DiDA – Image manipulation

Lesson 3– Objectives

• Understand how layers work• Look at the term “opacity”• Understand blending modes• Using move / scale / rotate tools

DiDA – Image manipulation

How do layers work?

Layer 4Layer 3Layer 2Layer 1

Each layer is a different part of a image. Layers can be manipulated individually which allows us to do more advanced techniques.

Layers are built up like a sandwich. They are built bottom up with the top layer hiding all layers underneath.

DiDA – Image manipulation

Transparency and layers

• Top layers will hide anything underneath them.

• In order to “see” what is underneath a layer must contain transparent areas.

• GIMP shows transparency as a grey checkerboard pattern (see image to the right)

DiDA – Image manipulation

How does it work

Without transparency the lotus flower covers all of the lower

layer.

DiDA – Image manipulation

How does it work

With transparency the background is visible.

DiDA – Image manipulation

Building images using layers

• You should always follow this golden rule• “If you add something, it should have it’s own

layer”• You will end up with a lot of layers but this is a

good thing! Honest!

DiDA – Image manipulation

Using layers

• Task – Use the skills learnt to combine a image with a background you have created using the gradient tool.

• Watch out for artefacts!

DiDA – Image manipulation

Adding a new layer

• Add new layer

• Deleted layer

• Duplicate layer

DiDA – Image manipulation

Activity

Create two layers. One layer should have a gradient pattern.The second should have something else!

Advanced – Add a image with the background erased. You could use the image from a previous lesson.

DiDA – Image manipulation

Blend modes

• The default blend mode is “normal”. This will hide anything underneath the layer which is not transparent.

• However there are lots of blend modes to try out!

DiDA – Image manipulation

Changing mode

Changing the blend mode is easy! All you have to select a new mode from the layers dialogue.

The different modes can produce some very interesting effects so it is worth trying them all out!

DiDA – Image manipulation

Activity

• We are going to try and create some fancy text by using the blend tools.

• Follow the steps on this powerpoint or the help video.

DiDA – Image manipulation

Step 1 – Add some text

• The “A” tool will add text.• You can change the font type,

size and colour in the options underneath.

• Add your name to a blank image.

DiDA – Image manipulation

Step 2 – Add a new layer

• Add a new layer and make sure it is above the text.

• Add a gradient pattern to the new layer. Make sure you select the correct layer!

DiDA – Image manipulation

Step 3 – Changing blend mode

• Select the pattern layer you created and then change the blend mode.

• You should start to see your text appear with a pattern!

DiDA – Image manipulation

Activity

• Find a image and remove the background.

• Blend a gradient background into it.

• Finally add the result to a second image.