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

THE GRID Let's start by setting up the grid to the correct size: File\Preferences\General\Guidelines & Grid Set Grid Horizontal and Vertical spacing to 12, OK. THE CANVAS File\New Canvas: Single Color (pick a color other than white) Size: User Defined 48x48, OK. View\Guidelines&Grid\Grid (this turns the grid on) Magnify image to 400%. Using the Path Tool, Mode=2D Object, Shape=Circle, color=white Draw a circle 8X8. Note: If you have trouble getting the correct size, right-click on the circle, select Properties\Position & Size tab, set width and height to 8. Right-click\Duplicate dot 3 times. Use Pick tool to place dots as shown in image. View\Guidelines&Grid\Grid (this turns off the grid) Edit\Duplicate\Base Image with Objects (Or press Ctrl D). Set the duplicate aside for later use. On original image, Right-click\Merge All. Change view to normal size (100%). It should look like the small example(s). CHECKING IT OUT File\Preview in Browser\As Tiled Background You should have a screen full of perfectly place polkadots! Save your tile to your hard drive, then add it to your Material Gallery fill patterns in the Easy Palette. When you use the tile from the fill gallery, it will tile to fill whatever image you are using. If you want your pattern to be smaller, use Format\Dimensions and 50% (or whatever you prefer) after you make the tile. MAKING MORE COLORS We still have the duplicate image with the dots unmerged. Use the paint can and fill the background with another color and save. Make as many different colors as you like. For a variation, using squares, hearts, diamonds, stars, etc.

Magnified 400%

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.