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 you to mark your place.

LET'S GET STARTED

1. Open a new image, color=white, size=20 x20 pixels.

2. The image will be very small so magnify it to 600%.

3. On the menu, click Web and select Grid and Partition.
   

4. On the Grid and Partition screen, set your options as those shown below. We are creating an image with four equally sized objects.
   

   This will be our template for making more gingham tiles. Press CTRL D to create a duplicate. Your duplicate will be small so you'll need to magnify it when you're ready to use it.

5. Press the Enter key to deselect all objects. You will no longer have the lines around each object but we know were the four objects are. Use the Pick tool to select the upper left square. Then use the Bucket Fill tool and fill the square with a color of your choice. Fill the lower right corner with the same color. Fill the upper right corner with a lighter color. You can leave the lower left corner white or fill with a very light color.
   

6. To preview your tile, click File\Preview in Browser\As Tiled Background. At this point, the squares will still probably be larger than you want. When you are happy with your colors, right-click\Merge All. Now you can resize your tile to around 60% or so.

   You can save your tile to your hard drive and use as a fill pattern or even import it into your Easy Pallet Gallery.

   

MAKING MORE COLORS

Duplicate the duplicate you created in the above steps. You will need to do this for each new gingham pattern you create. Remember that each "tile" should have 1 dark color, 1 white color (or a very light color) and 2 medium colors. Once you merge the colors, you can resize your gingham to any size you wish or leave it as is. You can create an entire library of ginghams in a wide variety of colors.

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.