how to use a png file as background/template?

[fac]

I seldom visit the photography board, I am hoping someone can help me here...

I have png file and I like to add it to my girl's picture either as a background or even as a logo, is it possible?
I only have windows vista and windows 7 and no specific picture editing software. I have an epson V500 scanner which may come with some software...

 

[photo_chick]

You should have Paint on your computer, it comes with Windows.

Open both files up in Paint. Copy the png then paste it into the image. You should be able to move it to where you want from there and resize it so the png fits where you want it.

Be sure that when you save the new image that you do not save over your original image.

 

[fac]

great. thanks. It was a good start. I then used GIMP to make part of the png transparent and be able to add to the first picture.

Now I have a second question...
Does anyone know how to make a template or border? I mean similar to those that we add in the photopass? I like to "design" my own border.

 

[fac]

anyone?

 

[wdwdancerwannabe]

I just posted a very similar question --- so am 'bumping' ---

needing to know how to CREATE a .png file from a JPG --- cutout an oval shape out of the center.

I have paint and picasa... don't have Photoshop

 

[photo_chick]

I can't remember if Paint will let you save as a PNG. It's been a long, long time since I've used it. But that's all you need really. You edit your file as you want it then just save it in the appropriate format.

 

[wdwdancerwannabe]

I know how to SAVE as a PNG... i just don't know how to create it.. how to CUT OUT a shape out of a middle of an image.. so that there is a hole (rectangle, oval, etc in the middle) - i can't figure out how to do that...

 

[Cafeen]

While Paint does allow for PNG, I don't think it allows for transparency (at least, that I can find) and layers which is really needed for this. I use GIMP for anything I need layers/transparency for (or PS Elements now, but GIMP is so much easier ).

If you check out GIMP (free, open source image editing software, www.gimp.org) you should be able to do what you want.

Basically, you'd want to copy your image that will be a frame onto a layer, and then use the selection tools to define a selection area and clear that out. Since this image is on a layer, it'll be transparent underneath (if you are looking to make a template, delete the "background" layer first!) allowing whatever is under it to show through. Then you just Save As... whatever.png and it'll do its thing.

Not sure how well it'll hold up to being resized, so it'll be better to keep the frame image large and shrink it down to fit what you need, rather than try to stretch it up.

 

[photo_chick]

I know how to SAVE as a PNG... i just don't know how to create it.. how to CUT OUT a shape out of a middle of an image.. so that there is a hole (rectangle, oval, etc in the middle) - i can't figure out how to do that...

Ahhh, ok. I misunderstood what you were saying. Yeah, you'll need more than what Paint can do.

 

[wdwdancerwannabe]

While Paint does allow for PNG, I don't think it allows for transparency (at least, that I can find) and layers which is really needed for this. I use GIMP for anything I need layers/transparency for (or PS Elements now, but GIMP is so much easier ).

If you check out GIMP (free, open source image editing software, www.gimp.org) you should be able to do what you want.

Basically, you'd want to copy your image that will be a frame onto a layer, and then use the selection tools to define a selection area and clear that out. Since this image is on a layer, it'll be transparent underneath (if you are looking to make a template, delete the "background" layer first!) allowing whatever is under it to show through. Then you just Save As... whatever.png and it'll do its thing.

Not sure how well it'll hold up to being resized, so it'll be better to keep the frame image large and shrink it down to fit what you need, rather than try to stretch it up.

Thank you for this explanation! I will try the "GIMP" thing -- I'd heard of it, but really didn't know what it was --- i will try that!!! thanks again!

 

[space cadet]

hi wdwdancerwannabe
if you are stuck ...........email me the pic and I will do it in photoshop for you if you wish ?

cheers

 

[shannonkay]

Thank you for this explanation! I will try the "GIMP" thing -- I'd heard of it, but really didn't know what it was --- i will try that!!! thanks again!

Yeah, GIMP is a free Photoshop alternative. You could also download the trials of Photoshop or Photoshop Express. Google up some tutorials, or try youtube. I would use a mask.

But yeah, I don't think paint can do transparent png.