title: Avatar creation using predefined image sets
body: <p><em>This question is more about guidance than actually solving my problem:</em></p>
  
  <p>I need to make an <strong>Avatar creator in <code>C#</code></strong> using a huge set of categorised images.</p>
  
  <p>Very straight-forward in concept, but I have never manipulated images in code, so I need some tips and pointers.</p>
  
  <p>How I envisioned it working is that there will be 2 parts to the system:</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>A front-end that uses <code>HTML+CSS</code> to allow a user to select and position multiple images</li>
  <li>A save action sends these images/layers and their positions to the server which then writes them out as a flattened image file</li>
  </ol>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>Now, this is <strong>my assumption</strong> of how such a system should work. If not, tips/pointers would be highly appreciated.</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p><strong>Carrying forward the assumption:</strong></p>
  
  <p>I have a vague feeling that I will need to use <code>Canvas</code> to create the image on client side for the first part. Although this brings up the issue of browser support.
  Would <code>Canvas</code> be the solution here, or would I be better off using plain <code>HTML4+CSS2</code>. Backtracking a bit, does <code>Canvas</code> even add any benefit to it? I saw the power of <code>Canvas</code> in Google's feedback/issue reporting system, where they use the this element to do client side screenshots!</p>
  
  <p>For the second part, I haven't a clue. As I ask this question, I am reading/researching about Image Creation in C# and jargon like <code>GDI+</code> and <code>Image Library</code> are popping up.</p>
  
  <p>Relevant questions:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li><a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/3590315/c-save-multiple-images-to-a-single-file">C#: Save multiple images to a single file</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://stackoverflow.com/q/3795575/476786">Are there any composite-avatar scripts that I could steal or take a look at?</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://stackoverflow.com/q/3731933/476786">jQuery/JavaScript Library for avatar creation?</a></li>
  </ul>
  
  <p><em>Gravatar or PHP are not options!</em></p>
  
  <p><em>PS:</em> I expect to be editing this question in the light of my research/findings and any assistance provided by the SO community, but I believe it is not a discussion as such. As my research on SO hasn't provided with much leads, I believe we could make this a <strong>Community Wiki</strong> with the best answers/suggestions amalgamated into one post. Thanks.</p>