I know there is a forum for this but the last post was on the 19th, and I would really like help now. I've downloaded some really cute files, some are jpg and some are png files. Why, when I open them in GIMP, do they have any ugly background? It's not what shows up in the thumbnail, so what's going on?

PLEASE don't scream at me for being in the wrong spot!

Do you mean a black and white checker board background?

If so that is what graphics programs use to tell the user that the background is clear or tansparent.

Depending on what you are doing it might be best to open a background paper fist. And then drag or copy the png's onto that paper this way you don't have to look at it the checks.

Though most of the time I start with an empty 12x12 layout at 300 pxles per inch and then I build my page. I'm always changing the background paper.

Does this help?

Thanks so much. That's what I'm talking about, and you've explained it so perfect!