Hallo,

Via the bug reports 486902 - 569330, I learned that: - in Gimp 2.6.x there was an intentional change to change the logic concerning transparancy of upper layers depending on the limitations/nature of the added picture. - requesting to revisit this change - or to ask a way to re-install the concept of Gimp 2.4.x should be done via this e-mail way

Therefore, please find my motivation below - as can also be found in above bug reports. Note that also other express an opinion in these bug reports.

Kind regards, Leo.

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Subject: default transparancy in upper layers disappeared (you only get transparancy if the source image you add has this feature)

Pro (or why the change was introduced): 1. unclear - possibly a theoretical consideration 2. background layer is treated the same way as top layer (?)

Contra: 1. the user must understand which types of source images have transparancy 2. the user must manually add transparancy = additional burden 3. a sudden interface change, away from the industry standard 4. a jpg image has no transparancy, but also no background color, so something is added
5. there is already a tool to fill to the background color

Result: 1. The learning curve is increased (newcommers are now already overwhelmed) 2. People using Photoshop, are less inclined to step over. They could use this very recognisable deviation as motivation with "what's next?"

Opinion: I see no application where an upper layer would NOT need transparancy: It is part of the design:
Images need to be imported in the design, so the design is key, not the limitations
of the imported image. i.e. if you import an image with 8 bit colors, it should be converted. In the same way, the missing feature (transparancy) must be added for jpg.
I vaguely remember that some image-formats have a background color (an 'extra' feature).
In line with your comment #10, you claim that in that case you must preserve that background color only for that layer, so you end up that a layer may have two
background colors?

In a similar way, OpenOffice.Org could decide to use white as default pen colour, whith the motivation that pens exist in so many colours, and the paper could be of any colour too, so that the user must first select a pen colour.

I give basic training to beginners. I keep away from any advanced feature, because it is already a steep learning curve. Upto now, I could get away by not explaining anything about an alpha channel. This happens also for other programs like i.e. MS Word: most advanced features remain unused until the user has sufficient skills. Intensive users use most likely Photoshop due to peer pressure, so newcommers is target

Epilog:
With this long explanation, I hope to reopen the discussion and open the way to introduce at least an option parameter, which preferably defaults in transparancy in all (upper) layers. --> and not to start a discussion on every point I made