This help file contains topics about selected dialog boxes in your PhotoImpact package. You can access these topics through those dialog boxes or by navigating through a main help file associated with one of the PhotoImpact programs.


Creative

Accesses a submenu for applying the following effects:

Lighting Applies cool lighting effects to your images in the form of lightning, spotlight, halo, fireworks, and laser, among others.

Type Applies natural and other effects such as metal, snow, fire, glass, metal and emboss.

Particle Applies natural effects such as bubbles, rain, snow and clouds.

Transform Applies effects such as pinch, punch, whirlpool and diffuse.

Painting Applies different textures that can make your image appear as if it has been painted on canvas, with water colors or oil paints.

Creative Warp Distorts an image or selection by applying a mirrored texture. Textures can also be converted into animated GIFs, using Ulead GIF Animator.

Artist Texture Create unique textures and effects for backgrounds or buttons. Textures can also be converted into animated GIFs, using Ulead GIF Animator.

  Lighting dialog box

  Type dialog box

  Particle dialog box

  Transform dialog box

  Painting dialog box

  Creative Warp dialog box

  Artist Texture dialog box


This command is only available if the image is in True Color mode.


Magic

If Ulead Magic plug-ins are installed, this command opens a submenu listing them for you to choose.

To install Ulead plug-ins, click File: Preferences and select the Plug-ins category. Enter the path of the Ulead plug-ins folder or click Browse  [image]  to search for the folder.

Turnpage Curls up a corner of an image, like you’re turning a page.

Light Creates a focused or diffused beam on an image.

Kaleidoscope Generates a pattern based on the placement of a reflection in the image.

Magic Gradient Fills an image with specially designed gradients.

Other plug-ins If you add any compatible third-party plug-ins (such as Kai’s Power Tools), they will also appear in the All submenu and at the bottom of the Effect menu.

  Turnpage dialog box

  Light dialog box

  Kaleidoscope dialog box

  Magic Gradient dialog box


Lighting dialog box - Lightning Basic
  Basic	  Advanced

The Lightning effect consists of the main lightning body and forks branching out of it. Click the Basic tab to specify settings for the main lightning body. Use the Key frame control to produce animated lightning effects.

Preview window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Width Sets the intensity of the lightning. A high value makes the lightning look "thicker".

Seed Changes the direction of the lightning randomly.

Frequency Sets the number of times the lightning rotates. A higher number results in more turning points.

Amplitude Sets the extent of movement in the lightning body. A high number adds more alternating "peaks" to the lightning.

Brightness Adjusts the brightness of the lightning.

Opacity Sets how the lightning blends onto the image. A low value makes the lightning more transparent, a high value more opaque.

Color Click the color box to change the color of the lightning (the default color is white).

Reset Click to place the effect back in its default position. Changed settings will not be affected.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


Lighting dialog box - Lightning Advanced
  Basic	  Advanced

The Lightning effect consists of the main lightning body and forks branching out of it. Click the Advanced tab to change fork settings. Use the Key frame control to produce animated lightning effects.

Preview window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Fork no. Specifies how many forks appear in the lightning.

Fork length and Fork width Sets the size of the forks in the lightning. Choosing a higher value enlarges the size.

Fork angle Sets the angle of the forks away from the tangent angle of the lightning body.

Fork amplitude Sets the extent of movement in the forks. A high value adds more alternating "peaks" to the forks, producing a more electrifying effect.

Glow out Makes the lightning glow.

Glow bright Makes the lightning glow brighter when a higher value is selected.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


You may reposition any of the effects by moving your mouse over the preview window. When the mouse pointer changes to a 4-headed arrow, click and drag the effect to a desired location on the image.

To change the angle of the Lightning effect, click and drag the upper or lower end to a desired position. To adjust the length, click one end of the lightning and drag to increase or decrease the length.


Lighting dialog box - Fireworks Basic
  Basic	  Advanced

The Fireworks effect adds exploding fireworks to an image. Click the Basic tab to change the overall look of the effect. Use the Key frame control to produce animated firework effects.

Preview window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Brightness Adjusts the brightness of the fireworks.

Density Sets the number of star particles contained in the effect. A high number adds more particles to the effect.

Fall speed Sets how fast or slow the particles fall down.

Hue change Adjusts the hue of the fireworks.

Completeness Sets how far the star particles will fall off from the initial position where the fireworks exploded.

Initial speed Shifts the direction where the star particles will fall. A positive value allows the particles to fall towards the right side, a negative value towards the left side.

Hue variation Changes the color variety in the effect. A high value introduces more colors to the effect. (The default value is 0 and the fireworks appear only in a single color.)

Sun color This is the color inside the core of the star particle. Click the color box to change the color.

Star color This is the color of the star particle and its tail. Click the color box to change the color.

Reset Click to place the effect back in its default position. Changed settings will not be affected.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


Lighting dialog box - Fireworks Advanced
  Basic	  Advanced

The Fireworks Effect adds exploding fireworks to an image. Click the Advanced tab to customize more settings for the star particles in the effect. Use the Key frame control to produce animated fireworks effects.

Preview window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Sun range Adjusts the size of the inner core of the particles.

Softness Affects the glow of the effect. A low value makes the fireworks more luminous.

Star range Adjusts the size of the star particles.

Star spikes Sets the number of spikes in the star particles. A high value adds more spikes (the default is 4).

Tail length Adjusts the tail length of the star particles.

Tail opacity Sets how transparent or opaque the tail appears. A lower value makes the tail more transparent.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


Lighting dialog box - Lens Flare Basic
  Basic	  Advanced

The Lens flare effect adds a glowing flare to an image. This effect looks very much like the flare you see from the sun when you try to stare at it. Click the Basic tab to change the overall look of the effect. Use the Key frame control to produce animated effects.

Preview window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Lens type Each zoom lens type produces a different flare combination. Select an option that gives a desirable effect.

Intensity Adjusts the brightness of the overall effect.

Size Adjusts the size of the glowing flare.

Light color Click the color box to change the color of the glowing light.

Reset Click to place the effect back in its default position. Changed settings will not be affected.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


Lighting dialog box - Light Bulb Basic
  Basic	  Advanced

The Light bulb effect simulates the lighting effect produced by your regular light bulb. Click the Basic tab to change the overall look of the effect. Use the Key frame control to produce animated effects.

Preview window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Range Sets how far the light source illuminates.

Strength Adjusts the brightness of the light source.

Softness Affects the mood of the surrounding environment. A high number gives a softer feeling.

Star spikes Sets the number of rays emanating from the light source. A high number adds more light rays.

Star size Sets the length of the light rays.

Light color Click the color box to change the color of the light source.

