Photoshop newb-how to export alpha channel?

[Original_Uwe]

Ive been skinning with gimp for years now but just this week made the transition to Photoshop (2017 CC).

In gimp I could create an alpha channel as a layer and then drag-and-drop it into my channels and apply it, easy peesie.

I cant do that in PS though. I have assembled/colored my Alphachannel but I cant figure out how to get it into my channels out of layers.

Any help would be appreciated!

[BlackHellHound1]

I dont know it if is the fastest way but what works for me is this:

 

1. Duplicate your alpha channel layers and merge them to create 1 layer

2. Make sure there are no layers open/visible above this new flat alpha layer

3. Press Ctrl + a to select all. 

4. Press Ctrl + c to copy the layer

5. Select the alpha layer in the channels tab. (make sure only the alpha layer is visible)

6. Press Ctrl + v to paste your alpha layer of the existing alpha layer.

7. Show the RGB layer again and hide the alpha layer to continue working.

 

Should work this way.

Let me know if you have any other problems

 

BlackHellHound1

 

[Original_Uwe]

Thank you Sir! Worked like a charm!

You know what the hardest part of going to photoshop is? Trying not to overthink PS. So far it seems much more user friendly.

Edited February 6, 2017 by 1./JG54_Uwe

[Original_Uwe]

Alright, one more for you.

With GIMP making the black outline for Luftwaffe numbering and symbols was as easy as magic select-grow(X number of pixels) and then fill with paint bucket.

When I do the same thing wit PS the end result is not anti-aliased and is very, very blocky even if the subject being bordered is not. When I try to use the border option the border is in fact too smudged.

What am I doing wrong lol?

[BlackHellHound1]

Overthinking it once again...

 

In your layers tab. Dubble-click on a layer. You will get a menu with lots and lots of options. Play around with it and you will find what you need.

 

BlackHellHound1

 

[Original_Uwe]

Okie dokie! Off to play with it!

Got it! Thanks again BHH.

Edited February 21, 2017 by 1./JG54_Uwe

[Legioneod]

I don't think my question warrants a new thread so I'll post it here.

 

I just started using PS after using gimp for years and I can't seem to do the simplest of things.

 

For some reason my selections won't do what I want them to do. I select an image and hit transform but only the selection box transforms and not the pixels/images that I actually want to change. It's driving me crazy that  can't figure this out even though it's so simple.

 

In gimp all I had to do was select the thing that I wanted and edit the selection and it moved the image itself, but for some reason I can't get this to work in PS, it only moves the selection box.