**Program Tutorials** : Digital Image Pro : *Technique

There are several ways to make Designer Edges.  If you intend to save them into DIP’s program files you must use the correct blue colour (RGB: 64,64,128).  If you wish to save them elsewhere on your computer any colour will do.   **Instructions for saving to DIP program files at end of tutorial. On a personal note, I only save them there if I think I will use them a lot**

Download masks here:  http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/freedownloads/l/blframesmain.htm

Method 1:

Open a new canvas and size to suit.  I am using 4x4”.

Insert Shape/Square/no line.

Resize to fit: Format/Resize object to fit canvas/stretch to fit

Fill with colour:  Click on the Paint Bucket and select More Colours

Type the RGB codes in: 64,64,128 then click OK

There are lots of ways you can make your edge.

*Erase Stamp: Effects/Edges/Stamped

Select the Erase Stamp

Select a stamp shape (some work better than others)

Click on Customise the Edge to adjust the size.

Click Done when finished.

* Stamped Edges:

Effects/Edges/Stamped.  Select one of the stamps.  Some things work better than others so you need to experiment.

Using the magic wand  click on the blue area.

Now click on Invert to select the opposite area.

Now click on the Object Tool  then right click and “Delete”

* Using the Transparency Brush:

Effects/Transparency/Transparency Brush

Hard Edge - Transparency 100%.  Adjust brush size to suit.

Simply “erase” or “scribble out” pieces from your background.

* Add a transparency to the outer edge:

Using the marquee tool, mark out a square in the middle of your design

Click on Invert to select the outer area

Go to Effects/Transparency/Even and select 60% transparency.  Save as png.

See below for result after adding photo.

Method 2: Using pre-made Masks

*2a   Open your mask.  Duplicate Ctrl+d and close the original.

 Use the magic wand and click on the black. (Tolerance around 10.  You may have to play with levels.)

Click on the Object tool .  Now right click and Delete.

You are left with this:

Now go to Effects/Fill with colour or texture/Photo.  Click on an open photo or browse your computer for one.

or fill with the correct RGB codes to save in DIP’s program files for future use.

*2b   Open your mask.  Go to Effects/Negative

Using the magic wand and with a tolerance of about 14 click on the black.

Fill with the correct RGB blue as before and you have a frame.

To use your frame:

Open a blank canvas                       

Add your photo                         

Add frame and colour to suit                         

You can also:             

Fill with a photo/artstroke/colour                     

Effects/Soft Edges

Saving your Designer Edge to DIP’s program files:

Save your files to the Designer Edges folder:  C:\Program Files/Microsoft Digital Image 10/PiFiles/Edges/Designer