Pixel Outlines from Preset Shapes

This tutorial was written for intermediate users of PSP. I am using PSP version 9. PSP versions 8 and up should be able to follow the directions. If you have versions below 8, you can still follow the same procedure.

You will need a shape from you Preset Shapes to use. I provided a preset shape for you to follow along. Sorry, it may not work in versions below 8. You will need to select a simple preset shape from you Preset Shapes to use.

~IMPORTANT~
Please do not pass this shape around or alter it in any way other than for use with this tutorial. Do NOT alter and claim as your own. Provide credit for any image you create from it to Carla Creates with a link to: www.carlacreates.com.

You need to place the bird_pixel-cp.PspShape found HERE in your Preset Shape folder.

BY...doing this tutorial you are agreeing to the Terms of Use

Please make sure you have read them.

Make sure you Layer Palette is visible (F8).

Open a New Transparent Image 150 X 150 or size of your choice. I use Raster Background so I can Flood Fill it white to see better. You probably do not want too large for a pixel image. You will magnify to help you see.

Select your Preset Shape tool.
On your Tool Options: Magnify to help you see.

Drag out the preset shape you are going to use.
Once you have it about the size you want, look at the pixels. You may want to drag the dased box around a little to get a better shape.
All the dark squares and nodes you can move around.
I go back to the original size to check to see how the image looks often while working on.
Click on the Mover Tool to get rid of the lines so you can see better.
Click back on the Preset Shape Tool to get the dashed lines again so you can change the shape more if you need to.

This image is about 60% of my canvas (80 X 94). It is magnified here.


Greyscale a Base
~Colored outline below this.~

Now if you want to just greyscale a base it is really simple.
Just go to Image - Greyscale
Right click on the Vector layer on the Layer Palette - Convert to Raster Layer.
Now just use the Paint Brush with a pixel setting to edit any stray pixels or Eraser with pixel setting to erase any pixels you do not want.
While using the Paint Brush, just hold down the Ctrl key and left click on your image to select the color you need for the Foreground color.
You can right click to get the Background color.
I use this a lot to change colors while working.

Magnify as much as you need to for ease on eyes. Remember to go back to original size to check your work. I put a short cut for normal viewing on my Toolbar and my custom Toolbar.

I change just a few pixels. This is magnified.

This is to size.



Colored Outline



1. Click on the + sign by the Vector layer on the Layer Palette.
2. Double click on the selection you want to outline. 3. Select a Stroke color you want for the outline. and click off the Fill.

Double click on the next selection you want to outline and repeat.
Continue until you have all the areas outlined that you want. I left the eye solid.

From here, I work these two different ways depending on how complex the image is.

For this one, I will just Right click on the Vector layer on the Layer Palette - Convert to Raster Layer.
Now just use the Paint Brush and Eraser with pixel setting to make any changes you want.

While using the Paint Brush, just hold down the Ctrl key and left click on your image to select the color you need for the Foreground color.
You can right click to get the Background color.
I use this a lot to change colors while working.

Magnify as much as you need to for ease on eyes. Remember to go back to original size to check your work. I put a short cut for normal viewing on my Toolbar and my custom Toolbar.

This is to size.


With more difficult images: Then use the Paint Brush and Eraser to make any final changes you want.

You can develop your own style as you play and experiment.

Hope you have enjoyed this tutorial.

This tutorial was written on June 4, 2009 and copyrighted to Carla Polston.