How to use the Alpha Mask / Alpha Channel

[alvydas]

i can show. it's very simple

[ntxdave]

Well, I do have a couple more (better I think) images that I created with GIMP in this tread.

I am sure open to learning though if there is something you would like to share.

[ntxdave]

OK, I figured/found out you can also use the Alpha Mask with Inkscape. Since Inkscape is a vector tool and GIMP is a raster tool, GIMP maybe better in some cases. Here is a comparison below:

Inkscape example

InkscapeBlowerDryer.png (434.43 KiB) Viewed 13146 times

GIMP example

AlphaMaskingTest.png (229.63 KiB) Viewed 13146 times

[alvydas]

Well, I do have a couple more (better I think) images that I created with GIMP in this tread.

I am sure open to learning though if there is something you would like to share.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ltiytqmt9nksr ... p.wmv?dl=0 Easy video instruction

Toy+Ford+Woody+Wagon_Scene 1final.zip

(1.38 MiB) Downloaded 605 times

here simple channel tree . Xcf format. Just open it direct in Gimp

[ntxdave]

Thanks for sharing. I will look at it (probably tomorrow). EDIT: Is there a way for me to download the movie?

I did watch a GIMP video that taught me a lot. I am working on another on another GIMP image using several of the features I saw in the video just to understand how to use them. It will not be as clean and neat as the model you shared but my goal is, as I said, to learn how to take advantage of some of the features in the video. So the result will not be as professional looking but as I said, the emphasis is learning how to take advantage of some of the tools. Hope to be able to share it soon.

Again, that for sharing the useful information.

[alvydas]

Thanks for sharing. I will look at it (probably tomorrow). EDIT: Is there a way for me to download the movie?

at the top right corner is a link to download

[ntxdave]

DUH - I should have caught that one..........downloaded and watched. See that you did a couple of things differently than I did so got to go off any play around some more........and learn................. I also love the shadow technique you used. It is pretty neat.

There is another video that I am using as a reference as well that has some good tips even though it is just a starter. Check out this starter video

If there are others you would suggest, I would love to know them. I am thinking that Twilight and GIMP is a pretty good combination.

Hopefully I can get a new image created today.

[ntxdave]

Well, after a bunch of stupid mistakes, I finally have an image that incorporates the alpha channel along with some other GIMP features. While I still have a lot to learn, I am beginning to understand the program and how it can be used with Twilight Render to accomplish some sophisticated stuff. I appreciate the guidance you guys have given me.

MaskedBlower_MaskedRender_Presentation.png (2.21 MiB) Viewed 13109 times

[Fletch]

I appreciate the guidance you guys have given me.

[ntxdave]

Well, I found out how to do this with Xara Photo & Graphic Designer. Here is the result.

MammorthBlower_MaskedPresentation_Xara.png (1.45 MiB) Viewed 13092 times

The steps are pretty easy and very similar to what Fletch showed for the GIMP process.

1. Place the rendered image that is to be masked in Xara
2. Place the alpha mask in Xara
3. Adjust the size of the mask to match the size of the rendered image
4. Crtl-C the mask
5. Right click the rendered image and then select the Past as Opacity Mask
6. Now you can delete the mask image

You can then use any of the Xara tools to edit the final image any way you want to including background images and etc.