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Layer Masks
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I'm still a GIMP newbie, even though I use it all the time. All across the topics there are references and uses for "layer masks". What exactly are they, how do I add one, and what are they generally good for?
Posted at 10:49AM, 9 July 2009 PST
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This is one of the most powerful feature of graphic software, Photoshop and Gimp have it (other one perhaps... I don't know)
It's working by adding a gray scale layer mask to an existing layer, the value of the gray, from totally white to black change the transparency of the existing layer.
White totally opaque, 50% gray semi transparent and black totally transparent, and so on.
This permit to make "hole" in a layer, showing the underlaying layer without losing information from the existing layer.
More accurate and precise information can be found at docs.gimp.org/2.6/en/gimp-layer-menu.html
Posted 6 months ago.
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Do you know what an Alpha channel is? It allows you to make pixels in your layer transparent (partially or completely), as opposed to the Opacity slider, which makes the whole layer more or less transparent.
A layer mask is exactly the same, except it's shown separate from the image. Then you can paint in the layer mask to control transparency, rather than having to use the eraser tool.
Posted 6 months ago.
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There is an highly interesting and fascinating episode at meetthegimp about transparency meetthegimp.org/episode-089-transparency/
Posted 6 months ago.
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phdermatin: Thank you for the links :)
Shelly and Roy: Yes, I am familiar with Alpha channels. Thank you for the information.
Posted 6 months ago.
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