Alpha channels

2010-03-09T17:29:50Z

Lemonodo Oh: /* I have Adobe Photoshop 7 and it doesn't work when I try to save alpha channels. What's wrong? */

{{KBmaster}}
{{TOCright}}

== What are alpha channels? ==

Transparency information in TGA and PNG textures, which can be uploaded with the Second Life@ Viewer, is stored as an additional grid of grayscale data called an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_channels alpha channel]. The alpha channel's pixel values, ranging from black to white, determine the texture's degree of transparency. Then, transparent textures are used to create organic shapes such as flame particles, trees, and clothing with ripped fabric — just about anything where visibly boxy dimensions are undesirable.

== How do I use alpha channels and get clothing templates? ==

Different [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_editor image editors] use similar concepts but have different specific implementations. You should consult your preferred paint program's manual and find knowledgeable people who have already done what you want, or may know how. Most image editors have dedicated forums or other social networks dedicated to getting the most out of them.

Alpha channels are a critical part of advanced clothing creation, and two of the most popular resources are the '''[[Texture Tools]]''' and '''[[Clothing Tutorials]]''' pages. For personal help from other Residents, [http://forums.secondlife.com/forumdisplay.php?f=109 visit the Texturing Tips forum] and [https://blogs.secondlife.com/community/answers Second Life Answers].

== I have Adobe Photoshop 7 and it doesn't work when I try to save alpha channels. What's wrong? ==

Photoshop 7 is old, and upgrading to version 7.01 or newer solves this problem. The original version of Photoshop 7 had a [http://nicolaescher.com/journal/article/20/photoshop-7-tga-plug-in-alpha-channel-bug TGA export bug]. If upgrade is unlikely, an approach that has worked is to save to native Photoshop .psd being sure to satisfy all conditions for making alpha channel in line with tutorials. Then convert psd to tga with a suitable converter or online, e.g. [http://www.online-utility.org/image_converter.jsp?outputType=TGA Online-Utility.org Convert Images to Another Format], which allows you to upload a psd and immediately converts it to 32-bit tga that is downloaded to your machine. In a suitable viewer or uploaded into world a 32-bit Targa converter from native Photoshop clearly displays the effects of the alpha channel mask.

== See also ==

* '''[[Uploading images and sounds]]'''

[[Category:Building Objects]] [[Category:Textures and Snapshots]] [[Category:Making Clothing]] [[Category:Creators]] [[Category:FAQs]] [[Category:Working with Textures]]

Talk:Suicide hotlines

2007-11-04T03:31:30Z

Lemonodo Oh: /* Policy Required */

== Policy Required ==
* This topic is not only relevant to Live Helpers. Can we have an elaboration on the policy for dealing with this by all volunteer groups?
:This was provided by Char Linden in a notecard: "Volunteers should encourage the person in crises to call 911 or a local crisis hotline." [[User:Lexx Greatrex|Lexx Greatrex]] 14:26, 6 June 2007 (PDT)

Suicide prevention should be taken seriously by all. One of the most widely taught workshops on this in the US is the QPR course (see www.qprinstitute.com)started by Dr. Paul Quinnett. QPR stands for Question Persuade Refer. In a sense QPR is very much like CPR, and is ideal for anyone who is in contact with the public on a regular basis.

The key thoughts are that if your internal radar is going off that someone is in crisis - ASK THE QUESTION "Are you having thoughts of harming yourself." It is uncomfortable for you - but trust your inner radar. Asking that question directly is important. Many folks in genuine crisis will answer honestly. Any answer other than a variation on "Heck No" is cause for you to try to persuade the person to seek some help.

Without training - you shouldn't try to defuse the situation or solve someone else's crisis. However, non-expert simple human compassion and common sense CAN and DO save lives here. The referral part is more difficult in our avatar contact context but if you are worried, make an effort. You should try to get the person in crisis to get help. Stay cool, stay calm and like CPR, let's hope you never ever have to make use of QPR. Note added by Edward Griffith 02:15, 2 Sept 2007 (PDT)

== sl suicide ==
any thoughts on this subject..seems like it happens too--not quite the same consequences, but some of the same issues, perhaps requiring trained, compassionate guidance

Second Life Wiki - User contributions [en]

Alpha channels

Talk:Suicide hotlines