Changing a photo.

[edsingletary]

I have noticed some talking about changing photos to grayscale. I thought black and white would be better but apparently not. So grayscale is the way to go and import into PE. Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question, I'm still in the infant stage here. I can't even get the Make Pattern thingy work. I'll get it eventually, I love learning new stuff.

[lynnfrwd]

When you import an image (color or black & white - which is the same as grayscale), the software automagically changes it to grayscale (same as black and white).

To Make Pattern, you must put the patterns into a GROUP. Click on "Group" and select Make Pattern.

If you are using the drawing tools, you must give them a carve region. After you make pattern you can then outline it and delete the pattern, if you are just trying to get the outline.

[edsingletary]

Thank you, I will try that. Seems like everyone but me can do all this with ease. I'm learning.

[DickB]

Converting a photo into a carving is one of the most difficult things to do well in my opinion. There are some techniques that others have posted to produce satisfactory results. You may want to search for them.

When you convert a photo or drawing directly into a pattern, as Connie said color is ignored. Only black and white or shades of gray matter. Black will be carved deepest, white highest, or vice versa (I never remember and just invert to get what I want). Shades of gray fall in between high and low. These grayscale images are also referred to as height maps.

Since a photo is an image of light, and not height, just importing a photo directly often does not produce satisfactory results. Take alook at this post: http://forum.carvewright.com/showthr...977#post189977

[fwharris]

A normal image has lots of different shades and shadows that looks great for the image but when imported into designer they translate to uneven surfaces.

The "gray scale" image is actually a height map that has smooth surfaces.

[bjbethke]

Thank you, I will try that. Seems like everyone but me can do all this with ease. I'm learning.

Grayscale images;

To me Black and White is not a grayscale that works well in the CW Unit; it is only two numbers of the grayscale; that I like to use, you need all the numbers to give you a 3d look.

“000” = Transparent (Only in PNG & GIF formats)
“0 or 1” = Black
“255” = White

I like to start with line drawings, I use a program called ShaderMap Pro most of the time; after image cleanup the program will give you a good grayscale image in less the 30 seconds; it depends on the size of the image. I use the Bit Map format to do this; it gives me a white background.

I was given an Aspire 4.0 program from a friend that I make patterns for. To me it is taking a lot of time to learn that program (maybe it’s because I am 76 years old now?)

I only use part of the functions in my programs; you can use more gray shades to give you a 3d look.

If you would like help and some samples on how I do that - PM me with an e-mail.

I don’t like to post my e-mail on an open forum, I get enough Junk Mail.

BJB

[edsingletary]

Thanks, BJB. I will look up the Shadermap Pro on line. I own Paintshop Pro, I bet it would handle that although I have never had a reason to use it for that. I'm just trying to keep everything as simple as I can, 64 and not a lot of learning time on my schedule, I'm more interested in the carving aspect mostly. But I like creating, always have. Thanks for you reply, I will let you know how I'm coming along.