(06-17-2023, 04:23 PM)gaystan Wrote:(06-16-2023, 05:40 PM)Pixlab Wrote:(06-16-2023, 04:49 PM)gaystan Wrote: I just discovered a limitation of GIMP 2.10. Whenever I import a .jpg file (either as a background or as a LAYER), the SHADOW tool won't work. But.....when I use the TEXT tool, I am able to use the SHADOW tool. One reason is....that the TEXT tool is an internal tool. Whereas, importing a .jpg file works on the basis of being external.
garystan
Nope, not at all.
the shadow filter will use transparent part of a layer, that's why the shadow filter does not work on an imported jpg, because there are no transparencies, not a gimp limitation.
Now add an alpha channel to that jpg, erase some part on that jpg, and use the drop shadow filter, you will see it works.
Also by default, the drop shadow does not work outside of the canvas (thus outside of the jpg from your point of view), unless you make all visible or increase canvas size, still not a gimp limitation.
Which proves my point. Because GIMP won't accept .jpg files, that is considered a limitation of the software. GIMP "programmers" should put together a plugin for thisd.
garystan
You don't need a plugin. In "Preferences" there is a setting to add an alpha channel when you load an image without one (like JPEG). Use at your own risk, because if you export back to JPEG the alpha channel will be removed since the JPEG format doesn't allow it. And the restriction only applies to the base layer. Any layer you add over it will have an alpha channel and can have a drop shadow.
You'll also find that the drop shadow doesn't work as you think in GIF. Also a problem with GIF, where the alpha channel is "binary" instead of progressive like in PNG.