Digital Anarchy :: Smart tools for creative minds.
Primatte Chromakey Software : Adobe Photoshop Plugin

Frequent questions for Primatte Chromakey Software

Don't see the answer you need? Contact us with this Request Form. You can also go to our Anarchy Underground forum to post a question.

Automatically process photos in realtime?

  • I was wondering if Primatte can automatically process photos as they are taken in real time? We like to have our clients and photographers be able to see the shot (with the chroma key removed and target background inserted) on a large LCD display.
  • Unfortunately, the plugin is not real time since it operates within Photoshop, which is not a real time application. You can see a fairly quick preview when you are setting up the mask in the Primatte interface and many of those masks are automatic, depending upon how well the original image was shot. However, the plugin will need to render its mask and bring you back to Photoshop proper.

Can't see Primatte in Photoshop, German or French language.

  • I am running Photoshop on a Windows computer in Germany. I installed Primatte into Photoshop but it doesn't work. I tried several times to install, following exactly the installation guide you provided. What is the problem?
  • We have seen this problem occasionally with computers running a non-English version of Photoshop. Typically the language is German or French. On English language computers, Primatte automatically installs into the 'Plug-ins' folder in the Photoshop directory. In the German (or French) version of Photoshop, that directory is called 'Modules' or 'Modules Externes'. Usually the Primatte installer can take care of this but sometimes it doesn't.

    To fix the issue, please move the 'Digital Anarchy' directory (with the Primatte directory inside). Move it from 'Plug-ins' to 'Modules Externes' or 'Modules'. Then quit and restart Photoshop. This should take care of the problem.

Primatte leaves magenta tint in black areas.

  • I am green screening my subject with even lighting on the greenscreen, good contrast on image and few shadows. However, once I bring the photo into Primatte, the shadows on my subject which are originally black come out having a magenta tint on them. I have tried changing the brightness, but it still has the tint on the subject's shadow areas. I have used several different background colors to make sure it was not the background that I chose.
  • The magenta cast that you are seeing will show up if Primatte does not immediately figure out its mask correctly. Primatte typcially removes the green background and leaves a transparent area. If it removes too much of the green, however, then the opposite color on the color wheel, which is magenta, shows up. That problem happens very rarely and easy to take care of by using the 3-tool combination instead of the AutoMask button.

Does Primatte work on any photograph?

  • I have a photo that I took of my son in the park. Can Primatte remove the background?
  • Primatte will not work with that kind of image. Primatte Chromakey is not a general masking plugin. Many masking tools concentrate on finding the edges around your subject. Therefore, your subject can be posed against any type of background.





    In contrast, Primatte finds a photograph's color space. It's the best way to mask around fine details that are otherwise difficult, like wispy hair and sheer fabric. When you use Primatte, your subject must always be against a single color background.

Will Primatte create a new background?

  • Where are the new backgrounds in Primatte?
  • Primatte is great for artwork in which you want to add a new, exciting background behind your model. It does NOT, however, create those new backgrounds. Instead, Primatte is the tool that deletes the background you want to get rid of. To create a new background, you can use stock images, your own photos, or our Backdrop Designer plugin for Photoshop.

Why do lines appear across my images?

  • I have downloaded the trial version of your product. However, there seems to be lines going across my images when I use the product. Is this normal or will it go away if I buy the software?
  • The crosshatch lines that appear are the demo watermark. This allows you to evaluate the product before purchasing. When you purchase the product, you get a serial number will unlock the crosshatch watermark.

Why does Primatte see the wrong layer?

  • When I open Primatte Chromakey, I can't see the image I am trying to mask. Instead, I see a solid color or the Photoshop layer that I don't want to work on.
  • Most likely, you have the wrong layer selected in your Photoshop file. You need to cancel Primatte, then go into your Photoshop Layers palette. Select the layer that contains your blue (or green) screened image.

    Primatte cannot automatically detect the image you want to mask. You need to tell it which layer to work with by selecting the layer first.

Does Primatte software work with 16-bit files?

  • Will Primatte Chromakey software work with 16-bit files? I can't seem to use more than one layer.
  • Yes, Primatte Chromakey software DOES work with 16-bit files. In fact, Primatte works faster with 16-bit files than with 8-bit files. This is because Primatte processes your file natively in 16-bit.

    If you are experiencing speed issues, you may want to convert your file from 8-bit to 16-bit through Photoshop's Image> Mode menu.

