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How to Create a Semitransparent Picture

Opacity is the adjustment in Photoshop you use to control the intensity of the image. By reducing the opacity, you can create a semitransparent picture. When you reduce the opacity of the image, the underlying base layer will show through. The underlying base layer can be a solid color, or it can be another image or graphic of your choice. Photoshop or free programs like GIMP, which is modeled on Photoshop, can complete the task.

Things You'll Need

Adobe Photoshop or GIMP photo editing program

Instructions

- 1
  Turn your computer on and open Photoshop or GIMP. While the name of the tools might be slightly different between the two programs, the steps are the same.
- 2
  Click "File" in the navigation bar, select "New" and then "Blank file" from the drop-down menu. A blank page will appear with a dialogue box. In the box select the size, resolution and background for the background layer.
- 3
  Click "Layer" in the navigation bar and select "New Layer" and click "OK." Click "File" and select "Place." Use your cursor to select the image you want to place in the new layer. Click the file and then click "OK" to open the image.
- 4
  Click the "Opacity" slider located in the right-hand margin under the "Layer" tab. Slide the adjustment tab until the image turns into a semitransparent picture.
- 5
  Click "Layer" in the navigation tab and select "Flatten image." Click "File" in the navigation bar and select "Save as." Give your edited image a new name and save the file to your computer.

Photography