2.3. Saving Images with Transparency
| 2. Preparing your Images for the Web |

### 2.3. Saving Images with Transparency

There are two different approaches used by graphic file formats for supporting transparent image areas: simple binary transparency and alpha transparency. Simple binary transparency is supported in the GIF format; one color from the indexed color palette is marked as the transparent color. Alpha transparency is supported in the PNG format; the transparency information is stored in a separate channel, the Alpha channel.

| Note
The GIF format is rarely used because PNG supports all the features of GIF with additional features (e.g., alpha transparency). Nevertheless, GIF is still used for animations.

Procedure 6.1. Creating an Image with Transparent Areas (Alpha Transparency)

1. First of all, we will use the same image as in the previous tutorials, Wilber the GIMP mascot.

   Figure 6.8. The Wilber image opened in RGBA mode

2. To save an image with alpha transparency, you must have an alpha channel. To check if the image has an alpha channel, go to the channel dialog and verify that an entry for “Alpha” exists, besides Red, Green and Blue. If this is not the case, add a new alpha channel from the layers menu; Layer+Transparency → Add Alpha Channel.

3. The original XCF file contains background layers that you can remove. GIMP comes with standard filters that supports creating gradients; look under Filters+Light and Shadow. You are only limited by your imagination. To demonstrate the capabilities of alpha transparency, a soft glow in the background around Wilber is shown.

4. After you're done with your image, you can save it in PNG format.

Figure 6.9. The Wilber image with transparency

Mid-Tone Checks in the background layer represent the transparent region of the saved image while you are working on it in GIMP.

2.2. Reducing the File Size Even More |  | Chapter 7. Painting with GIMP