I am updating src/using/web.xml and I found a paragraph that feels very wrong.

http://docs.gimp.org/2.6/en/gimp-using-web-transparency.html

To point out my complaint, consider:

Step 1: use wilber image

Step 2: Verify you have an alpha channel

The next step, things feel very wrong:

Step 3: You can now remove the background layer to get a completely transparent background, or create a gradient from color to transparency. You are only limited by your imagination. To demonstrate the capabilities of alpha transparency, we'll make a soft glow in the background around our Wilber.

********* Complaints:

Complaint 1:

"You can now remove the background layer to get a completely transparent background"

I do not have a background layer to remove. The image (http://docs.gimp.org/2.6/en/images/using/preparing_for_web1.png) has only one layer named background, which includes Wilber and the background. I assume that this means that I can use an erase to erase the blue and white background.

Complaint 2:

"create a gradient from color to transparency."

This has not yet been covered in the documentation (up to this point). I do see a menu option for Colors > Colors to alpha, but I am not clear how this helps me obtain the soft glow in the background around Wilber.

Complaint 3:

"To demonstrate the capabilities of alpha transparency, we'll make a soft glow in the background around our Wilber."

I suppose that this should read:

"To demonstrate the capabilities of alpha transparency, the author used transparency to make a soft glow in the background around our Wilber."

I have no idea how to cause this effect.

******************

If anyone has an opinion on this section, please say so, otherwise, I will make radical changes to this one paragraph.

Thanks Ulf. This is enough for me to go on. We need not provide all details at this point. I will think about what I should write while making it clear and trying to keep the original author's intent.

On 09/01/2009 03:33 PM, Ulf-D. Ehlert wrote:

Andrew Douglas Pitonyak (Dienstag, 1. September 2009, 02:18):

Complaint 1:

"You can now remove the background layer to get a completely transparent background"

Apparently the author used the Wilber construction set (src/images/Wilber_Construction_Kit_original.xcf) to create an image with two layers: a blue background layer containing the silly flare effect, and a layer containing Wilber with shadow(s).

I do not have a background layer to remove. The image (http://docs.gimp.org/2.6/en/images/using/preparing_for_web1.png) has only one layer named background, which includes Wilber and the background. I assume that this means that I can use an erase to erase the blue and white background.

Consider adding a caption similar to src/toolbox/tool-brush.xml, Paint Mode Examples ("Wilber over a blue background layer") to make that there are two layers.

Complaint 2:

"create a gradient from color to transparency."

This has not yet been covered in the documentation (up to this point). I do see a menu option for Colors> Colors to alpha, but I am not clear how this helps me obtain the soft glow in the background around Wilber.

It's one of the standard gradients, see .../gimp-gradient-dialog.html.

Complaint 3:

"To demonstrate the capabilities of alpha transparency, we'll make a soft glow in the background around our Wilber."

I suppose that this should read:

"To demonstrate the capabilities of alpha transparency, the author used transparency to make a soft glow in the background around our Wilber."

I have no idea how to cause this effect.

One way (don't know if there are better ways) is 1. duplicate the layer (wilber with transparency), 2. apply Filters -> Alpha to Logo -> Alien Glow (change the Glow color, e.g. to 255,215,0 = gold). 3. remove the black background layer.

But I can't believe that's what the author had in mind.

Ulf