You must specify an alpha channel for each layer that is not already transparent as well as for each layer that is. You will notice that, when I grab my eraser from the toolbox and erase a random layer on my layer, it does not produce transparency. I’ll notice when I go back to the layers panel (red arrow in the photo above) that I still have my Model in Red Chair image layer (green arrow) clicked. In the next section of this tutorial, I’ll return to 100 % transparency. If my layer is 40% transparent, the opacity must have been set to 60%. One of these measurements’ value is always the value of the other measurement, which is always deducted from 100. In the inverse relationship, transparency and opaqueness are synonymous. For example, I can use the slider at the top of the Layers panel to change the overall opacity of a layer. The results of manipulating a layer’s transparency are determined by how you interact with it. It is critical to understand transparency because it enables us to see layers and make more intricate designs. A Final WordĬongratulations, you’ve just learned how to fill an area with transparency in GIMP using a couple of different methods! While it can be a bit tedious to have to create the alpha channel manually, it’s not very difficult once you remember that it’s the missing piece of the puzzle.To reduce and increase transparency, use the Opacity slider at the top of the Layers toolbox to the left of the Layers toolbox. Unfortunately, it can also have the negative result of converting white specular highlights from your object when removing a white background, although you can quickly paint with pure white underneath these areas on another layer to restore them. When using other techniques, shadows often need to be modified or entirely faked, which can destroy the composite visual illusion you’re creating unless it’s done properly.Ĭolor to Alpha won’t always make this process so easy, but when it does, it’s a real timesaver. This method has the unusual benefit of making it relatively simple to transfer an object’s shadow onto a new background since the shadow pixels aren’t technically the same color as the rest of the background that you’re removing. I didn’t even have to click, and it removed the background for me! With your image loaded in GIMP, open the Layer menu, select the Transparency submenu, and click Add Alpha Channel. I’m going to assume that you have already opened the image you want to work on, but if not, start with that. Now that you have a better understanding of the technical side of digital images and how they can create transparency, let’s take another look at the steps to fill an area with transparency in GIMP. Making a Selected Area Transparent in GIMP GIMP is one of the only image editors I’ve ever worked with that forces you to add an alpha channel manually instead of just adding it for you automatically.Īrguably, the extra step that GIMP requires makes everything more precise, which may be of help to people who use GIMP for technical imagery, but for casual users who just want to edit their photos, it feels unnecessarily confusing. Grayscale pixels can be used to indicate partially transparent areas. White pixels in the alpha channel indicate that the corresponding area is fully visible, while black pixels indicate that the corresponding area is fully transparent. What is an Alpha Channel?Īll digital images are made up of separate color channels, which are combined together to create the colors you see on the screen. If you want to peer behind the curtain and learn more about channels and transparency in digital images, or if you just want to explore the steps in a bit more detail, then read on – I’ll even include a bonus method at the end for automatically converting an entire color to transparency across your whole image. That’s all there is to it! All the magic happens in that first step, and that’s where most people get confused because most image editing apps take care of the process for you automatically. Step 2: Select the area you want to make transparent using any of GIMP’s selection tools.Step 1: Open the Layer menu, select the Transparency submenu, and click Add Alpha Channel.If you want to cut right to the chase, here’s how to create a transparent area in GIMP: The Quick Way to Fill an Area with Transparency in GIMP Making a Selected Area Transparent in GIMP.The Quick Way to Fill an Area with Transparency in GIMP.
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