Separating object from background

[Giannis]

I've got a monochrome picture which has an illustration of a camera on it that I would like to use for a CD label. The camera is black and the picture has a white background - how do I turn the white background to transparent?

[steve.ledger]

Try using the MEHDI Eraser plugin...

[handrawn]

depending on the saturation stained glass transparency may well be quicker

[zaphodeist]

Just out of interest (and not trying to step on any expert's toes ), 3 quickie examples taken 'straight' - i.e. without fiddling with settings. I've just used Cybia here [post #21]: the transparency in the top left didn't matter as it still just looks like light, but it obviously depends on what is behind and how much white is in the object itself.

John

[Soquili]

I hope you don't mind John. I borrowed the upper left image from your post.

Stained Glass transparency with two white shapes behind the image.

[zaphodeist]

Don't mind at all - I like learning Even if it is one on those D'OH! moments

John

[steve.ledger]

Sorry - I forgot about Cybia Alphaworks - another good one
I was actually referring to MEHDI Genuine, not classic.

[Rhanna]

I am always keen to hear of ways of removing background colours because I make cards and put stuff on my web page from time to time.
I see what you are saying about stainglass. I know how to apply this but I must be missing something in the middle - so I can't get it right.
Can you give me a quick rundown of the steps or put me on to a tutorial on removing backgrounds with stainglass transparency where I can refine my skills in this area.
Thanks, Rupert.

[Soquili]

Hi Rupert,

Stained Glass transparency makes white transparent. Setting Transparency to 0% makes the black parts of the image opaque.

Bleach transparency makes black transparent, setting 0% makes white opaque.

The Mehdi and other plug-ins can make other colours transparent.

[Rhanna]

Thanks for the info Soquilli.
Rupert