When you import an RGBA file into Smoke, you can import the RGB image and the alpha channel as separate clips. The alpha channel can be imported as is or inverted. You can also import the RGB image and alpha channel and place them in a matte container.

To import or soft-import an RGBA file:

1. From the clip library, click Import Image.
2. In the Import Image menu, browse to the directory containing the media with the alpha channel and select the files.
3. From the Channels box, select one of the following:
   • RGBA to import the image and the alpha as is, as separate clips.
   • RGBA Inverted to import the image and the alpha inverted, as separate clips.

   
   

4. Enable Soft-Import Full Res if you want to import a reference to the media, but you do not want to store the media on the local storage.
5. Optional: Select a queueing option from the Add To Queue box.

   
   

   If you are soft-importing the clips, you can generate proxies in the background. This gives you the ability to assemble the timeline while proxy generation is taking place. See Importing and Soft-Importing in the Background.

6. Click Load.

   The RGB image and the alpha channel are loaded separately to the clip library.

To import or soft-import an RGBA file into a matte container:

1. From the clip library, click Import Image.
2. Browse to the directory containing the media with the alpha channel and select the files.
3. From the Channels box, select RGBA or RGBA Inverted.

   
   

4. Enable Container to create a matte container.
5. Enable Soft-Import Full Res if you want to import a reference to the media, but you do not want to store the media on the local storage.
6. Optional: Select a queueing option from the Add To Queue box.

   
   

   If you are soft-importing the clips, you can generate proxies in the background. This gives you the ability to assemble the timeline while proxy generation is taking place. See Importing and Soft-Importing in the Background.

7. Click Load.

   The RGB image and the alpha channel are loaded into the clip library and are merged into a single clip inside a matte container.

8. In the clip library, select the clip and click Load.

   The file is loaded to the clip library and the words Matte Container are appended to the end of the filename.