Contents
Previous
Next
fxPAINT bases on a special, so called layer-concept, that devides the
work on pictures into several layers. When working with fxPAINT it is
important to understand this system to make full use of all functions.
The layersystem consists of four layers:
- Base image
The "base image" is the current image used as basis for the
calculation of the currently selected effect - so this is what has just
been loaded or the result of the permanent fixation of the last work
steps.
- Draw-/Selection layer ("Draw layer")
The draw- and selction layer has the biggest influence on the
result. It allows 256 levels, intensities respectively, for every
pixel. Here you define where and with which intensity the effect layer
is visible. If a pixel has an insity of 0, the resulting pixel is equal
to the respective pixel in the base image. In contrast a value of 255
makes the resulting pixel identical with the respective pixel in the
effect layer.
- Alpha channel
The alpha channel is a close relative to the draw layer. Its
information is used right after the one contained in the draw layer and
allows 16777216 different levels for every pixel, 256 for every of the
three virtual color channels red, green and blue. It is only
interesting for special cases and, for easyness, not part of the
following example.
- Effect layer
This layer contains the results of the effect calculations of the
currently selected effect. By drawing/selecting in the draw layer, this
layer becomes visible. Only if the effect/mode "Draw" is chosen, the
contents is dependant on the contens of the draw layer.
After this theoretic introduction a practical example:

On the draw layer a gradient and a circle have been drawn, the
effect layer contains the result of the effect "Neon". For the
displayed result, the base image is now mixed with the effect layer,
basing on the intensities contained in the draw layer. Parts, that have
the full intensity of 255 (the circle, left border of the gradient) are
entirely replaced with the respective pixels of the effect layer. Parts
with zero intensity are left untouched when compared to the base image.
All intensities that are greater than 0 and smaller than 255 contain
the respective parts of the base image and the effect layer. This can
be seen quite good with the gradient. Thus, as the majority of the draw
layer has an intensity of 0, most of the base image is left untouched.
Thus you change the draw layer with the drawing tools and, by doing
so, paint the effect layer on the base image. If you have reached the
point where you are satisfied with the result of the effect, click on
"Fix". This fixates the image, that is, make the changes permant and
clear the layer (except you selected "Keep layer"). After fixation the
visible picture becomes the new base layer. Easily spoken you add the
effects "layer by layer" until you have reached the result you had in
mind.
Contents
Previous
Next