Mike Chaney's Tech Corner

Mike's Software => Qimage Ultimate => Topic started by: JohnG50D on October 09, 2014, 04:34:03 AM



Title: Create 3D photo drop shadows easily using staggered (cascaded) border templates.
Post by: JohnG50D on October 09, 2014, 04:34:03 AM
I have done this for a small project and I have the desired effect, but it seems to me that IF it were possible to use the Photo Matt feature with a negative number on the top and left, and a positive number on the bottom and right it would simplify the task hugely with no need for template creation. I found many templates needed to be created for many photo sizes etc.
Mike, is this idea doable??
I know it's not at present.

Regards,

John


Title: Re: Create 3D photo drop shadows easily using staggered (cascaded) border templates.
Post by: Terry-M on October 09, 2014, 06:44:58 AM
Hi John,
My preferred way of making drop shadows is to use a cutout but that requires it being added to each image in the editor.
See 1st attached image
Quote
but it seems to me that IF it were possible to use the Photo Matt feature with a negative number on the top and left, and a positive number on the bottom and right it would simplify the task hugely with no need for template creation.
It can be done at present as follows.
Add a matt with zero values on the appropriate sides, see 2nd  & 3rd screen shots below.
In the Page editor, select the IMAGE or Template and us the arrow keys to move the image relative to the matt; you could use the size/position tab to set exact dimensions.
NB. you must select & move the image or template and not the matt as that will move both matt and image/template together.
See 4th screen shot below.
Terry


Title: Re: Create 3D photo drop shadows easily using staggered (cascaded) border templates.
Post by: JohnG50D on October 10, 2014, 06:05:22 AM
Thanks for the help Terry.
No problem with your Page Editor method photos 2 3 & 4.
But it is fiddly.
I was hoping Mike might comment on the Photo Matt negative number thought.
Have been trying to create a cut-out which at this stage seems to be the fastest approach, but cannot fathom how to create the offset shadow.
I use Paint Shop Pro X7. I have lots of attempts inc the name.frame.tif in the Cutouts folder. I'm a learn by trial and error type of guy, although I've printed out the Help Cutouts pages with the cat photo effects in an effort come to grips with the tech jargon.
Would you kindly give me a head start to creating it please, or would you mind sharing your file?


Regards,

John


Title: Re: Create 3D photo drop shadows easily using staggered (cascaded) border templates.
Post by: Terry-M on October 10, 2014, 07:08:31 AM
Hi John,
Quote
Have been trying to create a cut-out which at this stage seems to be the fastest approach, but cannot fathom how to create the offset shadow.
Sometimes image editors have a drop shadow effect that can be applied to a black rectangle, I think PSPro has too but I don't know how it works. I've used Serif PagePlus which is a desktop publishing program.
Quote
Would you kindly give me a head start to creating it please, or would you mind sharing your file?
Sure, send me a Personal Message via the forum with your email address and I'll send some cutout files.
Terry