Reset Click to place the effect back in its default position. Changed settings will not be affected.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


Lighting dialog box - Light Bulb Advanced
  Basic	  Advanced

The Light bulb effect simulates the lighting effect produced by your regular light bulb. Click the Advanced tab to customize more settings for the effect. Use the Key frame control to produce animated effects.

Preview window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Variance Adds length variety to the light rays. A high number produces different lengths, while a low number gives more consistent lengths.

Rotation Rotates the light source. Increase the value to rotate clockwise and lower the value to rotate counterclockwise.

Spread angle Sets the degree of radiance for the light source. A high number makes the light source more radiant, producing wide-angled light rays.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


Lighting dialog box - Halo Basic
  Basic	  Advanced

The Halo effect adds a circle of light to an image. Click the Basic tab to change the overall look of the effect. Use the Key frame control to produce animated effects.

Preview Window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Halo brightness Adjusts the brightness of the light.

Halo radius Adjusts the size of the effect.

Expand range Sets how far the light illuminates the surrounding.

Sun brightness Adjusts the brightness of the inner light source.

Sun radius Sets the size of the inner light source.

Color ramp Select which color ramp to use for the circle of light: RGB (Red, Green, Blue) or HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness).

Body color This is the color of the light circle. Click the color box to change this color.

Glow color This is the glowing color emanating from the light circle. Click the color box to change this color.

Sun color This is the color of the inner light source. Click the color box to change this color.

Reset Click to place the effect back in its default position. Changed settings will not be affected.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


Lighting dialog box - Halo Advanced
  Basic	  Advanced

The Halo effect adds a circle of light to an image. Click the Advanced tab to customize more settings for the effect. Use the Key frame control to produce animated effects.

Preview Window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Variance Gives the effect a more rough or smoother look. A lower value smooths out outer edges of the light circle.

Softness Adjusts the lighting mood of the inner light source.

Rotation Rotates the circle of light. Increasing the value rotates it clockwise and decreasing the value rotates it counterclockwise.

Shape seed Changes the shape of the light circle. A lower value produces a spherical shape. A higher value distorts the shape.

Merge mode Select the way to merge the effect with the base image.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


Lighting dialog box - Spotlight Basic
  Basic	  Advanced

Click the Basic tab to change the overall look of the spotlight effect. Use the Key frame control to produce animated effects.

Preview window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Brightness Adjusts the brightness of the spotlight and its light source.

Softness Adjusts the lighting mood. A high value gives a more smoother and softer light.

Rotation Changes the direction where the spotlight "hits". Increasing the value rotates it counterclockwise, while decreasing the value rotates it clockwise.

Split range Adjusts the size of the spotlight.

Distance Sets the distance between the light source to the illuminated target.

Spot brightness Adjusts the brightness of the spotlight.

Shape ratio Changes the shape of the spotlight. A higher value gives it a more circular look. A lower value makes it more spherical.

Color Click the color box to change the color of the spotlight.

Reset Click to place the effect back in its default position. Changed settings will not be affected.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


Lighting dialog box - Spotlight Advanced
  Basic	  Advanced

Click the Advanced tab to customize more settings for the spotlight effect. Use the Key frame control to produce animated effects.

Preview window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Variance Gives the spotlight effect a rougher or smoother look.

Lamp size Adjusts the size of the light source.

Project mode Select Horizontal floor to project the spotlight downwards, as if directing the spotlight to a stage floor. Select Vertical wall to project the spotlight lengthwise, as if directing the spotlight to a wall. (Use the Rotation slider to select which area to project the spotlight.)

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


Lighting dialog box - Meteor

This effect looks as if a flashing meteor is falling from the sky. The Basic tab settings change the overall look of the effect. Use the Key frame control to produce animated effects.

Preview window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Brightness Adjusts the brightness of the effect.

Size Adjusts the size of the falling meteor.

Length Adjusts the tail length of the falling meteor.

Variance Gives the effect a rough or softer look. A lower number smooths out the outer edges.

Rotation Rotating the falling meteor changes the direction where it is coming from. Decreasing the value rotates it clockwise and increasing the value rotates it counterclockwise.

Color Click this color box to change the light color which glows from the falling meteor.

Reset Click to place the effect back in its default position. Changed settings will not be affected.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


Lighting dialog box - Comet Basic
  Basic	  Advanced

The Comet effect adds a comet to the image. Click the Basic tab to change the overall look of the effect. Use the Key frame control to produce animated effects.

Preview window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Brightness Adjusts the brightness of the effect.

Size Adjusts the size of the comet.

Tail length Adjusts the length of the comet's tail.

Rotation Rotating the comet changes the direction where it's coming from. Decreasing the value rotates it clockwise and increasing the value rotates it counterclockwise.

Main color Click this color box to mix a color with the glowing light that's emanating from the comet.

Primary tail color Click this color box to change the color of the comet's tail.

Reset Click to place the effect back in its default position. Changed settings will not be affected.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


Lighting dialog box - Comet Advanced
  Basic	  Advanced

This effect adds a comet to the image. Click the Advanced tab to customize more settings for the effect. Use the Key frame control to produce animated effects.

Preview window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Variance Gives the effect a rough or smoother look. Decreasing the value makes the light appear softer.

Ionic number Adds more tails to the comet.

Cometary range Adjusts the angle of light which radiates from the comet towards its tail.

Ionic range Adjusts the angle of light which radiates from the comet towards the additional tails.

Cometary deviate Shifts the light range so that light emanates only from one side of the comet's tail. Increasing the value shifts the light range to the left side. Decreasing the value makes the light appear to the right side of the comet's tail.

Ionic deviate Changes the position of the additional tails.

Ionic color Click this color box to change the color of additional tails added to the comet.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


Lighting dialog box - Laser Basic
  Basic	  Advanced

This effect adds a laser beam to the image. Click the Basic tab to change the overall look of the effect. Use the Key frame control to produce animated effects.

Preview window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Mode Select a shape (linear or spiral) from the drop-down list.

Length Adjusts the length of the laser beam.

Range Adjusts the width of the laser beam.

Angle Rotates the laser beam. Decreasing the value rotates it clockwise and increasing the value rotates it counterclockwise.

Brightness Adjusts the brightness of the laser beam.

Softness Affects how the laser beam glows. Decreasing the value makes the laser glow brighter.

Color ramp Select which color ramp to use for the laser beam: RGB (Red, Green, Blue) or HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness).

Body color This is the light color of the laser beam. Click the color box to change this color.

Glow color This is the color of the glowing light surrounding the laser beam. Click the color box to change this color.

Reset Click to place the effect back in its default position. Changed settings will not be affected.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient light color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient light strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.


You may reposition any of the effects by moving your mouse over the preview window. When the mouse pointer changes to a 4-headed arrow, click and drag the effect to a desired location on the image.


