Copyright: "Illusion V1.0 Copyright David Robinson 1994"


Contents

Illusion V1.0	Copyright David Robinson 1995

For information on one of the options, click on the appropriate heading below.

Menu Commands

Keyboard Commands

Tool Bar Commands

Brush Options Box

File Types

Registration

About

Questions


Menu Commands

File	Open, Close, Save and Print Images. Exit Illusion.

Edit	Undo last action, deal with clipboard and clear image.

Image	Tune image, change format, improve quality, rotate image.

Effects	Apply special effects to the image.

Tools	Change current tool, Zoom In/Out.

Selection	Alter the selection.

Window	Arrange Windows, Close All, Select Image


Keyboard Commands

Illusion supports the following keyboard short cuts. These can be used instead of selecting the appropriate menu item.

Command	Hot Key	Alternative

File New	Ctrl+N

File Open	Ctrl+O

File Save	Ctrl+S	F2

File Print	Ctrl+P

File Exit	Alt+F4

Edit Undo	Ctrl+Z	Alt+BkSp

Edit Cut	Ctrl+X	Shift+Del

Edit Copy	Ctrl+C	Ctrl+Ins

Edit Paste	Ctrl+V	Shift+Ins

Edit Clear	Delete

Close All	Ctrl+A

Brightness	Ctrl+B

Edit Colour Map	Ctrl+E

Gamma Correct	Ctrl+G

Intensity	Ctrl+I

Merge	Ctrl+M

Rotate	Ctrl+R

True Colour	Ctrl+T

User Defined Filter	Ctrl+U

Wave	Ctrl+W

Help Contents	F1

Most Recently Used File:

1	Ctrl+1

2	Ctrl+2

3	Ctrl+3

4	Ctrl+4

Zoom In	Numbers on Numeric Keypad (each number pressed is the

magnification factor  i.e. 5 will magnify the image 5 times)

Zoom Out	Top row of numbers

Hide\Show Toolbar	Space

Hide\Show Info	Alt+Space

Hide\Show Brush	Ctrl+Space


Tool Bar Commands

The Toolbar is used to select the current tool for editing the image.

To select a tool, just click on the button with the Left Mouse Button.

If a tool has any options, these can be accessed by double clicking on the button.

The toolbar`s size can be adjusted to contain any number of tools you require ( minimum of 5 ) .

To change the position of a tool, right click with the mouse over the button, and select

the new tool from the menu.

The size of the tool brush can be set in the Brush Options box.

Use the Spacebar to toggle the display of the toolbar.

See also

Brush Options Box


Brush Options
Brush Options Box

The brush options box is used to vary several brush parameters.

The Width and Height can be set independently using the Brush Width and Brush Height selectors.

The Transparency is a measure of how much of the effect is applied to the image.

0 %	-:-	All the effect is applied

50 %	-:-	The effect and the original image appear in equall amounts

100 %	-:-	The effect doesn`t appear at all.

The Spacing is a measure of  how often the brush is applied to the image and is a

percentage of the brush size.

1 %	-:-	The brush is applied to every pixel between the start and end points

This can be very slow.

25 %	-:-	The brush is applied at the start position. It is applied again a number of

pixels further on. ( The number is 25 % of the brush size).

This gives a good effect at a good speed.

100 %	-:-	The brush is applied to the start pixel and then at intervals of the brush size.

Free	-:-	The brush is applied at random positions along the movement path.

To create a square / round brush, click on the button with a square / circle on it.

You can also create a custom brush.  There are two methods for creating a brush.

Create a brush using a previously defined  image.

1.	Save an image in the brush format ( *.bsh ).

2.	Right click on any grey area of the Brush Options box.

3.	Select Load... from the menu.

4.	Select and open your brush image.

Create a brush using the image selection.

1.	Select an area of the image.

2.	Right click on any grey area of the Brush Options box.

3.	Select Use Current Selection from the menu.

Custom brushes that are non-rectangular ( i.e. built from free selections ) have the

edges padded with zeros.  Select 0 = Transparent to retain the proper shape.

Saving a brush.

1.	Right click on any grey area of the Brush Options box.

2.	Select Save...  from the menu.

3.	Save as normal.

Use Ctrl + Spacebar to toggle the display of the Brush Options Box.


File Menu

New

Open

Save

Save As

Close

Print

Preferences

Exit


Edit Menu

Undo

Cut

Copy

Paste

Clear


Image Menu

Colour Menu

Convert To

Merge

Smoothing Filters

Sharpen Filters

Transform


Effects Menu

Use the filters to improve images and apply special effects to entire pictures or selections.

Most filters will not work on images less than 24 bit, for example the emboss effect. To use these filters, convert the image to 24 bit by pressing Ctrl+T.

All effects in Illusion will only be applied to selected channels in the image.

Artistic

Distort

Edge Effects

Illuminate

Metallic

Min / Max

Noise

Photographic

Texture

Water

Wind

User Defined Filter (UDF)

See also

Channels


Effects : Texture Menu
Texture Menu

Menu	-:-	FILE ==> EFFECTS

These effects alter the surface texture of the image. The image must be 24 bit.

All effects in Illusion will only be applied to selected channels in the image.

Emboss

Engrave

Mosaic

Weave

See also

Channels


Effects : Photographic Menu
Photographic Menu

Menu	-:-	FILE ==> PHOTOGRAPHIC

These effects either simulate various camera effects or improve the quality of images.

Pixilate, Rain and Solarise are not confined to 24 bit images.

All effects in Illusion will only be applied to selected channels in the image.

Enhance Detail

Enhance Focus

Glare

Motion Blur

Pixilate

Rain

Solarise

Shudder

See also

Channels


Effects : Edge Menu
Edge Effects Menu

Menu	-:-	FILE ==> EFFECTS

These effects work on the edges of the images.

All images must be 24 bit.

All effects in Illusion will only be applied to selected channels in the image.

Detect

Enhance

Outline

Ring

Trace Contour

See also

Channels


Effects : Distort Menu
Distort Menu

Menu	-:-	FILE ==> EFFECTS

These effects alter the position of individual pixels and will therefore work on 24 bit and 8 bit images.

All effects in Illusion will only be applied to selected channels in the image.

Blender

Diffuse

Tile

Wave

See also

Channels


Effects : Artistic Menu
Artistic Menu

Menu	-:-	FILE ==> EFFECTS

These effects convert the image to something that might have been done by an artist.

