A Small question about Image Subtraction

[purifier]

I know this is weird. But I wanted to know if it is possible to subtract colors in Xara... I mean, when i take an image and draw another image and then subtract, it goes fine, I get a cut out. But what I'm trying is suppose, that my image has a black color. After putting a black mask, I want that black color to be subtracted. Is there anyway I could do that?

[Intbel]

I know this is weird. But I wanted to know if it is possible to subtract colors in Xara... I mean, when i take an image and draw another image and then subtract, it goes fine, I get a cut out. But what I'm trying is suppose, that my image has a black color. After putting a black mask, I want that black color to be subtracted. Is there anyway I could do that?

Draw a shape as per what is coloured black and then subtract?

[purifier]

Well, that would work for small images where there is a common black all over. But I need to remove say black from the whole picture.

[Intbel]

Well, that would work for small images where there is a common black all over. But I need to remove say black from the whole picture.

Mask off the bits you want to keep and cut them out instead?

In the images you have posted:

(Copy the whole image)
Draw shapes covering the yellow bits.
Subtract each of those from the whole.
You now have a 'mask' exactly covering the back.
Paste the original, send to back and subtract shapes.

[purifier]

Yes Sir. That method is what I usually use but for pictures that are really complex, drawing a mask becomes impossible. So I was wondering if there is anything like color subtraction.

[Intbel]

Yes Sir. That method is what I usually use but for pictures that are really complex, drawing a mask becomes impossible. So I was wondering if there is anything like color subtraction.

Not to my knowledge. That doesn't mean there isn't, just that I don't know.

Anything I want removed I mask and cut piece by piece.

[purifier]

Thank you Sir. Guess I'll have to stick to the traditional method.

[David O'Neil]

Xara's forte is vector graphics. For what you are trying to do, a pixel graphic program is probably what you are looking for. As you used the word 'mask', you probably have experience with something that will do the trick.

Use the best program for the trick needed. In this case, I would use another program, and import the results back into Xara. If you already have lots of vectors above your bitmap, I would take the time to recreate that bitmap, or use the techniques Intbel suggested, as you will have a much more flexible file in the end, with which you can do many more things.

Best wishes,
David

[Judi A]

You could use the plug-in Medhi's Eraser Classic that comes with Xara X

[Mike Bailey]

White+ 0.0 transparency.