Creating and deleting channels
You can create and delete channels in the Channels palette. To dis-
play the Channels palette, choose Image > Show Channels.
To create an alpha channel
1
With a paint object in edit mode, choose New Channel in the
pop-up menu at the lower-right corner of the Channels palette.
2
In the New Channel dialog box, select options for the new chan-
nel and click OK. See To specify channel options on page 33.673.
Deleting alpha channels
Although Canvas can store up to 24 channels in an image, you might
want to delete unnecessary ones to save memory and disk space. You
can delete alpha channels and channel masks, but you cannot delete
color channels.
To delete an alpha channel: With an object in image edit
mode, drag the alpha channel you want to delete to the trash can icon
at the bottom of the Channels palette
Customizing alpha channels
You can change an alpha channels name, color indication, and mask
tint opacity in the Channel Options dialog box. By default, Canvas
numbers alpha channels, sets the mask tint opacity to 50%, and
assigns a mask color.
Note: Canvas provides the mask color and opacity settings in the
Channel Options dialog box as visual aids only. These settings do not
affect the original image or channel.
To specify channel options
1
With a paint object in edit mode, choose Image > Show Chan-
nels to open the Channels palette.
2
Click an alpha channel and select Channel Options in the pop-up
menu, or double-click the channel you want to edit to open the
Channel Options dialog box.
3
To rename the channel, type a new name in the Name text box.
4
The options in the Color Indicates area control whether white
or black pixels in the channel will select pixels in the image when
you load the channel.
Channels pop-up menu