Is it possible to make a .png (or other) image that does NOT have rectangular dimensions?

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This might be a dumb question, but is it possible to make a .png file that isn't square?

If so, how can one do this in Gimp?

Ideally I'd like one in the shape of an X.

Richard

Posted 2011-08-24T16:03:12.137

Reputation: 605

i wanted an image with bottle shape, searching for 2 days now, if anyone have idea please reply – Shirish Herwade – 2016-06-22T13:13:48.320

3You mean, "isn't a rectangle"? ;) Nope, not possible. – slhck – 2011-08-24T16:05:51.867

Interesting question. The vast majority of today's display devices are rectangular (a notable exception being the Motorola Aura) so I doubt non-rectangular images would be particularly useful. – Jon Purdy – 2011-08-24T23:19:37.390

I love this question, nice thought. Why should images be rectangular? Because someone told you that they have to be rectangular? – demongolem – 2013-07-15T13:30:30.660

Answers

28

All image formats (even vector) must maintain a rectangular border specifying the size of the image. However, one can use the transparent properties of PNG images to simulate the appearance of a non-square image.


Just create your image/shape, ensure the background is transparent, and save the file in the PNG format. Make sure you include the alpha channel so there is a transparent background saved with the image.

Breakthrough

Posted 2011-08-24T16:03:12.137

Reputation: 32 927