    The original Primatte 2.0 release was unable to support multiple layers in 16-bit. However, we released a free 2.1 update to Primatte that takes care of this problem. Contact us for the Primatte 2.1 update .

    If you are using version 3.0, that version has always been compatible with 16-bit files.

How can I get the iPod look?

  • I want to photograph people against a blue screen and then silhouette the people out... similar to what you see in the iPod and Target commercials. Essentially, I want to fill the people with a solid color.
  • Most likely, you mean a blackened figure against a bright background. That iPod effect can be achieved through chromakeying as well as a pretty sophisticated use of Adobe Photoshop functions like Channels, Calculations, and Layer Modes.

    We do NOT suggest or guarantee that Primatte can achieve that iPod look for you. You should search online for a tutorial (like this one on Photoshopsupport.com) before buying Primatte specifically for the iPod effect.

Why does the background color turn gray?

  • I can see the mask that I've created while I'm in Primatte's interface. But when I apply Primatte to my image, I can't see the any transparent pixels. Instead, I see gray pixels where my blue (or green) screen was.
  • Most likely, you are working on a ‘Background’ layer that does not support transparency. You need to edit that layer to allow your Photoshop file to support transparency. You must do this BEFORE working with Primatte Chromakey 3.0.




    In Adobe Photoshop, you have 'regular' layers that are fully editable and support transparency. You may also have a single 'Background' layer that has a Lock icon. This is like a piece of paper that's glued down. You need to unglue that Background layer.

    To do so, in your Photoshop Layers palette, double-click the Background layer. You will get a dialog box; just click the 'OK' button. Your layer now reads as 'Layer 0' instead of 'Background' and does not have a Lock icon.

    Now your Photoshop layer can support the transparency that Primatte needs.




Does Primatte work with Premiere Elements?

  • I see that Primatte works with Adobe Photoshop Elements. Does it work with Adobe Premiere Elements too?
  • No, Primatte Chromakey software does NOT work with Premiere Elements. Premiere is a completely different software package than Photoshop Elements. Premiere works with video footage. Photoshop works with photographs. To find out more about Premiere, please go to the Adobe website. To find out about Primatte for Premiere, please go to the Photron website.

Why is my 'Filter' menu grayed out?

  • I can't get Adobe Photoshop to see Primatte. I've installed the plugin into the PS 'Plugins' folder. When I try to choose it from the 'Filters' menu while in the running application, it appears grayed out and un-selectable.
  • Most likely, you are trying to apply Primatte to a Grayscale file. Primatte works only on 24-bit color space files, which would be RGB or CMYK mode. Primatte does not work in Index or Grayscale mode.

    In Photoshop, convert your file to RBG or CMYK through the Image> Mode menu item.



Will a graphics card accelerate Primatte 3.0?

  • I'm debating a purchase of a higher end graphics card, like the ATI Mobility Fire GL. Will a graphics accelerator speed up Primatte Chromakey 3.0 at all?
  • No, Primatte will not improve in speed with a higher end graphics card. Like Photoshop, Primatte's speed is tied into your amount of RAM and your processor speed. For speed tips, please read this FAQ.

Error: 'Primatte can't find resources.'

  • After installing Primatte, I get the following errors when trying to use the filter: "Error: The file being accessed is invalid. Error getting Primatte Backdrop from resources. Error: The file being access is invalid."
  • Most likely you did not install Primatte correctly. This error means that Primatte can't properly find all of its support files. When you install Primatte, you need to install directly into the Plugins folder of Adobe Photoshop. You cannot install elsewhere on your hard drive, then drag the files over.

    You should install Primatte again. First you will want to throw away this current installation. To do this, run a 'Find File' command (Mac) or 'Search' command (Windows) for the word 'primatte'. Throw away the files that come up. Then do a fresh install with the Primatte installer. We have an Windows install doc and a Mac install doc that explain this process in detail.

Error: 'Invalid serial number.'

  • I purchased Primatte and have installed the Photoshop plugin successfully. However, when I choose Primatte from my 'Filter' menu to apply it, I get the following error: "Invalid serial number. Please contact Digital Anarchy..." At right is a sample error message that you may receive.
  • Most likely you did not install Primatte correctly. This error usually occurs when the Photoshop plugin has been moved from its original install location. Here are some suggestions:

    • You should not install to the top of your C:/ drive, then move the plugin to Photoshop's 'Plug-ins' folder. You need to install directly to the 'Plug-ins' folder. We recommend re-installing and starting from scratch.

