Flattening graphics with layers, Using alpha channels – Apple Final Cut Express HD User Manual
Page 767
Chapter 53
Working With Still Images and Photographs
767
IX
Creating Graphics With the Correct Color Settings for Video
You should be aware that the range of colors that can be displayed on a broadcast
video monitor is much smaller than that which can be displayed on your computer. For
this reason, colors that appear bright and clean on NTSC or PAL video can seem duller
when viewed on your computer.
If you output graphics images with colors that go outside the “legal” range for video,
they will appear oversaturated, and may “bleed” into other parts of the image. This
distortion can be easily avoided by controlling the palette of colors you use in your
graphics program. As you create the graphics you’ll be outputting to video, resist the
temptation to use the brightest and most saturated shades of color available in your
paint program. When you’re finished with your image, use a video colors filter (if your
program has one) to make sure that all the colors in your image are in the legal
broadcast range for video.
Flattening Graphics With Layers
Multilayer graphics can be useful for compositing and complex graphics, but most of
the time you only need a single still image clip. If your original image file is a
Photoshop file, make sure you flatten it before you save it as media for importing into
Final Cut Express HD.
You may want to save two versions of the Photoshop file: the original file that retains
the independent layers (this is a working copy you keep so you can go back to make
independent layer adjustments) and a separate flattened image created by choosing
File > Save As or File > Export in your graphics application.
If you want to work with layered Photoshop files, see “
Using Alpha Channels
Alpha channels are an implicit fourth channel in some graphic file formats that are
used to only reveal certain parts of your still image. Alpha channels are useful when
compositing a still image above another still or video clip in the Timeline. Make sure
you save your still image file including the alpha channel if you want to use it for
compositing. For more information about working with alpha channels, see “