Key Frame Control

Preview slider Drag the slider  [image]  to preview the progress of the animation.

Key frame controller  [image]  Diamonds on this slider are "key frames". Click on a diamond to jump to a point on the clip and change effect settings.

Add key frame Click  [image]  to add a key frame.

Delete key frame Click  [image]  to remove a key frame.

Reverse key frame Click  [image]  to flip the key frames around and reverse the effect of the animation. (This button is enabled only when there are key frames in the animated clip.)

Auto reverse Click  [image]  to enable or disable auto reverse. When selected, preview reverses the effect when it reaches the end of the clip and forwards through the effect when it reaches the beginning of the clip.

Play Click  [image]  to play the animated effect in the preview window.

Stop Click  [image]  to stop the preview.

Current frame  [image]  Shows the frame number the preview is in.

Total frames  [image]  Allows you to specify the total number of frames for your clip. Enter a desired number or click the arrow buttons to increase/decrease the number of frames.

  Creating animated lighting effects


Ulead Grayscale Color Picker dialog box
  Color	  Grayscale

Choose Grayscale colors visually from a Grayscale palette.

Grayscale palette Click to select a color from the palette or drag the slider at the bottom until you reach the desired color.

New / Current block The left side shows the color under the mouse pointer. The right side shows the color defined by the gray value boxes. When you click on the image, both colors become the same.

Gray value Enter a new value for the gray channel here if you don't want to use the palette.


This help file contains topics about selected dialog boxes in your PhotoImpact package. You can access these topics through those dialog boxes or by navigating through a main help file associated with one of the PhotoImpact programs.


Turnpage dialog box

Curls up a corner of an image like you're turning a page.

Sample source & control points Displays the currently selected image, the slant angle controls, and the page turning rate control.

Type Select the shape of the curl to apply.

Mode Select the appearance of the curled portion.

Background color Displays the current background color. Click to change the background color.

Corner Select which corner to curl up.

Angle Click on the red dot (or the + / - ) to define the page curl size. (A smaller angle produces a bigger curl size.)

Lighting direction Click and drag the lighting direction control point to define the shadow effect of the curled portion.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Add Adds the custom settings to the EasyPalette.


Select the shape for the curl.

  Results in a cylindrical curl.

  Results in a conical curl.


Select the appearance of the curled portion.

  Opaque Shows an non-transparent curl.

  Reverse Shows a reflection of the image in the curl.

  Transparent Shows the image through the curl.


Magic Gradient dialog box

Fills an image with specially designed gradients.

Ring palette window Displays the ring palette containing the set and order of colors used in the current magic gradient effect. (The order of the colors starts from the left middle part of the ring which is at 0 degrees and makes a 360 degree turn.)

Edit Click to create your own ring palette.

Reflect control button Reverses the order of the second set of ring palette colors (per two groups) applied in the magic gradient effect.

Hue shift control Adjusts the hue in the ring palette without changing the saturation and brightness. Click and drag the index in the color hue bar or enter the desired hue value.

Ring control Rotates the color ring changing the first color of the set. Enter the degree of turn.

Repeat number Define the number of times to repeat the ring palette in the pattern.

Mode Select a pattern to use in the effect. (For some modes, move the pointer to the sample set window and if the pointer changes to a hand shape, you can move the center point of the gradient. Click and drag to the desired center point position.)

Slope Allows you to specify the pattern's direction. Click and drag the red dot to the determine the selected mode's degree of turn.

Frequency Allows you specify the number of times to apply the pattern in the magic gradient effect. Click and drag the pointer to the desired number of patterns.

Amplitude Allows you to specify the length and width of the pattern. Click and drag the pointer to the desired ripple or wavy effect.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Add Adds the custom gradient and settings to the EasyPalette.


  When selected, and the repeat number is set to at least 2, the first set of colors is applied in the regular order and the second set is applied in the same order, reversed. This arrangement is applicable for every two sets of colors.


Light dialog box

Creates a focused or diffused beam on an image.

Sample source & control points window Displays the currently selected image and the light control points. Click on the left for more information.

Exposure control bar Displays the current exposure value. Drag the red pointer to define the exposure value. (Lower values result in less pronounced effects.)

Ambient brightness control bar Displays the current ambient brightness value. Drag the red pointer to define the ambient brightness value. (Lower values produce darker images.)

Ambient brightness color option Displays the current ambient brightness color. Click to change the ambient color.

Light brightness control bar Displays the current light brightness value. Drag the red pointer to define the light brightness value. (Lower values result in less effect of the selected light color on images.)

Light brightness color option Displays the current source light color. Click to change the source light's color.

Light distance, elevation, & spread control window Displays the distance and elevation control point and the light source spread control points. Click below for more information.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Add Click to add the settings for this dialog box to the EasyPalette.


Kaleidoscope dialog box

Thumbnail Click and drag the control points to resize and rotate the position of the reflection in the image.

Preview window Displays a preview of the effect.

Samples Click a thumbnail to apply the effect to the image.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Type dialog box - Gradient

Applies a gradient fill mask to the selection or object.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Linear Fills the selection with gradually changing colors starting from the top to bottom.

Rectangular Fills the selection with gradually changing colors starting from the center and extending outward to the corners of a rectangular shape.

Circular Fills the object with gradually changing colors starting from the center and extending outward to the corners of a circular shape.

Color range Select the start and end levels of gradient fill mask.

Fill color Select to fill the mask with the selected color. Clear to retain image data.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Type dialog box - Hole

Fills the selection or object mask with a duplicated grayscale pattern.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Shape Displays the selected mask shape. Click to select another mask shape.

Size Zooms in or out on the mask shape. A value of 100% displays the pattern at a 1:1 ratio.

Variation A higher value distributes the pattern more randomly. A lower value applies less variation and creates a grid from the shapes.

Invert Reverses the pattern shape.

Fill color Select to fill the image with the selected color. Clear to retain image data.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


The image file must be in bitmap (*.bmp) format.


Type dialog box - Glass

Creates a peak-valley style variation on the edge of the object or selection to produce light and dark areas.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Reflection Select the number of peaks and valleys.

Fuzziness Adjusts the softness of the edges of the glass frame.

Color Select the color of the glass.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Type dialog box - Metal

Creates a peak-valley style variation on the object or selection to produce light and dark areas.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Reflection Select the number of peaks and valleys.

Fuzziness Adjusts the softness of the edges of the metal frame.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Type dialog box - Emboss

Embosses the selection or object from the base image.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Thickness Adjusts the strength of the bevel edge.

Amount Adjusts the contrast between the bevel edge and the base image.

Light direction Adjusts the direction, in degrees, of light.

