Importing transparent bitmap files

GIF files and PNG (up to 256 colors) files support 'masks' which are a very basic form of transparency. When a bitmap file with a mask is placed on a background (for example in a web page) some areas of the background show through the bitmap. This method is often used to remove the background from pictures so the bitmap doesn't appear rectangular. Importing a masked bitmap files retains the transparent mask and you can see through parts of the bitmap when it is in Xara LX. For more information about masked bitmaps, see the Internet Bitmaps Overview.

PNG (true color) also supports a more advanced form of graduated transparency called "alpha-channel". You can also import these files into Xara LX.

Note that Simple GIF/PNG Transparency (masking) and Xara LX Transparency are different. Simple Transparency means you can see through the background of the bitmap and is "on-off". Xara LX and PNG alpha-channel Transparency means you can see through objects and is variable from fully transparent to fully opaque.

To import a transparent bitmap file

You can import these in the same way as other files. See Importing files.

Tips

You can apply Xara LX transparency to any bitmap, including masked bitmaps.

You can create transparent GIF files and PNG (both simple and alpha-channel) files with Xara LX. (See Creating GIF Files or Creating PNG files).