Is there a way to maintain the transparency of layers when loading files into a stack?

[johnm74179594]

I have about 40 images saved as PSDs that I have prepped on a transparent background. I would like to load these images into a single photoshop file. However, when I select the images in bridge or in PS and ask PS to "Load Files into Photoshop Layers",  Photoshop creates layers from each image, but also adds a white background to each of the layers, not maintaining the trasnparency in each of the PSDs. Is there a way around this?

Ultimately, I am in the process of making stop motion animations from the Timeline palette. The client wants the abilty to change the background layer, so I am trying to build that in by maintaining the transparency I already have built in each of the individual PSDs.

[Sef McCullough · Accepted solution]

Hi @johnm74179594 

The best solution I could find was converting the transparent layer in each file to a Smart Object first. It seems to protect the contents and not allow the Stack Script to add the white background.
If you then needed to extract the original layer contents, you can right click on the layer and choose Convert to Layers.

I realize it might be a pain to go back through all those files, maybe create an action or script to automate the Smart Object conversion?
Lmk how it goes!

Sef

[johnm74179594]

That's a good idea, I'll try a quick script and see if that works. I'll report back.

Thanks! @Sef McCullough 

[johnm74179594]

That did work! A little clunky, but the action made quick work of things... Now I can tweak the build on the next animations, so this should be a good work around! Thanks again @Sef McCullough 

[Sef McCullough]

Nice work @johnm74179594  - please follow up if you find any additional tricks.

Load Files Into Stack is a pretty old script. I'd be curious to know who the original author is. But chances are good it hasn't been modified since it's original inception. If anyone has more info, I'd love to hear it!

Sef