PHOTOPLUS HELP GUIDE

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2 INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOPLUS PHOTOPLUS the interface File Menu & Tab Panels The Layers Manager 4 The Color Tab 6 The Toolbar 7 FILE MANAGEMENT & VERSION CONTROL 9 PhotoPlus Exercise Part 1 Drawing and Colouring 10 Creating a New File 11 Using the Fill Tool 12 Using the Shape Tool 13 Using the Adjustable Selection Tool 14 Using the Gradient Fill Tool 15 Using the Airbrush, Zoom and Pan Tool 17 PhotoPlus Exercise Part 2 Photo Manipulation Using the Crop & Deform Tool 18 Using the Layers Managers Tab 20 Using the Eraser Tool, Brush Tip Tab and Blending Modes 21 Using the Text Tool 22 Exporting your Final File 24 HELPFUL LINKS PhotoPlus Tutorials IN CONCLUSION... The following explanations are based on PhotoPlus 6. Please note that other versions may vary in regards to interface style and/or certain functionality. The Helpful Links section of this Guide contains links to websites that should help you understand PhotoPlus, irrespective of the version or operating system you are working within.

3 Introduction PhotoPlus6 is a photo editing software program that allows you to enhance digital photos or create your own images on your PC. Amongst its various functions you can paint, draw, and add text. You can resize your image, alter its colour or remove unwanted areas. It may sound daunting, but don t fear. Please note, if you re using a Mac you might like to check out Mac friendly photo editing software or an on-line option like This guide is designed to help you manoeuvre your way through PhotoPlus in two steps. Firstly, it will explain what the tools and functions of PhotoPlus are and secondly, it will explain how they can be used to create your own graphics. Let s first have a look at the interface of PhotoPlus6. PhotoPlus 6 the interface When you first open PhotoPlus you will see a large grey area surrounded by a set of Tab Panels on the right, a Toolbar on the left and a File Menu across the top (Figure 1). You may also see a SetUp Wizard window. If so, select the Cancel button within that window to clear it from the screen. File Menu You may be familiar with some of these functions from other software programs, such has Microsoft Word. Clicking on a menu item will show a list of functions. Tab Panels The panels display the controls and settings related to the tools within the Toolbar. For example if you want to use the Paintbrush tool you can alter the Brush Tip size via the Brush Tip Panel. 3

4 To see the various Tab Panels within PhotoPlus select View within the File Menu area. You will do most of your work with the Tab Panels and Toolbar. Once again I say don t fear we will step through how they work shortly. We will now focus on one of the most important Tab Panels within PhotoPlus the Layers Manager. The Layers Manager Have a look at the image below (Figure 2). Figure 2 It may seem like a flat image, but in fact it s made up of four separate layers. It contains a yellow background layer, a layer showing a piano, a layer displaying text, and a layer showing the moon. Strange but true! The four layers are actually stacked on top of each other. The figure below illustrates this. Figure 3 4

5 For a better understanding open the file named layer_manager.spp in the PhotoPlus area in the Digital Storytelling Workshop section of the Rainbow Family Tree website. Once the file is open, take notice of the Tab Panel titled Layer Manager (Figure 4). If that Tab Panel isn t visible click View within the File Menu then select Layer Manager Tab from the drop down menu. You should see the four layers - the background, the piano, the text layer and the moon. When a layer is highlighted in blue (as the moon layer is in Figure 4) it indicates that it is active and can be worked on. You should also see three icons to the left of each layer an eye, a padlock and a link. Figure 4 5

6 The Eye Icon - The eye icon indicates whether or not you can see a layer. Click on the eye icon adjacent to the moon layer. The moon should disappear. Click the eye icon again to make the moon reappear. The Padlock icon - By clicking on the padlock icon you can secure the layer into place. When a layer is locked you cannot move or adjust it. This is helpful if you are working on, for example, the moon layer and don t want to disrupt any of the other layers. The Link icon - By clicking on two or more Link icons of particular layers, you can move the layers together. At the bottom left of the Layers Manager Tab you will see a red cross and a page icon with a + in it. To delete an unwanted layer select the red cross. To create new layers select the page icon. At the top of the Layer Manager Tab you will see the Opacity adjuster. When a layer is highlighted you can adjust its transparency by percentages, ie, 0% = an invisible layer. Again, don t fear!! Although the Layers Manager is a vital part of PhotoPlus, we will explain it in further detail later on in the exercise. The Color Tab The Color Tab is accessed via the File Menu by selecting View > Color Tab. It allows you to select foreground and background colours. You will notice the influence of the Color Tab (Figure 5) when using tools such as the Paintbrush, the Fill or the Line Tool. For example, if you select the Line Tool and then click-drag your cursor across an active layer, the colour of that line will be the same as the foreground colour. Changing a foreground or background colour can be achieved by either double-clicking on the foreground or background swatch at the top-left of the Color Tab or by selecting a colour from the Color spectrum at the bottom of the Tab. 6

