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Image Manipulation SoftwareImage Manipulation Software

Image Manipulation

As Images are such an important part of Multimedia presentations you are going to want to manipulate your images to be eye-catching.

We will use Adobe Fireworks and Photoshop in this subject. These software packages treat images in a similar way. You need to understand the philosophy behind these packages if you are to use them effectively.

We will concentrate on Photoshop here.

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PhotoshopPhotoshop

Screen Organisation

Toolbar Panels

Application Bar Properties

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PhotoshopPhotoshop

A New Canvas

When File > New is chosen a blank canvas of a certain size can be created.

The color of the canvas can be set when a New workspace is created or left Transparent.

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PhotoshopPhotoshop

Layers

An image can then be dragged on to the canvas. Photoshop works in layers.

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PhotoshopPhotoshop

Layers

By default a layer (other than a text layer) is opaque (you cannot see through it). You can set the opacity though to allow some of an underlying layer to show through.

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PhotoshopPhotoshop

Pixels

Photoshop manipulates pixels.

Indeed it is possible to zoom into an image far enough in Photoshop to change the color of individual pixels.

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PhotoshopPhotoshop

Manipulating Pixels

When manipulating an image it is unlikely we would want to change individual pixels. Rather we would want to manipulate a whole image or a layer within an image or a significant part of a layer. The Image and Filter options in the main menu include numerous manipulations.

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PhotoshopPhotoshop

Selecting Pixels

There are many tools that allow us to select shapes within an image. You will get to play with many of these selection tools in the Lab. Session next week. Some examples are:

•Marquee Tools

•Lasso Tools

•Quick Selection Tool

•Magic Wand

•Color Range Selection

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PhotoshopPhotoshop

Masks

It is possible to set the transparency of a selection of pixels on an image using a Mask. This allows sections of different images to be combined.

A mask is placed between two layers on an image. The mask is initially white (like slipping a sheet of white paper the layers).

If any section of the mask is painted black, the corresponding parts of the underlying layer can be seen on the top layer.

Thumbnail of Mask with black ring painted on it

New Mask button

Paintbrush tool with black as the color

Black was painted on here

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PhotoshopPhotoshop

Masks

It is possible to set the transparency of a selection of pixels on an image using a Mask. This allows sections of different images to be combined.

A mask is placed between two layers on an image. The mask is initially white (like slipping a sheet of white paper the layers).

If any section of the mask is painted black, the corresponding parts of the underlying layer can be seen on the top layer.

Say we wanted to put the main flower in this image on a green background.

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PhotoshopPhotoshop

Masks

Use the Magnetic Lasso to select the flower.

Add a Layer Mask

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PhotoshopPhotoshop

Masks

Add another layer and fill with greenMove the flower layer including the mask above the green layer.