Generate alpha maps from Substance asset decals ?

[Caroline ML]

Hello, 

I hope this is the appropriate forum to post. So I downloaded a decal from the Substance assets library, more specifically the "Large Blood Puddle" decal. On the website it shows correctly, with the transparency/alpha activated, i.e you can see that it is a puddle. But when I import on in my software (Blender, using the Substance 3D addon), it shows with all the maps, except the alpha. 

I know how to generate an alpha map from an image by translating it to black and white but this one has very little contrast so it's just impossible... and I'm not sure that's what I'm supposed to do. 

Is it because sbsar files are not supposed to be used in other sofwares aside from Substance when they're decals ? I didn't have any problems using regular textures (that didn't require transparency). Am I supposed to get the files in Substance Designer and then export it with an alpha ? The problem is I don't have Substance Designer. Is there another way ? 

Hope my issue is clear enough, thank you in advance for taking the time to read!

Caroline

[Anthony3D · Accepted solution]

Hello, 

It seems the opacity channel is not enable by default. To resolve your issue,

- Open the add-on Substance 3D panel. 

- In the Output tab,  under shader select the 2nd option with the matball.

- Enable the opacity output.

Next you need to modify the blender shader to allow the transparency, to do so, 

- Go to your shader tab 

- In the settings of the shader set the blending mode and the shadow mode from Opaque to Alpha Clipped.

You can also check the Backface Culling if you need.

I hope this resolved your issue.

Cheers,

Anthony

[Caroline ML]

Hi, 

YES that was exactly it! 

Thanks a lot, I appreciate the help and the thorough explanation! 

Best, 

Caroline