Abstract:

10/11/2006: Updated to refer to Corel PSP versions 10 and 11, and include a download link for PSP XI trial version.

Note: This tutorial was created with Paint Shop Pro version 9. It also applies to versions 7 and 8, as well as versions 10 and 11 though there may be some slight variation. I don’t know if this technique works in earlier versions prior to PSP 7.

* If you are using the SL clothing templates, please see an important step at the end of this tutorial *

To create a texture with transparency in Paint Shop Pro:

1. Create a new transparent image - make sure the Transparent checkbox is checked, as shown below.


2. This will give you a blank transparent image. Transparency is indicated with a grey and white checkerboard pattern (this can be changed in preferences in PSP).


3. Create your image, using as many layers as you need to. Make sure that only the layers you want to appear in the final image are visible (turn off any guide layers, etc.). If you need assistance turning on and off layers, check the PSP help file. It is not necessary to flatten the image.


4. When you are ready to create the transparency, go to Layers—>New Mask Layer—>From Image on the menu bar at the top.




5. A dialog box will pop up asking for the source of the mask. Choose Source opacity, and make sure Invert Mask Data is not checked or you will get a reverse mask.