Bevel shape Select the emboss edge style.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Type dialog box - Emboss (Outline)

Embosses the outline of the selection or object.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Thickness Adjusts the strength of the bevel edge.

Amount Adjusts the contrast between the bevel edge and the base image.

Light direction Adjusts the direction, in degrees, of light.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Type dialog box - Emboss (Texture)

Embosses the entire selection or object using a selected texture image.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Texture image Displays the texture applied to the selection. Click to select another texture.

Size Adjusts the size of each texture tile. A lower value creates a smaller tile.

Transparency Adjusts the intensity of the texture by displaying more or less of the selection area through the tile. A higher value makes the tile more transparent.

Amount Adjusts the level of difference between the edges of the texture.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Type dialog box - Concrete

Applies a rough border to the edges of the selection area.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Roughness A higher value creates a wider, more diffuse edge.

Light direction Adjusts the direction, in degrees, of light.

Color Select the color of the light source.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Type dialog box - Sand

Applies a rough texture to the surface of the selection area.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Roughness A higher value creates a more diffuse surface.

Light direction Adjusts the direction, in degrees, of light.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Type dialog box - Lighting

Shines a light on the surface of the selected area or object. You can also apply a bump map with it.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Elevation Adjusts the height of the light in relation to the Z axis.

Light direction Adjusts the direction of light in relation to the X and Y axes.

Light color Select the color of the light source.

Object color Select a color to tint the selection area with.

Bump map Applies a texture to the selection area.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Type dialog box - Fire

Applies an effect as if the edges of the selected area or object are burning.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Inside color Select the innermost color of flames.

Middle color Select the middle color of flames.

Outside color Select the outermost color of flames.

Strength Adjust the flame strength. A greater value produces higher flames.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Type dialog box - Snow

Applies an effect as if the selected area or object is like a melting block of ice.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Inside color Select the innermost color of snow.

Middle color Select the middle color of snow.

Outside color Select the outermost color of snow.

Strength Adjusts the gravitational strength.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Type dialog box - Neon

Creates a neon light effect around the edge of the selection or object.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Color Select the neon color.

Inside Adds a neon glow to the inner edges of the selection or object.

Outside Adds a neon glow to the outer edges of the selection or object.

Both Adds a neon glow to both sides the selection or object.

Width Adjusts the width of the neon glow.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Type dialog box - Seal

Applies a waxy seal effect to the selection or object.

Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to select a predefined effect.

Parameters

Pressure Adjusts the strength of the seal when pressed.

Color Select the seal color.

Preview Minimizes the dialog box and displays the effect on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Transform dialog box

Preview window Depending on the Transformation template that is currently selected, you can either paint the selected area or object on this window or the window will simply display the preview of the applied effect.

Storyboard Displays effects applied that have been inserted into the storyboard. Click a thumbnail to view the effect in the preview window. Once you have finished transforming your image, you can create an animation from the contents of the storyboard.

Transformation template Displays the different types of transformation you can use to apply on a selected area or object. Click the thumbnail of the effect you want to apply.

Transformation control Depending on the selected Transformation template, you will find the following some of the following attributes that you can set:

Range Enter a higher value to increase the area transformed by the effect.

Level Enter a higher value to increase the intensity of the effect.

Space Enter a higher value to increase the distance between the center of each brush stroke.

Effect Enter a negative value to squeeze the top or left of the image, and a positive value to squeeze the bottom or right of the image.

Reset Restores the image to its original state.

Insert Adds the current transformation to the Storyboard.

Delete Deletes the selected transformation effect from the Storyboard.

Delete all Deletes all transformation effects from the Storyboard.

Animation Creates an animation from the effects in the Storyboard.

  Sample effects


Original	Example 1	Example 2


This control is only available for the Horizontal and Vertical Squeeze transformations.


Animation dialog box

Animates and interpolates the thumbnails from the Storyboard.

GIF animation Opens Ulead GIF Animator, displaying the animation over the selected number of frames.

Sequence images Saves each frame of the animation as a separate bitmap file.

Frames Select the number of frames to play the animation over. The more frames, the more gradual the animation.


The number of frames must be between 2 and 900.


Particle dialog box- Bubble

 Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the particle attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply the effect to the image.

Effect control

Density Determines the number of bubbles.

Size Sets the upper limit for bubble size.

Variance Controls the range of variability in size.

Reflection Adjusts how strongly light is reflected from the bubble.

Particle parameters

Ambience Controls the ambient light.

Border Sets the color of the edge or border.

Body Sets the color of the inside or body.

Spot Sets the strength of the spot light.

Direction Controls the angle from which the light eminates.

Elevation Adjusts the height of the light in relation to the Z axis.

Wireframe Displays each particle in wireframe mode on the Preview Window. This is useful if you want to view all particles’ positions without waiting for rendering.

Select All Selects all particles on the Preview Window. You can then adjust parameters for all particles simultaneously. You can also adjust individual bubbles by clicking on the preview window.

Order Adjust the layer position of each particle by clicking  [image]  [image]  [image]  [image] .This works the same way as the Order command on the Attribute Toolbar of the Pick Tool.

Random Resets all particle positions, size and other parameters.

Preview Click to minimize the dialog box and see how the effect will look on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


To deselect a particle, press Ctrl and click the particle or click on the background image.


Particle dialog box - Firefly

 Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the particle attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply the effect to the image.

Effect control

Density Determines the number of fireflies.

Size Sets the upper limit for firefly size.

Variance Controls the range of variability in size.

Particle parameters

Opacity Controls the transparency of the center of selected fireflies.

Softness Conrols how fuzzy the edge of of the firefly appears.

Wireframe Displays each particle in wireframe mode on the Preview Window. This is useful if you want to view all particles’ positions without waiting for rendering.

Select All Selects all particles on the Preview Window. You can then adjust parameters for all particles simultaneously. When this is unselected, individual fireflies can be selected by clicking on the image in the preview window.

Order Adjust the layer position of each particle by clicking  [image]  [image]  [image]  [image] .This works the same way as the Order command on the Attribute Toolbar of the Pick Tool.

Random Resets all particle positions, size and other parameters.

Preview Click to minimize the dialog box and see how the effect will look on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Particle dialog box - Rain

 Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the particle attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply the effect to the image.

Effect control

Density Adjusts the number of rain drops.

Length Sets the length of the streaks of rain.

Width Sets the width of the streaks of rain.

Variance Controls how much the rain drops vary from one another.

Particle parameters

Body Determines the color of the rain and its weight on the image.

Opacity Set how much of the image you can see through the rain.

Bkgrd blur Controls how much the background image is blurred by the rain.

Random Resets all particle positions, size and other parameters.

Preview Click to minimize the dialog box and see how the effect will look on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Particle dialog box - Snow

 Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the particle attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply the effect to the image.

