Gimp Help Please

[IngleGunLeather]

I'm looking for assistance with background changes with Gimp software. Someone on Facebook did this but didn't share how they did it. The white background is the original file and the black background is what I want to be able to do.

[cradom]

I'm more familiar with Photoshop but the process should be the same. Run a path around the book and copy it to a new layer. Go back to the original layer (background) and fill with black (or whatever color). Do your reflection how you want it, if you want it. Check the edges of your path (layer one) for fuzzies. When it's how you want it, flatten the layers.

Oh, and rule no.1  -  always work on a copy! Because screw-ups don't cha know.

[electrathon]

Having no idea what Gimp software is all I could envision was Pulp Fiction.

[clivel]

First step would be to remove the background, there are a number of tutorials on the web, for example this one: How to remove the background from an image using the Gimp There are often multiple different ways to accomplish the same thing, so it may be worth your while to  search Youtube for other tutorials.

Once you have gone through the exercise of removing the background, you should be familiar with layers, so after having removed the background, the next step is to add a transparent layer for the new background. Once you have added the layer, then move it below the layer containing the object, it can then either be filled with a solid colour, or with another image. Once that is done, in order to create the reflection, it is necessary to duplicate the layer containing the object. Flip the duplicated layer vertically for the reflection. Select a rectangle around the flipped object and drag it into position below the object. While it is selected, use the "Blend Tool" to apply a graduated transparency mask.

Clive

[IngleGunLeather]

22 hours ago, clivel said:

First step would be to remove the background, there are a number of tutorials on the web, for example this one: How to remove the background from an image using the Gimp There are often multiple different ways to accomplish the same thing, so it may be worth your while to  search Youtube for other tutorials.

Once you have gone through the exercise of removing the background, you should be familiar with layers, so after having removed the background, the next step is to add a transparent layer for the new background. Once you have added the layer, then move it below the layer containing the object, it can then either be filled with a solid colour, or with another image. Once that is done, in order to create the reflection, it is necessary to duplicate the layer containing the object. Flip the duplicated layer vertically for the reflection. Select a rectangle around the flipped object and drag it into position below the object. While it is selected, use the "Blend Tool" to apply a graduated transparency mask.

Clive

Clive, can't thank you enough for the time you put into your response. I appreciate you putting it into plain language as well. Thanks bud!

[R8R]

Tip: in Gimp right click on your layer(s) and "Add Alpha Channel". Each layer defaults with no alpha channel, so anything you delete will just go to opaque white in the layer. Whatever you delete will NOT subtract to transparency until you add the alpha channel.

Also in Gimp your selections can be saved to new channels and then recalled by selecting the channel and adding it back or creating a new selection. This makes it very quick and easy to build sets of selections when working on deleting backgrounds.