Serif PHPX6USESD User manual
Contents
1. Welcome .......................................................... 1
Welcome ................................................................................................................ 3
New features ......................................................................................................... 4
Installation ............................................................................................................. 6
2. Getting Started ................................................. 7
Startup Wizard ..................................................................................................... 9
Organizing photos ............................................................................................ 10
Starting from scratch ....................................................................................... 11
Opening an existing file.................................................................................. 12
Saving a file ......................................................................................................... 15
3. Layers, Masks, and Blending ......................... 17
Introduction to layers ...................................................................................... 19
Adjusting opacity/transparency .................................................................. 25
Using masks ........................................................................................................ 27
Using blend modes .......................................................................................... 31
4. Making Image Adjustments ............................ 33
Introduction to image adjustments ........................................................... 35
Overview: Adjusting image colors .............................................................. 36
Using adjustment layers ................................................................................. 38
Retouching tools ............................................................................................... 45
Using PhotoFix ................................................................................................... 46
Contents
5. Applying Image Effects .................................. 55
Overview: Applying special effects ............................................................ 57
Using filter layers .............................................................................................. 58
Using the Filter Gallery ................................................................................... 64
Applying 2D layer effects............................................................................... 68
Applying 3D layer effects............................................................................... 70
Warp tool effects ............................................................................................... 73
Merging bracketed photos ........................................................................... 74
6. Manipulating Images ...................................... 79
Making a selection ........................................................................................... 81
Modifying a selection ...................................................................................... 89
Manipulating a selection ............................................................................... 94
Changing image and canvas size ............................................................... 98
Straightening photos .................................................................................... 102
Cropping an image ........................................................................................ 104
Flipping and rotating .................................................................................... 109
Deforming ......................................................................................................... 110
Mesh warping .................................................................................................. 111
Using Cutout Studio ...................................................................................... 113
7. Color and Grayscale .................................... 117
Color modes ..................................................................................................... 119
Choosing colors .............................................................................................. 120
Contents
8. Painting, Drawing and Text .......................... 125
Painting and brushes .....................................................................................127
Stamping and spraying pictures ...............................................................129
Erasing.................................................................................................................131
Using patterns ..................................................................................................134
Filling a region .................................................................................................135
Cloning a region ..............................................................................................140
Drawing and editing lines and shapes ....................................................142
Creating and editing text .............................................................................150
9. Print, Export, and Share ............................... 153
Printing ...............................................................................................................155
Exporting to another file format ...............................................................164
Batch processing .............................................................................................167
10. Additional Information ................................... 171
Contacting Serif ...............................................................................................173
Credits .................................................................................................................174
11. Index ............................................................. 177
1
Welcome
2 Welcome
Welcome 3
Welcome
Welcome to PhotoPlus X6 from Serif—more than ever, the best value in image
creation and editing software for any home, school, organization, or growing
business. PhotoPlus is the number one choice for working with photographs and
paint-type images, whether for the web, multimedia, or the printed page.
PhotoPlus has the features you’ll need... from importing or creating pictures,
through manipulating colors, making image adjustments, applying filter effects
and so much more, all the way to final export. Built-in support for the most
modern digital cameras makes it easy to open your very own digital photos,
either as JPG or as unprocessed raw images.
PhotoPlus also offers on-computer post-shoot development, using Import Raw,
where you're in full control of your raw image's white balance and exposure, and
perform "blown" highlight recovery. For image adjustments, filter effects
(including stunning artistic effects), or layer cutouts, try PhotoFix, Filter
Gallery, and Cutout Studio, respectively.
PhotoPlus and PhotoPlus Organizer: a powerful combination
PhotoPlus takes care of all your image creation and photo editing needs.
However, if you're looking to take a step back from photo editing and manage
your collection of photos, scanned images, etc. you can use PhotoPlus Organizer.