    • Check to make sure the files have not installed as 'Read-Only'. If they have, you need to change their Permissions.

    • Try to install Primatte again. First you will want to throw away this current installation. Then do a fresh, new installation that designates the Photoshop Plugins folder. To get the Primatte installer, please send us an email using this easy Request Form.

How do I put a new background behind Primatte?

  • I'm using Primatte to get rid of the green screen behind my model. How do I add in a different background behind her?
  • This is a common question from folks who are new to Adobe Photoshop, and a very easy process to do. This is really a Photoshop question because the process is done inside Photoshop, not in Primatte. Here is a quick explanation of the steps. You will create a second layer using Photoshop's Layers palette and the Copy/Paste command.

    1. In Photoshop's Layers palette, create a new layer called 'Layer 1'. If you are using Backdrop Designer, apply that filter to the new layer. --OR--

    2. If you are using a different image, open that Photoshop file. Select and copy its contents. Then paste into the Primatte Chromakey file to create a new layer.



    3. In the Layers palette, drag that new layer so it is placed behind (or, below) the Primatte-treated layer.

    4. The new background that you've created sits behind and shows through the Primatte-treated image.




    For a more detailed explanation of this process, please read our Merge Layers tutorial. This PDF doc comes with two photos you can experiment with..

Moved plugin between Photoshop versions and it doesn't work.

  • I just upgraded my version of Photoshop. I moved the 'Digital Anarchy' folder from one Photoshop 'Plugins' folder into the new 'Plugins' folder. Now when I try to use Primatte it works sometimes, but other times I get an error saying 'access is not allowed'.
  • The issue is that you cannot 'drag and drop' a plugin file from one Application folder to another. You need to do a fresh, new installation. You also need throw away the current Primatte files.

    When you reinstall the plugin, you will install directly into the Photoshop 'Plugins' folder. Otherwise, the plugin will not be able to properly find resource and support files that are placed in your computer. To get the Primatte installer, please contact us with this easy Request Form.

How can I learn about using 'layers'?

  • I just started using Adobe Photoshop / Elements. I don't understand how to copy/paste layers or anything else you are describing.
  • There is a lot of free information about using layers in Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. You can also buy great books and training DVD's. We have a list of recommendations on this page.

Create an alpha channel with Primatte.

  • I want to create an alpha channel in Photoshop with Primatte settings. How can I save the mask created by Primatte?
  • Primatte doesn't save mask / alpha information directly, but there is a simple workaround. Here's what you do: Render out a Primatte mask as you would normally. Then re-render the mask on a duplicate Photoshop layer as a grayscale image. You do this by rendering with 'Mask View' selected. Now copy/paste that grayscale image into a Layer Mask on the original layer. Then load in the Layer Mask as selection, and save as an alpha channel.

    Need more details? Read our PDF Tutorial Steps to create an Alpha Channel or Layer Mask with Primatte Tutorial.

A grayscale image accidentally renders.

  • When I render my Primatte mask, sometimes the masked pixels become transparent, but other times I get a grayscale image on my Photoshop layer. Why does this happen and how can I control it?
  • There are two ways to render out Primatte. You have accidentally chosen the second way. Both methods are shown below.

    Method 1- If you render out Primatte with the 'Comp View' mode showing, then you will get the expected result. This is your subject against transparent pixels, of course.

    Method 2- When you render out your Primatte mask with the 'Mask View' mode showing, then Primatte renders out a grayscale image. That's great for additional editing if you know a lot about Photoshop. Otherwise, you will want to render with 'Comp View'.

My mask doesn't immediately show up.

  • When I render my Primatte mask, sometimes the mask doesn't immediately show up. If I click around my layers and do some things in Photoshop, then it appears all of a sudden. What's going on?
  • This is a display glitch that happens on some Mac OS X systems (it doesn't occur in Windows). After rendering Primatte, you don’t immediately see a change in the photograph even though you're sure the mask was created.

    The simple fix is to click the ‘Eye’ icon in your Layers palette off, then back on. This clears the display issue.

How can I make Primatte faster?

  • Working with a very high-end computer, Primatte takes more than 15 seconds to create a mask. Can I speed things up?
  • A 15-second mask is actually pretty speedy when you consider that Primatte is running some pretty heavy math through Photoshop's architecture. If you compare that performance to applying any intensive filter in Photoshop, like Extract or Warp, its time frame is comparable.

    Having said that, Primatte's speed is something that we optimize with each dot release. And there are a few ways to work with the plugin a little faster.

