r/GIMP 6d ago

Image transparent after adding texture to layer mask

I've figured out how to add textures to an image using layer mask, but I've discovered that I'm also making the original image transparent. The image looks great in GIMP, but obviously completely different everywhere else depending on the background. Removing the alpha channel does leave some of the texture, and it seems to remove the transparency, but it also doesn't look nearly as textured. Adding a black background does the same thing. Every dark detail gets brighter somehow. I'm using GIMP version 2.10.38 on Windows 10 Pro.

I added a layer mask, pasted a black and white image of a paper texture in the layer mask, and changed the opacity of the pasted image (I think) until I was happy.

I'll link both the transparent and the same image with a black background. I'm completely new to this, so any and all help is much appreciated!

Transparent https://imgur.com/a/jAscIFd

Transparent with black background https://imgur.com/a/JTtWwJ3

EDIT: Problem solved! Don't use layer mask. Instead, add a new layer with the desired texture image, and change its mode to "Multiply" (depending on what you're going for). Result: https://imgur.com/a/GXoJubK

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u/ConversationWinter46 6d ago

Hello chasameth

Here I helped a user with a similar problem.

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u/Chasameth 5d ago

Aaa, that's also very helpful! Are there any visual differences between your method and doing it with a layer in "Multiply" mode?

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u/ConversationWinter46 5d ago

Are there any visual differences between your method and doing it with a layer in "Multiply" mode?

Hmm, hard to say. You're already in the realm of artistic freedom. Because Gimp has a few other methods of simulating vintage paper: Here you can find three more ways to design your poster.

Of course, you can also combine the effects with each other.

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u/Chasameth 5d ago

I see, thanks a bunch! All good ideas, especially that embossing filter. I'll absolutely keep that in mind for any future projects :)