This is installed automatically with PhotoPlus, and offers a powerful platform for
launching your photos in PhotoPlus. You'll be able to sort, group, rate, and tag
your photos, as well as filter your photos for display by several methods.
Registration
Don’t forget to register your new copy, using the Registration Wizard on the
Help menu. That way, we can keep you informed of new developments and
future upgrades!
4 Welcome
New features
• 64-bit Operation for Faster Photo Editing
PhotoPlus X6 is fully optimized for operation on 64-bit computers,
and will automatically install for 64-bit operation accordingly. Open
photos of large image size, especially raw images, in an instant! Benefit
from all-round faster PhotoPlus performance.
• Intelligent Brush-based Selection
Use the Smart Selection Brush Tool to create fast accurate selections
which intelligently grow to objects and edges in your image. Improve
an existing selection by using smart edge refinement to perfect the
selection boundary.
• Improved Raw Image Control
Use Import Raw dialog for faster image loading and convenient inplace photo adjustments: more powerful Lighting and Noise
Reduction adjustments; new Curves, HSL, Lens Distortion, Lens
Vignette, Black and White Film, and Unsharp Mask adjustments are
available. Use masks to selectively control areas subject to adjustment.
The Import Raw dialog also hosts Red-eye, Spot-repair, and Crop tools
for photo retouching.
• Tilt-Shift Effects for Miniature Scenes
The Depth of Field filter hosts the new Tilt-shift effect. Simulate
miniature scenes by targeting an area of focus and controlling the
extent of blurring, e.g. in the photo foreground and background.
• Fill Layers for Creative Color Effects
For ease of use, editable fill layers take a solid or gradient fill (Linear,
Radial, Conical, or Square) without the need to define a selection or
shaped region to fill in advance. With opacity adjustment as well as fill
control you'll be able to create semi-transparent color layers or solidfill backgrounds with ease. For more creativity, try applying blend
modes to fill layers.
• Vector Masks for Versatile Drawn Mask Control
Create vector masks that give you fully editable smooth curves for
masking on standard or adjustment layers.
Welcome 5
• Latest Noise Reduction Technology
Remove noise from photos taken in low-light conditions or at high
ISO camera settings with the new Noise Reduction filter. Available via
RAW import or PhotoFix, both luma and chroma noise can be
removed using independent controls.
• Non-destructive Cropping
Enjoy the ability to uncrop any previously cropped images at any time
in the future. Ideal if you want to re-crop your image again or if you
change your mind about the original crop.
• Increased Zoom Range
The PhotoPlus zoom range has been doubled to improve detailed
editing of large images or icon creation.
• Sub-pixel Guides for Vector Drawing
Fine-positioning of guides to the sub-pixel level lets you accurately
position lines, shapes, QuickShapes, and paths.
• Enhanced Export Optimizer
Easier than ever exporting is possible! As well as panning your export
preview by default, you can export as TIF, WDP, or PNG using bit
depths of 48 bit or 64 bit. CMYK or MONO (8 or 16bps) export
options are also available. EXIF/IPTC information can be retained or
discarded on export.
6 Welcome
Installation
Minimum:
• Windows-based PC with DVD/CD drive and mouse
• Operating system:
Microsoft Windows® XP* SP2 (32 bit)
Windows® Vista (32 or 64 bit)
Windows® 7 (32 or 64 bit)
Windows® 8 (32 or 64 bit)
• 512MB RAM (1GB RAM for 64-bit operation)
• 821MB free hard disk space (including PhotoPlus Organizer).
• 1024 x 768 monitor resolution
Additional disk resources and memory are required when editing large and/or
complex images.
* Requires Microsoft Windows Imaging Component.
Optional:
• Windows-compatible printer
• Pen (graphics) tablet
• Internet account and connection required for product updates and
accessing online resources
Installation procedure
• Insert your purchased disc into your disc drive.
• If AutoPlay is enabled on the drive, this automatically starts the
Setup Wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions for install.
