16.11. Chrome

16.11. Chrome
	16. Alpha to Logo Filters

16.11.1. Overview

Figure 16.365. Example for the “Chrome” filter

The “Chrome” filter applied

The “Chrome” logo

This filter is derived from the “Chrome” logo script (File ? Create ? Logos ? Chrome in the image window), which – according to the script author – creates a “simplistic, but cool, chromed logo” (see above).

The filter adds this simple chrome effect to the alpha, that is the area of the active layer defined by the non-transparent pixels (think of it as a “selection by visibility”). The filter effect will always be applied according to the alpha values.

Apparently the effect only looks “cool” when the filter is applied to thin areas. For wide shapes you can try to increase the Offset value; see the examples below.

	Warning
	The image will always be resized to the active layer's size.

16.11.2. Activate the filter

This filter is found in the image window menu under Filters ? Alpha to Logo ? Chrome.

16.11.3. Options

Figure 16.366. “Chrome” options

Offset (pixels * 2)

This option is used when creating the chrome effect and for placing the drop shadow:

Figure 16.367. “Offset” examples

Offset 25

Offset 50

Offset 100

The filter creates a drop shadow in the shape of the alpha. This shadow will be moved according to the specified offset in relation to the alpha: by 40% of the offset to the right and by 30% offset down. It will be feathered by 50% of the offset value.

The chrome effect will be achieved using some temporary layers. These layers are moved by the same amount (40% and 30% of the specified offset) and are also feathered by 50% offset. So the appearance of the alpha too is determined by the offset value.

Background Color

This color is used to fill the background layer created by the filter. It defaults to light gray. When you click on the color button, a color selector pops up where you can select any other color.