Merging Two JPEGS (One Image Jpeg and One Alpha Mask JPG) into one TGA
(Targa 32Bit with alpha channel for transparency):

Texturama's textures come as high-quality Jpegs, so that download time is minimized, and that it saves us all precious hard drive space (up to seven times filesize reduction!).

From time to time, 3D applications prefer using TGA images when image transparency is involved. With this file format, the "alpha channel" (or transparency information) is hidden within the image, much like a layer... so simply put, the TGA image format stores Red, Green, Blue, *and* Alpha channel.

Using the images PLNT004.jpg and PLNT004A.jpg, I'll show you how this simple process works. Feel free to download the sample sizes from the Texturama main website... just search for the filenames and you're good to go.

Once you become comfortable with the process, you can create an automated "Action" batch process by hitting the record button, so that next time you can just set up the Photoshop file, then hit the button to do the rest.

This method is also great for copy/pasting masked images within a photoshop composition.
(See very bottom for details)

PLNT004.jpg and PLNT004a.jpg

On a side note, I'm amazed at how most people using WinXP do not choose this silvery-clean windows theme called "Windows XP Modified" which comes standard with XP.

Open the two images into Photoshop so that you can see both images in the workspace.
(After you click "File>Open", you can CTRL-Click several items, then click the Open button).
If you can see only one image in the center of your screen hit the F key until you see both.

Now using the move tool, hold down CTRL+SHIFT, and click-drag from the center of PLNT004A.jpg image onto the center of PLNT004.jpg.

Now close PLNT004A without saving, and keep PLNT004.jpg open.

If you look into your "Layers" Window, you'll see that you have two layers now, with the top layer as the "active layer".

So now "Select>All" (shortcut CTRL-A)

Then Copy (F3), then delete "Layer 1", then click the Channels Tab (to the right of Layers Tab).
Create a New Channel by clicking the icon below

Now select "Alpha 1" Channel, then Paste (F4).

Now Click the RGB channel, and make sure the new alpha channel is "not visible".

Now click the Layers tab again just to confirm what we have

And VOILA! Now you can SAVE AS (CTRL-SHIFT-S), then make sure the settings are:

For copying and pasting into a Photoshop composition, simply CTRL+Click the Alpha Channel layer, click on the Image Layer, Copy, then Paste onto your new composition.