OR
• If AutoPlay is not enabled (or doesn't start the install
automatically), navigate to your program disc and double-click
autorun.exe.
32 or 64-bit PhotoPlus X6 installs to respective 32 or 64-bit
computers.
2
Getting Started
8 Getting Started
Getting Started 9
Startup Wizard
Once PhotoPlus has been installed, you're ready to start!
• For Windows Vista/7: The Setup routine during install adds a Serif
PhotoPlus X6 entry to the Windows Start menu. Use the Windows
Start button to pop up the Start Menu, click on All Programs and
then click the PhotoPlus icon.
• For Windows 8: The Setup routine during install adds a Serif
PhotoPlus X6 entry to the desktop. Use the Windows Start button to
pop up the desktop, and then click the PhotoPlus icon.
On program launch, the Startup Wizard is displayed which offers different
routes into PhotoPlus:
• Start New Image, to start from scratch.
• Start New Animation, to create an animated GIF.
• HDR Photo Merge, for bracketing photos taken at different exposure
levels.
• Open PhotoPlus Organizer, to manage and filter photos for
PhotoPlus.
• Open, lists recently opened photos and PhotoPlus projects. Hover
over each entry for a quick preview!
• Learn, to access online tutorial resources.
10 Getting Started
Use the Choose Workspace drop-down list to choose your workspace
appearance (i.e., Studio tab positions, tab sizes, and show/hide tab status). You
can adopt the default workspace profile <Default Profile>, the last used profile
<Current Profile>, a range of pre-defined profiles, or a custom workspace
profile you've previously saved.
As you click on different profiles from the menu, your workspace will
preview each tab layout in turn.
If you don’t want to use the Startup Wizard again, check the "Don't show this
wizard again" box. However, we suggest you leave it unchecked until you’re
familiar with the equivalent PhotoPlus commands. Switch the wizard back on
again by checking Use Startup Wizard via Preferences. (General menu option)
on the File menu.
Organizing photos
PhotoPlus Organizer is Serif's powerful photo management application which
acts as an essential launch point for your photos. From your collection of photos
you'll be able to perform a range of management and filtering operations.
To launch Organizer:
1. Display PhotoPlus's Startup Wizard.
2. Select Open PhotoPlus Organizer. Organizer is launched as a separate
application.
OR
From the Standard toolbar, select
OR
From the File menu, select Organizer.
Organizer.
Press your F1 key to view PhotoPlus Organizer Help.
PhotoPlus Organizer is a great starting point for editing photos in PhotoPlus.
Click Edit in PhotoPlus on the top toolbar to open, then edit, your chosen
photo in PhotoPlus.
Getting Started 11
Starting from scratch
PhotoPlus deals with two basic kinds of image files. We'll differentiate them as
pictures (still images) and animations (moving images). The two types are
closely related, and creating either from scratch in PhotoPlus involves the same
series of steps.
PhotoPlus lets you create an image based on a pre-defined canvas size (e.g., 10 x
8 in). Different canvas size options are available from a range of categories
(International/US Paper, Photo, Video, Web, or Animation). Alternatively, you
can create your own custom canvas sizes, and even store them for future use. For
either preset or custom sizes, the resolution can be set independently of canvas
size.
When you create a new image, you can choose to work in different color modes,
i.e. RGB or Grayscale, in either 8- or 16-bits/channel. Use a Bit Depth of 16 bit
for higher levels of image detail.
To create a new image or animation (using Startup Wizard):
1. The first time you launch PhotoPlus, you'll see the Startup Wizard, with a
menu of choices. Click Start New Image or Start New Animation.
2. In the New Image dialog, you can either:
1. For a preset canvas size, select a suitable Category from the drop-
down list. Categories are named according to how your image or
animation is intended to be used, e.g. pick a Photo category for
photo-sized canvases.
