Problem with Transparency in Fireworks

[scaiferw]

I'm trying to create a WordPress.com header for rotary7040pr.wordpress.com.

I have a layer for the background colour, and have created another layer for text and graphics. So far so good.

Now I have a graphic (http://www.rotary7040.com/images/Rot...dow300x288.jpg) that I want to place on the layer with the text, but I don't know how to make the 'white' part of the background transparent so I don't have a white box.

I also believe I need to use alpha channel so the shadow can blend in nicely, but I'm a bit of a novice at graphics.

Can someone tell me how to do this?

Thanks,

Rob

[Major Payne]

Have you tried using the Wand tool to remove the white background? Might look into using Opacity tool. You'll need to merge all the layers and then save in the format you want to use. Would you want to keep the shadow behind image?

With shadow: http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/5...national01.png

No shadow: http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/6...tional02no.png

About 50% opaque: http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/3...tional03or.png

[scaiferw]

Fantastic, thanks. I'm going to have a go at that as soon as I have a few minutes. I may want to put just a very subtle shadow, I think subtle effects like that can draw the eye without taking over she show.

Thanks again for these samples.

Cheers,

Rob

[Major Payne]

You're very welcome. I love experimenting with different effects.