Basic basic question about layers and transparency

[TomWolsky]

Hi,

 

First apologies. I don't use Photo much, but I need to make some multilayer images with transparency. I have no trouble making the layers. What I cannot find is a way to switch off the background layer and to export with layers, either 8-bit or 16-bit, with background  transparency to PSD. I looked in help but can't find anything about transparency or alpha channels. 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

 

Thanks very much.

 

Actually I found this, which tells me the images has an alpha channel, but I can't find how to get it out of Photo. 

 

 

Alpha channels

The Channels panel also displays the alpha channel for the whole image or currently selected pixel, mask, adjustment, or Live filter layer. These channels store transparency information, so it's a great place for more advanced masking control.

[Fixx]

I assume you have made layers which already have transparency. You don't have to do anything about alpha if you just want transparency in PSD. Background layer is locked so you have to unlock it first, then remove or hide. Export to PSD. There are a lot of possible tweaks in export dialog but in basic case they do not matter (for example "preserve accuracy/preserve editability" -- both look exactly same in Photoshop).

Does this help?

[MEB]

Hi TomWolsky,

Go to menu Document and check Transparent Background. 

You can also do this when creating a new document (File ▸ New) ticking the Transparent background box.

[TomWolsky]

Thank you both. So simple. 

 

And check on the box for transparent background when making a new document. 

 

Told you it was basic.