Shuttle Mask Screen Shot
Figure 3
STEP THREE. Add a Layer Mask by using /Layer/Mask/Add Layer Mask (just like in Step 4 from my notes on Blending Two Photos with the Gimp). Click OK to accept the default settings of White (Full Opacity). Now this Mask will allow you to do a special selection using the Paint Brush tool.
Anything you paint black will become transparent. If you make a mistake, don't worry. Anything you paint white will become visible again.
NOTE: The GIMP uses a gray "checkered" pattern to indicate a transparency. When you save this mask, the checkered pattern will be replaced by whatever background you have selected.
STEP ELEVEN. When you have the Shuttle isolated apply the Mask using /Layer/Mask/Apply Layer Mask.
NOTE: As long as you don't close your Mask, you can "unapply" the mask and edit it just like before using /Edit/Undo. You may want to save the Shuttle Mask as Shuttle_Mask.xcf. XCF is the Gimp's native file format. Using this format allows you to go back to your mask and correct any flaws.
