XDP removing PNG transparency when I open/edit/save direct. How to keep transparency?

XDP removing PNG transparency when I open/edit/save direct. How to keep transparency?

Hi,

I'd appreciate help.
I'm using XDP feature "photo editing", in which I can open a file, edit it, and XDP saves the original as a .xar file under the folder "masters" (snapshot below).
However, when I perform this process using a PNG file with transparency, after saving the file XDP removes the transparency.
I also record my screen showing the issue: https://goo.gl/aWgXsB
How to keep transparency after saving the file?

Thanks!
Carlos_Cadu

Attachment 117953

Ola Carlos

The transparency should not be lost. I export directly from Xara as PNG - True Color + Alpha. I have not enabled the Master's option but I think that keeps the original image and not the modified image in case you need the original (Master) image.

Ola gwpriester!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gwpriester

The transparency should not be lost. I export directly from Xara as PNG - True Color + Alpha.

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When I export, the PNG transparency is applied properly. However, the transparency isn't applied by XDP output when I edit the original, as I expected.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gwpriester

I have not enabled the Master's option but I think that keeps the original image and not the modified image in case you need the original (Master) image.

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If set "preserve original" + "as a .xar file with the edits", when you open PNG (c:\Image.png), edit and save it, the original is replaced automatically by the Xara editing. The original is moved/embed to a .xar file (c:\Masters\Image.xar).
This feature is very handy to start editing from an already existing image (png, jpg) and XDP cares of creating the .xar file and update the original file with the editing automatically.
I'm using this process for applying images on video. The video editing software (VEGAS Pro) creates the snapshot (PNG) in the timeline, then I just open that file from the timeline, edit and save, and XDP automatically update the file in the timeline. I don't need to concern creating a .xar file, export .png and then add the file into the other software timeline. Everything happens under the hood. The integration (video-image editing) would be perfect if it wasn't the inconvenience I'm facing when the PNG has transparency, since XDP automatic output is generated without alpha (no transparency).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cadudesun

The integration (video-image editing) would be perfect if it wasn't the inconvenience I'm facing when the PNG has transparency, since XDP automatic output is generated without alpha (no transparency).

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I'm not sure how Xara handles saving .png files in this situation but I can imagine that a registry setting may address this issue.

you have probably not told the program to save it with transparency

open a new blank photo - create an image with transparency - and click the save button - you should see this dialog box:

Attachment 117962


click on the button 'settings' and you should see this box appear


Attachment 117963

make sure colour depth is set to true colour + alpha as shown and click apply

you can now click the save button on the first box and it should save with alpha [transparency] and continue to do this for the rest of your session...

EDIT: if you need to make this setting on an existing photo - choose save as [from the file menu] instead of the save button - you can choose the same file name and say ok to overwriting [assuming you are using default 96dpi otherwise you would need to set that as well as the colour depth, using the bitmap size tab on the second screen shot above] - once that's done you should be ok for the rest of the session with that photo just by clicking save as normal

Handrawn, what the OP is trying to achieve requires another routine than you describe. See the screenshot in his first post.

it's my understanding that when editing photos directly, as opposed to importing them into a document, it will always default to true colour saves unless you tell it otherwise - this is the only way I know to tell it otherwise... [it does not default to the export dialog box, and the settings button is easy to miss]

I don't think the problem is in the external bitmap editor transfer proccess - but I could be mis-reading it...

I checked - something subtle is going on here: if you open the saved PNG that is saved with a xar file in a master folder, then even if you later open the PNG in xara, it opens the xar file from the masters folder so the transparency is still there - but if you open the saved PNG in another app [eg affinity photo or photoshop] you see thet unless you told it otherwise it was saved without the transparency

since Carlos is using the PNG's to form a timeline, unless I am mis-understanding his video and later post, what I suggested should fix that

I don't think editing in another app even comes into it here [my first thought, but Carlos does not actually mention it as far as I can see] - I think the screenshot in the first post is to show the top half of the dialog box, which Carlos thought would apply to the saved PNG as well as the XAR, which it does not in respect of transparency

and there again I could still be completely wrong :D

You're right, handrawn, it should work.

@cadudeson: I took a look at the Help file and found the following under "Photo Editing" with regards to the settings you showed in your first post. So, transparency should be preserved, when using the appropriate setting. Perhaps a bug?