Effect control

Density Determines the number of snow flakes.

Size Sets the upper limit for snow flake size.

Variance Controls the range of variability in flake size.

Particle parameters

Body Determines the color of the snow flake and its weight on the image.

Opacity Set how much of the image you can see through the snow.

Random Resets all particle positions, size and other parameters.

Preview Click to minimize the dialog box and see how the effect will look on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Particle dialog box - Cloud

 Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the particle attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply the effect to the image.

Effect control

Density Determines the number of clouds.

Size Sets the upper limit the size of the individual clouds.

Variance Controls the range of variability in size.

Particle parameters

Opacity Controls the transparency of the clouds.

X scale Conrols horizontal smoothness. Lower values yield a more broken image.

Y scale Conrols vertical smoothness. Lower values yield a more broken image.

Frequency Sets the number of breaks or graininess. Higher values yield smaller but more numberous breaks, while lower values produce large smooth clouds.

Wireframe Displays each particle in wireframe mode on the Preview Window. This is useful for distinguishing individual clouds.

Select All Selects all particles on the Preview Window. You can then adjust parameters for all clouds simultaneously. You can also adjust individual clouds.

Order Adjust the layer position of each particle by clicking  [image]  [image]  [image]  [image] .This works the same way as the Order command on the Attribute Toolbar of the Pick Tool.

Random Resets all particle positions, size and other parameters.

Preview Click to minimize the dialog box and see how the effect will look on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Particle dialog box - Smoke

 Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the particle attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply the effect to the image.

Effect control

Density Determines the amount of smoke.

Size Sets the upper limit the size of the smoke.

Variance Controls the range of variability in size.

Particle parameters

Opacity Controls the transparency of the smoke.

X scale Conrols horizontal smoothness. Lower values yield a more broken image.

Y scale Conrols vertical smoothness. Lower values yield a more broken image.

Frequency Sets the number of breaks or graininess. Higher values yield smaller but more numberous breaks, while low values produce large smooth smoke clouds.

Wireframe Displays each particle in wireframe mode on the Preview Window. This is useful if you want to distinguish individual sections of smoke.

Select All Selects all particles on the Preview Window. You can then adjust parameters for all particles simultaneously.

Order Adjust the layer position of each particle by clicking  [image]  [image]  [image]  [image] .This works the same way as the Order command on the Attribute Toolbar of the Pick Tool.

Random Resets all particle positions, size and other parameters.

Preview Click to minimize the dialog box and see how the effect will look on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Particle dialog box - Fire

 Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the particle attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply the effect to the image.

Effect control

Density Determines the amount of fire.

Size Sets the upper limit for the size of individual fires.

Variance Controls the range of variability in size.

Particle parameters

Opacity Sets the opacity or transparency. 100 is completely opaque.

X scale Conrols horizontal smoothness. Lower values yield a more broken image.

Y scale Conrols verticle smoothness. Lower values yield a more broken image.

Frequency Sets the number of breaks or graininess. Higher values yield smaller but more numberous breaks, while lower values produce large smooth fires.

Wireframe Displays each particle in wireframe mode on the Preview Window. This is useful in distinguishing individual fires within the image.

Select All Selects all particles on the Preview Window. You can then adjust parameters for all particles simultaneously. When uselected, individual particles can be modified.

Order Adjust the layer position of each particle by clicking  [image]  [image]  [image]  [image] .This works the same way as the Order command on the Attribute Toolbar of the Pick Tool.

Random Resets all particle positions, size and other parameters.

Preview Click to minimize the dialog box and see how the effect will look on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Particle dialog box - Star

 Preview window Displays a preview of the selection area with the particle attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply the effect to the image.

Effect control

Density Determines the number of stars.

Size Sets the upper limit for star size.

Variance Controls the range of variability in size and direction.

Star spikes Adjusts the numbers of spikes (diffraction rays) which eminate from the star.

Particle parameters

Sun size Adjusts the size and color of the central sun.

Halo size Adjusts the size and color of the outer halo.

Star size Adjusts the size and color of the rays.

Star ratio Adjusts the relative size of the rays to each other.

Direction Adjusts the direction of the rays.

Opacity Adjust the opacity or transparency of the entire star. This can be used to control the brightness of the star.

Wireframe Displays each particle in wireframe mode on the Preview Window. This is useful if you want to view all particles’ positions without waiting for rendering.

Select All Selects all particles on the Preview Window. You can then adjust parameters for all particles simultaneously.

Order Adjust the layer position of each particle by clicking  [image]  [image]  [image]  or  [image]. This works the same way as the Order command on the Attribute Toolbar of the Pick Tool.

Random Resets all particle positions, size and other parameters.

Preview Click to minimize the dialog box and see how the effect will look on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


Artist Texture dialog box

Creates custom textures on different gradients. Create morphing animations using the Storyboard feature.

Palette ramp

Ring palette window Displays the ring palette containing the set and order of colors used in the current magic gradient effect. (The order of the colors start from the left middle part of the ring which is at 0 degrees and makes a 360 degree turn.)

Edit Click to create your own ring palette.

Reflect control button Reverses the order of the second set of ring palette colors (per two groups) applied in the magic gradient effect.

Hue shift control Adjusts the hue in the ring palette without changing the saturation and brightness. Click and drag the index in the color hue bar or enter the desired hue value.

Ring control Rotates the color ring changing the first color of the set. Enter the degree of turn.

Repeat number Define the number of times to repeat the ring palette in the pattern.

Pattern template Click a thumbnail to apply it to the selection.

Pattern samples Displays the resulting effect of adding the new Pattern template.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette for later use.

Undo Undoes the last action.

Reset Returns the thumbnails in the Pattern samples display to their original state.

Advanced / Normal Toggles between Advanced and Normal display mode.

Delete Deletes the selected thumbnail from the Storyboard.

Delete All Deletes all thumbnails from the Storyboard and resets the thumbnails in the Pattern Samples to their original state.

Insert Inserts a selected thumbnail in the Pattern Samples into the Storyboard.

Deselect Clears the current selection on the Storyboard. The Pattern Samples display the results of the latest script.

Storyboard Preserves the selected thumbnails as an animation script.

Animation Creates an animation in GIF Animator or saves separate bitmap files from the textures in the Storyboard.

  Sample effects


The Storyboard must contain at least 2 thumbnails to enable Animation.


Example 1	Example 2	Example 3


Warp dialog box
Creative Warp dialog box

Distorts an image by mirroring and segmenting it. Create unique backgrounds with this dialog box, or build a series of thumbnails in the Storyboard and create a morphing animation in Ulead GIF Animator.

Original preview Displays a thumbnail of the original image or selection.

