PHP 5 Unleashed

Chapter 27. Working with Images

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Basic Image Creation Using GD

• Using the PHP/GD Drawing Functions

• Working with Colors and Brushes

• Using Fonts and Printing Strings

• General Image Manipulation

• Other Graphics Functions

Basic Image Creation Using GD

To introduce you to the concept of working with images in PHP, let's look at the general technique that is employed when scripting using the GD graphics library. This process can be generalized into the following steps:

1. Creation of an image “canvas” in memory by creating a new image or by loading an existing image.

2. Allocation of colors used in the image (if necessary).

3. Performing of any drawing or other image manipulations necessary on the canvas.

4. Saving the canvas to a file in a supported image ...