Eraser issue on GIMP Solved

Question

Hello,

I'm using the eraser tool in GIMP, but it's not erasing anything. I've already looked for answers, and they say I need to use the 'add alpha channel' function. I can't use this option because it’s grayed out. I have 2 overlapping images in GIMP, and I want to erase parts of the top one to reveal the one below.

Le Gnou · Accepted Answer

Hello,  I can't use this option because it appears greyed out. If the option is greyed out, it might be that there's already an alpha channel...  A simple way... when there is no alpha channel on a layer, the layer name appears in bold in the layers window: http://cjoint.com/13av/CDmjdfVRVSY_capture2.png ;)   For the eraser function, check these options: --> opacity at 100%, --> Brush dynamics set to "Dynamics Off", --> "Preserve Transparency" unchecked... In the image: http://cjoint.com/13av/CDmi4OYHlSa_capture1.png   Now... the eraser is not necessarily the best tool (it's actually a tool I no longer use)... If you plan to use Gimp a lot, take a look at masks: more flexible, editable at will... It's not an "easy to grasp" function, but once the concept is understood, it's all joy! And it's a function you'll find in other graphic software... ;)   See you later    (_._) -0|0-

gluco · Answer

All the features you've mentioned are correctly selected, but the eraser isn't working. When I first used GIMP, the eraser worked. But now it doesn't work anymore; I might have accidentally changed something.

Le Gnou · Answer

Re,

When you say "the eraser doesn't work":
--> nothing happens (in this case, an option of the eraser or something else),
--> in the areas where you use the eraser, it's replaced by a color (in this case, it would be on the alpha channel) ?

A few ideas coming to mind...
--> by any chance, do you have an active selection that you can't see (View > Show Selection is checked?)
--> have you tried with another brush? also check that the brush size isn't too small...
http://cjoint.com/13av/CDmkv4KHN54_capture3.png
--> are you working on a layer (and not a mask)?
--> are you working on the right layer (the one at the top of the stack)?
http://cjoint.com/13av/CDmkCaTOIlM_capture4.png
--> in the brush window, check that the spacing isn't too high...
http://cjoint.com/13av/CDmkEBTFG0S_capture5.png

Try this, and keep me updated.
;)

@+

(_._)
-0|0-

gluco · Answer

Everything you asked me to check is correct except maybe what you asked me:
"Are you working on a layer (and not a mask)?"

To be honest, I don't know. I slipped in 2 xcf images. My GIMP window is made up of 3 rectangles: the one at the bottom that looks like a checkerboard, and my two images.

I also noticed that the brush and pencil are not working.

gluco · Answer

When I say it doesn't work, I mean that nothing happens. There is no usual circular cursor.

Le Gnou · Answer

I admit I'm starting to run out of ideas...

I've also noticed that the brush and the pencil aren't working.
There's no usual circular cursor.
To make sure we're on the same page... instead of having the icon + a circle, do you just have an icon?
http://cjoint.com/13av/CDmlh3eERnJ_capture7.png
(2 instead of 1?)

My GIMP window is made up of 3 rectangles: the one at the bottom that looks like a checkerboard, and my two images.
Could you take a full screenshot, post it here:
http://www.cjoint.com/
...and give me the link?

We'll figure it out eventually...
;)

@+

(_._)
-0|0-

gluco · Answer

Désolé, je ne peux pas accéder à ce lien.

Le Gnou · Answer

Re,

:)
What is selected in your capture is the clipboard: if there's nothing in it, it won't work...

Try changing the brush (blue arrow in the capture):
http://cjoint.com/13av/CDmlYo0DUS3_capture.png
;)

P.S.: I don't know if it's the same on Mac, but since version 2.8 of Gimp, you have the single-window mode (Windows > Single Window Mode)...

(_._)
-0|0-

gluco · Answer

Thank you very much. It works now.

Le Gnou · Answer

You're welcome... glad it works! :)   Happy creating with Gimp...  @+    (_._) -0|0-

Eraser issue on GIMP

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