    • Try changing your Photoshop file from 8-bit to 16-bit [Image> Mode menu]. Often the 16-bit file will process faster because Primatte processes 16-bit natively, then converts it to 8-bit.

    • If you feel that you will have to experiment to get a good mask, then we can suggest a workaround: Create a lower-resolution version of your Photoshop file. Change the resolution to 150 ppi, and scale down the width and height dimensions. Then do a Save As. Now create your mask with this alternate, smaller file and test render as needed. Once you find the correct mask settings, render them out, then open up the high-res file. Primatte remembers the last settings you created, which means you can successfully apply the same mask.

The file 'Primatte.8bf' will not open.

  • I installed your plugin but can't get it to run. I keep clicking the file called 'Primatte.8bf' and nothing happens. I've also tried clicking inside the folder called 'Res' but get an error message.
  • It sounds as if you have correctly installed the plugin. However, you want to access it through your Photoshop application, not from your hard drive.

    Open a new Photoshop file, then go to the Filters menu. You should see a 'Digital Anarchy' item listed at the bottom of that menu, with a sub-menu choice of 'Primatte'.

Can't access 'Composite Against Background'.

  • I want to preview my new background behind the mask I'm creating in Primatte. However, I can't access the 'Composite Against Background Layer' option. That option is grayed out. How can I fix this issue?
  • This option may be grayed out for one of a few reasons. Have you put the new background image into a layer in your Photoshop file? That layer needs to sit behind the Primatte-treated layer. The layer also needs to be the bottom-most layer in your Photoshop file.

    Otherwise, what version of Photoshop are you using? In Photoshop 6.0 or earlier, the option for ‘Composite Against Background Layer’ is grayed out and unavailable. You need Photoshop 6.5 or later to use this feature.

Why do I see a checkerboard?

  • When I work inside of Primatte to create a mask, everything looks fine. Once I render the mask, back in Photoshop, Primatte has created a gray and white checkerboard pattern. How do I get rid of this image? Why is Primatte doing this?









  • The checkerboard background that you see is related to Photoshop, not Primatte. This is how Photoshop expresses an area in your file that is transparent. Thee checkerboard will not print or display itself visually outside of Photoshop.

    To turn on/off or adjust the view options, go to your Photoshop preferences. On Windows, choose Edit> Preferences. On a Mac (shown below), choose Photoshop> Preferences. Go to the 'Transparency & Gamut' option.

Can I use Primatte in other apps?

  • I want to use Primatte inside of After Effects. Can I do that with your plugin?
  • Primatte is available for most applications in other visual disciplines, such as photography, special effects, video production, and 2D compositing. Digital Anarchy only develops and sells the Photoshop version of Primatte.

    If you are interested in Primatte for any software other than Photoshop, please visit Photron at www.primatte.com for more details.

Can I run Primatte 2.0 on my current Mac?

  • I bought Primatte 2.0 a few years ago and just bought a new Mac. Can I run Primatte on my new machine?
  • Probably not. Primatte 2.0 was released in 2005. A few years later, Apple made a lot of changes to their OS and hardware. We released Primatte 3.0 in mid-2007, during the transition time for much of this Mac technology. The 2.0 version of Primatte is not supported on Intel Macs, OS 10.5 or Photoshop CS3/CS4. The 3.0 version is. We couldn't make the new version backwards compatible or the old version forwards compatible.

    If you would like to upgrade to Primatte 3.0, the cost is half price for original owners of version 2.0. The full cost of Primatte 3.0 is $299, but your upgrade fee is only $149. Details about upgrading are here and more info about Primatte 3.0 is here.

    This Specs Page has the full OS and App compatibility information.

How can I tell if Primatte is running in CS4 64-bit or 32-bit?

  • I see that Primatte is not yet compatible with Photoshop CS4 64-bit. But you say that it runs in CS4 32-bit. How can I get Photoshop to run Primatte in 32-bit mode on Windows?
  • If you are on a 64-bit OS like Windows 7 or Vista 64-bit, then Photoshop CS4 will automatically start you in 64-bit mode. In order to start up in Photoshop CS4 32-bit mode, you need to go to the 32-bit executable file in Program Files and double-click.

    The exact path for CS4 32-bit should be:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS4\Photoshop.exe

    If you are installing our plugin to CS4 32-bit, the path should be:
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS4\Plug-ins\Digital Anarchy\Primatte

    For more details about 32-bit vs 64-bit topic, please go to this FAQ page.