Preview window Displays a thumbnail preview with the selected effect applied.

Pattern templates Displays thumbnails of effects to apply to the image or selection.

Storyboard Preserves the selected thumbnails as an animation script. Drag and drop or double-click thumbnails from the Preview window to add to the Storyboard.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Add Adds the settings of the selected Pattern template to the EasyPalette for later use.

Undo Undoes the last action.

Reset Returns the thumbnails in the Pattern samples display to their original state.

Advanced / Normal Toggles between Advanced and Normal display mode.

Delete Deletes the selected thumbnail from the Storyboard.

Delete All Deletes all thumbnails from the Storyboard and resets the thumbnails in the Preview window to their original state.

Insert Inserts the thumbnail displayed in the Preview window into the Storyboard.

Deselect Clears the current selection on the Storyboard. The Preview window displays the results of the latest script.

Animation Creates a morphing animation in Ulead GIF Animator or saves separate bitmap files from the textures in the Storyboard.

  Sample effects


Original	Example 1	Example 2


Painting dialog box

Applies a painting style and pattern to the image. You can also select to add a colored tint with the painting style.

Preview window Displays a preview of the image with the selected painting effect and its attributes applied.

Paint templates Displays predefined painting effects to apply. Click to preview the effect on your image.

Default Displays the default image as a thumbnail in the Paint templates window.

Try Displays your image as a thumbnail in the Paint templates window.

Fine control

Fineness Adjusts the size of brush strokes.

Opacity Adjusts the transparency of the painting effect.

Density Adjusts the amount of brush strokes.

Angle Rotates the stroke angle of the selected brush.

Variation A higher value increases the irregularity between paint strokes.

Stroke color Selects a new foreground or paint color.

Background Selects a new background color.

Overlay by color key Selects a color from the Paint template that will be transparent. This function is not available with all pattern templates; select Paint template number 48 to try this function out. Click the Color preview to select the transparent color.

Tiling Produces a seamlessly tiling cell. Use the result for designing a background.

Non-clipped Discards the strokes that exceed the source image boundary.

Apply Applies the selected attributes to the thumbnail preview.

Pattern Displays patterns you can apply to the painting style.

Load Imports a previously saved bitmap image. The pattern will be added to the Pattern window. Right-click on a loaded pattern to display a list of all previously loaded patterns. The maximum number of patterns saved in the list is 7.

Preview Click to minimize the dialog box and see how the effect will look on the actual image before applying it.

Add Adds the custom effect and settings to the EasyPalette.


The best size for a pattern is less than 300 x 300 pixels.


Palette Ramp Editor dialog box

Contains pre-defined ring palettes and allows you to edit or design ring palettes.

Palette ramp Displays the currently selected ring palette and its order control points.

Hue shift control Adjusts the hue in the ring palette without changing the saturation and brightness. Click and drag the index in the color hue bar or enter the desired hue value.

Ring Rotates the color ring affecting the start and the end color. Enter the degree of turn.

Add Inserts a newly defined ring palette to the library.

Palette library Contains the pre-defined ring palettes. Click to select a ring palette to display in the ring palette window.

Pattern samples Displays the selected palette on the pattern samples. (Not displayed in all dialog boxes.)


Allows you to reorder, change, add or delete colors from the selected ring palette.

To edit the ring’s color order, click and drag the control point of the color around the ring to the desired position.

To change/delete a color on the ring, right-click on the control point and select Change color or Delete.

To add a color to the ring, click on the area of the ring you wish to add a color to. This opens the Windows color picker. Select a color and click OK to add it to the ring.


This command is only available if the image is in True Color mode.


Frame

Adds a frame to the image. Choose from frame styles such as Paper tear, Neon, Fire, Glass and Sobel.


Charcoal dialog box

Displays an image with a charcoal-drawn look.

Balance Set a higher balance to add more charcoal to the image.

Stroke length Set a long stroke length for longer charcoal lines

Level Controls the opacity of the charcoal. Select a high level to produce a stronger effect.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Colored Pen dialog box

Softens an image to simulate the appearance of colored pens.

Level Controls the opacity of the effect. Select a high level to produce a stronger effect.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Oil Paint dialog box

Enriches the colors in an image to simulate the appearance of an oil painting.

Stroke detail Set a higher stroke detail to increase the size of the brush strokes.

Level Controls the opacity of the effect. Select a high level to produce a stronger effect.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Ulead Color Picker dialog box
  Color	  Grayscale

Choose colors visually from a color palette. If the current image is an indexed-color image, the color picker dialog box is the same as the Color Table dialog box except you cannot load or save a palette.

First color tab Shows a color spectrum with a slider for adjusting hue. Click anywhere in the color field to define a custom color. The color slider at right then displays the range of color levels available for the selected component. Drag the slider or enter a value in the Hue field at the bottom to adjust its hue.

Second color tab Shows a color matrix with a slider for adjusting brightness. Click anywhere in the matrix to select a custom color. The color slider at right then displays the range of color levels available for the selected component. Drag the slider or enter a value in the Brightness field at the bottom to adjust its brightness.

Other color tabs Shows 88 color blocks, each containing related colors. Click on the color block you want and then fine tune it manually by changing the RGB values.

Red value Enter a new value for the red channel here.

Green value Enter a new value for the green channel here.

Blue value Enter a new value for the blue channel here.

Hue value Enter a new value for the hue model here.

Saturation value Enter a new value for the saturation model here.

Brightness value Enter a new value for the brightness model here.

Hex Displays the Hex value of the currently selected color. This is beneficial as you can use the Hex value in other applications.

New / Current block The right side shows the original color under the mouse pointer. The left side shows the color defined by the red, green, and blue value boxes.


Plug-ins

Displays a list of Adobe Photoshop plug-ins installed.


PhotoImpact Plug-ins

PhotoImpact includes plug-in effects for enhancing your images, plus the Ulead Color Picker, which offers better control for choosing colors to use. Access the Ulead Color Picker by right-clicking on a color box in dialog boxes, or on the Attribute Toolbar of certain tools.

The plug-in effects in PhotoImpact include:

Charcoal Displays an image with a charcoal-drawn look.

Colored Pen Softens an image to simulate the look of colored pens.

Oil Paint Enriches the colors in an image to simulate the appearance of an oil painting.

Magic Gradient Fills an image with specially designed gradients.

Kaleidoscope Generates a pattern based on the placement of a reflection in the image.

Turnpage Curls up a corner of an image, like you’re turning a page.

Light Creates a focused or diffused beam on an image.

Artist Texture Creates a custom texture based on a gradient by combining various textures.

Creative Warp Distorts an image by mirroring and segmenting it.