2. Pick a canvas Size from the drop-down list.
OR
• For a custom canvas size, enter your own Width and Height. If
the dimensions are non-standard, the Size drop-down list will be
shown as "Custom." For future use, save the custom size with
Add Size (from the
button) if necessary.
Although you can resize the image canvas size (width x height)
later, it's usually best to allow some extra canvas area at first.
3. (Optional) Add a Resolution for the new image file. Leave the resolution as
it is unless you're sure a different value is required.
12 Getting Started
4. (Optional) Select a Color Mode, choosing to operate in RGB or Grayscale
mode.
5. (Optional) Select a Bit Depth of 16 bits per channel for projects which
require higher levels of color detail. Otherwise a bit depth of 8 bits/channel
is used as default.
6. (Optional) Select a background type in the Background drop-down list.
• When painting from scratch, you'll normally choose White.
• You can also choose Background Color, to use the current
background color shown on the Color tab.
• When creating an animation, Transparent is often called for.
7. When you've made your selections, click OK.
To create a new picture or animation (during your session):
1. Click
Wizard (see p. 9) or the New Image dialog (if the Startup Wizard is
disabled).
2. In the New Image dialog, set your canvas size (see p. 11) and then check
Animation to create an animation or leave unchecked for a picture.
3. Click OK. The new image or animation opens in a separate untitled
window.
New on the Standard toolbar. This will open the Startup
Opening an existing file
You can use the Startup Wizard to access files recently viewed in PhotoPlus or
any file on your computer. PhotoPlus opens all the standard formats for print
and web graphics, in addition to its native SPP format, Adobe Photoshop (PSD)
files, and Paint Shop Pro (PSP) files.
Raw files open in an Import Raw dialog, which offers image adjustment on the
"undeveloped" image before opening. See Adjusting raw images in PhotoPlus
Help. Similarly, intermediate HDR images (OpenEXR and Radiance) can be
opened in a dialog at any time for readjusting your HDR merge results (see
p. 74).
Getting Started 13
To open a recently opened PhotoPlus Picture or graphic (via Startup Wizard):
1. From the Startup Wizard (at startup time or via File>New from Startup
Wizard.), select your SPP file or graphic file from the Open section. The
most recently opened file will be shown at the top of the list. To see a
thumbnail preview of any file before opening, hover over its name in the
list.
2. Click the file name to open it.
PhotoPlus opens the image as a maximized currently active document; the
document appears in the Documents tab.
Recently viewed files also appear at the bottom of the File menu.
Simply select the file name to open it.
14 Getting Started
To open any image file:
1. From the Startup Wizard (at startup time or via File>New from Startup
Wizard.), click Browse.
OR
Click Open on the Standard toolbar.
2. In the Open dialog, select the folder and file name. To open multiple files,
press the Shift or Ctrl key when selecting their names (for adjacent or non-
adjacent files).
3. Click Open to open the desired image as a maximized document.
To open images by drag-and-drop:
• Drag and drop an image file or preview thumbnail into PhotoPlus
from Windows Explorer either:
• into the current workspace (to create a new layer).
OR
• onto the Documents tab (to create a new image window).
Getting Started 15
Saving a file
The process of saving differs depending on the type of file you are working on,
the file's current saved state and the file type you want to save.
PhotoPlus lets you work on (and save) one of several file types:
• An open PhotoPlus Picture (.spp) file is project-based and so
preserves 'project' information (e.g., layers, masks, paths) when saving
the file.
• For a currently open image file you can edit and save the image back
to its original format. However, if you've added layers, masks, or paths
to your image you'll be prompted to optionally create an spp file to
preserve 'project' information (otherwise it will be lost). If you choose
not to create an spp file, the additional content is included in the now
flattened image.
• An intermediate HDR image can be saved, which stores the results of
an HDR Photo Merge in an HDR file for future use. See Merging
bracketed photos on p. 74 for more information.
To save your PhotoPlus Picture (.spp):
• Click the
OR
To save under a different path or base name, choose Save As from the
File menu. The window title bar is updated accordingly.
