Tricks and tips for Graphics Programs

[Angel ~ Back now]

This Thread has been set up so that the gurus of adobe and likewise programs can answer your questions on the graphic programs you use and can also put tutorials here for you to help you along. So good luck all.


angel . xx

[Angel ~ Back now]

Firstly, open Photoshop, and load the picture you want to cut out.
In the sidebar, you will notice a lasso tool. If you click and hold this (circled red on the sidebar):



You'll then be given the following options:



Choose Magnetic Lasso Tool, and Change the feather to about 2px:

img13.photobucket.com/albums/v37/huwrobs/feather.gif
[/img]

Then drag it around your person/object. The magnetic lasso 'sticks' to the objects outline, and makes it easier to cut out!! (on low quality pics, you may have trouble selecting the objects outline)
This may tak you take you a bit of practice.


Once you've gone around the figure, join the dotted line thinggy with the beginning, and it'll make the persons shape around them. Right click, and either choose Layer via copy or Layer via cut. Either way it'll make a new layer with the figure in which u can drag around etc.

You should end up with something like this:




As you can see, it has cut around the picture of Paige, leaving a tidy cut-out, which you can use on a sig etc.

[ehlwyen]

So you want to make banners and fanart? [/size][/u]

What program should I use?[/u]

Adobe Photoshop
Probably the best program is Adobe Photoshop. I've never used it because it can be expensive. But plenty of people here are using it. Programs can range in $300-$400 range. If you've got the money and are serious then go this route.

Paint Shop Pro (PSP)
The next best program is Paint Shop Pro (PSP). This is what I use. I am currently using PSP8 but have tried PSP9 and there are very few differences. So I can help with both.

PSP is not quite as powerful as Adobe Photoshop but it is still quite a capable program and probably more user-friendly to newcomers. Their programs typically range from $100-$170. (Don't quote me on prices! )

Jasc is the producer of PSP and there is usually a free trial of the latest PSP available for download at www.jasc.com. You get the full program for 30-60 days which is plenty enough time to decide if you like it.

Others
There are plenty of other imaging programs available. You may have had one come with your computer or scanner or camera.


If any other fanartists want to let me know what they are using or share more qualities about Adobe, PM me and I'll update this post.

[Random Hero]

Hope im putting this in the right place sorry if im not. But how in the world do you set up a border in Adobe Photoshop 7.0 i think thats what i have. I have adobe and psp7 on my computer i have to go into psp to make borders because i cant flippin figure out how to do it in adobe. So i was wondering if anybody could help me on that. Thanks.

[Green Eyed Soul]

hey angel..i use adobe and can you please tell me how to over lap piccys..when i click paste the pic i wont to put to that side near another pic just goes directly over the top of the first one and wont let me move it...what am i doing wrong.....
oh and can you tell us how to make avatars...

[CrazyCharmedGirl03]

Hey I just downloaded the free trial of PSP9 and was wondering if you could help me on how to start a banner cuz Im a little confused

If you could help me I would be very greatful ;D

Thanks

[Nite Owl]

hey angel..i use adobe and can you please tell me how to over lap piccys..when i click paste the pic i wont to put to that side near another pic just goes directly over the top of the first one and wont let me move it...what am i doing wrong.....
oh and can you tell us how to make avatars...

B_R,

when you paste pics, they should be pasting on different layers. To move them, you need to select the move tool, which is the one with the arrow and the little plus sign with arrows at the points.

Dave

[ehlwyen]

To create any artwork in PSP 9[/u]

>> means choose/click

Open program
>>File
>>New
Type in desired width and height. For a banner here it is 500 x 150. Wall papers are typically 800x600 and 1024x768.

Now you can copy and paste photos into the blank canvas.
Copy photo
Right click into the canvas.
>> Paste
>>Paste as New Layer (This creates layers within the canvas that will remain separate to work with as far as moving and adding effects.)

To work with a layer it must be selected first. To switch between different layers you use the Layer Palette which should be located on the bottom right. Just click on the layer you want to work with. There's a lot more that can be done with layers such as renaming them, changing transparency, blending level, and linking them. You don't have to know all that to do your first wallpaper but all those tools are located in the Layer Palette.

To do different effects and coloring, select either Effects or Adjust from the main toolbar. Really all you can do is just play around till you find something you like.

I hope that gets you started! I remember being completely overwhelmed when I first opened the program.

[annie]

A Great place to learn about PSP is on Madlassgrin:

www.madlassgrin.co.uk/

Ally's website taught me so much when I started and she has some really easy to follow tutorials. I've been using PSP 8 now for over a year and love my adobe photoshop so if I can be of any help to anyone just holler ;D

[Green Eyed Soul]

hi..i love making graphics and stuff and im ok at it but ive seen some around here that have the pics and really cool back grounds and masks..i was wondering how you made them or where you get them from..
thanks.

sammy.

[CharmedAngelUK]

i just use paint shop pro 7 and animation shop 3.
if anyone wants any specifics Qs answered about psp/as just ask and i can try to help

[xPiper20x]

I have PSP9, PSP7 and Photoshop 7 I'm just learning myself, but I'm more than happy to give any advice which posters may need.

[Green Eyed Soul]

i need ur help please....ok i use adobe photoshop 0.6 and when i click the "show layers" option it wont show me the layers even though it says they should be there...i must've put the window somewhere and now i cant find it..im so annoyed cause im stuck with making 1 layer banners cause i cant move between layers =(...help please.

[prue516]

Would regular Paint work? I'm not sure if I have the other programs.

[prue516]

ehlwyen said:

Jasc is the producer of PSP and there is usually a free trial of the latest PSP available for download at www.jasc.com. You get the full program for 30-60 days which is plenty enough time to decide if you like it.

So if you don't pay after the 30-60 days does it just dissapear?

[CharmedAngel]

prue516 said:

ehlwyen said:

Jasc is the producer of PSP and there is usually a free trial of the latest PSP available for download at www.jasc.com. You get the full program for 30-60 days which is plenty enough time to decide if you like it.

So if you don't pay after the 30-60 days does it just dissapear?

I have PSP 9 now and I've got 9 days left of the 60 day trial. If it works the same way as the Photoshop trial, then the icon to enter PSP should remain on your screen, but you won't be able to enter it.

[prue516]

thanx.

[prue516]

Has anyone here tried downloading a trial for PSP9? If so, do y'all know of anything bad it can do to a computer?

[Lady]

It won't do anything wrong to your computer, only thing is it won't work after the 60 days trial period ends.

[Elder]

charmed4eva3 said:

i need ur help please....ok i use adobe photoshop 0.6 and when i click the "show layers" option it wont show me the layers even though it says they should be there...i must've put the window somewhere and now i cant find it..im so annoyed cause im stuck with making 1 layer banners cause i cant move between layers =(...help please.

Hmmm.
If your (adobe) photoshop is the same as mine, there could be a tab at the top labled "window"
Go there and make sure the layers line is checked (or the channels or path).

If not, then I am baffled too.