Alpha Blending



See Microsoft's Image Composer for more info on these images

Alpha blending simulates the opacity
of cellophane-like layers


General rules:
  • Adds one channel per pixel
  • Usually process layers back-to-front (using the over operator)
  • 255 or 1.0 indicates an opaque pixel
  • 0 indicates a transparent pixel
  • Result is a function of foregrond and background pixel colors
  • Simulate partial-pixel coverage
  • Much ore capable than simple tranparency
Lecture 4 Slide 18 6.837 Fall '98