How can I select an image but...

[JackSwyr]

Hi, now I know I'm less than a rank amateur.  I've had this program on my iMac for a while now and since I'm so busy I don't have time to properly learn it.  I'd have to give up most of the things in life in order to spend every waking minute to learning this cool program.

So I need this Santa image but with all the white space removed.

I watched a YouTube and followed along and got it only partly right as there were parts missing.  He said to use the selection brush tool and despite many times at adding and subtracting I still only get a partial image with the white removed.

Is there another way?  A friend said I could use a mask?  No idea how to do that either.

Can anyone tell me what I need to do or direct me to a good YT on what I need to do?

Here's the image.  Thanks for any help.

[toltec]

@JackSwyr

Just go Filters > Colours > Erase White Paper

If you just want to remove the white from Santa

Select him first and go Filters > Colours > Erase White Paper

Note: Make sure it is a Pixel layer, not an Image layer.

[JackSwyr]

22 minutes ago, toltec said:

If you just want to remove the white from Santa

Select him first and go Filters > Colours > Erase White Paper

That's amazing!! I can't believe it was going to be that easy.  Thank you.

22 minutes ago, toltec said:

Note: Make sure it is a Pixel layer, not an Image layer.

How do I ensure it's a Pixel layer?

And, what if it's on a black background?

Thanks so much!

[JackSwyr]

Also, another simple question, how do I pin these floating windows to the program?

[toltec]

It tells you on the layers. Right click and choose Rasterise if it's an image layer.

You might have to rethink black? 

Drag the windows to the studio until they turn blue, then drop them.

[JackSwyr]

2 minutes ago, toltec said:

Drag the windows to the studio until they turn blue, then drop them.

I don't understand this part.  Till they turn blue?  What studio?

 

[toltec]

11 minutes ago, JackSwyr said:

I don't understand this part.  Till they turn blue?  What studio?

 

All the tool panels on the right are in what is called 'The Studio'.

If you drag a loose panel over it, the panel turns blue (highlighted). Try it !

OK, perhaps an easier method is to go View > Studio > Reset Studio

[JackSwyr]

1 minute ago, toltec said:

All the tool panels on the right are in what is called 'The Studio'.

If you drag a loose panel over it, the panel turns blue (highlighted). Try it !

OK, perhaps an easier method is to go View > Studio > Reset Studio

Ok, that works perfectly, thanks again!  I really appreciate it.  I need to spend some quality time looking at the tens of thousands of YT's out there.