Transparent images are useful when you are not certain about the page/image background where you want to put your image which could be an object, a logo, a signature or even a watermark to copyright your photographs. By making the background of such images transparent, you essentially create a mask which could then be overlay-ed on any other image and only the non transparent object/text/logo will float on the output image. This post gives a step-by-step tutorial on creating such transparent images on GIMP(GNU Image Manipulation Program). I find GIMP easier to use than Photoshop or any other image editing software and best of all, its open source ! :) There is a lot you can do with GIMP, but for now, lets see how can you make transparent images.
- Open the image in GIMP from which you want to remove the background. The more uniform the background is, more easier it is to remove it.
- Add an alpha channel (transparent layer) to this image.
- Right Click on the image->Layer->Transparency->Add Alpha Channel
- With the fuzzy selector (Keyboard shortcut is Z), click on the background which you want to remove and based on the uniformity of the background, all or part of it is selected on clicking on it.
- Now the last step is to remove this selected background. Click on the menu (Edit->Clear) or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+K. If there are still some patches left in the background then repeat steps 3 and 4 on each of those patches separately till you succeed in removing the background completely.
- Your transparent image is ready. Save it as a PNG or a GIF which support image transparency.
19 comments:
Hi,
When i follow your tutorial exactly, my logo is blurred. i.e., my logo text is: Microsoft --> When i remove the background color(white),Still the white color is included in letters (o).
Any Help ?
Hi "anonymous",
In letters that contain a closed loop, like an O, just select the fuzzy tool again, click on the inside of the "O", and then press Ctrl+K to clear the selected portion.
As I mentioned in my post, you repeat steps 3 and 4 for all patches in the image that do not get cleared on the first try due to closed loop shapes.
I hope I was able to solve your problem. Lemme know if you have any doubts. I will be more than glad to help you.
Hi,
I'm trying to make the "O" from the middle of a CD transparent but when I select that space, the surrounding spaces are also selected. Is there any other way of making just that part transparent?
heyy vicky,
it could be because the region within that "O" is not completely isolated from the neighboring region. Anyway, you could do one thing. Switch to "Ellipse Select tool" (Keyboard shortcut is "E"). That helps you select circular regions. You can select the "O" with the ellipse select tool and then proceed. Lemme know if this doesn't work. Happy Gimping :)
Piyush,
Thank you very much!!
I use gimp but I only know two or three tools. Now I have solve my problem and learn a very useful technique.
Toni
heyy toni,
I am glad that I could help you with something :) GIMP is a great tool for image editing and processing. I have been using it for a couple of years now and I am a big fan of this tool. Keep exploring GIMP, you'll be amazed by what all it has to offer.
Tk care !
Piyush.
Thank you for the great instruction! I worked like a charm for me. :)
Thanks Jade :) Glad that the post is of some use to the GIMPers around !!
awesome method sir..gone mad with the other methods given on net...but...page rank of ur blog shud be increased some hw...:)
Thanks Madan :)
How do you make it partly transparent?
um i followed everything and i also got to the last part but then i got stuck on something...save as...what format...(.gif,.png, or .jpg)?? and plus one more question...are you asian indian...just asking =] because your name is indian.
@Anonymous:
Save it as .png file. JPEG does not support transparency. .GIF also handles transparency but I would prefer .png unless I need my transparent image to be put as a web content since .png might have issues with compatibility.
[aside] I am Indian.
Keep GIMPing ! :)
Clear and easy to follow instructions. Thank you very much:)
Hi
The Add Alpha Channel option is greyed out. How do I get it to work
Regards
ARNOLD
Hi
I followed all your instructions and still my logo did not come out completely clear. I tried to use the fuzzy editor over every piece I wanted covered. Any suggestions please as I have tried it in fireworks as well and it it is still not coming up as I want it.
Many thanks
how to add text on top of image..?? it should be transparency in nature..
Hi Raj,
When you add text on any image in GIMP, it creates it as separate layer and is transparent by default.
Can you be more specific as to what exactly is your doubt ?
Thanks,
Piyush.
Thanks a lot buddy.. worked perfect
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