topic Re: Transparent image over colored background in SketchBook Forum

Transparent image over colored background

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 05:43:13 GMT

I have been trying to figure out an easy way to make a top layer of a picture be transparent to see through the bottom layer. The top layer is an image, the bottom layer is a solid background color. The end goal is for a video where I have images or scenes moving through the background layer in the shape of the top layer. I am almost trying to do the opposite of an alpha layer. I tried to erase, but then the background color just shows through instead. I cannot figure out how to do this or if it is even possible. If there is a way to fill a layer with an "alpha color" that would be exactly what I am looking to do. In the picture below the yellow is the solid background color and the horse is the top layer that I would want transparent. As it is, I can only make the yellow an alpha layer.

I am on Windows 10.

Re: Transparent image over colored background

david.lau — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 18:25:43 GMT

1. 1 layer will be yelow.

2. You need the blue horse in a separate file so you can cut/copy based into a new layer and then you can adjust the transparency.

Re: Transparent image over colored background

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 19:16:57 GMT

I already have the horse in a new layer, but changing the opacity has the same effect of just showing the yellow layer - unless I am missing how to change the transparency. I have looked it up and am using the slider on the layer editor. If this isn't what you mean can you please explain, or link to a guide of what you mean?

Re: Transparent image over colored background

Anonymous — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 09:24:03 GMT

Still looking for a solution here. If anyone can help it would be appreciated.

Re: Transparent image over colored background

patrick.muenster — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 14:58:11 GMT

Sorry, I don't get what you really want to do, but I can help you with this part of your question:

"If there is a way to fill a layer with an "alpha color" that would be exactly what I am looking to do"

As far as I know, there is no direct way in Sketchbook to select a transparent (alpha) color. You can only paint with a brush and reduced opacity of the brush or reduce the opacity of a layer.

But there is a workaround to get a transparent color:

Create two new layers
Fill the upper layer with the base color
Reduce the opacity of the upper layer as you wish
Merge the upper layer with the layer below
Volià: The merged layer will have a color with alpha.

Maybe this helps you?

By the way: Selecting transparent colors would be a nice improvement to Sketchbook. Probably I'm going to write down the suggestion.