192,192,192,0))//replace color with transparency
    src<<ftp(I)//allow you to save it

This converts all pixels with the color 192,192,192 at full opacity into transparent pixels, and saves it.