Getting Started with Photofiltre

These have been a real treat... Looking forward to lots more!

Thank you!

 

Thanks very much for the tutorials. I would love to see more as the help file in the program really doesn't provide much info for us newbies. Thanks again!!

 

Hey, thanks pvsurfer and hsj!

The idea I had was to create tutorials that were easy and accessible
for new Photofiltre users. So you will notice that they are rather basics
at first but they will progress steadily as we move on.

 

Create your own Custom Icons
tutorial 7

Here's an easy way to create custom icons for your computer with Photofiltre.

1. Find an image that you like or wish to create an icon with.
Remember the neater the image is, the better the results will be.
Almost any size can do provide you get a good quality image.

I had this image

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/637/redgirllp5.jpg

2. Open your image in Photofiltre.

3. Open your filter bar if you do not see it.
Go to the Menu > View > Filter bar
this is how the filter bar looks...

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/8895/filtermenupn7.jpg

We will emphasize the colours in the image so the icon will stand out more...

4. Go to the filter bar and click on ''Contrast +" one or two times.
This will raise the contrast of the image and makes it look sharper.
Remember that you can click on the "Undo" arrow if you don't like
the last change. The "Redo'' arrow will allow you to re-apply the change.


5. You can also apply a border of 2 pixels around your image.
Go to the Menu > Image > Outside frame.
I usually set the width to 2 pixels and applied a black border to my icons.

Now we are ready to make an icon from our image.

6. Go to the Menu > Tools > Export as icon...
I set it to 256 colours and then I click on export and I save it on my desktop.

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/8702/exportasicons256nb9.jpg
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/7995/irfanicondf1.jpg

Once I am satisfied I save it in a folder containing
all the icons I created in C: \WINDOWS\ system32\ my icons.

Link the icon to a program or a folder:

Now I will chose a program (it could also be a folder) on my computer
and link the program to this icon....

I decided to change Irfan View default Icon....

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/3699/irfanviewsi1.jpg

7.So I right click on it, a context menu appears,

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/7750/changeicondg5.jpg

I click on Properties > Change Icon >
Browse and I browse until I see my icon folder which is located in My computer, C:
\WINDOWS\ system32\ my icons.

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/4068/myiconsix9.jpg


Once I see "my icons'' folder, I click on it to open and go Retrieve the red girl icon from the folder....

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/3244/getredicoog1.jpg

... so I simply select it then I click open, and confirm the changes Ok > Ok to the next windows showing.

Notice that my O.S, is Windows XP, it is possible that the folder location
needs to be placed in a different location with another operating systems.


this is my new Irfan View Icon, lol!

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/6861/irfaniconip0.jpg


This is the way you can do it with programs and folders; for system icons it is a bit different.


To Change a System Icon

If you wish to modify some of the system icons, like "My Computer", "My Network" or even the "Recycle Bin" you will have to right click on your desktop > Select and click Properties > Customize desktop > Desktop items > Change Icons


http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3853/desktopicongh0.jpg

and then you follow the same path as in step 7 that is
My computer, C: \WINDOWS\ system32\ my icons....
and you select and open the icon you want for your desktop and click OK.

Tips

try not to get images that contain lots of small features in it,
otherwise they will look blurry or messy once converted as icons.

If you prefer transparent icons, you might go on the Internet
and look for. gifs or images that have transparent background unless
you create them yourself in Photofiltre with the drawing tools.

Keep in mind that you can also change the plain yellow folder look in
''My images" or in "My documents" for icons you collected or created yourself!

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/2596/imageiconslw8.jpg

 

Create Neon Letters
tutorial 8


This is a tutorial I created today with Photofiltre. You will get good results if you follow the directions carefully! We will work with the text tool and the Gaussien filter. Do not forget to deselect your letters BEFORE applying a filter to them. Clicking on a tool from the Tools Palette, for instance this one...

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/1713/clickontoolgo6.jpg

...is the fastest way to get rid of the marching ants around the text.
If you do not do that and apply a filter on selected letters, you will see a
demarcation around your letters after applying a filter. The selection tool
or the arrow at the top right of the tools Palette won't work, all the others will work fine.