7 Figure 5 The Toolbar The Toolbar is an equally important part of PhotoPlus. The various tools enable you to create you own illustrations as well as adjust, erase, select, move and transform images you have imported into the program. Many of the tools are self-explanatory, such as the Eraser or Paintbrush Tool. Others need more explanation. We will briefly look at each tool but if you feel you need more information please refer to the Help section within PhotoPlus. The Help section can be accessed via the File Menu, Help menu. If you like, use the supplied file layer_manager.spp to try out the following tools - BUT before doing so please save the file under a new name. To do this: With layer_manager.spp open in PhotoPlus go to the File Menu and select File > Save As. Re-name the file, eg, toolbar_test. Click Save. Now you have you own test file to play around with. 7

8 Please remember if you make a mistake and want to Undo a step, then select Edit > Undo from the File Menu. 8

9 File Management Manipulating images can be a demanding task for everyday computers and can be both RAM and CPU intensive. The process of image manipulation is made easier and faster when these files are stored on the more robust hard-drive than it would be if they were kept on a portable storage device such as a disc or a USB drive. Version Control Version Control is best explained in the following scenario: Imagine that you have spent time working on an image of a house. You haven t finished it but want to keep the file so you save it as yourname_house01. The next time you open the file you want to make changes that you aren t sure will work. You may want to experiment but at the same time you don t want to risk losing any work you have done previously. The best thing to do in this situation is, when re-opening your file, re-name it as yourname_house02. Now you have 2 files. One named yourname_house01 and one named yourname_house02. Then if you made any changes to yourname_house02 that you are not happy with you can always start anew with yourname_house01. Completely confused? Don t worry; the best way to understand a program is to USE IT. At this stage, you might like to use PhotoPlus to play around with some of the images or photos you d like to include in your digital story. However if you d really like to get across everything PhotoPlus has to offer you msight like to work through the following practical tutorial exercise. The first part of the exercise will show you how to create shapes and elements using PhotoPlus drawing and colouring tools. The second part of the exercise will show you how to alter existing photos/pictures that you bring into PhotoPlus. 9

10 PhotoPlus Exercise Part 1 Drawing and Colouring You may want to create an image for your digital story from scratch. Certain tools within the Toolbar can enable you to do this. Let s look at Figure 6 below. Figure 6 Figure 6 has been created entirely within PhotoPlus using the following tools: The Fill Tool Shape Tool The Gradient Tool The Crop Tool The Eraser Tool The Airbrush Tool The Text Tool, and the The Adjustable Selection Tool 10

11 Follow these steps to see how it s done. Creating a New File 1. With PhotoPlus open, select File > New from the File Menu. 2. In the box that pops up, select Create New Picture. Set the width dimensions to 720 pixels and the height to 576 pixels. Set the Resolution to 72 pixels/inch. Set the Background Colour to White. Click OK. 3. It s always good practise to save your file before starting anything else. Select File > Save As from the File Menu. Name it drawing_exercise. Click Save. Remember to save your file throughout the exercise. 4. Now we want to change the background colour to blue. Firstly we need to make sure that the Color Tab is visible. If it isn t, select View > Color Tab from the File Menu. The Tab should look something like Figure 7. Figure 7 11

12 Using the Fill Tool To create an image that looks like Figure 6, we need to set the foreground colour to blue. To do this: 1. Double-click on the foreground colour within the Color Tab. The Adjust Color box will pop up (see Figure 8). Figure 8 2. Click on the blue swatch within the Custom Color area. Then click OK. The foreground colour within the Color Tab should now show as blue. 3. Now select the Flood Fill Tool from the Toolbar (the bucket). Double-click within the image window to fill the background layer with blue. 12

