Using a transparent PNG as a clip mask

Question

Is it possible to take this image:

And apply this mask:

And turn it into this:

Using either GD or Imagick? I know it's possible to mask an image using shapes but I'm not sure how to go on about doing it with a pre-created alphatransparent image. :s

Answer 1

Using Imagick and ImageMagick version > 6 (I don't know if it will work on older versions):

// Set image path
$path = '/path/to/your/images/';

// Create new objects from png's
$dude = new Imagick($path . 'dude.png');
$mask = new Imagick($path . 'dudemask.png');

// IMPORTANT! Must activate the opacity channel
// See: http://www.php.net/manual/en/function.imagick-setimagematte.php
$dude->setImageMatte(1); 

// Create composite of two images using DSTIN
// See: http://www.imagemagick.org/Usage/compose/#dstin
$dude->compositeImage($mask, Imagick::COMPOSITE_DSTIN, 0, 0);

// Write image to a file.
$dude->writeImage($path . 'newimage.png');

// And/or output image directly to browser
header("Content-Type: image/png");
echo $dude;

Answer 2

I think you are looking for imagealphablending. I use it for watermarks, and I believe it will do the effect you are looking for.