1. Open up a new image in Photofiltre.
I had 400x280 and my background was set to black.


http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/3798/newimageid8.jpg


2. Click on the "T" just under the Menu to open the text dialog box.

3. Choose a font that you like preferably with neat edges.

4. Set the size. I have 80 but yours can be different if you have a different font.
Choose a brilliant colour. I had Cobalt blue but it can be Emerald green, Magenta pink
or any brilliant shade.

http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/6615/neonlettersge2.jpg

Write your text and click Ok.

5. Now you should see your text in your image. There are marching ants around.
Click on any tool in the tool Palette to get rid of it. (save the selection tool!)

We will blur these letters so that they will become the backgound glow.

6. Go to the Menu > Filter > Visual effect > Gaussien blur > Move the cursor to 25 pixels approx.
The more you move the cursor to the right, the more gaseous effect you will get!

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/4389/neonletters3ex1.jpg

7. Re-apply the same text a second time over it.
Go to the Menu > Filter > Visual effect > Gaussien blur > Move the cursor to 25 pixels approx.

We will apply the final text over the glow we created.

8. Open the text dialog box again and chose the same text with the same settings. Do not close or exit the text box! Click on "Effect", and checkmark "Stroke", "Blur and Low" then choose the colour of your stroke. I had white. Click Ok when you're done.

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/6690/neonletters2az0.jpg

9. Now just position your text over the glow and deselect!

Tips

To increase the effect of the glow even more, accentuate the colours of the blurred letters before applying the final text. For this, you go to the Menu > Filter > Color > Colorize. BUT do not forget to deselect your text before applying the filter.
Do not choose fonts that are to thin!

You're done!!! Hope this was useful, I will post more tutorials when time allows.

The blue letters glow was made with the "Artistic blur" filter
whereas the pink one was made with the "Gaussien Blur" filter, notice how the glow came out better!

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/5724/testneon2ra0.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3277/pink1ep0.jpg

 

Ways to Improve Faded Photographs
tutorial 9

You can improve the quality of your photographs or images in Photofiltre when they are not too severely blurred. So, if you happen to take photographs which colours did not come out as intended, here is what you can do to improve them.

1. Open your photograph or image in Photofiltre.

I had this one

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/642/irelandesl2.jpg

2. Go to the menu and click on Auto Contrast, if you are satisfied with the result, keep the image as it is or if you find that the change is too drastic, you can fade it by going to the Menu > File >"Fade Auto Contrast" and while watching your picture, move the slider until you are satisfied with the result.

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/8853/autocontrastpq3.jpg

2. We can also revive the colours after.
Go to the Menu > Filer > Color > Revive Colors.

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9617/ravivecoloursrd2.jpg

3. And again, you can go back to the Menu > File > "Fade Revive Color" and adjust the settings.

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/4384/fadewindow1te0.jpg

Here is the result

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/6676/irelande2rs5.jpg

Tip

Some people like to sharpen their pictures to improve their appearance,
for this you go to the Menu > Filter Sharpen > Sharpen. But be careful!
Personally, I never use the "Sharpen filter" for it adds noise to the picture.
If you decide to use it, use it with parsimony!

More examples:

Before
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/605/anderbouhr05eg4.jpg

After
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/1826/revive50up7.jpg

Before
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/7452/enfantsourireos6.jpg

After
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/935/reviveenfanteu3.jpg

 

Uguell707: Thank you so very much for creating and adding to this thread. It's been great! I'm looking forward to future entries!

 

Hi HAN!

Thank you very much for your kind words.
Please do not hesitate to ask if something is not clear or if you have questions!

 

Hows this one

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/9315/uguelneon2ki7.jpg

 

Wow, this is nice! I like the effect and the cool font. Thanks!!!
Welcome to Wilders narov and take time to visit the other threads
as well.

 

Emptying the History Folder in Photofiltre
tutorial 10

1. Launch Photofiltre

2. Go to the Menu and click on Tools > Preferences
then click on the little arrow on the right.

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/7038/1clickonsmallarrowgp9.jpg

....Keep clicking on it
until you see "Startup" and finally checkmark "Clear recent files"

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/2609/2emptyhistoryuu4.jpg

Click Ok!

That is it! Quite simple, eh?

