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paulaz1965
paulaz1965
Participant
Oct 27, 2024 1:40 PM UTC
Answered

Media player that supports alpha

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.

      Warren Heaton
      Warren HeatonCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      Nov 1, 2024 11:50 PM UTC

       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. 

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      5 replies

      Fikri0D4D
      Participating Frequently
      Aug 17, 2025 10:55 PM UTC

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

       

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        Warren Heaton
        Community Expert
        Warren HeatonCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
        Community Expert
        Nov 1, 2024 11:50 PM UTC

         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. 

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        paulaz1965
        paulaz1965Author
        Participant
        Nov 2, 2024 12:37 AM UTC

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

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          Peru Bob
          Community Expert
          Peru BobCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          Oct 28, 2024 12:23 AM UTC

          VLC works fine for me.

          It also supports MXF:

          https://www.videolan.org/vlc/features.html#:~:text=Input%20Formats,%2F%20SMF%2C%20Creative%E2%84%A2%20Voice.

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          John T Smith
          Community Expert
          John T SmithCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          Oct 27, 2024 2:24 PM UTC

          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

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