When a layer in GIMP is transparent and there are no opaque pixels behind it, you see a kind of default grid indicating that this part of the image is 'transparent', like in the centre here:
Is there a way to change the look of this grid, or are you stuck with the default 'light grey/dark grey'? I'm open to solutions even if the functionality has only recently been added in development versions of GIMP.
JezJezReplacing the background in a photograph using Gimp Here we are going to learn how to replace the background of a photograph and correct the lighting so that the two images are seamlessly combined.
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1 Answer
Edit > Preferences > Display > Transparency >
Check style and Check size.Simon Sheehan
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The Gimp provides the Rectangle, Ellipse and Lasso selection tools to help you cut out specific parts of a photo or illustration to keep, eliminate or edit. In addition, if you add an Alpha channel to your image, you can remove the area surrounding your selection and replace it with a transparent background. Which selection tool to use depends upon the shape of the object you want to select. For example, the Ellipse tool works best for selecting round, oval or elliptical objects.
Irregular Shaped Objects
1.Click the 'Layer' menu, 'Transparency' and then 'Add Alpha Channel.' The Alpha channel adds a transparent layer to your image.
2.Click the 'Lasso' tool and then trace a path around the object you want to cut out by clicking the left mouse button as you move the cursor around the edges. The smaller the distance between mouse clicks, the more closely you will be able to select just the parts of the image you want.
3.Click the anchor point or first spot you clicked with the Lasso tool to close the loop around the object.
4.Click the 'Select' menu and then 'Invert' to select all parts of the image except the section you traced with the Lasso.
5.Press 'Ctrl-X' to cut out the parts of the image you don't want and display the selected part on top of the transparent background.
Rectangular Objects
1.Click the 'Layer' menu, 'Transparency' and then 'Add Alpha Channel' to add a underlying transparent background to the image.
2.Click the 'Rectangle Select' tool. Use this tool to draw a rectangular area around the object you want to cut out.
3.Click and hold the left mouse button at the upper left-hand corner of the object and then drag the cursor down and to the right until the selection rectangle completely encloses it.
4.Release the mouse button. Gimp will place a box composed of moving dashes around the part of the image you want to select.
5.Press 'Ctrl-I' to invert the selection and then 'Ctrl-X' to remove the part of the image you don't want. The object you selected will appear on top of a transparent background.
Circular, Oval or Elliptical Objects
1.Click the 'Layer' menu, 'Transparency' and then 'Add Alpha Channel' to create the transparent background for your image.
2.Click the 'Ellipse Select' tool. The Ellipse Select tool can draw a elliptical area around the object you want to cut out.
3.Click and hold the left mouse button just above and to the left of the upper left-hand edge of the object and then drag the cursor down and to the right until you surround the entire object.
4.Release the mouse button. Gimp will surround the object with moving dashes.
5.Click and hold the left mouse button on one of the four squares surrounding the object you selected; drag the square to the left, right, up or down until you get the best fit possible and then release the mouse button.
6.Press 'Ctrl-I' to invert the selection and then 'Ctrl-X' to remove the part of the image you don't want.
Tip
- Save images with transparent backgrounds using the PNG or GIF format. JPEG images lose their transparent layer when they are saved. The GIF format uses a compression technique that will degrade the quality of your images. PNGs, however, retain their original color information and image quality.
Warning
- Information in this article applies to Gimp 2.8.6. Procedures may vary with other versions of Gimp.
References (5)
About the Author
Allen Bethea has written articles on programming, web design,operating systems and computer hardware since 2002. He holds a Bachelor of Science from UNC-Chapel Hill and AAS degrees in office technology, mechanical engineering/drafting and internet technology. Allen has extensive experience with desktop and system software for both Windows and Linux operating systems.
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Bethea, Allen. 'How to Cut out an Image & Make the Background Transparent Using GIMP.' Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/cut-out-image-make-background-transparent-using-gimp-76425.html. Accessed 21 June 2019.
Bethea, Allen. (n.d.). How to Cut out an Image & Make the Background Transparent Using GIMP. Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/cut-out-image-make-background-transparent-using-gimp-76425.html
Bethea, Allen. 'How to Cut out an Image & Make the Background Transparent Using GIMP' accessed June 21, 2019. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/cut-out-image-make-background-transparent-using-gimp-76425.html
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