1.) first, make a background that you like... and save it

2.) now go to Layer > Merge Visible
*this puts all your layers together

3.) use the Rectangle Marquee tool, and select the part that you want to be "invisible" when you show it on the forum, and click Delete
*after you click delete, you should see checkers, if you dont, you have to make sure you delete that part on other layers too


4.) get a picture that you like and fit it into your work space


5.) add any text, brushing, or borders that you think you need


6.) and when your satisfied with what you got go to File > Save As...
and when you save it make the format a GIF
then click OK
then a window should appear
put the Matte on Netscape Grey because that is the color of our forums, if you are going to put it on a black background, make the matte black, and so on


7.)then another window appears, just click ok

here is my final product



and yes, i know there are many other ways to do this, this is just the way i decided to show it in this tutorial