How to create Transparent TGA textures in Photoshop for Second Life

Here is a simple way to create transparent TGA textures in Photoshop. I have used these textures for the online game Second Life, but they may have other applications. This only explains how to create the see through parts, that look invisible in the game. For this example I used Photoshop 7, you must use a version of Photoshop or other program, that supports the alpha channel.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Photoshop that supports alpha channels
• Second Life

1. 

   Make the items you wish to have transparent parts. For this example I have a couple of wood eagles, with a shadow and I want the parts that show through in PS, to also be clear in the game.

2. 

   Create a new layer and place it at the bottom or below all the other layers of your items that will be solid.

3. 

   Click on the Channels tab, in the layers window.

4. 

   In the Channels tab, click on the button Create new Channel (bottom, second from the right). This will create an Alpha Channel layer.

5. 

   At this point I like to turn on the visibility of the other layers, you will then be able to see your whole picture, with a red glow over it.

6. 

   With the alpha channel layer highlighted, go to the Menus: Edit-Fill and fill the whole layer with black. Black is the color that Second Life uses in the alpha channel for completely transparent.

7. 

   Now without changing anything, save your file. Go to Menus: File-Save As... Chose a name and change the Format to Targa (.TGA). After you click Save, a little Targa Options window will pop up, make sure you select 32 bits/pixel and click OK.

8. 

   You are now ready to upload your TGA file into Second Life. The clear parts, should show as clear, when the game asks you if it is the right file. Here I have used these eagles on a little log cabin and you can see the logs behind them.

Tips & Warnings

• As with any file you up load to Second Life, make sure it is a standard size in multiples of 64 or the game will convert it to one and squish your picture or texture. A good size for Second Life files is 512 x 512 pixels.
• As mentioned before, in order to make textures with clear or transparent parts, you must have a version of Photoshop that supports the alpha channel. I know some types of PS Elements do not, but as I understand Gimp may.