13 Using the Shape Tool 1. Now we need to create the thought bubble layer. Select the New Layer button at the bottom-left of the Layers Manager Tab. In the dialogue box name the layer thought bubble. Click OK. Your Layers Manager Tab should look similar to Figure 9. Figure 9 2. Before we create the thought bubble, we need to change the foreground colour via the Color Tab to white. This will ensure that the thought bubble is white. 3. Within the Toolbar, click on the small black arrow next to the Shape Tools button. Select the Thought Bubble shape from the menu. The cursor should change to a light globe icon with a small arrow. 4. Use the mouse to click-drag within the thought bubble layer. You should notice an outline of a thought bubble shape. Release click to reveal two adjuster handles. Click dragging either of the nodes will adjust the look and size of the shape. (Figure 10). Figure 10 13

14 5. Once satisfied with the look of the shape, double-click within the thought bubble to complete the task. The bubble should now be filled with white. Remember: If you need to re-position the thought bubble use the Move Tool from the Toolbar. If you need to change the size of the thought bubble, select the Deform Tool from the Toolbar. With this tool selected you can adjust the shape by clicking-dragging the nodes of the bounding box. Select the Move Tool to complete the task. If you make a mistake, to clear the last step select either Edit > Undo or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Z. Using the Adjustable Selection Tool The next step is to create the mountains. First, create a new layer and name it mountains. 1. Select the Zig Zag shape within the Adjustable Selection Tool in the Toolbar. Within the active mountains layer, click-drag the cursor from left to right (see Figure 11). Figure 11 14

15 2. I have adjusted the number of mountain peaks by dragging down the left yellow node. You can do so if you like. Once satisfied with your mountain double click within the bounding box to complete the task. You should now have a zigzag or mountain shape of marching ants similar to Figure 12. Figure 12 Using the Gradient Fill Tool To fill the inside of the mountains we will use the Gradient Fill Tool. This tool creates a spectrum like effect based on the foreground and background colours. I have used white and purple for my gradient colours. Feel free to choose your own. 3. With your foreground and background colours chosen, select the Gradient Fill Tool from the Toolbar. This time we will click-drag from the top of the marching ant mountain to its bottom (see Figure 13). 15

16 Figure 13 Release-click to complete the gradient task. 4. Use the Move Tool to manoeuvre the mountains to the bottom of the document window. Next we need to duplicate the mountains. 5. To duplicate select Edit > Copy from the File Menu. Then select Edit > Paste. From the fly out menu select Paste as New Layer. Name that layer Mountains 2. Re-name the layer via double-clicking on it within the Layer Managers Tab. 6. again use the Move Tool to manoeuvre the Mountains 2 layer to the bottom of the document window. Your image should resemble Figure

17 Figure 14 Using the Airbrush, Zoom and Pan Tool 1. Our next step is to create snow caps at the top of each mountain peak. First create a new layer and name it snow caps. Then select the Airbrush Tool from the Toolbar. 2. You can change the size of your Brush Tip via the Brush Tip Tab. If the Tab isn t visible, select View from the File Menu and select Brush Tip Tab from the drop down menu. Choose the snow caps colour via the Color Manager Tab. I have used a light blue colour with a fuzzy edged Brush Tip with the size set at 100 (see Figure 15). Figure Once done, within the snow caps layer click on each of the mountain peaks to create your snow cap effect. You can use the Zoom Tool to zoom in on the mountains. Use the Pan Tool to adjust your view if necessary. Your image should resemble Figure

18 Figure 16 If so, now is a good time to save your file. This part of the exercise has demonstrated how to use some of the Drawing and Colouring tools within PhotoPlus. The next part of the exercise will show how to manipulate existing photos. PhotoPlus Exercise Part 2 Photo Manipulation Using the Crop Tool & Deform Tool 1. Download the file titled blue_sky.jpg from the PhotoPlus area in the Digital Storytelling Workshop section of the Rainbow Family Tree website. Open the file and save it into an appropriately labeled folder on your hard drive. Using the Crop Tool we will remove the sailboat at the bottom of the image. 2. firstly select the Zoom Tool and right-click on the image to reduce its size on the screen. To properly crop an area it s wise to be able to see all the edges. 3. Now select the Crop Tool from the Toolbar. Position your cursor at the top-left corner and click-drag to the right hand edge just above the boat. Release-click to see a bounding box around the image (Figure 17). 18