Save button on the Standard toolbar.
If the current window is untitled or non-native, the Save As dialog
opens, and prompts for an SPP file name based on the base name
shown in the title bar.
The procedure for an altered image is slightly more complicated as PhotoPlus
will assist you in deciding if you want to save or lose any added "project
information" added to the original image.
16 Getting Started
To save your currently open image:
• If you've altered the background layer only and no layers, paths, or
masks have been added, you can save (without prompt) the altered
image to its current base name (shown in the window title bar) by
choosing one of the above Save options. Changes are included in the
image.
OR
• If you've added layers, paths, or masks to your image, when you click a
Save option you'll be asked if you want to preserve the "project"
information.
• In the dialog, click Yes to save your project information (as an
SPP file).
OR
Click No to save as a flattened image (i.e., without layers).
To revert an image file:
• Click Revert from the File menu. The last saved version of your image
is displayed.
3
Layers, Masks, and Blending
18 Layers, Masks, and Blending
Layers, Masks, and Blending 19
Introduction to layers
If you're accustomed to thinking of pictures as flat illustrations in books, or as
photographic prints, the concept of image layers may take some getting used to.
However, they are one of the most powerful features in PhotoPlus, allowing you
to adjust and manipulate your photos in a variety of ways in a non-destructive
environment.
Think of layers as transparent sheets upon which you can add adjustments,
filters, paint colors, and add further images, shapes, and text to build up the
perfect picture.
20 Layers, Masks, and Blending
Kinds of layers
In a typical PhotoPlus image—for example, a photograph you've scanned in, a
new picture file you've just created, or a standard bitmap file you've opened—
there is one layer that behaves like a conventional "flat" image. This is called the
Background layer, and you can think of it as having paint overlaid on an
opaque, solid color surface.
You can create any number of new layers in your image. Each new one appears
on top of the currently active layer, comprising a stack that you can view and
manipulate with the Layers tab.
We call these additional layers standard layers to differentiate them from the
Background layer. Standard layers behave like transparent sheets through which
the underlying layers are visible.
In the example above, the standard layer 'Surfer' is highest in the stack, followed
by 'Beach Umbrella'. The Background layer contains the beach, sea and sky
photo.
Other types of layers also exist in PhotoPlus:
• Shape layers are specifically designed to keep drawn lines and shapes
(including QuickShapes) separate from the other layers so that they
remain editable. (See Drawing and editing lines and shapes; p. 142.)
Layers, Masks, and Blending 21
• Text layers work like Shape layers, but are intended exclusively for
text. (See Creating and editing text; p. 150.)
• Fill layers contain an adjustable solid color or gradient fill. (See Fill
Layers; PhotoPlus Help.)
• Adjustment layers apply corrective image adjustments to lower layers.
(See Using adjustment layers; p. 38.)
• Filter layers, are much like standard layers, but you can apply one or
more filter effects to the layer without permanently altering layer
content. You also have full control over effects in the future. (See
Using filter layers; p. 58.)
For now though we're concerned mainly with the Background and standard
layers.
A key distinction is that pixels on the Background layer are always opaque, while
those on standard layers can vary in opacity (or transparency—another way of
expressing the same property). That’s because standard layers have a "master"
Opacity setting that you can change at any time (with on-screen real-time
preview), while the Background layer does not. A couple of examples will show
how this rule is applied in PhotoPlus:
• Suppose you are creating a new image. The New Image dialog
provides three choices for Background: White, Background Color, and
Transparent. If you pick White or Background Color, the Layers tab
shows a single layer in the new image named "Background". If you
pick Transparent, however, the single layer is named "Layer 1"—and in
this case, the image has no Background layer.
• If you cut, delete, or move a selection on the Background layer, the
"hole" that's left exposes the current background color as shown on the
Color tab (illustrated below on the left). The same operations on a
standard layer exposes a transparent hole (illustrated below on the
right).
22 Layers, Masks, and Blending
Selections and layers
With few exceptions, you will work on just one layer at any given time—click a
layer on the Layers tab to activate and work on that layer. Tools and commands
generally affect the entire active layer. However, if there's a selection in place,
tools and commands are limited to the pixels inside the selection.
Selections are independent from layers. They don't actually include image
content—they just describe a region with boundaries. Therefore, if your image
has multiple layers and you switch to another layer, the selection stays in place
and follows you to the new active layer.
Operations involving layers
Many standard operations, such as painting, selecting and moving, Clipboard
actions, adjusting colors, applying effects, and so on, are possible on both the
Background layer and standard layers.
Others, such as rearranging the order of layers in the stack, setting up different
color interactions (blend modes and blend ranges) between layers, varying layer
opacity (transparency), applying 2D layer effects and 3D layer effects, using
depth maps, creating animation frames, or masking, only work with standard
layers.
Once an image has more than just a background layer, the layer information can
only be preserved by saving the image in the native PhotoPlus (.spp) format.
Multiple layers are merged when you export an image to a standard "flat" bitmap
format (e.g., .png). It’s best to save your work-in-progress as SPP files, and only
export to a different file format as the final step. (See Saving a file and Exporting
to another file format on p. 15 and 164, respectively.)
Some standard operations can be applied to all layers simultaneously by
checking the Use All Layers option from the context toolbar.
To carry out basic layer operations:
• To select a layer, click on its name in the Layers tab. The selected layer
is now the active layer. Note that each layer’s entry includes a preview
thumbnail, which is visible at all times and is especially useful when
identifying layer contents.
Layers, Masks, and Blending 23
• To create a new standard layer above the active layer, click the
New Layer button on the Layers tab. Dragging a file from Windows
Explorer and dropping it onto the current window also creates a new
layer from the dragged image.
• Click the New Fill or Adjustment Layer button to apply a Fill
Layer or an image adjustment layer. (See Fill Layers in PhotoPlus Help
and Using adjustment layers on p. 38.)
•
The Add Layer Mask button adds a mask to the currently
selected layer. (See Importance of Masks in PhotoPlus Help and Using
masks on p. 27.)
•
The Add Layer Depth Map button creates a depth map for the
selected layer. (See Using depth maps in PhotoPlus Help.)
•
The Add Layer Effects button creates a 2D or 3D effect on the
layer. Right-click to copy/paste, clear or hide effects.
• To make a layer's contents visible or invisible, click the
Hide/Show Layer button next to its name on the Layers tab.
• To convert any shape, text or fill layer to a standard layer, right-click
on the layer name and choose Rasterize from the menu.
• To convert the Background layer to a standard layer (which supports
transparency), right-click "Background" on the Layers tab and choose
Promote to Layer. The layer's name changes from "Background" to
"Layer <number>." To convert a standard layer to a Background layer,
right-click the layer and choose Layer to Background.
• To convert the layer to a non-destructive filter layer, for applying and
managing effect and adjustment filters, right-click and select Convert
to Filter Layer. (See Using filter layers in PhotoPlus Help.)
• To access Layer Properties—including Name, Blend Mode, Opacity,
and Blend Ranges—right-click the layer name and choose Properties.
24 Layers, Masks, and Blending
To control layer content:
• To select all layer content use Select>Select All or Ctrl+A. To select
non-transparent regions on a layer, Ctrl-click on a layer thumbnail.
Use Select>Invert or Ctrl+Shift+I to select transparent regions.
•
To move layer content, select one or more layers containing the
content to be moved (from the Layers tab), then drag with the Move
Tool with no selection area present (press Ctrl+D to remove any
selection).
• To align layer content, select one or more layers (as above), then
choose Align from the Layers menu, then select an option from the
submenu.
• To distribute layer content, select one or more layers (as above), then
choose Distribute from the Layers menu, then select an option from
the submenu.
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