You can also try The Gimp

niqueco — Fri, 21 Jun 2002 06:39:42 +0000

The Gimp is a free software Photoshop clone. There's a windows version of it too. I've found a screenshot of it too =).

The Webmistress — Wed, 19 Jun 2002 20:01:09 +0000

Thanks for your suggestions

Suzanne — Wed, 19 Jun 2002 18:36:57 +0000

http://www.wiltshiret.fsnet.co.uk/GraphicsClass/Transparency.html talks about how masking is slightly different in Fireworks.

From a boo around Google, it seems that this isn't something normally done in Fireworks? At least not enough for there to be a specific tutorial for it (unlike most other graphics applications). But the capability is there (magic wand, adding to a selection, et cetera).

I'd use the lasso to select around as much as possible, then clean up with the eraser with an anti-aliased edge.

***

I used the lasso tool, then went to the modify menu, and the marquee and inverted the marquee, then deleted the main chunk of the background. Then I used the magic wand to get the little pieces, and the lasso for the rest. I don't know if there is a faster way.

Corel's PhotoPaint has a Paint on Mask feature which is really nice, you can paint out the background using a Clip Mask. Maybe the Fireworks board at Macromedia would have more tips, suggestions.

Suzanne — Wed, 19 Jun 2002 18:16:26 +0000

http://www.macromedia.com/support/fireworks/effects/masking/

in the meantime, a tutorial on masking in Fireworks.

Suzanne — Wed, 19 Jun 2002 18:14:01 +0000

There are a few techniques, let me fire up the iBook and see what I can do.

The lasso is a nice one. Basically, anything that will help you remove most of the background with one stroke (using masks) is ideal.

I'll get back to you in a few minutes.

The Webmistress — Wed, 19 Jun 2002 13:55:08 +0000

At the moment Fireworks, Fireworks or Fireworks! My pc dosen't like Photoshop for some reason and I can never get it to work

Megan — Wed, 19 Jun 2002 13:50:41 +0000

Which programs do you have? I'm *guessing* that Fireworks probably doesn't have a whole lot, if any, options for this sort of thing. Paint Shop Pro should. I'm pretty sure that they do have a magnetic lasso in there but I'm not sure about quick mask.

The Webmistress — Wed, 19 Jun 2002 13:25:51 +0000

& if you don't have photoshop!!??

Megan — Wed, 19 Jun 2002 13:21:13 +0000

Photoshop has quite a few options. I personally prefer using the magnetic lasso to get a decent selection and then use quick mask to fix it up.

Some would recommend using the pen tool to do the same thing. You could also try the Image > extract tool which doesn't always do a great job.

That's all I can think of right now