The only limitation to this method is that the drop shadow needs to be fairly dark (There can't be a lot of variation.) and the image is heavily tuned for display over a background similar in color to the one chosen. The image below could only really work on a dark purple background. Even a black background would cause a halo effect.

Figure 14: It looks ugly on a white background, but...

Figure 15: ...the final image floats cleanly on our complex background.

Transparency Is King!

Transparency adds a lot of value to the graphics arena, and with tools like PhotoImpact and SmartSaver Pro you can create beautiful transparent effects. It might take a bit of work, but a clean transparent image will make your site look professional and show the world you know what you're doing. And as the next generation of browsers move to accept the PNG format more, we'll be able to generate 24-bit transparent images, giving us even more possibilities for creativity!