24 bit only except Psychedelic and Poster Art.

All effects in Illusion will only be applied to selected channels in the image.

Paint

Poster Art

Psychedelic

Sketch

See also

Channels


Tools Menu

Selections

Zoom

Hide/Display Tools

Hide/Display Info

Hide/Display Brush

See also

Tool Bar Commands

Brush Options Box


Selection Menu

Border

Feather

Invert

Remove

Resize

Stroke


Window Menu

Tile Vertically

Tile Horizontally

Cascade

Arrange Icons

Close All


File--New
New	Ctrl+N

Menu	-:-	FILE ==> New

Creates a new image using the current background colour.

All new images are in the 24 bit format.


File--Open
Open	Ctrl+O

Menu	-:-	FILE ==> Open

To open a file and display the contents.

1.	Choose the type of file required by selecting an option from the List Files Of Type

Box.

Illusion currently supports files of type BMP ,DIB TGA and PCX.

2.	Select the file you wish to open by clicking on it`s filename in the File Name box

3.	Either press the OK button or double click the selected file name.

If  *.BMP etc is selected in the List Files Of Type box, Illusion will open the image based on this type and not the file extension. If All Files *.* is selected, Illusion will base the file type on the extension.

i.e. Suppose you had a Bitmap called Temp.PCX. If *.PCX was selected, Illusion would expect the file to be a PCX and would fail when it tried to open it. If All files *.* is selected, Illusion would still treat the image as a PCX and would fail. If *.BMP was selected, Illusion would ignore the extension and open the file successfully as a BMP file.

Illusion also supports Drag and Drop file opening. In file manager, select all the files you want to open and drag them onto Illusion`s main window.

See also

Preferences


File--Save
Save	Ctrl+S	F2

Menu	-:-	FILE ==> Save

Saves the image in it`s current format.

Illusion currently supports files of type BMP, DIB, TGA and PCX.


File--Save As
Save As

Menu	-:-	FILE ==> Save As

Saves a file under a new name.

Brings up the Save As file dialogue box.

1.	Choose the type of file required by selecting an extension from the Save Files Of

Type box. Illusion currently supports files of type BMP ,DIB , TGA and PCX

2.	Either type the destination file name in the File Name box or select an existing file

name from the list.


File--Close
Close

Menu	-:-	FILE ==> Close

If your tired, bored, warped you picture beyond repair or just for some reason, enjoy closing windows then this will do the job.  You may also be asked if you want to save the image (depending on the Preferences option) but if you haven`t REGISTERD then it won`t let you!!

See also

Preferences


File--Print
Print 	Ctrl+P

Menu	-:-	FILE ==> Print

Prints the Image.  Please don`t try and confuse your printer by trying

to print out a 24 bit picture on a black and white printer.  It will have to be converted to

black and white using the COLOUR menu then printed.

1.	Choose the print quality required.

2.	Enter the number of copies you want to be printed.

3.	Choose one of the options that control the size of the image.

Screen size	: The printed image will be approximately the same size as the image

on the screen.

Fit to page	: Stretches the image to fit the paper.

Actual size	: Prints the image at it`s proper size. For example a 300x300 image

at 300 DPI would be printed as a 1 inch by 1 inch square.

4.	Click Printer Setup if you wish to change the printer, the paper size or paper

orientation.

5.	Click OK to start the print job.


File--Preferences
Preferences

Menu	-:-	FILE ==> Preferences

These options allow you some control over Illusion`s operations.

1.	At Startup:

»	Nothing	Nothing special happens when you start the program

»	About	Displays an about box for a few seconds.

»	Open	Displays the Open File dialogue box.

2.	Prompt For Save

»	File Close	If the image has changed, you will be prompted to save it when

you try to close the window. If this option is not checked, you will

not be reminded that the image has changed and any changes will

not be saved.

3.	Prompt

»	On Exit	Asks if you are sure you want to quit. This is similar to the

message at the end of a Windows session.

See also

Open

Save


File--Exit
Exit 	Alt+F4

Menu	-:-	FILE ==> Exit

Look, come on!  Do you enjoy reading help files or something!  What do you think it does, make toast ? This lets you exit the program. If any of the images have been modified, you may be prompted to save them (depending on the Preferences option), but if you haven`t REGISTERD then it won`t let you!! Selecting CANCEL will stop the program from exiting

See also

Preferences


Edit--Undo
Undo / Redo	Ctrl+Z	Alt+BkSp

Menu	-:-	EDIT ==> Undo

Enables you to undo / redo the last change made to the image.


Edit--Cut
Cut 	Ctrl+X	Shift+Del

Menu	-:-	EDIT ==> Cut

Copies the image or selection to the clipboard and removes it from the image. The removed section is replaced with the current background colour. This command is not available for 2 or 16 colour (1 or 4 bit) images.


Edit--Copy
Copy 	Ctrl+C	Ctrl+Ins

Menu	-:-	EDIT ==> Copy

Copies the image or selection to the clipboard.

This command is not available for 2 or 16 colour (1 or 4 bit) selections.


Edit--Paste
Paste 	Ctrl+V	Shift+Ins

Menu	-:-	EDIT ==> Paste

Pastes the contents of the clipboard as a new image. This is available for all image formats (1,4,8,24 bits)


Edit--Clear
Clear 	Delete

Menu	-:-	EDIT ==> Clear

Sets the entire image or selection to the current background colour. This command is not available for 2 or 16 colour (1 or 4 bit) images.


Image--Colour Menu
Colour

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> COLOUR

The options in the Colour Menu are used to adjust the colour map of the image.

All Colour effects in Illusion will only be applied to selected channels in the image.

Brightness

Colour Replacer

Contrast

Edit Colour Map

Gamma Correct

Intensity

Negative

Posterize

RGB

Split Channels

Threshold

Tint

See also

Channels


Image--Convert To
Convert To 	Ctrl+T

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> CONVERT TO

Converts the image to the available formats.

1.	Black and White	Converts the image to a 1 bit per pixel image.

Choose the method of colour reduction from the displayed options.

2.	Greyscale	Converts all the pixels to a grey value based on the chosen option.

Note that the resulting image has the same number of Bits-Per-Pixel

as the original image

3.	256 Colours	Converts the image to an 8 bit image. If converting from a

24 bit image, choose the method of colour reduction from

the displayed options.

