10.0

Working with alpha masks
Unlike clipping paths, which produce a smooth edge primarily used for separating a
foreground image from a background image, alpha masks can include transparency
information to subtly blend a foreground image into a new background. To work with
alpha masks in QuarkXPress, you must first create an alpha mask in an image-editing
application such as Adobe Photoshop. You can then use the alpha mask in QuarkXPress.
The alpha mask on the flames allows the text in the background to show through.
To work with alpha masks in QuarkXPress, you'll need to save them with the picture in a
format that supports alpha channels.
To apply an alpha mask to the selected picture, choose an alpha channel from the
Measurements palette's Mask drop-down menu. On Windows, you can also apply an
alpha mask with the Channel drop-down menu in the Picture tab of the Modify dialog
box (Item menu).
By default, this drop-down menu is set to Composite, which preserves the image's overall
transparency.
Working with PSD pictures
You can import native, unflattened picture files from Adobe Photoshop directly into
QuarkXPress with PSD Import XTensions software. Once files are imported, you can
manipulate any layers, channels, and paths saved with the Photoshop (PSD) files. This
integration between Photoshop and QuarkXPress streamlines your workflow by allowing
A GUIDE TO QUARKXPRESS 10 | 201
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