Issues while importing a psd file

[anonymous_user_a67b42f5]

Hello. Since I switched to the 4.7 version of UE, I’m unable to import my PSD files as textures. I just get a generic error that says that the engine wasn’t able to import the file and create the asset.

I was able to import the same file while using the 4.6 version of the engine.

I tried to use TGA as well, but the result was terrible ( I get a weird white background in my asset, while I have an alpha channel. This creates a lot of white outlines in my hud elements that makes the texture unusable )

EDIT: I tried different stuff today and I was able to import the psd file by removing the alpha channel from photoshop. Now I have the asset inside UE, but i get the same weird “white background” problem. So the texture is useless again.

I want to emphasize that I was able to import the psd in 4.6 with the alpha channel and I didn’t get that white background.

I’ll attach the new file: Dropbox - Error - Simplify your life

[javoire]

Same issue here! OS X yosemite, photoshop CC2014

saving as PSD and the background of the texture is white instead of transparent in UE4 (4.10.2). However it’s transparent in the texture viewer (double clicking the texture)

[ViceVersa]

i posted a question about that a while ago, never got a response. if you plug that alpha pin into the opacity pin or opacity mask in the material it should work correctly though.

[javoire]

Yeah. Problem is I’m using the image for a TextureObject node in a material, and the output is one texture, object, instead of 5 channel pins. Can’t figure out how to get the alpha channel and somehow modify that TextureObject.

Also, other textures alpha channel “just” work in the TextureObject node.

I actually managed to export a TGA from GIMP that worked. But no formats in photoshop has worked so far.

If I create a 5th channel in a .psd file, i.e. the alpha channel, the .psd file “can’t be imported”. It doesn’t say more than that

[anonymous_user_cc69b907]

Hey guys,

UE4, does not support .psd files. You may consider using .png files if you are looking to use the alpha channel, assuming it is exported for that use. I can add a feature request for the use of .psd files in UE4.

[javoire]

Hey ok cool.

So I have two ways of getting a working alpha for TextueObject node.

1. Open PSD in gimp and export TGA
2. Save for web as PNG from photoshop seems to be working now. PNG-24 with transparency, RGB 8 bit. (got severe color artifacts yesterday though…)

This is funny though:

1. “Save as” PNG with black BG, with or
   without alpha channel => black is
   transparent: “GOOD”.
2. Save again with transparent BG in photoshop => all pixels are white in UE4
3. Go back to black background in PS and save => all pixels are still white in UE4
4. Solution is to save with a new filename

Seems like Save png for web is consistent now though, so I’m happy

Also, PSD should be removed from here: Texture Import Guide | Unreal Engine Documentation

---

UE 4.10.2
Yosemite 10.10.5
Photoshop CC 2015.1.1

[anonymous_user_cc69b907]

Hey guys, sorry for the confusion earlier. .PSD files are supported and I have been running a few tests to verify an issue that I have been experiencing. I ran a test and imported a .psd file from photoshop and my entire viewport when black except for the grid lines. Upon further testing I have been unable to reproduce the black screen. This test was run on a Windows machine and I will be testing this on a Mac shortly.

[javoire]

Hey, try this file: Google Drive: Sign-in

Or:

1. New file in photoshop
2. Paint something black and white on a transparent layer (soft brush) [figure 1]
3. Make alpha channel of the selection of that layer
4. Add all black background layer [figure 2]
5. Import in UE

Figure 1

Figure 2

Expected outcome

• Alpha channel works in texture viewer
• All opaque pixels have turned white

• Thumbnail looks like this (transparency/alpha bg should be black)

[anonymous_user_cc69b907]

Thanks for the repro. I just tested this again. I think I see what the issue is. You haven’t properly setup your Alpha channel.

These are the steps I used to create the alpha and .psd.

1.) Follow your steps in the last comment.
2.) Copy and past the alpha channel into a new canvas. Photoshop will prompt you to open it in greyscale. Do so.
Note: True alpha maps cannot be created in RGB mode.
3.) Ctrl + A to select all and past this new information in the alpha channel of a new RGB mode canvas.
4.) Grab the original layer where you first painted your black and white image and past that in the first layer where you added the Alpha in the latest canvas.
5.) Save as an RGB mode .psd.
6.) Import this into UE4.

Results:

[javoire]

Thanks for testing. I followed your steps meticulously and unfortunately the outcome is exactly the same

My impression from reading the internet and trying things is that these things seem to behave differently on Mac and Windows also. Different as in on a Mac, it seems.

RGB setup

RGB 8 bit

Mask creation

Result in UE4

[javoire]

What’s also interesting is that the finder preview behaves similarily

(thumbnail ok but preview wrong)

[anonymous_user_cc69b907]

I just tested this on an OSX El Capitan Version : 10.11.2.

I was able to import the .psd without issue. The texture viewer displayed the alpha like I would expect and I was able to make a translucent material with opacity.

I am linking you this test file that I have no problems with. If you are able to import it and use it without difficulty then this is not an Editor or Mac issue.

Hmm.psd

[javoire]

Thanks for taking your time!

So it does work with your .psd, even drawing and overwriting. The issue doesn’t seem related to alpha channel, I can’t get any .psd from PS (that I create) to import with nothing but white pixels (with or without alpha channel). Either it’s some obscure setting in PS that I haven’t found (the bits and colorspace and profiles are all correct) or it’s a PS vs my OS bug. (I’ve tried PS CC 2014 and 2015). The finder preview shows your psd correctly but mine is white.

I also deleted and created a new Alpha channel in your .psd in the same canvas and it worked. (without opening a new grayscale canvas and copy pasting)

Seems like this bug is on my end only, I guess I’ll have to try updating to El Capitan one day.

Thanks for your time! Much appreciated

Colors in photoshop

White pixels in UE4

White pixels in Finder

[javoire]

Just to clarify, this is likely the solution to OP’s post and to this problem in general. However, my problem is still unresolved, it’s likely an OS/PSD issue that I’ll look into myself. I’ll report back if I resolve it. I appreciate your help though !