Weird grey/transparent block in exported image

[mnt23]

Hi, 

I'm relatively new to GIMP and have just made my first image (an advert for an eSports match). However, when I go to export it, it adds a grey block into the middle of the image... I've linked a png version of the image exported image. 

There's nothing that shape on the xcf file and I can't work out why it's happening. When i reload that PNG into GIMP it actually shows the block as transparent. 

The xcf file can be found here.

I've got no real idea where to start! Any help would be welcome

[rich2005]

That is really annoying You can see where the problem is, that disabled layer-group layer-mask, but I can not at the moment reproduce that in a simplified form.

Ok working in 32 bit fp linear but do you need an Alpha channel in the png ?  If not, export as either 8 or 16 bit RGB That drop down menu in the png export dialogue. (8 bit is probably adequate and a smaller file size)

   

Another way is introduce a temporary 'new-from-visible' layer above the layer-group and export that.

[Blighty]

(08-28-2021, 06:44 PM)rich2005 Wrote: but I can not at the moment reproduce that

I can reproduce that.

It seems that when exporting the disabling of the layer mask is ignored (ie layer mask is active during png export). Bug? I would say so.

Solution: Delete the disabled layer mask and png exports correctly.

[rich2005]

Oh I can do that, first thing I tried. Not even sure the purpose of that layer mask.
Trying to reproduce the 'bug' with a simplified version, a couple of layers in a layer group, that disabled layer mask, a bit of text on top of everything. Not buggy so far.

Edit: Ah, layer group is in pass-through mode. Changing to normal seems to fix it. ...nope... still not able to replicate it in a simplified form.
Edit: I wonder if the whole thing originally came from a PS file ?

[PixLab]

I did a try and discovered (I think) that there are at least 2 layers which are PNG with a color conservation in the transparency

If you want the background behind "VS"
In the layer group > New from visible > put it on top of the layer stack
Then File > Export
and in the export option > un-tick "Save color value from transprent pixels" (just to be sure)
(I only activate this setting to hide things in transparent pixels, see the end of the post **)
   

Result at 100%
   

** Put the one you exported with the transparent background in GIMP as a new image
Erasor tool Tick in the tool option at the bottom the "Anti Erase (Alt)" option
Then "Erase" the transparent part (have fun)

[rich2005]

@mnt23
All the above is good basic advice but does not really answer the question, what is wrong with the image.

Quote:...I've got no real idea where to start! ...

As I said before, really annoying.  Where you start is try and simplify matters. In this case detach the problem layer group which then look like this:

   

It has the transparent hole even though the layer mask is disabled. What is missing from this is a background layer outside the layer group. You can move that Ebene 214 layer as :

   

There is also the size of that, it is 2500x2328,  larger than the canvas size 1920x1006 You can leave it but better reduced to the canvas size.

With that modification in the master image, we now find out what that layer-group (BG)  layer mask is for. It masks out some embellishments in Gruppe 1. To hide those enable the BG layer mask or turn Gruppe 1 visibility off.

   

edit: I still can not reproduce this in a from scratch really simple image - a couple of layers in a group + layer mask.

[mnt23]

Hi all,

Thanks for your help! As a temporary solution I deleted that layer mask so that I could get the image out. I started using GIMP this weekend and got a bit impatient after watching 2 hours of tutorials so tried to get going before watching one on layer masks... guess I know what I'm doing next!!

@rich2005 you're right, i didn't start it from scratch and the guy that had been using it before me made it on PS. I meant to say in the original post but clearly forgot.

Thanks for your help everyone.