Bitmap transfer

Always use bmp
Images will always be transferred as bmp files. This is the fastest way to transfer images to and from the bitmap editor, but bmp does not support transparency. So if you want to edit bitmaps that include some transparency, or you want to introduce some transparency while editing the image, don't use this option.
Always use png
Images will be transferred to the bitmap editor as uncompressed png files, preserving any transparency in the image. Most editors will return images as compressed png files in this case and this may be slow for large images. Use this option if you want to edit 24bpp (opaque) bitmaps, but you want to introduce some transparency while editing in the bitmap editor.
Automatic
This is the default option. Xara Designer Pro X will automatically decide whether to use bmp or png to transfer the bitmap to the bitmap editor. If the bitmap does not have any transparency (24bpp) bmp will be used. Otherwise png will be used. This option should be fine for most editing, but if you want to introduce some transparency to your image while editing it, choose the png option instead.

like I said I don't think Carlos is doing that

what I think he is doing is saving out from the video editor in PNG - editing these PNG in xara and resaving out, but loosing the PNG transparency when he does this

Hey guys. Many thanks for the detailed replies. Very kind and attentive of you!

Some points:

a) Regarding options>photo editing, I'm referring just to the first group of options (snapshot below), since I'm not transferring the PNG file to be edited out of XDP. The issue is indeed related with XDP "Masters" and the PNG output, which doesn't apply transparency.

b) I recorded my screen (https://goo.gl/f27FGd) showing how I'm using XDP seamless with VEGAS video editing, which is a very handy workflow. The only issue is the PNG transparency indeed.

c) Following suggestions, I used "save as" and selected "true color + alpha", overwriting the original file. The PNG is saved and transferred automatically with transparency to VEGAS timeline. The shortcoming is when I open again the PNG for further editing (which will in fact open the .xar file under "masters" folder), you need to pay attention to have performed the following steps earlier: (1) save the file first and just after that (2) save as. Otherwise, XDP will open an older version not corresponding to your last editing. In the video above I also showed this part of the process.

d) The ideal solution would be a possible tweak in XDP Windows Registry, as suggested in the thread. Then XDP would save with transparency automatically without the additional step "save as", making the workflow faster and more reliable. I just opened a support ticket asking if it is possible. As soon as I have news I'll update the thread.

Cheers,
Carlos_Cadu

Attachment 117993

Hi Carlos, I'm not into video editing a great deal but John Brown (who I believe is Browj2 on TG but I might be wrong) has a great video for
Tutorial XX Magix Movie Edit Pro with Xara - Animated overlay

which uses Magix Movie Edit Pro & Xara together to create the effect you're after I believe. Whether your movie editing suite has a similar option I've no idea.

http://Tutorial XX Magix Movie Edit ...imated overlay

ok it looks like maybe the overwrite does not work for the xar file in the masters folder ?

maybe egg's link will help... I don't actually do this sort of work with xara either, so I really have nothing to add at this point... sorry

Thanks Egg for the "Movie Edit Pro & Xara" link. Actually, that integration showed in the video goes beyond what I'm performing with VEGAS + XDP. Probably, because "Movie Edit" is from MAGIX too, then the integration with XDP supports even animation round trip. VEGAS was bought last year by MAGIX, and maybe in the future that could be implemented as well.

Regarding my first post in this thread (which applies to any PNG scenario using "masters" folder), I received a reply from Xara recognizing it is a kind of bug and will be fixed:
"This appears to be fixed internally, we're just awaiting for the fix to be deployed via a patch. Apologies for the inconvenience caused."

Cheers!

good to know ;)

Great.

Hi,

Could this thread be elevated to “Dear Xara”?

The issue with XDP "Masters" and the PNG output not retaining transparency, which Xara, more than two years ago, had recognized as a bug and compromised to deliver a fix was never fixed actually. For a clear understanding of the issue, I just recorded a new screencast: http://bit.ly/333g9JE

The last reply I had through Xara support service mentioned that the fix hasn’t received Xara’s attention because other users haven't requested support, so there is no priority on addressing it. The full history of the support around the issue is shown below.

I thought that elevating the thread to “Dear Xara” could show them that other users have interest in a fix.

Thank you!
Carlos

--------------------------------
Jun 15, 2017
Ticket #DGV-688-15189
[…]
This appears to be fixed internally, we're just awaiting for the fix to be deployed via a patch. Apologies for the inconvenience caused.
Kindest regards
Customer Support
Xara Group Ltd

Tue, 4 Jul 2017
Ticket #DGV-688-15189
[…]
I can't say when we're planning to release the next update as dates can change unfortunately but hopefully within the next week or so.
Kindest regards
Customer Support
Xara Group Ltd

16 Feb 2018
Ticket #JRT-183-77337
[…]
Again unfortunately there has been no movement on this.
Generally improvements and fixes are prioritised based on how many people it affects. Since we have had no other customers requesting this fix it is unlikely that this will be fixed soon.
I have again however added your feedback again to the system.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
Kind Regards
Customer Support
Xara Group Ltd