3d Rendering With A Transparent Background

As a graphic designer I sometimes have to render an object with a transparent background. These objects are usually placed in brochures, catalogs and/or advertisements. In Feburary, we were working on a project that required rendered objects instead of photos. The problem we were running into is not having smooth edges on our rendered objects after clipping out the background. So, I came across a technique that allows you to prep 3D objects for Photoshop background clipping. This technique will allow you to create a 3D object with a transparent background. To perform this technique you will need some knowledge in 3D Studio Max R3 and Photoshop 7 and above.

Step 1:
First we will begin with an object to render in 3D Studio Max. Choose an object with in your files you wish to clip out the background. Go to preference under the customize tab. In the Preference settings dialoge box under the viewport tab check the Filter Enviroment Background box.

Step 2:
Next, go to the render scene dialoge box and set the output size to your specific size. Under render output select the save file box and save your file as a .tga file then render your object.

Step 3:
When your rendering is complete open the .tga file in Photoshop. Go to the channels tab and turn off the Alpha 1 layer channel.

Step 4:
Now, go to your layers and make your background image layer a layer. Notice the background layer has a red background. Select the magic wand tool and select the red area. Under the select tab go to feather and set the feather weight. Now delete the red background.

Step 5:
Save your file as a .tif and be sure the Save as Transparent is checked then click save.

You now have a rendered image saved with a transparent background.

Copyright© 2006, Lonnie Niver All rights reserved.

By: Lonnie

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