PNG files and layer in Dragonframe

[Esme]

Hello,

I have a question and can't find help information online.
I have imported a bunch of PNG files into Dragonframe.
And I used the layer function to add a file as background.
However, the back of my PNG files turned black so I can't layer them.
It is because the Background color tool can't remove the original back very well that I used Photoshop myself to remove all the background.
Can you teach me how to do that?
I try another program, Pencil2D, and it can show PNG files and layer them.
Does Dragonfram have the same function?
Thanks.

 

[Magshifter]

Dragonframe should support transparent PNG files, including layering them over a background. If your PNG files are turning black, it may be due to how Dragonframe handles alpha channels (transparency) or the file format itself. What version of Dragonframe are you using? I just checked, and everything works as it should.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your PNG files are correctly layered in Dragonframe:

1. Check PNG Transparency​

Ensure your PNG files have transparent backgrounds:

• Open your PNG files in Photoshop.
• Ensure the background is truly transparent (checkerboard pattern visible).
• Save them with transparency intact:
  • Use File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy).
  • Choose PNG-24 format with the Transparency option checked.

2. Import PNGs to Dragonframe Properly​

• Open Dragonframe and create a new project or open your existing project.
• Go to Image > Import Layered Image.
• Select the PNG files you want to import.

3. Add Background Layer​

To add a background:

• Go to Layers in the timeline view.
• Click on New Background and select your desired background image.
• Make sure it is below your PNG layers in the layer stack.

4. Adjust Layer Settings​

Make sure the settings are correct:

• Check the Opacity and Blend Mode of the PNG layers. Opacity should be at 100%, and the blend mode usually should be set to "Normal".
• If the background of the PNG is still black, try right-clicking on the layer and look for an option related to "Alpha" or "Transparency". Sometimes Dragonframe might require you to manually define the alpha channel.

5. Update Dragonframe Preferences​

Check if there are any settings related to file imports:

• Go to Edit > Preferences (Windows) or Dragonframe > Preferences (Mac).
• Look for any settings related to image formats or transparency handling.

6. Alternative: Use Image Sequence Import​

• Instead of importing them as individual files, you can import your PNG files as an image sequence.
• Go to File > Import Sequence and select the PNG files.

7. Check for Software Updates​

Ensure that you are using the latest version of Dragonframe, as updates can fix bugs and improve compatibility with different file formats.

 

[Esme]

i actually dont know how to use the x-sheet
is x-sheet you talking about?
thanks a lot

 

[Magshifter]

i actually dont know how to use the x-sheet
is x-sheet you talking about?
thanks a lot

EsmeWhat I mean is that when I use video reference I activate it in a separate window using this button. Try to do the same with your frame sequences.

 

[Esme]

do you know how to add one picture into one frame?
i try pencil2D it worked, but i cant adjust the size. i want to change the size on the picture without change the background layer

 

[Magshifter]

do you know how to add one picture into one frame?
i try pencil2D it worked, but i cant adjust the size. i want to change the size on the picture without change the background layer

EsmeI don't really understand what problem you are trying to solve?
Can you describe your task on the set in more detail!

 

[Esme]

I don't really understand what problem you are trying to solve?
Can you describe your task on the set in more detail!

Magshifter

 

[Esme]

I don't really understand what problem you are trying to solve?
Can you describe your task on the set in more detail!

MagshifterI want to add two layers, one is movie and the other is png files.
The reason I use png files is because I want clear image and clean margins.
I use photoshop to make those png files and remove the background.
when I try to import my image sequence, the background of my png files becomes black.
the only way to show the result you see in the picture is to use add media layer.
but i dont know how to add sequence of png files since the import function does work.
thanks for helping

 

[Esme]

I don't really understand what problem you are trying to solve?
Can you describe your task on the set in more detail!

Magshifterthe O is one of my png files, the background is my movie.
but i need to add more sequence png files so there will be two animation layer together.

 

[Magshifter]

the O is one of my png files, the background is my movie.
but i need to add more sequence png files so there will be two animation layer together.

EsmeWhat is the function of png sequences? Are you going to make animation of the puppet by its reference?

 

[Esme]

What is the function of png sequences? Are you going to make animation of the puppet by its reference?

Magshifterthe png sequence is actually another animation i file. i just want to layer the png film to another background film.

 

[Esme]

What is the function of png sequences? Are you going to make animation of the puppet by its reference?

MagshifterIn your case, you add a png picture to your film. But I need to add multiple png pictures to each film frame. and i dont know why the import image sequence function doesn't work for png files.

 

[Esme]

it seems png file only works when you add a new media layer, but cant be transparent when you import a sequence.

 

[Magshifter]

it seems png file only works when you add a new media layer, but cant be transparent when you import a sequence.

EsmeWhen I get home, I want to test it in real. I was curious about it myself.