Painting Applies painting effects such as Watercolor, Oil Paint and Crayon to an image. You can also apply textures and add a colored tint to the image and create seamlessly tiling backgrounds.

Particle Applies natural effects such as bubbles, firefly, rain, snow, clouds, smoke, fire and stars.

Remove Red Eye Removes red from a selected area of the image. While this effect is primarily used to remove the “red eye” effect created by camera flashes, you can also use it to decrease the level of red in any other part of the image.

Transform Applies brush effects such as Smudge, Pinch, Punch, Sphere, Ripple, Stone, Mirror, Whirlpool, Diffuse and global effects such as Horizontal and Vertical squeeze.

Type Effect Applies predefined effects such as Gradient, Hole, Glass, Metal, Emboss, Concrete, Sand, Lighting, Fire, Snow, Neon and Seal. These effects can be applied only when there is a selection or object.

Other plug-ins If you add any compatible third-party plug-ins (such as Kai’s Power Tools), they will also appear in the All submenu and at the bottom of the Effect menu.


Remove Red Eye dialog box

Removes red from a selected area of the image. While this effect is primarily used to remove the “red eye” effect created by camera flashes, you can also use it to decrease the level of red in any other part of the image.

Select area for filtering Select to remove red from a portion of the image. If this option is cleared, PhotoImpact creates a circular mask within the boundaries of the image and adjusts all red pixels within that mask.

Select to remove red from one  [image]  or two eyes  [image]  . Click and drag the circles that appear on the sample image to adjust the position.

Eye size Set a higher value for a larger eye size

Red tolerance Select a higher value to adjust a wider range of red will be affected.

Effect level A higher value adjusts a wider range effect level to set the level of adjustment to the red pixels

Original eye color Click to select the color you want to change.

Ideal eye color Click to select the color that you want to replace the original color with.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.


In some effects, you can select one or more particles that you can move to another location and adjust the attributes. You can do this by moving your mouse over the Preview window. When the pointer changes to a 4-headed arrow, you can select the particles that you want to move or adjust their attributes. Notes to remember:

Ctrl or Shift key Click with your mouse if you want to select more than one particle.

Select All Select this option to move or adjust the attributes of all the particles on the Preview window.

To deselect Press Ctrl and click on a selected particle to deselect it, or click on the background image.

Adjusting attributes All changes are applied to selected particles.


Particle dialog boxes

Click a particle system to learn more about the contents of its dialog box.

  Bubbles	  Rain

  Cloud	  Smoke

  Fire	  Snow

  Firefly	  Star


Type dialog boxes

Click a type effect to learn more about the contents of its dialog box.

  Concrete	  Hole

  Emboss	  Lighting

  Emboss (Outline)	  Metal

  Emboss (Texture)	  Neon

  Fire	  Sand

  Glass	  Seal

  Gradient	  Snow


Creating animated lighting effects

After adding any of the lighting effects to your image, you can bring it to life and make a cool animation out of it. Creating animation is made possible with the help of the Key Frame Control in the Lighting dialog box.

To put it simply, you can come up with an animated series of lighting effects by creating various paths using the control bar. This gives you full control over your animation path.

  Using key frames


Using key frames

Each key frame that you add to the control bar assigns new properties to the effect you apply to your image. You need to specify attributes for the starting frame as well as for any others that you added to the sequence.

1.	Type in the Total Frames box the desired number of frames that you want for your entire animation. Frames decide the duration and quality of animations.

2.	Define your starting frame by dragging the upper slider to the far left or enter the number "1" on the Frames box.

3.	Specify the attributes of your Lighting effect for that specific frame.

4.	Add a key frame along the animation path by dragging the same slider to where you would like to apply a key frame. Alternatively, type a frame number in the Frames box.

5.	Click [image]. A key frame is placed on the key frame bar (lower slider).

6.	To remove a key frame, click [image].

7.	Repeat steps 3 to 6 add or remove more key frames.

8.	Click [image] to see a preview of your animation.

Note: To go back to a specific key frame to modify its attributes, simply click the pointer on the key frame bar (lower slider). A blue diamond represents an active key frame, while gray the inactive.


Click to move back to the previous frame.


Click to move to the next frame.


Click to jump to the previous key frame.


Click to jump to the next key frame.


This is the Preview slider. Drag the pointer to forward or reverse a sequence frame by frame.


Displays all available key frames. A blue diamond represents an active key frame, while gray the inactive. To assign a new one, simply drag it to an area where you want to apply a key frame. Then click  [image] .


Click to add a key frame to your key frame bar, allowing you to specify the attributes for the selected frame.


Click to remove a key frame from the key frame bar.


Click to reverse the effect of your animation. This flips the key frames around so that they are now positioned from the last frame to the starting frame instead of the other way around.

Note: This button is enabled only when there are key frames in the animated clip.


Click to play the animation forward and then backward every time you hit Play. If left cleared, it plays the animation and then jumps from the last frame to the starting frame, repeating another cycle.


Click to see a preview of your animation.


Click to stop playback.


Displays which frame your are currently in. Entering a value jumps to that frame, allowing you to see and modify its attributes. The value should not exceed the number of frames you specify in the Total Frames box.


Displays the total number of frames for your entire animation. Keep in mind that the higher the value, the larger the file size of the animation will be.


Save As dialog box
Save As

This dialog box allows you to decide the names, locations, and characteristics for files when saving them.

Save in Find the desired folder.

View the contents of the next higher folder in your system.

Create a new folder.

List names.

List names with statistics.

File name Identify the file(s) selected for saving.

Save as type Select a particular file format for saving to. Choose *.GIF to save the file as an animation. Choose *.BMP to save it as a series of images.

GIF animation options Specify the settings for your animated lighting effects.

Colors Enter the maximum number of colors to use for the color palette.

Frame delay time Defines how long the image layer is displayed during animation.

Infinite loop Enter the number of times you want the animated GIF to cycle before it stops at the last frame. Select "Infinite loop" to loop the animation indefinitely.

Transparent background Select if you want the empty spaces between images to be transparent when the animation is played in a web browser.

Dither Select to allow GIF Animator to compensate for colors not found in the palette. It then simulates missing colors by mixing combinations of existing colors in the area that the original color occupied.

Interlace Select to set interlacing on the image layer. Interlacing allows the image to gradually 'fade-in' as it downloads.

  Creating animated lighting effects

  Using key frames


Lighting dialog box - Lens flare Advanced
  Basic	  Advanced

The Lens Flare Effect adds a glowing flare to an image. This effect looks very much like the flare you see from the sun when you try to stare at it. Click the Advanced tab to customize more settings for the effect. Use the Key Frame Control to produce animated effects.

Preview Window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Circular Select to ensure that flares always appear in a circular shape. Leave it cleared if you want to change the shape of the flares.