4.	True Colour	Converts all the pixels from a single byte palette index to a

three byte RGB index. This is the only format that all the effects can be used on.

These images can contain up to 16 million colours. If your video display cannot

support this many colours, Illusion will dither the image in order for it to be

displayed. The dithered image is only used for display proposes. Any effects are

run on the actual 24 bit image.

This does require two images to be stored and therefore, more memory is used


Image--Merge
Merge	Ctrl+M

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> Merge

Merges two pictures together based on the selected option. If the two images are different sizes,

Source B is resized to Source A`s dimensions.

Hints:

You can use merge to "knock holes" in an image.

1.	Create an image with a black background and some white airbrush marks.

This is the mask;

2.	Open the mask and the image you want to knock the marks out in.

3.	Select merge with the multiply option.

As the background is black, the result of the multiplication will also be black

( 0 x anything is 0). However, the mask text is white so the resulting text in the new

image will contain the original image. ( (X  x 255) / 255 = X).


Image--Smoothing Filters
Smoothing filters

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> Smoothing Filters

These filters reduce the amount of noise in the image.

These will only be applied to selected channels in the image.

Average	: Replaces each pixel with the average of all the surrounding pixels based

on the dimensions of the square chosen (3x3 or 5x5).

Blur 	: Blurs neighbouring pixels together.

Soften	: Blurs only the edges in the image.

Choose More or Heavy to increase the effect of the filter.

See also

Channels


Image--Sharpening Filters
Sharpening Filters

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> Sharpening Filters

Sharpen increases the contrast between pixels at the edges in the image. This can be used to improve the quality of blurred images.

Choose More or Heavy to increase the effect of the filter.

These will only be applied to selected channels in the image.

See also

Channels


Image--Transform
Transform

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==>TRANSFORM

Flip Horizontal	Flips the image around a line running from the top to the bottom of

the image.

Flip Vertical	Flips the image around a line running from the left to the right of

the image.

Rotate	Rotates the image by the specified amount in the chosen direction

around the centre of the image. Undefined areas are replaced with

the colour chosen.

Resize	Changes the dimensions on the image. If  Maintain Aspect is

checked, the new dimensions are based on the Width.

Translate	Moves the image in the directions chosen by the amounts chosen.

Undefined pixels are determined by the option selected in the Undefined Pixels box

These will only be applied to selected channels in the image.

See also

Channels


Effects--Distort--Blender
Blender

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> DISTORT ==> Blender

If you imagine taking a food blender and dipping it into the image, youll end up with this

sort of effect.

Hint:

For maximum fun:-

1.	Open an image with someone`s face in it.

2.	Select the Face.

3.	Apply Blender with a large value.


Effects--Distort--Diffuse
Diffuse

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> DISTORT ==> Diffuse

The diffuse filter moves each pixel a random amount in a random direction based on the amount specified. Setting Amount to a small value (<5)  blurs the image slightly while setting Amount to a high value (>50) causes the image to explode. Try it and see.


Effects--Edge--Detect
Edge Detect

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> EDGE EFFECTS ==> Detect

Draws the edges in the image in colour and sets the rest to black.

Select which directions you wish to look for edges. The direction is the dark side of the edge, i.e. Choosing West will look for vertical edges that change from dark to light.

To look for all possible edges, select All if the option is available. Choose the method of detection from the list at the side. Note that some of the methods cannot use opposing directions i.e. East and West.


Effects--Edge--Enhance
Edge Enhance

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> EDGE EFFECTS ==> Enhance

Detects the edges in the image and increases the contrast between them and the surrounding pixels.

Choose More or Heavy to increase the effect of the filter.


Effects--Texture--Emboss
Emboss

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> TEXTURE ==> Emboss

Emboss creates a three-dimensional image that appears as if the edges of the image

are raised above a single coloured surface. The direction chosen is the direction of

the light source.

Level adjusts the overall output colour level. Best results are normally obtained

when only one direction is chosen.


Effects--Texture--Engrave
Engrave

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> TEXTURE ==> Engrave

Engrave creates a three-dimensional image that appears as if it had been engraved in colour onto a flat surface. Choose the direction you want the image to be engraved in.

Best results are normally obtained when only two directions are chosen. i.e. North and West.


Effects--Texture--Mosaic
Mosaic

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> TEXTURE ==> Mosaic

Mosaic breaks the image up into mosaic like tiles. Grout is the parts of the  image that go between the tiles.

Hints: Old painting effect

1.	Apply the Weave effect to an image with small values of Thread Width and

Separation. This puts the image onto a canvas like background.

2.	Use the Mosaic effect with small values of Tile size and Grout Width to break up the

paint that creates the image. This will hopefully result in an image that resembles

an old canvas painting with cracked paint

See also

Weave


Effects--Texture--Weave
Weave

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> TEXTURE ==> Weave

Weave applies thread to an image. Horizontal thread is woven through vertical retainers.

Hints: Old painting effect

1.	Apply the Weave effect to an image with small values of Thread Width and

Separation. This puts the image onto a canvas like background.

2.	Use the Mosaic effect with small values of Tile size and Grout Width to break up the

paint that creates the image. This will hopefully result in an image that resembles

an old canvas painting with cracked paint

See also

Mosaic


Effects--Photographic--Enhance Detail
Enhance Detail

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> PHOTOGRAPHIC ==> Enhance Detail

Increases the visibility of the detail in the image.


Effects--Photographic--Enhance Focus
Enhance Focus

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> PHOTOGRAPHIC ==> Enhance Focus

Counters the effects of blurring an image. It brings a blurred image back into focus.


Effects--Photographic--Glare
Glare

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> PHOTOGRAPHIC ==> Glare

Adds glare to the image. Choose a direction and an amount.


Effects--Illuminate
Illuminate

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==>  Illuminate

Illuminates the main objects in the image with weird light sources.

Choose the direction and strength of the light source. If the direction is set to Back,

then the light source will be placed behind the main objects and these will appear

as silhouettes.

Hint:

1.	Apply illuminate with the invert box invert checked.

2.	Save the image.

3.	Open the original image and the illuminated image.

4.	Multiply these together using the merge command

See also

Merge


Effects--Metallic
Metallic

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==>Metallic

Creates an image that appears to be made from a coloured metal.


Effects--Min / Max
 Min / Max

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==>Min / Max

Minimum and Maximum Filters

These filters examine a group of pixels inside a square of your chosen dimensions. They find either the minimum or maximum value from all the pixels and set the current pixel to this value.


