GIMP question

master200012master200012 Member Posts: 372
edited November -1 in Working with GS (Mac)
Suppose I want to make a 2d ball. I simply draw the circle and color it. However, what if I want to make the background invisible or transparent. How do I do this?

Comments

  • master200012master200012 Member Posts: 372
    Thanks, I'll try it.

    --5 second response! new record by you!
  • simo103simo103 Member, PRO Posts: 1,331
    also don't have gimp but I start with a transparent background in photoshop first and then create my images on it.

    I found if I don't do that then the 'ball' will have some background color artifacts (usually white border) because of the way pixel based programs like gimp and photoshop work to create smooth edges.
  • MotherHooseMotherHoose Member Posts: 2,456
    Right @simo103

    always start with transparent background or create a new transparent layer and move down to bg position...

    in all graphic/image programs

    MH
  • JohnPapiomitisJohnPapiomitis Member Posts: 6,256
    click the layers tab in the menu bar, go down to transparency, then choose add alpha chanel. Then use the fuzzy select tool to select the background you want transparent, then once you ahve it selected click the edit tab and go down to clear

    cheers
  • DizkoDizko Member Posts: 498
    I've been using GIMP for my whole project, and it's more simple then people are making it seem.

    When you create your new document, just expand the "Advanced Options" and set the "Fill With" drop down to "Transparency" and you'll be good to go.

    I would always start with a transparency rather than trying to make one after the image is matted on a color, you could end up with undesirable haloing on your graphic from compression artifiacting.

    image
  • xyloFUNxyloFUN Member Posts: 1,593
    or, even easier, create the ball with GImmmmmP and save an .png file on your desktop.
    Then, double click to review and use the "Instant Alpha" option found under the "Select" drop down!
    Click the undesired area and drag slightly
    Click the backspace key
    Save as .png

    Bow three times in the north west directions ... depending on where you live ;)

    AND, you're done! YAY
  • simo103simo103 Member, PRO Posts: 1,331
    xyloFUN said:
    Click the undesired area and drag slightly
    Click the backspace key
    Save as .png

    ... doesn't that delete some of the edge of the image though?
  • xyloFUNxyloFUN Member Posts: 1,593
    simo,
    you want to be careful with the mouse movement. Generally, it is a great and FAST way to get rid of unwanted edges.
    But as you say, not always the best option. :)
  • simo103simo103 Member, PRO Posts: 1,331
    good to know .. thanks.
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