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2.1 The layer system

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:

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.


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