Effects--Photographic--Motion Blur
Motion Blur

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> PHOTOGRAPHIC ==> Motion Blur

Blurs the image in the chosen direction by the specified amount. Creates the illusion of the camera moving while the picture was being taken.


Effects--Noise
Noise

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> Noise

Adds noise to an image. The amount added is controlled by the Amount option.

Random produces noise of random colour while Constant produces constant coloured noise.


Effects--Edge--Outline
Outline

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> EDGE EFFECTS ==> Outline

Draws only the insides of objects. All else is set to the current background colour.


Effects--Photographic--Pixilate
Pixilate

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> PHOTOGRAPHIC ==> Pixilate

Breaks the image into small squares. This is the effect used on T.V to hide someones face. Select the width and height of the cells using the Cell Width and Cell Height controls. Selecting Square forces both controls to the same value.


Effects--Artistic--Psychedelic
Psychedelic

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> ARTISTIC ==> Psychedelic

Erm,  creates weird pictures basically. If you get the values right, you could sell the picture as a genuine piece of 60`s art. ( Maybe )


Effects--Artistic--Poster
Poster Art

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> ARTISTIC ==> Poster Art

Creates a kind of weird drawn picture.


Effects--Artistic--Paint
Paint

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> ARTISTIC ==> Paint

This effect turns the image into something that resembles a painting.

Length	The length of the brush strokes.

Direction	The direction of the brush strokes.

Weight	The pressure applied to the brush. More pressure, the darker the

paint.

Brush	Colour uses coloured paint. Black used coloured paint but with a

a lot of black mixed in.

Stipple	The amount of stippling applied to the wet paint.


Effects--Photographic--Rain
Rain

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> PHOTOGRAPHIC ==> Rain

The resulting image should (fingers crossed ) look as if it were being viewed

through a rainy lens.

Density	controls the width of each streak.

Strength	controls the length of each streak.


Effects--Edge--Ring
Ring

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> EDGE EFFECTS ==> Ring

Draws a ring around the edges of objects in the image.


Effects--Edge--Trace Contour
Trace Contour

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> EDGE EFFECTS ==> Trace Contour

This effect traces a contour around the objects in an image.


Effects--Photographic--Solarise
Solarise

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> PHOTOGRAPHIC ==> Solarise

Negates all the colours above the threshold value. The resulting image resembles a photographic negative that has been partly exposed to light.


Effects--Artistic--Sketch
Sketch

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> ARTISTIC ==> Sketch

This effect turns the image into something that resembles an artists pencil sketch.

Length	The length of the brush strokes.

Direction	The direction of the brush strokes.

Weight	The pressure applied to the brush. More pressure, the darker the

paint.

Pencil	Colour uses coloured pencils. Black used black pencils.


Effects--Photographic--Shudder
Shudder

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> PHOTOGRAPHIC ==> Shudder

Creates the illusion of the camera shuddering while the picture was being taken.

Choose the directions in which you want the camera to move and use the options to control the amount of movement. Selecting the 4 corners and Heavy tends to give good results.


Effects--Distort--Tile
Tile

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> DISTORT ==> Tile

Breaks the image into tiles and then moves each tile in a random direction by a random amount.


Effects--Distort--Wave
Wave	Ctrl+W

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> DISTORT ==> Wave

Distorts the image by passing a wave of the chosen type through it.

Change the waves using the following options

Number	Controls the number of waves.

Amplitude	Sets the height of the wave.

Direction	Specifies which axis (X,Y,Both) to run the wave through.

Editing The Wave

You can create a custom wave by simply drawing the required shape. Several starting shapes can be obtained from the Options list. Most of these base their values on the existing values. i.e. Selecting Cosine will produce a cosine wave as expected. Selecting  Sine will create a Sine wave based on the values produced by the Cosine wave. This allows weird shapes to be created. To set the wave back to it`s normal shape (i.e. a sine wave) press the Reset button.


Effects--Water
Water

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> Water

This effect produces an image that appears to be reflected on the surface of water.

Low values ( less than 10 ) seem to work best.


Effects--Wind
Wind

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> Wind

Distorts the image by passing a wind of the chosen type through it.

Change the wind using the following options.

Type	Controls the type of wind.

Direction	Direction the wind blows in.

Amount	Controls the strength of the wind. This is not available for the wind type.

Wind simulates a gentle wind blowing.

Stagger offsets each line of the image by a random amount.

Blast and Gale simulate very strong winds.


Effects--User Defined Filter (UDF)
User Defined Filter (UDF)	Ctrl+U

Menu	-:-	EFFECTS ==> User Defined Filter

Allows you to create your own custom effects. The filters work by applying a mask over each

pixel in the image and calculating a new value for that pixel based on the mask values.

1.	Enter the required values in the appropriate cells. The Multiple Cell Edit options

are useful here. These options update other cells with the new value without you

having to enter them all by hand.

2.	Enter the Bias value. Normally, the best value for this is the sum of all the mask

values

3.	Enter the Offset Value.

4.	Select Negative if a negative image is required.

5.	If you are going to save the filter, enter your name for it in the Filter Name box.

6.	Choose Save if you wish to save the filter

To delete a filter, click on Delete.

To load a filter, select its name from the list at the side.

New blanks all the mask values to there default values.

The mask can be any size up to a 5x5 grid. The mask is placed over each pixel so that the pixel is under the centre mask value. The values in the mask are multiplied by the values of the pixels under them. The new values are added together and divided by the Bias. The Offset is then added and the resulting value is used as the new pixel. The entire mask is shifted right to the next pixel and the process repeated.

Example:	Edge Detect for Rising Edges

Set the Mask to:

[ 0]	[ 0]	[ 0]

[-1]	[ 1]	[ 0]	Bias = 1

[ 0]	[ 0]	[ 0]	Offset =0

An edge in an image could appear as

...0  0  0  255 255 255...

...0  0  0  255 255 255...

...0  0  0  255 255 255...

After applying the above mask this would leave

...0  0  0  255  0  0...

...0  0  0  255  0  0...

...0  0  0  255  0  0...

This results in the edge being drawn in colour and all the constant colour areas drawn in black.

By constructing the above mask for each direction, multiple directions can be detected by simply adding the appropriate masks together.


