Expert: Amy - 2/27/2007

Question
This question isn't really related to a particular software package. I was just wondering if you might know of an image software that's free, that I can use to seperate a foreground from a background from a single layered image. I have a photograph of myself of high resolution that I'd like to seperate cleanly from the background so that I may place myself within another image, or simply make the background black. Basically something with adjustable sensitivities for grabbing onto items of similar colors or levels of brightness. I couldn't think of an easier way to accomplish this than with special software. Any ideas?

Answer
Hi James...

Yes, that's the way you'd have to do the image editing - cut the background out. You might have to adjust the brightness and tonal values of the new background to make it match your portrait, too. I do it a lot and it's usually required.

The best free imaging software for the PC that I can think of is called "Gimp." http://gimp-win.sourceforge.net/

I believe there is now a beta for Mac, too, if that's your platform. http://gimp-app.sourceforge.net/

I've heard it's pretty much the best you can get! I have not used it but I looked it up right now and it seems pretty all-encompassing.

If you can get past the "techy" installation, you can probably learn to use it fairly quickly!

Good luck!
Amy