Convert to alpha?

[nickbatz]

You make a selection on a rasterized pixel layer that you want to make transparent by converting to alpha (i.e. deleting the selection, leaving a hole for what's underneath).

How?

I still haven't figured out why it works sometimes (when hitting Delete) and not others.

TIA

[NotMyFault]

If it doesn‘t work:

• inspect the history panel that has been logged last. You could delete any layer by mistake without noticing!
• as N.P.M. Already mentioned, check that a pixel layer (and only one) is selected in layer stack
• check a selection tool is still active
• undo l last action, and re-check again that only one pixel layer is active

other influencing factors:

• you may have locked alpha channel in channels panel
• you may have switched to a different tool e.g. brush
• some operations (UI input) may lead to visible status (selection with marching ants, which layer is active in stack, which tool is active) is out of sync with actual internal status. Re-select layer an tool again, try again.
• happens if you switch to a different app, e.g. Photo and Designer, and by mistake hit tool panel of inactive app.

[nickbatz]

Thanks very much.

Not My Fault, you're the winner: you have to have a selection tool activated.

I had no idea, in fact when I posted this question I'd just used Select Sampled Color - i.e. I wasn't using a selection tool.

 

[carl123]

10 hours ago, nickbatz said:

Not My Fault, you're the winner: you have to have a selection tool activated.

I had no idea, in fact when I posted this question I'd just used Select Sampled Color - i.e. I wasn't using a selection tool.

 

Select Sampled Colour does not require you to have a selection tool activated

In V1 using Select Sampled Colour and just hitting delete will delete the entire layer

In V2 using Select Sampled Colour and just hitting delete will do nothing

In both cases you have to first click the Apply button in the Select Sampled Colour dialog box for the Delete command to then work as expected

By choosing a selection tool or any other tool after using Select Sampled Colour you are automatically Applying and closing the Sampled Colour dialog box

(Windows 11)

[nickbatz]

13 hours ago, carl123 said:

Select Sampled Colour does not require you to have a selection tool activated

In V1 using Select Sampled Colour and just hitting delete will delete the entire layer

In V2 using Select Sampled Colour and just hitting delete will do nothing

In both cases you have to first click the Apply button in the Select Sampled Colour dialog box for the Delete command to then work as expected

By choosing a selection tool or any other tool after using Select Sampled Colour you are automatically Applying and closing the Sampled Colour dialog box

(Windows 11)

Ah, got it. Thanks.

I think what happened is that the Select Sampled Color panel was closed and I was just looking at the ants. Out of sight, out of mind.

By the way, if you hit delete in v.2 without a selection tool or the panel dismissed, it deletes the layer instead of the selection.