Proper Graphics File Format for

[Mark L]

I’ve having trouble getting graphics to show up in FMP without some sort of a square, white background. The files I’m being sent from the client are in .ai format (Adobe Illustrator.) I can make them into most any other format file (TIF, JPG, GIF etc) with kinds of options using Photoshop Elements. What do I need so I can put them in a Container file and have them display on any given layout – and I can successfully fill in their background color?

(Believe it or not, I actually had it working for awhile with the initial images I was given, but didn’t write down what I did – and spent a good hour and a half last night trying to re-stumble onto the solution.)

Thanks in Advance,

Mark

[nandito]

The only option to have the image background show the layout behind it is to make them .png files, that have transparent backgrounds. I am attaching a sample png file. I know full Photoshop and I don't know how Elements handles this. I am attaching a sample png file.

Is the image part of your layout or something that gets store in the database? If it's part of the layout, you do not need to place it containers. Simply go to Insert > Image.

I hope this helps.

Nando

[Mark L]

Nando-

Thanks for a couple of steps in the right direction.

- I can create a .PNG file with Photoshop Elements

- It does seem to have an "automatic" transparent background

BUT:

- The .PNG file seems not to scale and/or resolve too well - it looks kind of crumby.

Would it help if I "constructed" the image to the proper size before bringing it into FMP?

Also, I do want to put it in a Container field - because I want to use the field throughout the app, and if the graphic changes - just change the contents of the Container field - and it will populate throughout the app automatically.

Any further thoughts? Anyone else have experience with this type of issue?

Thanks again,

Mark

[nandito]

Hi Mark,

I don't know how Elements works, but when you create an image in PS, you can select it to have a transparent background or a color background. When saving from Illustartor, see if you can select to save it as a .psd file (PS format) with a transparent background. If you do not have too many images, I can help you convert them.

[Mark L]

Thanks for your offer Nando – maybe I will take you up on it.

I get the file from a graphic artist - who sends it in .AI format. When I open it, I get prompted for the Width, Height, Resolution and Mode (grayscale or RGB Color) and it has two checkboxes for Anti-aliased and Constrain Proportions. I've experimented a bit with trying to adjust the image as it comes in – making it the size of the image I need to use in FMP. I’ve also tried to up the default Resolution from 72 pixels/inch to 120 pixels/inch. BTW the image is grayscale (not color.)

The single file I receive actually contains two images I need – so I use cropping to get them split apart. Then I save the files as .PNG files, as you taught me – in order to preserve the image’s transparent background. I then use these images in FMP – but they don’t seem to scale up or down well and look kind of fuzzy. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Mark

[nandito]

I alsway create images larger than what I intend the to use. Scaling them down works OK, but scaling up, the software needs to add iformation that is not there. When specifying the container field graphic format (right click the container field, select Graphic Format) Make sure you check on the Maintain original proportions (you would never want to distort a logo), and select "Reduce". My images scale down very nicely. So when Elements asks yuo what size, select a size like 1024 or higher if you are only using the image to display on the screen, you can keep the resolution at 72 dpi. If you use it a layout that you print, select a much higher resolution and size.

Take a look at the attached sample.

I hope this helps.

Nando

sample.zip

[Mark L]

Nando-

Just an update - your methodology seems to have worked!

I made sure to take the .ai file in at 300 dpi - and in a size slightly larger than anything I use - and between that, and your previous tip on using .png file format - I seem to be in good shape.

Thanks again,

Mark