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paulaz1965
Participant
October 27, 2024
Answered

Media player that supports alpha

  • October 27, 2024
  • 4 replies
  • 1517 views

Looking for the best media player for Windows that supports alpha channels.  VLC will play .mov files with alpha but the colors are distorted.  VLC won't play video of .MXF files, just audio.  Thanks in advance.

    Correct answer Warren Heaton

     I'm not sure there is a good media player for that supports showing an embedded alpha channel - at least not one that is freeware.

    I usually import files into an empty After Effects project and while they're all still selected in the Project panel press option/alt backslash to create a new Comp from selection with the Sequence Footage checkbox enabled.   In addition to being able to quickly view the source footage over the Transparency Grid, there is an Alpha Only viewing option.   Also, this allows viewing the source footage with color management. 

    Another quick way to check the alpha in multiple movies is to navigate to their location in Adobe Bridge, select them, and then choose Tools > Premiere Pro > Edit (Create a Sequence).  As quick as your computer can launch Premiere Pro, you'll have a stingout of the clips to watch down.  Like After Effects, the Sequence can be set to show the Transpareny Grid or the Alpha Only and also supports color management. 

    4 replies

    Participating Frequently
    August 17, 2025

    Gom Player! https://www.gomlab.com/
    the Alpha channel defined as black, smooth playback. 

     

    Warren Heaton
    Community Expert
    Warren HeatonCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    November 1, 2024

     I'm not sure there is a good media player for that supports showing an embedded alpha channel - at least not one that is freeware.

    I usually import files into an empty After Effects project and while they're all still selected in the Project panel press option/alt backslash to create a new Comp from selection with the Sequence Footage checkbox enabled.   In addition to being able to quickly view the source footage over the Transparency Grid, there is an Alpha Only viewing option.   Also, this allows viewing the source footage with color management. 

    Another quick way to check the alpha in multiple movies is to navigate to their location in Adobe Bridge, select them, and then choose Tools > Premiere Pro > Edit (Create a Sequence).  As quick as your computer can launch Premiere Pro, you'll have a stingout of the clips to watch down.  Like After Effects, the Sequence can be set to show the Transpareny Grid or the Alpha Only and also supports color management. 

    paulaz1965
    Participant
    November 2, 2024

    Thanks for the info.  Good solutions to my problem!!

    Peru Bob
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    October 28, 2024
    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    October 27, 2024

    You need to ask program questions in the forum for the program you are using
    To ask in the forum for your program please start at https://community.adobe.com/
    Moving from Using the Community (which is about the forums) to the Video Lounge forum