importing 1 photoshop layer (from a psd) w/ transparencies

[drkknght]

sorry about the title length

i have a question. in flash 5, is it possible to import just one layer from a psd? (without flattening that layer into, say, a gif and/or a jpg.)

the reason i ask is because im looking to maintain the semi-transparent look that layer has (its a DETAILED ball of fire, and the outer parts of the ball are nearly see through).

my options thus far are to 1: recreate the look in flash (which is near impossible). 2: flatten the image, and import the fire ball with a background (the problem being, i dont want the background)

so is it possible to just drag that one layer, so it will retain its semi-transparent...ness? (im using photoshop 6 and flash 5, if that makes any difference)

thanks!

[GRaPHiX_FReaK]

Try using Fireworks, Open the PSD in Fireworks then export tha layer into flash as a separate .Swf file!

then from the .swf import to flash as a MC then take it from there!

Give me a shout if you havent got Fireworks dude

Peace Out>> >

[drkknght]

hmm... ill havta try that! i have fireworks at home, so, you'll havta wait til tomorrow for the exciting conclusion.

seriously, tho, thank you VERY much for the help!!!

[deadbeat]

Hi...

You could also create an alpha channel for the transparency, then export it as a PNG file...

It will then retain transparency when imported into Flash....

K.

[drkknght]

also notta bad idea...

is that possible if its a gradation? (i.e; the fireball gradiates... the center being, like, a solid red, and it slowly grows transparent towards the outside, y'know? )

[deadbeat]

Originally posted by drkknght

is that possible if its a gradation? (i.e; the fireball gradiates... the center being, like, a solid red, and it slowly grows transparent towards the outside, y'know? )

Yep...32 bit PNGs support gradiated alpha channels...

K.

[drkknght]

hey guys.

i messed around with this a little last night. i used the PNG technique, but did everything in photoshop 6, as opposed to photoshop. (which i guess was in 24 bit).

would there be any advantage to doing it in fireworks? (or some other art program?)

i achieved varying results, some i liked, some i didnt. the results that looked good were too large in file size (at least for this specific project).

i messed around with the image compression a little (thru flash... converting it to jpeg compression, usually around 75%)

is there a "tried and true" method for finding a good balance of size and quality?

(one more thing before i forget... THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!! )