Graphics software..Do I need to buy new or will Paint do it?...How do I do it?

[Starfish]

I am very curious about how to make computer graphics now. I am mainly interested in being able to cut and paste images onto an invisable background, meaning, instead of having them be in a block surrounded by white they would have the background of the page surrounding it. Does anyone have any method suggestions? I can trace the images and copy them in my photo editor, and then paste them to a paint document. I have done this so far but, want to make them free of a background. Can this be done with a simple paint program or do I need to buy other software?

 

[Weird Harold]

I can trace the images and copy them in my photo editor, and then paste them to a paint document. I have done this so far but, want to make them free of a background.

What photo editor do you use? Most of them can work with varying degrees of transparency.

One program that can do transparent backgrounds as well as read and write multiple file formats is PaintShop Pro from JASC software. (http://www.jasc.com) There is a 60 day trial version available for download and a registered version is about $100.

Photoshop or PhotoDeluxe from Adobe software are two others that can do transparent backgrounds. They are often bundled with cameras or scanners, and my be available for download from the web. Both are memory hogs though so you needs lot of memory to work with big pictures.

 

[Starfish]

Well, Harold,

I tried to do it with my photo editor, which is called Arcsoft Photo Editor 2000. I was sucessful at getting the background layerd out, but then when I tried to save it as a .jpg or .bmp (.gifs are not an option on this editor) it told me that they couldn't support layers and that I would have to save it as a .PSF (photo studio file) but they won't upload to my webpage. I think I may be screwed and have to buy something. DRAT!

I don't know if you have any other suggestions for the free methods but I am headed over to the link you gave, to check it out. I am very grateful for all your help. *BIG HUGS* G.R.

 

[Weird Harold]

I was sucessful at getting the background layerd out, but then when I tried to save it as a .jpg or .bmp (.gifs are not an option on this editor) it told me that they couldn't support layers and that I would have to save it as a .PSF (photo studio file)

Check your help menu for "merging layers," "Deleting Layers," "File conversion," or other method of combining the picture into one layer. If the program supports layers that are all or partially transparent, then it should be able to add and delete layers to leave only the layer that has the image on a transparent field. It may have a way of saving only one layer, or saving the layers in separate files.

If you have the picture separated into the part you want in one layer, and the background in another layer, then you should be able to delete the background layer to leave just the part you want.

 

[Starfish]

Thank you for your help, Harold. I found the File conversion thingy, but the problem is that nothing I did worked so far. I am still trying to figure it out, and have one more thing that I thought of trying before I give up.
I have windows ME and there is no compatable software yet, that will do what I want. I will have to wait then, if what I am gonna try, doesn't work.

You're a gem Harold. *Hugs* G

 

[Jake2001]

I have windows ME and there is no compatable software yet, that will do what I want.

I also run under Windows ME and believe it is just a slightly upgraded Windows 98. I have found all my Win95/98 software to run just fine under the Windows ME operating system.

 

[Starfish]

That, Good sir, is incredibly helpful, and if it doesn't work I'll return the software. Thank you.