When you apply Linear Transparency , the transition can be abrupt as shown in the center panel where the fill path arrow has been shortened considerably, or languorous and smooth as shown in the last panel where the fill path arrow extends the full height of the image.

Using a very short fill path is a good way to soften the edge of an image.

Transparency can be used to add drama to photographic images. On the left is the original image (from the Xara 2 Replacement CD). In the center is a orange and pale yellow Circular Fill, which is placed over the original photo image and a Flat, Stained Glass Transparency applied.

Using an orange and white Linear Fill which is placed over the photo image and a Flat, Stained Glass Transparency applied. As Stained Glass Transparency treats white as transparent the bottom portion of the photo remains unchanged while the top takes on a dramatic orange glow.

Here is another variation using an orange and black Linear Fill placed over the photo image and a Flat, Bleach Transparency applied. As Bleach Transparency treats black as transparent the bottom portion of the photo remains masked giving the impression that a storm has just passed and the sun has broken through the clouds.

Transparency can be used to create a photomontage as you can see in the image on the left in which the giant tractor looms behind the red farm out buildings. The arrow represents the starting and enging points on the fill path.

The photos are from the Xara 2 replacement CD.

CAUTION: Transparency can create very complex images. Do not export an image with transparency to EPS (Encapsulated PostScript). This will drive an imagesetter to its knees crying for mercy. Instead, export your image as a TIFF or JPEG image.

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