Tools--Selections
Selections

Menu	-:-	TOOLS ==> SELECTIONS

Changes the current tool to the selection tool. When a selection is made, most effects are applied

only to pixels within the selection. The exceptions to this are Resize and Colour

effects on 8 bit images, which can only be applied to the entire image.

To create a selection

1.	Select the type of shape you want. The cursor will change to the appropriate

shape when moved over the image.

2.	Position the cursor at the point where you want the corner of the selection and

press the Left mouse button. Don`t release the mouse button. **

3.	Drag the mouse to the position where the opposite corner of the selection is to be

placed and release the button. ( For free selections double click the Left mouse

button)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.	To remove a selection, click the mouse button over the image.

** For Free selection,  lift the button to draw a straight line

To add to a selection press Shift.

To subtract from a selection press Ctrl.


Colour Syringe

Menu	-:-	N/A	-:-	Toolbar only

This tool allows you to select the Back, Foreand Midcolours directly from the image.

Select this tool and move the cursor over the image. Use the following commands to pick up a colour from the image.

Back	Press the Right mouse button.

Fore	Press the Left mouse button.

Mid	Press the Left mouse button and the Ctrl key.

The new colour will appear in a bar in the Info box.

You can also select the colours by clicking on the colour in the Info box


AIRBRUSH

See also

Brush Options Box


PAINTBRUSH

See also

Brush Options Box


SPRAYCAN

See also

Brush Options Box


CRAYON

See also

Brush Options Box


MARKER

See also

Brush Options Box


PEN

See also

Brush Options Box


Free Undo
UNDO

See also

Brush Options Box

Undo


SELECT ELLIPSE

See also

Brush Options Box

Selections


SELECT RECTANGULAR

See also

Brush Options Box

Selections


SELECT FREE

See also

Brush Options Box

Selections


SELECT COLOUR RANGE

See also

Brush Options Box

Selections


ZOOM

See also

Brush Options Box

Zoom


SELECT COLOUR SYRINGE

See also

Brush Options Box

Colour Syringe


IMAGE INFO

See also

Brush Options Box

Hide/Display Info


CONTRAST

See also

Brush Options Box

Contrast


BRIGHTNESS

See also

Brush Options Box

Brightness


INTENSITY

See also

Brush Options Box

Intensity


TINT

See also

Brush Options Box

Tint


COLOUR REPLACER

See also

Brush Options Box

Colour Replacer


GAMMA

See also

Brush Options Box

Gamma Correct


NEGATIVE

See also

Brush Options Box

Negative


POSTERIZE

See also

Brush Options Box

Posterize


RGB ADJUSTER

See also

Brush Options Box

RGB


SOLARISE

See also

Brush Options Box

Solarise


AVERAGE

See also

Brush Options Box

Smoothing Filters


SHARPEN

See also

Brush Options Box

Sharpen Filters


BLUR

See also

Brush Options Box

Smoothing Filters


SOFTEN

See also

Brush Options Box

Smoothing Filters


EDGE DETECT

See also

Brush Options Box

Edge Detect


EDGE ENHANCE

See also

Brush Options Box

Edge Enhance


RING

See also

Brush Options Box

Ring


ENHANCE DETAIL

See also

Brush Options Box

Enhance Detail


ENHANCE FOCUS

See also

Brush Options Box

Enhance Focus


SHUDDER

See also

Brush Options Box

Shudder


EMBOSS

See also

Brush Options Box

Emboss


ENGRAVE

See also

Brush Options Box

Engrave


File Info

Menu	-:-	Image`s system menu

Or Toolbar.

Displays information about the current image. This can also be selected from the system menu of each image window. ( Thats the little box in the top left hand corner of the image ).


Tools--Zoom
Zoom

Menu	-:-	TOOLS ==> ZOOM

Or Toolbar.

Zooms the image in or out. Choose the zoom level from the menu.

If the zoom tool was selected from the toolbar, the cursor will change to a magnifying glass. To zoom in by one level, click the Left mouse button. To zoom out by one level, click the Right mouse button. To return to normal viewing, double click the icon on the tool bar.

Note: selections will only work if zoom is equal to one.

Keyboard

To zoom in, use the numeric keypad. 	i.e. 5 = zoom in 5 times

To zoom out, use the other set of numbers. 	i.e. 5 = zoom out 5 times


Tools--Hide/Display Tools
Hide/Display Tools	Space

Menu	-:-	TOOLS ==> Hide/Display Tools

Hides or displays the tool bar.

See also

Tool Bar


Tools--Hide/Display Brush
Hide/Display Brush	Shift + Space

Menu	-:-	TOOLS ==> Hide/Display Brush

Hides or displays the Brush Options Box.

See also

Brush Options Box


Tools--Hide/Display Info
Hide/Display Info	Alt + Space

Menu	-:-	TOOLS ==> Hide/Display Info

Hides or displays the Info box.

This box displays the following information:

The X,Y of the cursor in relation to the image.

The RGB value of the pixel under the cursor.

The Free System Resources and Memory in Mb.

The Back, Fore and Mid colours.

The currently selected channels


Border Selection

Border

Menu	-:-	SELECTION==> Border

Turns the selection into an outline selection of the desired width.


Feather Selection
Feather

Menu	-:-	SELECTION==> Feather

Fades the edges of the selection.  All effects applied to the image are now faded in.


Invert Selection
Invert

Menu	-:-	SELECTION==> Invert

Inverts the selection. All areas that were selected becone deselected and vice versa.


Remove Selection
Remove

Menu	-:-	SELECTION==> Remove

Removes the selection


Resize Selection
Resize

Menu	-:-	SELECTION==> Resize

Changes the size of the selection


Stroke Selection
Stroke

Menu	-:-	SELECTION==> Stroke

Traces round the outline of the selection with the selected tool.


Window--Tile Vertically
Tile Vertically

Menu	-:-	WINDOW ==> Tile Vertically

Tiles all image windows so they stretch from the top of the application window to the bottom.


Window--Tile Horizontally
Tile Horizontally

Menu	-:-	WINDOW ==> Tile Horizontally

Tiles all image windows so they stretch from the left of the application window to the right.


Window--Cascade
Cascade

Menu	-:-	WINDOW ==> Cascade

Arranges all the image windows diagonally across and down the screen. Only the title bar and some of the left of the image can be seen if there is another window cascaded over it.


