[Gimp-user] Combining Images

[rich404 <forums gimpusers com>]

> I have a few more questions if you don't mind.
>
> 1.) Do you use the Path's Tool to cut out characters then use a blur
> tool on a low setting to tone the edges down?
>
> 2.) How do you take to distinct images and make them one? Like,
> blended or meshed.I'm assuming a lot of layering is involved?

1) Usually the whole idea of using the path tool for foreground extraction (or
replacing background), is to get sharp edges that other extraction tools
struggle with.

It is not easy to make a good path, very time consuming even when used to the
tool. Every curve and rounded corner has to be set by hand. example screenshot
1.

However, once a selection is made from the path, there is usually enough
anti-aliasing not to required blurring the edges. I will attach that xcf (gz
compressed-opens straight up in Gimp) file with the path for you to play with.
To cut out the foreground use:

Select -> From Path then Edit -> Copy -> then Edit -> Paste As -> New Image.

2) Always use plenty of layers and save in Gimp .xcf format as you go. Not too
sure what you mean by meshed but blending in one layer with a layer underneath
often uses a layer mask. see:

https://docs.gimp.org/en/gimp-layer-mask-add.html and
https://www.gimp.org/tutorials/Layer_Masks/

Not a wonderful example but used one, screenshot 2, to blend in the bottom of
the superimposed figure.

Attachments:
* http://www.gimpusers.com/system/attachments/943/original/01-path.jpg
* http://www.gimpusers.com/system/attachments/944/original/02-mask.jpg
* http://www.gimpusers.com/system/attachments/945/original/monkeydluffy.xcfgz

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