Creating Images with Transparent Background

This section provides a tutorial example on how to create an image with transparent background with GIMP by add the Alpha Channel and removing the solid background color.

One advantage of using GIF format over JPEG format is that images can be saved with transparent background. This is very useful, if you want to include an image on a Web page and let the user to see page original color through this transparent background of the image.

To test this out, let's create an image with transparent background with GIMP first.

1. Click menu File > New to create a new image with a size of 144 x 144 pixels.

2. Click menu Layer > Transparency > Add Alpha Channel. In order to have a transparent background, an image must have the Alpha Channel added. Of course, you can remove the Alpha Channel, if you don't want the transparent background.

3. Click menu Select > All. The current solid background color is selected. By default, GIMP always creates new images with a solid background color, white.

4. Click menu Edit > Clear. The selected solid background color is deleted. You see a checkerbox pattern on the entire image indicating that there is no other elements on the image except the transparent background.

5. Now add the English text "PEACE" and the Chinese text "和平" on the image.

6. Save the image with name, GIMP_Peace_Transparent.gif, and format, GIF. We have a GIF image with transparent background created now.

GIMP Transparent Background Image
GIMP Transparent Background Image

Table of Contents

 About This Book

 Introduction to Microsoft Windows

 Introduction to Windows Explorer

 Introduction to Internet Explorer

 "Paint" Program and Computer Graphics

 GIMP - GNU Image Manipulation Program

 JPEG Image File Format Quality and Size

GIF Image File Format and Transparent Background

 Saving Images in GIF Format

 Adding Chinese Text

Creating Images with Transparent Background

 Web Page with Transparent GIF Image

 "WinZip" - ZIP File Compression Tool

 "WinRAR" - RAR and ZIP File Compression Tool

 FTP Server, Client and Commands

 "FileZilla" - Free FTP Client and Server

 Web Server Log Files and Analysis Tool - "Analog"

 Spyware Adware Detection and Removal

 IE Addon Program Listing and Removal

 Vundo (VirtuMonde/VirtuMundo) - vtsts.dll Removal

 Trojan and Malware "Puper" Description and Removal

 VSToolbar (VSAdd-in.dll) - Description and Removal

 Spybot - Spyware Blocker, Detection and Removal

 Setting Up and Using Crossover Cable Network

 Home Network Gateway - DSL Modem/Wireless Router

 Windows Task Manager - The System Performance Tool

 "tasklist" Command Line Tool to List Process Information

 "msconfig" - System Configuration Tool

 Configuring and Managing System Services

 Windows Registry Key and Value Management Tools

 Startup Programs Removal for Better System Performance

 Winsock - Windows Sockets API

 Java on Windows

 Glossary of Terms

 Outdated Tutorials

 References

 Full Version in PDF/ePUB