Window--Arrange Icons
Arrange Icons

Menu	-:-	WINDOW ==> Arrange Icons

Arranges all the iconic windows at the bottom of the application window


Window--Close All
Close All	Ctrl+A

Menu	-:-	WINDOW ==> Close All

Closes all the image windows. You will be prompted to save any images that need saved (depending on the Preferences option), but if you haven`t REGISTERD then it won`t let you!!

See also

Preferences


Colour--Brightness
Brightness	Ctrl+B

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> COLOUR ==> Brightness

Increases(+)/Decreases(-) the brightness of all the pixels.

+ve values Increase the Brightness.

-ve values Decrease the Brightness.

1.	Specify the amount that each pixel is to be increased by.

2.	Specify the minimum colour value to be effected.

3.	Specify the maximum colour value to be effected.

4.	Click on OK or Cancel.


Colour--Colour Replacer
Colour Replacer

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> COLOUR ==> Colour Replacer

Replaces all instances of the Foreground colour with the Background colour.


Colour--Contrast
Contrast

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> COLOUR ==> Contrast

Increases(+)/Decreases(-) the colour range of the image.

+ve values move the pixel further away from the centre colour.

-ve values move the pixel closer to the centre colour.

1.	Specify the amount that each pixel is to be moved by.

2.	Specify the minimum colour value to be effected.

3.	Specify the maximum colour value to be effected.

4.	Click on OK or Cancel.


Colour--Edit Colour Map
Edit Colour Map	Ctrl+E

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> COLOUR ==> Edit Colour Map

This allows you to edit an image`s colour map. Illusion scans an image and replaces all the existing colour values with the new values.

i.e. suppose your new map was:-

Input	Output

   .    	      .

   .	      .

 100	155

 101	154

 102	153

   .    	      .

   .	      .

All occurrences of 100 in the image would be replaced by 155, 101 by 154, 102 by 153 etc.

Most of the effects in the Image ==> Colour menu are done in this manner.

To edit a single colour

1.	Select which channel you wish to edit. i.e. if Red is chosen, only the red values in

the image will be effected.

2.	Move the cursor over the map from left to right.

3.	Position the cursor so that the colour value you want to edit is displayed in the In

box.

4.	Move the cursor up and down until the new value you want is displayed in the Out

box

(Be careful that the value in the In box does not change during this last operation)

5.	Click the Left mouse button to change the map.

To edit a range of  colours

1.	Select which channel you wish to edit. i.e. if Red is chosen, only the red values in

the image will be effected.

2.	Move the cursor over the map from left to right.

3.	Position the cursor so that the first colour value you want to edit is displayed in the

In box.

4.	Press the Left mouse button and draw on the map.

5.	Release the Left mouse button to change the map.

6.	To adjust the map, choose one of the options.

Repeat the above procedures for each channel you want to edit.

Click on OK to apply the map.

Editing The Map

You can create a custom map by simply drawing the required shape. Several starting shapes can be obtained from the Options list. Most of these base their values on the existing values. i.e. Selecting Cosine will produce a cosine wave as expected. Selecting  Sine will create a Sine wave based on the values produced by the Cosine wave. This allows weird shapes to be created. To set the wave back to it`s normal shape (i.e. a sine wave) press the Reset button.

For finer control over the values, you can edit the map file. These are stored in the \map directory and have the extension .CMP. These are simple text files and can be edited in Notepad.

The numbers on the left of the equals sign are the input values, the numbers on the left are the output values.


Colour--Gamma
Gamma Correct	Ctrl+G

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> COLOUR ==> Gamma Correct

Adjusts the image so the colours displayed on your monitor are the same as the colours in the original subject. The device used to acquire the image (scanner etc.) will have used Gamma values which are different from your monitors. This results in the image being lighter or darker than intended. Gamma Correct corrects this error.

+ve values increase the brightness.

-ve values decrease the brightness.

1.	Specify the amount the gamma is to be adjusted by.

2.	Specify the minimum colour value to be effected.

3.	Specify the maximum colour value to be effected.

4.	Click on OK or Cancel.


Colour--Intensity
Intensity	Ctrl+I

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> COLOUR ==> Intensity

Increases the brightness of each pixel based on it`s original value.

This results in the brightness of the brighter pixels increasing by a greater amount than

the darker pixels.

+ve values increase the intensity.

-ve values decrease the intensity.

1.	Specify the amount the intensity is to be adjusted by.

2.	Specify the minimum colour value to be effected.

3.	Specify the maximum colour value to be effected.

4.	Click on OK or Cancel.


Colour--Negative
Negative

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> COLOUR ==> Negative

Inverts the image to resemble a photographic negative.


Colour--Posterize
Posterise

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> COLOUR ==> Posterise

Changes the number of Colour levels in an image. Mainly used for Greyscale images to create large blocks of similar shade but creates weird colour schemes in colour images.


Colour--RGB Adjust
RGB Adjust

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> COLOUR ==> RGB

Adjusts the brightness of each pixel based on value the value chosen for that channel.

+ve values increase the brightness.

-ve values decrease the brightness.

1.	Select the channel to adjust.

2.	Specify the amount the brightness is to be adjusted by.

3.	Select a new channel and repeat or select OK.

4.	Click on OK or Cancel.


Colour--Split Channels
Split Channels

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> COLOUR ==> SPLIT CHANNELS

Each image comprises of three sub images: a Red image, a Green image  and a Blue image. Together these combine to show the true image on the screen. Each of these images is known as a Channel. Use  Split Channels to see these channels individually,

Then select the RGB option. This will create three images, each containing only one channel.

The RGB Grey option produces three grey images, each with the other two channels set to the image channel. i.e. In the Red image, the Red channel is copied over the Green and Blue channels.


Colour--Threshold
Threshold

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> COLOUR ==> Threshold

Alters the image by changing the pixel above and below the threshold by different methods.

»	Black and White	All pixels below the threshold are set to black. All those above

the threshold are set to white.

»	Black Below 	All pixels below the threshold are set to black. All those above

the threshold are left alone.

»	White Above	All pixels below the threshold are left alone. All those above

the threshold are set to white.

1.	Select the Threshold level.

2.	Select the option..

3.	Click on OK or Cancel.


Colour--Tint
Tint

Menu	-:-	IMAGE ==> COLOUR ==> Tint

Tints the image with the selected colour.