19 Figure If needed, click-drag the nodes on the bounding box to adjust the size of the crop area. To start over select the Move Tool then the Crop Tool again. Once happy with the crop area, double-click within the bounding box to complete the task. 5. Now select Edit > Copy. With your drawing_exercise.spp file open, select Edit > Paste > Paste As New Layer. You should now only see the blue_sky image. That s because it s pasted on the top layer. Roll your cursor over the top layer within your Layers Manager Tab and watch a thumbnail of the blue_sky pop up. (Figure 18). You may need to adjust the size of the blue_sky image so it fills more of the window. To adjust its size: 6. Select the Deform Tool from the Toolbar. Roll your cursor over any of the small nodes around the resulting bounding box this will reveal a white doubleheaded arrow. Figure 18 19

20 7. When you see a white arrow you can then click- drag to adjust the images size either width or height wise. To complete the task select the Move Tool. Using the Layers Managers Tab We need to move the blue_sky layer so that it sits between the background and thought bubble layer. To do this: 1. within the Layer Managers Tab click-drag the blue_sky layer (still named Layer 1) in-between the background and thought bubble layers. Rename the layer sky. 2. Now we will adjust the opacity of the sky layer to make the thought bubble more prominent. To do this first make sure that the sky layer is active. Then within the Layer Managers Tab change the opacity level from 100% to 80%. Your image should now resemble Figure 19. Figure 19 Now it s time to bring in another image. 20

21 Using the Eraser Tool, Brush Tip Tab and Blending Modes 1. Download the file titled happy_girl.jpg from the PhotoPlus area of the Rainbow Family Tree website. Save it into an appropriately labeled folder on your hard drive. 2. Open it then select Edit > Copy then with your drawing_exercise.spp open select Edit > Paste > Paste As New Layer. As with the blue_sky.jpg file the pasted image should now sit as the top layer. Rename the layer girl. We now want to remove the area surrounding the girls face and arms. This can be done a number of ways including using the Polygonal and Freehand tools within the Standard Selection Tools. If the areas you want to remove are of a uniform colour you could also use the Colour Selection Tool. Use the Help menu to find out how these tools work. For the sake of this exercise we will use the Eraser Tool. 3. activate the girl layer and select the Eraser Tool from the Toolbar. As with the Airbrush Tool you can change the size of the Eraser via the Brush Tip Tab. I have selected a Brush Size of 65 to start with. As I get closer to the edges of the girl s arms, hair etc I reduce the Brush size to give myself more control. 4. Click-drag to remove the darker portions around the girl. If you make a mistake remember the Undo function. As you begin erasing you will see the layers beneath become visible (Figure 20). Figure 20 21

22 Don t stress if the edges around the girl are not perfect. 5. Once all the dark areas have been erased, drag the girl layer to be in-between the thought bubble and sky layers. Now let s alter the transparency of the girl via the Layer Managers Tab. 6. Next to the Opacity adjuster within the Layer Managers Tab is a drop-down list. Within the list are different Blending Modes. Each mode affects the colour of a layer in a unique way. Select the Darken mode. Figure 21 shows you the result. Figure 21 Using the Text Tool The final step of this exercise is adding text to sit within the thought bubble. To do this: 1. Select the Text Tool from the Toolbar and click within the image area. The Add Text window will appear. 22

23 2. Type the text within this window. You can choose your own style, size and colour. See Figure Click OK. The text will appear on its own layer, within the image. Use the Move Tool to manoeuvre the text to sit within the thought bubble. Figure If you need/ want to alter the text, double-click on its layer within the Layer smanagers Tab. This will bring up the Add Text box where you can make modifications. With any luck your file should now look like Figure 23. Don t forget to save the file. Figure 23 23

24 Exporting your Final file The final step is to export the file so that it can be used in either MovieMaker or imovie. To do this: 1. Select File > Export Optimizer from the File Menu. Make the following settings: 2. Format as JPG 3. Set quality to 100% 4. Click Export. You now have your very own PhotoPlus image that can be imported into MovieMaker or imovie. Helpful Links PhotoPlus Tutorials In Conclusion Have fun with your project whilst technical issues can sometimes be frustrating, don t forget your end goal to create a personal story that will make a difference! If you get stuck ask for help If you re able to offer advice to another participant do so! Whilst there are moments when you may feel overwhelmed by what you re undertaking be prepared to surprise yourself. Nothing beats watching your finished project with a captive audience 24

25 2009 incite stories e: S T O R I E S