Photoshop .GIF Questions

MythicaL · Oct 11, 2004, 07:14 AM

Is there a way to save an image (that has transparency) in a .GIF format, without losing the exact colors you would see in the actual program?

Also, how do you make the edges smooth in the transparent .GIF format? All the edges around the part(s) that is transparent are really jagged when saved and viewed. Is there a way to anti-alias these edges?

Dom · Oct 11, 2004, 08:13 PM

The GIF format is limited to 256 colors, you can't have more.

As for edges; jaggedness occurs because the GIF format does not support alpha transparency. This means it'll support solid color pixels and completely transparent pixels, but not semi-transparent ones. Smooth edges are created through alpha transparency; you have solid color pixels and at the edges the pixels 'fade' into complete transparency, this 'fade' effect isn't supported by the GIF format.

The PNG format supports alpha transparency.

MythicaL · Oct 12, 2004, 12:20 AM

Okay thanks

Oct 11, 2004, 07:14 AM	#1
MythicaL I like computers. Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: In front of a monitor Posts: 3,399 Rep Power: 87 System Specs	Photoshop .GIF Questions Is there a way to save an image (that has transparency) in a .GIF format, without losing the exact colors you would see in the actual program? Also, how do you make the edges smooth in the transparent .GIF format? All the edges around the part(s) that is transparent are really jagged when saved and viewed. Is there a way to anti-alias these edges? __________________ Always knew I didn't belong in this world. I wasn't made for this. But I'll never forget those who betrayed me, and those who never failed my trust.

Oct 12, 2004, 12:20 AM	Thread Starter #3
MythicaL I like computers. Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: In front of a monitor Posts: 3,399 Rep Power: 87 System Specs	Okay thanks __________________ Always knew I didn't belong in this world. I wasn't made for this. But I'll never forget those who betrayed me, and those who never failed my trust.

Oct 11, 2004, 08:13 PM	#2
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	The GIF format is limited to 256 colors, you can't have more. As for edges; jaggedness occurs because the GIF format does not support alpha transparency. This means it'll support solid color pixels and completely transparent pixels, but not semi-transparent ones. Smooth edges are created through alpha transparency; you have solid color pixels and at the edges the pixels 'fade' into complete transparency, this 'fade' effect isn't supported by the GIF format. The PNG format supports alpha transparency.