I'm gettin' ready to start on the apply gradient/pattern to all layers as discussed on page 3 of this thread viewtopic.php?f=10&t=241 and have a couple of questions:

Is it better to use the Lock Transparency option or do an Alpha to Selection on each layer? In the past it seems that locking the transparency works better, but maybe y'all have other experiences.

Most of the gradients options require starting X/Y and ending X/Y coordinates in order to work properly. Because each selection will be different, I'm not quite sure how to handle that. Should I set up the script so that the user can enter the coordinates? Should I assume it will start in the upper left hand corner and go to the lower right?

Other input is welcome.

IMO being able to choose the coordinates would be best. While I probably would prefer a diagonal gradient most of the time, it might be nice to have the choice of a straight across or straight up-down gradient. The little arrow that switches which way the gradient colors go down could change the direction of the colors.

AFA locking the alpha channel as opposed to a selection, I think locking the A channel does a better job than a selection. That way all pixels of the underlying image on each layer will be colored.

Another thing to think about would be if a border around the image is wanted, the selection could be shrunk a couple pixels to paint onto the existing solid-colored image.

I think what is achievable in the script is first and foremost. The more I think about it the more complex it becomes in my mind.

There is a distinct difference in what happens between these two approaches. Though both end up with the same amount of alpha in the result, Alpha to Selection will blend the new color with the old color based upon the degree of selection, while Lock Transparency will be an unadulterated new-color-only result.

Imagine a fuzzy white circle on an otherwise transparent layer: performing an Alpha To Selection, and bucket filling with black will result in various shades of gray along the edges; whereas Lock Transparency would result in a pure black result.

I experimented. I can see a slight difference in them.

Oops. Your picture magically appeared. Luckily my picture hadn't been closed and I did your experiment. I got the same results - white ring ghost on Alpha to Selection.

That's very interesting. I never even gave it a thought. Am wondering about solid color things. Will have to delve into that.

White figures changed to black. One on left alpha to selection, right locked.



The one on the left zoomed 400%. (One on right didn't have any light pixels.)

A small piece of the zoomed image.

... on the other hand, perhaps those pixels aren't gray but still white in Alpha to Selection.

Same thing repeated using purple to gold.

The outside pixels in Alpha to Selection remain purple. They are all colored gold in lock transparency.

Thanks for the information on Alpha to Selection and Locking Transparency; very helpful. Maybe I can include an option to work with one or the other.

My apologies for delaying this script. I have been quite busy with work (which is a good thing in this economy) and when I get home at night, my guitar has been receiving all of my attention. I promise to get something posted soon for your use.

No prob, fencepost. Ya gotta make hay while the sun's shining and you need that guitar soul food.

I'm looking forward to that script when it gets here.