File Formats

Illusion can currently open and save images in the following file formats -:-

BMP

DIB

PCX

TGA

These formats are fairly common and all support up to at least 24 bit colour. BMP and DIB are uncompressed files whereas PCX and TGA offer a compress option. If you have plenty of free hard disk space, always save any images you are working on as either BMP`s or DIB`s. Although they use up more disk space, they open and save much faster than compressed files.

Colour Resolution

Throughout this help file you will see phrases such as 24 bit colour, 8 bits-per-pixel etc. This is an attempt to explain what this means.

Each pixel in an image is allocated a certain amount of memory referred to in bits. (8 bits = 1 Byte) Each bit can store two values either a 0 or a 1. Therefore if you only allocate 1 bit to each pixel ( a 1 bit image), each pixel can only contain two values and hence, two colours.

If each pixel gets 2 bits, it can store 4 colours etc. To calculate the number of colours possible for each resolution you multiply 2 by itself by the resolution. i.e.

4 bit colour	2 x 2 x 2 x 2 	=	16 colours

8 bit colour	2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2	=	256 colours

The number in each pixel for up to 8 bit colour represents a palette index and not a colour.

For resolutions above 8 bit ( 15 bit, 16 bit and 24 bit) each pixel contains a Red, Green and Blue value to give the following number of colours -:-

15 bit colour	=	32,768 colours

16 bit colour	=	65,536 colours

24 bit colour	=	16,777,216 colours

This is the maximum number of colours the human eye can see and is therefore known as true colour.

( The 15 and 16 bit resolutions also look very realistic and are a trade-off between realism and memory requirements).

Windows uses the following colour resolutions -:- 1, 4, 8, 24 bits per pixel.

15 and 16 bit images are converted up to 24 bit.

OK, got is sussed so far ? Good now the fun starts.

The TGA format can also contain images that have 32 bits-per-pixel which you will notice, is more than the human eye can see. So why waste space saving useless information ? Well, the extra information is called an Alpha channel and contains not colour information but transparency information. If you have a suitable ( very expensive) graphics card, then you can overlay and blend two pictures together using the Alpha channel information. If not, then the information is a waste of space and is removed by Illusion.

See also

Open

Save As


BMP File Format

Illusion handles the following types of bitmaps

Windows	-:-	1,4,8,24 bits per pixel

OS/2	-:-	1,4,8,24 bits per pixel

Illusion does not support RLE encoded bitmaps.

See also

Open

Save As


DIB File Format

Illusion handles the following types of DIB (device independent bitmap)

1,4,8,24 bits per pixel

Illusion does not support RLE encoded DIB`s.

See also

Open

Save As


PCX File Format

Illusion opens the following types of PCX files

Version 0	-:-	1 bit per pixel

Version 2	-:-	1,4 bits per pixel

Version 3	-:-	1,4 bits per pixel

Version 5	-:-	1,4,8,24 bits per pixel

Illusion saves the following types of PCX files

1 Bit images	-:-	Version 2

4 Bit images	-:-	Version 2

8 Bit images	-:-	Version 5

24 Bit images	-:-	Version 5

Saving an image as a PCX may result in negative compression. i.e. The compressed image is bigger than the uncompressed image. If you find that this happens, save the file as a BMP to save space and time. Illusion will warn you when this has happened

See also

Open

Save As


TGA File Format

Illusion opens the following types of TGA files

No Compression	-:-	1,8, 16, 24 and 32 bits-per-pixel.

 	Compressed	-:-	l,8, 16, 24, 32 bits-per-pixel.

Illusion saves the following types of TGA files

No Compression	-:-	8 and 24 bits-per-pixel.

Compressed	-:-	8 and 24 bits-per-pixel.

16 or 32 Bit images will be converted to 24 bit images as Windows does not support these resolutions. The information lost in the 32 bit image was an Alpha channel dealing with transparency values. This was unusable without special hardware.

Saving an image as a TGA may result in negative compression. i.e. The compressed image is bigger than the uncompressed image. If you find that this happens, save the file as a BMP to save space and time. Illusion will warn you when this has happened

See also

Open

Save As


Registration

License / Warranty Disclaimer etc.

You are free to distribute Illusion V1.x provided that no fee is charged for use, copying or distribution (Except to cover costs) and it is not modified in any way. This program is provided as is without any warranty, expressed or implied. If you don`t agree with the previous disclaimer, DO NOT use this program.

I make no promises express or implied on the suitability of this software product for any particular purpose.

All responsibility for use of Illusion v1.x lies with the user.

You have been warned.

Illusion V1.x is shareware.  Continued use of Illusion V1.x beyond a 30-day trial

period without registering is prohibited.  The registration form follows.

REGISTRATION

Registration is good.  It promotes a sense of general well being deep within your soul (allegedly) and makes me less poor (hopefully).

The registration fee for Illusion V1.x is only £10.00 (Pounds Sterling) which isn`t much when you think of it.

So please, please, please remember to register.

This took me ages to do.

It did, Honest.

Hours.

It's only £10.

Registering this software entitles you to the registration code which will enable you to use the Save, Save As, Print, Cut and Copy commands.

Please send any comments ( good and bad ), bug reports, large sacks of cash , suggestions etc. along with your cheque for £10.00 to:

Illusion V1,

David Robinson,

11 Allanton Avenue,

Paisley,

Scotland.

PA1 3BJ

Please make your cheque payable to David Robinson.

If possible, please use the registration form provided.

If your local shareware library doesn`t have a copy of Illusion, please give them one. (A copy that is ).

See also

About

Registration Form


Registration Form

To print this form, select File-Print Topic

Illusion V1 Registration

Name________________________________________

Address________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

City____________________________________________

Postcode ______________

Suggestions:_____________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________


About

Thanks to Scott for helping with the silly bits.

Illusion is a Graphic Image Manipulator. Basically you get to do some funky (and some not quite so funky) things to pictures.  It was written to keep me sane during my holiday from university (17 weeks is a long time with nothing to do). Registration is only £10.00 so please register.  I`ve kept the price low in the hope that more people actually get round to registering. If you don`t register, you can still run all the effects etc., but you can`t save the image or export it from the application.  Support shareware, it could save your life one day.

Illusion requires Microsoft Windows 3.1 run in Enhanced mode with at least a 256 colour display before it will work.

A mouse (of the pointing type), 24 bit graphics card, ninja monster computer,

oodles of  RAM  and Joogabytes of hard disk space would also come in handy.

