[Gimp-user] Drop shadow

[rich404 <forums gimpusers com>]

> I am creating a GIF animation over a static background.  I want the
> background to have a drop shadow.  For some reason when I do this, my
> drop shadow turns solid... it does not fade out.  It is just a solid
> offset layer.  I can't for the life of me understand why.
>
> Any ideas?

It sounds like you are using the Gimp 2.8 drop shadow filter. Is that correct?
For that to work the image is in RGB mode.

Indexed color mode as used by gif only has transparency either on or off. Going
from RGB to Indexed results in losing the drop shadow semi-transparent pixels.
see screenshot 1

First thing to do in RGB mode is merge the background and drop shadow layers.

Still in RGB mode you then have a choice.

Either, lose the transparency of that bottom layer as screenshot 2 Layer ->
Transparency -> Remove alpha channel Then export as an animated gif. see
screenshot 2

Or, before exporting as an animated gif, convert to Indexed Mode. Image -> Mode
-> Indexed and Enable dithering of Transparency. That gives the impression of
shading. see: screenshot 3

rich: www.gimp-forum.net

Attachments:
* http://www.gimpusers.com/system/attachments/931/original/01-drop.jpg
* http://www.gimpusers.com/system/attachments/932/original/02-drop.jpg
* http://www.gimpusers.com/system/attachments/933/original/03-drop.jpg

-- 
rich404 (via www.gimpusers.com/forums)