How do I import a multi-layered PSD?

Step 1: Open the Import Images dialog box

1. Do one of the following to open the Import Images dialog box:
   • From the top menu, select File > Import > Images
   • In the File toolbar, click the Import Images button
   • In the Xsheet view, right-click anywhere in the frames area and select Import > Images
2. The Import Images dialog box appears:

Step 2: Adjust the settings for PSD import

1. At the top, under the Files section, click the Browse button that is on the right side.

2. Locate the PSD file.
3. In the Layer section, choose one of the following:
   • Create Single Layer Named: Creates a single layer with a name of your choice.
   • Create Layer(s) Based on Filenames: When importing multiple images, this option will create layers and frames based on unique filename prefixes.

4. Under the Import Options section, choose one of the following based on your needs:
   • Keep as Original Bitmap: Retains the original bitmap and will not allow the image to be edited by Harmony’s drawing tools.
   • Import As Toon Boom Bitmap Drawing: Allows the imported bitmap to be edited by Harmony’s drawing tools.

5. Under the Colour Space section, you can choose a specific colour space for your imported image. This is usually only needed for projects that specifically require it, otherwise you can leave it as the default. See About Colour Spaces for more information.

6. Under the Alignment section, choose how you would like the imported image to fit the scene:
   • Horizontal Fit: Adjusts the width of the image (from left to right) so that it fits into the scene’s camera width.
   • Vertical Fit: Adjusts the height of the image (from top to bottom) so that it fits into the scene’s camera height.
   • Actual Size: Imports the image at its original size. This could be bigger or smaller than the camera frame depending on the bitmap image and the camera’s resolution. Choose this for large backgrounds that require camera movements.

7. Under the Transparency section, choose a transparency type for your import. 

8. At the bottom, click the OK button.
9. The Multilayer Image Import Settings window appears:

Step 3: Adjust the settings in the Multilayer Image Import Settings window

1. At the top, in the Create dropdown choose one of the following:
   • Single Layer: Flattens the PSD onto a single layer.
   • Groups as Layers: If your PSD has been separated into groups, you can choose this option to flatten the contents of each group into separate layers.
   • Individual Layers: Will import each PSD layer as a separate Harmony layer.
2. In the Transparency dropdown, choose the best alpha option for your PSD. If there is no transparency, leave as the default.
3. When done, click the OK button.
4. The imported PSD will show up in the Camera view.

Q&A 

Question: 

Why does the imported image look blurry?

Answers: 

1. PSDs can often look blurry in the OpenGL view. Try viewing it in the Render view.
2. The imported image might have a low resolution. Double check the original image’s DPI and canvas size, and re-import the image with a higher resolution if necessary.

Question:

Why does the transparency of my image look strange? There is something wrong with the edges.

Answers:

When importing the image, the wrong Transparency mode might have been chosen.  Re-import the image and try a different Transparency option.