 

Hi Uguel,

I came by this thread only yesterday and thought it might be interesting to try out Photofiltre. I have previously used PaintShopPro 5 that was given free on a magazine CD. It had produced some good results for me but it always seemed a little involved in use with all the complicated options for the various tools settings etc.

I have to say... Photofiltre is really easy to use and just seems to have the right balance of all that is needed to get some excellent results but without being over complex. I like all the tools options are easily available and the various settings for them easy to understand and use.

Thanks so much for your work here... excellent tutorials.

I will probably use Photofiltre for most of my basic image editing now. Amazing that this great program is also free... can't ask for more than that.

zarzenz

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again...

This tutorial is a real treat.

 

Hi zarzenz!

you wrote

I have to say... Photofiltre is really easy to use and just seems to have the right balance of all that is needed to get some excellent results but without being over complex. I like all the tools options are easily available and the various settings for them easy to understand and use.

Absolutely! Not only it is simple and easy to use but it doesn't consumes
too much ressources.

you wrote

Thanks so much for your work here... excellent tutorials.I will probably use Photofiltre for most of my basic image editing now. Amazing that this great program is also free... can't ask for more than that.

You're welcome!

They also released a commercial version with more features but when you do not need
to use them, the free version will suffice!

 

Thanks pvsurfer! well, I must admit that I feel a bit ashame
of myself after reading this for I haven't done much tutorials lately;
I was caught up learning 3D applications that took almost all my time.
But it is good to take a break from them and enjoy programs you can
work on without feeling baffled most of the time!

 

Adding Frames to Pictures
tutorial 11http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/3826/witch2tins2.gif

There are many ways to apply a frame to a photograph or a picture in Photofiltre.
Here's one example.

1. I have this photograph

http://img286.imageshack.us/img286/1158/land002ad2.png

and I decided to add a passe-partout with a frame around it.

2. I went to the Menu > Image > Outside frame...

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/3044/1outframewi1.jpg

3. I added a white border of 25 pixels.

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6296/2outframeen3.jpg

4. Then I returned to the Menu and applied a black border of 4 pixels.
I could have chosen 6 pixels, it's only a matter of taste here.

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/1217/3outsideframeau2.jpg

Here's the result...

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/5912/4passepartoutvc6.png


Happy Creepy Halloween to all!!!

 

Pasting Images into Frames
tutorial 12

Although Photofiltre has a few filters that allow you to add a frame around your pictures....

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/848/smoothedframe3dzi3.jpg
I applied smooth frame 3D for this picture

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5308/pffilterframeseb6.png


it is also fun to collect frames from the Internet in order
to enrich an image or make it look at its best.

I had this image....

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/9219/rosescanterburybellstr9.jpg

and I wanted to paste it into this frame.....

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/1324/redframeyi1.jpg

Unfortunately the image is too big to fit into the frame.
So in order to achieve this I will need to reduce the image and paste it into the frame after.

1. I select my flower images and go to the Menu > Image > Image Size.
I reduce it to 60% with " Preserve aspect ratio" unchecked.

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4594/1imagesizeda0.jpg

I clicked Ok and returned to my workplace. Notice that I just estimated
the proportions at a quick glance and hoped it will come all right!

2. I clicked and selected the image that has the frame then I went
to the Tools Palette and chose the rectangle selection tool....

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/1120/rectangleselectiontooldc3.jpg

and with my mouse I drew a rectangle inside the frame
exactly where I want my flowers image to be.

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/1735/3marqueetoolgr2.jpg


3. I then returned to my flowers image, selected it and did a "right click copy"
then again, I selected the red image with the selected frame and
went back to the Menu >Edit > Paste Special > Paste in. Within
the help of the mouse and the marquee tool I just moved the
flower image a little bit to where I wanted it to be. If you
want to get rid of the selection, go to the Menu > Selection >
Hide Selection.

Now I got a new image with a pretty frame around!

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4329/framedflowers1jn6.png


More examples ......
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6121/redframeflowerswx2.jpg

For this one ...
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4392/jeunefille1hw6.jpg

I chose a different frame....
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4277/fillehv9.jpg


and for this one too...

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/8224/idakl1dj4.jpg

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/7707/hugcountryladyqu2.png

Tips

• Although large frames are appropriate for small images, avoid using them for
  large images.

• Always try to choose a frame that has one colour or more
  that can be found in the picture you want to paste into.

