transparant backgrounds

[jmiller]

This is rather embarrasing but I'm quite new at this and I need some help. I need to draw images in say an image control, but draw them with transparant backgrounds. I've tried created GIFs with transparant backgrounds and then drawing them with the .paintPicture method, but that just draws a black background where the transparancy should be. I'm quite sure there is a way, so if anyone could help me that would be excellent.
Thanks
jmiller

[xFreDx]

Just to start you off in a general direction since your starting off, is to go take a look at a general tutorial on vb gameing:

http://www.vbexplorer.com/VBExplorer/games.asp

VB Explorer can start you off and from there you can be able to get a general idea on what you want to start to do. And if you want to start getting into DirectX game programming I suggest starting off with a book:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/193184125X/qid=1026254722/sr=1-9/ref=sr_1_9/102-1998787-8222532

And if you take the route of working with DirectX you will need a few things:

MS DirectX 8.1 SDK (Software Development Kit)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/release.asp?ReleaseID=33780&area=search&ordinal=5

MS DirectX 8.1
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/downloads/drx81.asp


There are several different ways to do it, just have to start in one direction and let it take you to the point where you mind can take over the rest.

[exploreRPG]

If you know WinAPI you can use the BITBLT methods to create mask of the image and create a trasparent copy dynamically.

I have written a game engine that has made extensive use of transparent copies as well as VB Active X controls to create neat transparent interfaces for my game.

I posted this link before so I'll only put a couple here. This project has been a *secret* pet of mine for years and I'm planning to release it soon.

http://www.explore-rpg.com/v6Screens/Midieval7.jpg
http://www.explore-rpg.com/v6Screens/Oriental4.jpg

I work as a Data Processing programmer but I can help with game development if needed. (I can't give you any of my source though.) :)