GIMP question

master200012

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?

master200012

Thanks, I'll try it.

--5 second response! new record by you!

simo103

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.

MotherHoose

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

JohnPapiomitis

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

Dizko

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.

xyloFUN

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

simo103

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?

xyloFUN

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.

simo103

good to know .. thanks.