• You can also use the crop tool to copy and paste only the part of the
  picture you like best! see tutorial 2, How to Use the Crop Tool with Photofiltre

this is it! I hope that you enjoyed this tutorial.

 

A Christmas Card
tutorial 13

Since Christmas is drawing near, I thought that this might be a good time to learn how to make a Christmas card with Photofiltre. This method is simple to do and I think it is a good way to get intoduced to the masks provided with Photofiltre.

Find a photograph or an image depicting a xmas holiday scene.
I had this one (I made it smaller for the forum)

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2459/resizedorignl6.jpg

1. Open up your image in Photofiltre and resize it if necessary. Make sure your picture won't exceed 500 pixels width and height. Mine was resized to 500 x 375 pixels.To resize your picture, go to the Menu > Image > Image Size and adjust the width and the height. The easiest way to resize an image is to adjust the percentage (%). See tutorial #1 for more details.

Now we will soften and stylize the borders of the image with the help of a mask.

2.Go to the Menu > Filters > PhotoMasque

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/8739/photomask1vu4.jpg

...a window will open up, click on the small yellow folder and go retrieve the "Flame" mask. You might apply the same settings I have in the screenshot below.

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/9081/masksettingsrl2.jpg

If all went well, you will get results similar to mine....

image was resized to 70%
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/1985/resizedcardid0.jpg

Applying the text to the card.

3. Go to the menu > Text. I chose the font AdineKinberg-Script and a colour that was already in the image for my text . I had, Red: 127, Green: 20, and Blue: 61.The size of the font was set to 50 pixels and bold was checkmarked.

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/2779/fontsof2.jpg

Apply and center the text to your image and voilà congratulations, you're done!

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/1180/xmastcard2dw9.jpg

tip:

Some fonts can be difficult to read when "Bold" is applied.
Make sure your fonts can be read clearly if not, uncheck the Bold option.
Handwriting fonts are the best for holidays and birthdays!

Remember, you might be able to find a great choice of commercial Flash cards
on the Net during the season, some of them are really cool.... but a card
that you made yourself will certainly please and touch the recipient
even more!

 

A Christmas Card
more examples...

For this snowmen image, I applied a snow mask and
then I added a large white border of around 50 pixels + a small
black border of 2 pixels after. To apply borders you go to the
Menu > Edit > Outside frame. From there, you can choose
a size and a colour for your frame.


http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/5663/familyxmashf6.jpg

.....this card was a desktop that I resized....


http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/9269/philipxmasei5.jpg

 

Cheers Uguell707

I use PhotoFiltre for almost all my small graphics work this weather
I don't know how I managed without it before

Thanx for keeping the tuts going

 

HI Uguel and All! Well, I changed some colors I started with, but this is the end result of my Neon experiment. (Uh, a little big, huh? LOL!)
Still some ideas I am gonna try, let ya know if they work......

Thanks for keeping this going, and I am sure we can all use some
Christmas card ideas...gonna work on some icons too..

Marja

You always have such great pics, gonna have to go 'shoppin'!

 

HEY Narov! What effect did you use? It's cool too!

 

This isn't exactly what I was goin' for.......but...
suprises are nice sometimes too..

I had to use another prog's flowers, I used to have a little prog that would put a pic in a pic-
it was a plug-in for PhotoFiltre..lost it 'some where'..
Do you know the one I am talking about, Uguel?
(When you have time.... )

Just playin' around..

Marja

 

Uguel is doing a great job here.

Thanks Marja, I like your images. I followed some of Uguel's tutorial but added some progressive contour and a mask.

After you have some text on the background open the text editor again, leave the settings the same and just click 'transform to selection'. This will place the marching ants around your text in the same shape. Then go to filter / stylize / proressive contour and have some fun with the settings there.

You can invert the selection and apply the mask or just apply the mask to the whole picture.

Here's the mask if anyone wants it, just save it as a gif in the Photofiltre mask folder.

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/3313/amask1nar9auc1.gif

( A little fun )
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/150/marjawildersb2.jpg

 

Hi RipVanTinkle! It's nice to see new people posting in the thread!
I agree, Photofiltre is a good program. It is a small application
that can do wonders once we get to know it.
Hope to see some of your graphics soon!