DVD Workshop - PNG and GIF don't keep transparent background

[xtjcx]

I have a PNG file (PlayAll.png) and this file looks fine in Photoshop...it has a transparent background. But when I import this file into DVDWS2, the image's background is WHITE and is completely square? I tried saving this PNG file as a GIF and got the same results. I also tried saving it as a UFO object and then DVDWS2 did not like it. How does one import standard images (with transparent backgrounds) into DVDWS2

Thanks.

[canadateck]

Save it as a PSD file and you should be good to go.

[lordsmurf]

GIF should be fine.
PNG is not a supported format really.

It also depends on HOW you use it.

[canadateck]

PNG is supported , But you must make sure you save it right with layer and Alpha Channels and what not, I dont know much about PNG ,But with Gif's I think the Background must be close to the Background you are placing it on, as it is not total transparent. the best format for what you want is PSD.

[thecoalman]

TGA works as well at least for buttons, if your using Photoimpact (I'm assuming you are since you can make UFO's) create your object(s). Right click and combine as single object if you have multiple objects. Right click again and select export object. Select File in the Export To section & Image & Selection in the Export Content section, Click Ok.

You'll get a new image, Save it as a TGA making sure the "save selection" box is checked.

Import into DVDWS... I'd suggest resizing the image in Photoimpact. Large images that are resized to smaller look blocky...

FYI you can these TGA images in any other app that supports TGA with alpha channel.

[lordsmurf]

GIFs imported as highlight images import too big. And you have to guess a proper resize. You run into that coalman?

[thecoalman]

Just imported a GIF as is and yes it was giant if that's what you mean, it did maintain the transparent background. I've been messing with the TGA's for a couple of days now. They work really well if you apply a soft edge that matches the background for both video and the menus. The gif looks pretty good too.

[fscrocco]

I have Ulead DVD Workshop 1.3. I used Jasc Paint Shop Pro to make a .png file, made the backround of a picture transparent, and imported into Workshop. The background remained transparent, not a square white background. Worked for me.

[p_l]

I've found importing GIFs into Ulead DVD Workshop 2 has been hit or miss. Only about half the transparent GIFs, animated or not, I bring in keep their transparent background. It must be something in the way they're made in the first place, but what exactly I don't know. If necessary and if possible, I try to have a few variations of the GIF available as alternatives in case my first choice loses its transparent background when imported.

[scandic]

I don't know if anyone can tell me what's wrong, but after I formatted and re-installed XP + DVD Workshop2, I haven't been able to open GIFs in Workshop.

Before the format, in Workshop/Menu/Button, I could choose something called "Animated GIF". This option isn't there anymore.

I have also tried "Highlight Image" and "Image General", but it won't let me open GIFs and in "Filetype" GIF isn't even mentioned.

If someone has an idea to what has gone wrong and what I can do to be able to choose GIFs again, please let me know.

I have un-installed and re-installed DVD Workshop2 twice, downloaded and installed all updates, but still no way to choose GIFs.

Please help if you can.

Thanks

[p_l]

Isn't that a limitation of the trial version, not being able to import animated GIFs?


Otherwise, on the Menu(1) page, make sure the Button tab(2) is selected and click on the Image drop-down(3) menu and select Animated Object(4).





Then click on the little folder icon(5) to import animated GIFs.

[scandic]

Thanks for responding p_l

Well I don't run the trial version, but the full version.
And before the format I did a couple of weeks ago, I was able to choose "Animated Objects" - exactly where you pointed it out to be. But now it isn't there. I don't have possibility to choose "Animated Objects" anymore - it has disappeared.

I think I'll try to install DVD Workshop2 on my laptop - just to see if that will change anything.

Thanks

[p_l]

I don't know how this compares with you, but I run version 2.0 on XP Home SP1.

[scandic]

Well, I run version 2.0 on XP Home, but now SP2. Before I formatted my harddrive, I had SP1 only.

Could that really be the reason for the GIF problems now? I wonder, but I'm prepared to give it a try and do another format. OK, that have to wait a couple of days, but I'll definitely give it a try.

[p_l]

Well, if it's the only variable, it's worth a shot. Now that you mention it, I remember seeing DWS installed on a friend's SP2 machine and wondering where the Animated Objects option was. It wasn't there either. At the time I assumed it was because it was a trial version. So, as I said, it's worth a shot trying it with SP1, even if it doesn't make much sense.

BTW, your profile says Windows 98 SE.

[scandic]

Well, I now installed DWS on my laptop, which run XP SP1.
Result is, that now the Animated Objects are visible.

I un-installed DWS once again and then re-installed it one more time. Still the Animated Objects were there.

Now I tried to un-install DWS again and then install SP2 followed by DWS. Surprise, surprise......no Animated Objects to see.

SP2 obviously do something DWS don't like.

I will run my laptop with SP1 only, should I need the Animated Objects. That way I'll still be able to make use of animated gifs, should I need them for a project.

[p_l]

I've found importing GIFs into Ulead DVD Workshop 2 has been hit or miss. Only about half the transparent GIFs, animated or not, I bring in keep their transparent background. It must be something in the way they're made in the first place, but what exactly I don't know. If necessary and if possible, I try to have a few variations of the GIF available as alternatives in case my first choice loses its transparent background when imported.

A case in point: When I wanted to add dancing Elmo animated GIFs to this menu, about half the GIFs I found lost their transparent backgound when imported. Fortunately, the other 50% or so did not, and worked fine.

Caution, this clip contains that cloying Elmo song. You have been warned!


I have read the warning and wish to view the clip anyway.

[canadateck]

Nice looking menu.

Whats the small gif with the car? is it static?

[p_l]

It's actually a little fire truck animated GIF. Goes with that episode. It's not so easy to see in the compressed 2MB WMV here, but on the DVD it's clearer.