Shutter Alters the shape of the flares.

Star spikes Sets the number of rays emanating from the glowing light. A high number adds more light rays.

Variance Adds length variety to the light rays. A high number produces different lengths, while a low number gives more consistent lengths.

Extra strength Adjusts the intensity of the effect. A high number stretches the reaching point of the effect.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient Light Color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient Light Strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.

  Creating animated lighting effects

  Using key frames


Lighting dialog box - Flashlight

The Flashlight Effect makes the image looks as if a flashlight is directed on it. The Basic tab settings change the overall look of the effect. Use the Key Frame Control to produce animated effects.

Preview Window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Brightness Adjusts the brightness of the flashlight.

Softness Adjusts the lighting mood. A high value gives a softer light.

Spread angle Sets the angle by which the light source spreads out.

Distance Sets the distance of the light source from the projected object.

Elevation Adjusts the range of illumination while changing the angle of the light source.

Skew angle Changes the direction where the light source comes from.

Center color This is the central light color. Click the color box to change this color.

Outer Color This is the color that surrounds the light. Click the color box to change this color.

Reset Click to place the effect back in its default position. Changed settings will not be affected.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient Light Color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient Light Strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.

  Creating animated lighting effects

  Using key frames


Lighting dialog box - Laser Advanced
  Basic	  Advanced

This effect adds a laser beam to the image. Click the Advanced tab to customize more settings for the effect. Use the Key Frame Control to produce animated effects.

Preview Window Shows a preview of the image or selection area with the effect attributes applied.

Effect Click a thumbnail to apply a lighting effect to the image.

Fade out Adjusts the source of the linear laser beam. A high value makes the laser's light source vanish. This option is only available if you are in the Linear mode (selected from the Basic tab).

Zoom in Magnifies or reduces the size of the spiral laser beam. A high value makes it look larger.

Frequency Sets the number of winds in the spiral laser beam.

Amplitude Sets how far the spiral beam spreads out. For the linear laser beam, this setting changes its thickness.

Head position Adjusts the position of the spiral laser beam tip and the glow of the linear laser beam.

Key frame control Allows you to create an animation clip. The various controls here allow you to change the effect's behaviour at each and every frame of the clip.

Ambient Light Color Click the color box to change the color tone of your image.

Ambient Light Strength By default, your image is made to look dimmer in order for the effect to "stand out". Enter a higher number or move the slider to make the image look brighter.

Elements Lists the effects to be applied to your image. Click the + button to add an effect to the list and click - to remove an effect. Click the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through this effect list.

Preview Click to see a larger preview of the effect on the image.

Add Click to add your effect settings to the EasyPalette.

Save Click to save the image with the effect as animation gif or sequence bmp files.

  Creating animated lighting effects

  Using key frames


This help file contains topics about selected dialog boxes in your PhotoImpact package. You can access these topics through those dialog boxes or by navigating through a main help file associated with one of the PhotoImpact programs.


Add Palette Ramp Sample dialog box

Preview window Displays the selected palette ramp.

Name Enter a name for the palette ramp.

Click OK to save the palette ramp to the Palette library.


Emboss dialog box

Displays an image as a single-color imprint on a solid surface.

Light source Choose the direction of shadows on the image and which parts should appear raised or indented. Light sources from above cause dark areas to look raised. From below, dark areas look indented.

Coating color Click to select a new color for the image.

Depth Set how strong the embossed effect is. Higher settings cause a more pronounced embossed effect.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Gaussian Blur dialog box

Blurs an image by evaluating the color values of all pixels in the image and shifting them towards the most common color in the image.

Variance Choose a higher value to make the image blurrier. As the setting gets higher, the image approaches a single color closely matching the most prevalent color in the image.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Emphasize Edge dialog box
Emphasize Edges dialog box

Increases contrast in an image, making edges more distinct.

Level Choose higher values to produce a clip with harder, more sharply-defined edges.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Blur dialog box

Produces an out-of-focus effect for an image.

Level Select how much you want to blur the image.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Average dialog box

Gives an image a softer look by evaluating the color values of all pixels and moving them toward the average pixel value.

Square size Choose a larger size for a softer picture. As the size gets bigger the focus deteriorates.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Motion Blur dialog box

Blurs an image with an effect similar to when a subject or camera moves when taking a photograph.

Light Source Choose the type of motion desired.

Camera simulates camera movement.

Natural simulates light source movement.

Object simulates subject movement.

Angle Choose the direction of motion.

Moving offset Set how strong the motion appears.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Puzzle dialog box

Breaks an image into squares and rearranges them as if they were sliding-puzzle pieces.

Background color Click to select a new color for the borders of the squares.

Square size Set the size in pixels of each square. If the size does not evenly fit in the image, squares are cropped from the lower right.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.

Random Click to readjust the effect at random until you find the one you want.


Tile dialog box

Breaks an image into square tiles and shifts them as if they are being placed or removed from the image.

Background color Click to select a new color for the borders of the squares.

Square size Set the size in pixels of each tile. If the size does not evenly fit in the image, squares are cropped from the lower right.

Shift value Set a higher value to randomize the order of the tiles more. A value of zero creates a well organized tiled effect.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.

Random Click to readjust the effect at random until you find the one you want.


Facet dialog box

Breaks an image into square tiles and shifts them to simulate the appearance of viewing the image through cut glass.

Square size Set the size in pixels of each square. If the size does not evenly fit in the image, squares are cropped from the lower right.

Shift value Set a higher value to randomize the order of the tiles more. This is similar to increasing the size of the cuts in the glass. A value of zero produces almost no change to the original image.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.

Random Click to readjust the effect at random until you find the one you want.


Warm / Cool dialog box

Add tint to an image producing a warmer or cooler feeling.

Color Choose the tint you wish to apply.

Level Set a higher value to apply a stronger tint. As the level increases the tint becomes more dominant.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette .


Fat / Thin dialog box

Fat expands an image at the center. Thin squeezes compresses an image at the center.

Level Set a higher level to expand (Fat) or compress (Thin) the image more.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette .


Wind / Blast dialog box

These effects create a feeling of a wind blown image. Windy evokes a feeling of a mild to strong wind blowing across the image. Blast is more like gale force winds.

Direction Choose the direction the wind blows.

Moving offset Set a high value to create a stronger wind effect.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.

Random Click to readjust the effect at random until you find the one you want.


Sharpen dialog box

Makes edges stand out more distinctly in an image.

Level Choose higher to get stronger borders.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette .


Add Noise dialog box

Produces a speckled image.

Distribution Choose Uniform to evenly distribute the noise through the image. Choose Varied to make parts of the image noisier than others.

Variance Increase the variance to create a more speckled effect.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette .


