Software: Ulead PhotoImpact 12
Author: MaryLou White
Home Page: Wishing Well Tutorials

Title: Continue Draw
Skill Level: Beginner

Description: PhotoImpact has a very powerful tool that's not used a lot but once you understand how to use it, the possibilities are endless. We will cover the basics of using this tool.

WORK MODE
PhotoImpact 12 has several preset work modes. For this tutorial, we will be using the Full Edit mode so all of the tools in PhotoImpact will be available to you.

As you work, use your mouse to drag this along with with you to mark your place.

LET'S GET STARTED

We will make several different examples in this tutorial so you get a real feel for this tool. You'll be pleased at how easy it is to use and with the end results.

  1. Open a new image, 400x300, white background. Click on the Path Drawing Tool

  2. This will activate the Tool Settings- Path menu. Make sure both Odd-Even Fill and Anti-Aliasing are checked. If the Tool Settings- Path menu doesn't open automatically, you can do it manually by clicking the icon (see below) on the menu bar.

  3. Click on the Color box and select any color but white (this will change later). Click on Shape drop-down menu and select Custom Shape. When the Custom Shape window opens, scroll down until you find shape FR34. Click once to select, click Okay.

    Start in the upper left corner, hold down the shift key and draw your shape large enough to fill the 400x300 image. Click on the Pick Tool and Align the shape in the center of the window.

  4. While the image is still active, Click the Mode Down Arrow and select Continue Draw. Click on Shape and select the rectangle box. Draw a rectangle in the center of the image (see example):

    When finished, change the Mode to 2D Object. you will now have an image that looks somewhat like a picture frame. It probably needs a bit of alignment to center the rectangle within the frame.

  5. Click on the Edit icon on the menu bar . When the edit screen opens, you will see your image with all the nodes showing. Click on the Alignment icon on the menu bar. Select Center Both. This will center the inner box within the outer shape. Click the Toggle Icon on the menu bar to exit the Edit mode, then click on the Path Edit tool again.

  6. While your image is still selected and you are in the Path mode, Select 3D from the Mode Dropdown menu. Open your Easy Palette and click on the Galleries tab. In the Text/Path Effects, apply a material of your choice. You may wish to adjust the border width using the Tool Settings- Path menu. Your finished image should look like the one below. You can add your favorite image by cropping it the size of the frame and moving it to the bottom layer.

Now that you know where the basic tools are, we'll practice a bit but with fewer instructions.

EXERCISE

  1. Open a new image 400x300, click on the Path tool, Custom Shape. This time, find the Heart and draw a shape large enough to fill your image. Center your image using the Centering tools.

  2. Click on the Path tool again and select Continue Draw mode. Select Circle for the shape and draw a circle inside of your heart. Don't worry if it's not centered. Click 2D Object Mode. Click on the Path Edit icon. Use the Alignment tool to align your circle in the center of the heart. Click the Toggle icon to exit the edit mode.

  3. Click on the Path tool again and select Continue Draw mode. Select Custom Shape. Navigate to one of the flower shapes. Draw a small flower on each side of the heart near the top. When done, click on 3D Mode. Apply a material from your material gallery. You could add a colored circle behind the flower to give it some color. Put an image of your choice in the center of the heart.

OTHER USES

A very nice use for this tool is to make a bay window and put a scene behind it. This is just an example of what you can do:


Experiment with the various shapes in the Shape Library and make some of your own too.


You're invited to join the PIRC Fourm! This is an active PhotoImpact Forum where you'll find a wonderful group of warm, friendly, talented, and knowledgeable people who are ready and willing to share their expertise with you. There are creative activities for all levels of PhotoImpact users. This forum is 100% free and everyone is welcome.

Copyright© MaryLou White.
This document may not be translated, duplicated, redistributed or otherwise appropriated without permission.