python OpenCV - add alpha channel to RGB image

Question

What is the best way to convert RGB image to RGBA in python using opencv?

Let\'s say I have one array with shape

(185, 198, 3) - it is RGB
         


        

Answer 1

With opencv3, this should work:

Python

# First create the image with alpha channel
rgba = cv2.cvtColor(rgb_data, cv2.COLOR_RGB2RGBA)

# Then assign the mask to the last channel of the image
rgba[:, :, 3] = alpha_data

C++

# First create the image with alpha channel
cv::cvtColor(rgb_data, rgba , cv::COLOR_RGB2RGBA);

# Split the image for access to alpha channel
std::vectorchannels(4);
cv::split(rgba, channels);

# Assign the mask to the last channel of the image
channels[3] = alpha_data;

# Finally concat channels for rgba image
cv::merge(channels, 4, rgba);