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 Web

Reminder: Save your work often!

Open a new image, 300 x 300, white background.

Click on the path Outline tool. Click Shape on the menu bar and select custom Shape.

Select Hexagon 2 and draw the shape almost as large as the 300x300 image.

This will cause the Path Panel tool box to open. Set the border to 1 for a nice thin web. (Note: If Path Panel doesn't open, click on the word Panel on the Attribute bar to open).

While your hexagon is still active, click the Pick Tool, then click the 4-way centering tool to center the image.

Now comes the fun. These next steps will be repeated over and over until you've filled your web to your satisfaction.

1. While your hexagon is still active, Right-click, Duplicate.
2. On the menu, click Format\Image Size. Set the options to Selected Object and the size to 85% and click Okay.
3. Click the Pick Tool, Click the 4-way centering tool.

   Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 one more time at 85%.

   

4. Repeat 1, 2, and 3 twice but change the size to 80%.
5. Repeat 1, 2, and 3 twice but change the size to 75%.

Keep repeating the above steps reducing size by 5% until your web is filled.

Right-click on your web, Select All Objects, Right-Click again, select Combine as a single object.

Use the Line and Arrow tool to make straight lines across the web. Set the width to 1 on the Path Panel and the other settings as shown below:

Right-click, Select All Objects, Right-Click, Combine as a single object. You may want to rotate your web to give it a little different look.

The zip has two different spiders. Click the spider to download the .ufo files. Try your hand at animating the spider too!

Here's an excellent example of how you can animate your spider:

©Linda Jacobs

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