Please note, ILLUSION does not support 3D virtual reality headsets, neither is it an interactive movie. There is NO SHOTGUN and definitely not a four player network option. It does not make toast, feature gourard shading or rotary bitmaps.  I`m working on these for ILLUSION version 2.  The toast making option seems quite attractive.

Well thats it. It's taken me more than a year to write this program and at last it is finished.

( Yeah right... Last time I said that it started crashing on other peoples computers.

Not mine,oh no... that would have made it too easy to debug )

One last time for luck --- Please Register. I need the money.

See also

Registration


Toast

Bread which has been placed in a hot oven or similar type of heating device for a short period of time.  This results in the dehydration and discolouring of the said slice which when used in conjunction with a suitable edible spread, results in a pleasing snack.  Often eaten in the morning for breakfast or before retiring for the night.

S Russell	Toast extraordinaire


Channels

Each image comprises of three sub images: a Red image, a Green image  and a Blue image. Together these combine to show the true image on the screen. Each of these images is known as a Channel. To see these channels individually, select Split Channels from the colour menu. Then select the RGB option. This will create three images, each containing only one channel.

Illusion will operate only to the selected channels. To select and deselect channels you will need to have the Info box on the screen. At the top of the box there are three letters R, G and B. By clicking on a letter with the Left mouse button, you will select or deselect that channel. If the channel is selected, it will be preceded by a lowercase c. If the channel is not selected it will be represented by a single letter.

i.e.

To select the Red channel

1.	Move the mouse over the letter R.

2.	Click with the left mouse button.

3.	If the letter changes to cR then the red channel has been seleted and all operations

will apply to it.

4.	To deselect the red channel, click on the letters cR. It will change back to just R.


Questions

Q	Why are the colours wrong when I display an image ?

Q	Why does Illusion say the file isn't valid ?

Q	What is Negative compression ?

Q	I have just run an effect and nothing happened. Why ?

Q	Why must an image be either 24 bits per pixel to use some of the menu options?

Q	Why does the "Time Required " on the percentage bar keep changing ?


Q. Why are the colours wrong when I display an image ?

A	 Unless Windows is running in a high colour mode (15, 16 or 24 bit), then there is a limited number of colours available for use by Illusion (either 256, 16 or 2 colours). All images only have access to these colours and have to make do the best they can. It is the active image that controls the colours available to the system so this image should be displayed correctly. All subsequent images however have no say in the current colours and are thus displayed with the wrong colours.

The problem is worse when a 24 bit image is displayed. This type of image has potentially 16,777,216 colours but Windows only has 256. Illusion will adjust the screen representation of the images to use less colours . If you don`t like the results, buy a 24 bit graphics card. Simple as that. ( It`s worth it, honest ).


Q. Why does Illusion say the file isn't valid ?

A.	There are many programs out there that save files incorrectly. Small things really but it`s impossible to write code that deals with every potential mistake. Illusion deals with some of the most common invalid file formats. For instance 16 colour PCX images saved in a stacked nibble format instead of in planes. ( No, I don`t know what it means either. )


Q. What is Negative compression ?

A.	When PCX and TGA files are compressed, they use a simple form of compression called Run-Length-Encoding ( RLE ). This works as follows -:-

Say the first line of your image was pure white ( RGB = 255 ) and was 100 pixels long. If no compression was used this would be stored as -:-

255	255	255	255	255	255	255	... ...	255

taking up 100 bytes of hard disk space. Most of this information is redundant because the above data could be represented as -:-

100, 255

i.e. "draw 100 pixels using the following value". Thus the disk space needed to save this line has been reduced from 100 bytes to 2 bytes.

This compression method is great for images that are drawn and contain large blocks of similar colours.

A scanned image however is more likely to contain pixels in which every neighbour has a slightly different value as follows -:-

255	254	255	254	255	254	255	254	...

Using RLE this would be stored as -:-

1, 255	1, 254	1, 255	1, 254	1, 255	1, 254	1, 255	1, 254	...

The disk space needed to represent the data has increased from 8 bytes to 16 bytes. i.e. Compressing the file has doubled it`s size	-:-	Negative Compression

Illusion still needs to spend time compressing and decompressing the file, so time is wasted as well as hard disk space. If this happens, save the image as a bitmap ( BMP ) because it will be smaller and faster to open and save.


Q. I have just run an effect and nothing happened. Why ?

A.	Several thing could be happening here.

1	You have a very small selection on the image.

Small selections ( i.e. 3 x 3 ) are perfectly valid but very hard to spot on the image.

Click on the image to remove the selection

2	You have channels selected that contain little information.

Illusion only applies effects to the currently selected channels.

If you have selected a channel that does not feature greatly in the image, the

results of the effect can be negligable.

i.e. Say you had a picture of a red car against a red background. The

Blue and Green channels for this image will contain very little information. Applying

effects to these two channels alone could produce nothing.

3	You have run the effect with useless values.

Some effects have certain values that do not do anything such as applying

Brightness with a value of zero. Check the values of the effect again.

4	You have picked a bad effect for the image type.

Certain effects work better on certain types of images. Images can be classed as

two types

1]	Drawn Images	These contain large areas of similar colour and have well

defined edges.

2]	Scanned Images	These are complex images with many different colour

graduations and many small edges.

Effects react differently to these different types. For example, running an edge enhance on an image with few prominent edges will produce an image that is almost exactly the same as it was before the effect was applied.


Q. Why must an be either 24 bits per pixel to use some of the menu options?

A. 	Running an effect on an image has the possibility of creating a new colour value for every pixel. For an image at 800 x 600, that is 480,000 colours. Only a 24 bit picture can handle this much colour information. Images of 8 bits-per-pixel or less would be unable to do much with the new information except force an existing colour into the new colour with very messy results. Press Ctrl+T to convert an image to 24 bits.


Q. Why does the "Time Required " on the percentage bar keep changing ?

The time required is calculated using the time taken so far and the percentage completed. It assumes that it takes an equal amount of time to process each line in an image. This is clearly not the case if, for example, there is a circular selection. The top line may only be 2 pixels wide whereas the centre line may be 100 pixels wide. The Time Required would then start to increase as Illusion got closer to the centre of the selection.

Also, it takes a few seconds for the time to settle down to a steady value. Some effects are finished before this time has elapsed and the time required results may have been slightly misleading.

The Time required is only a rough guide to how long an effect will take to complete. If a long time is required, the value is normally accurate.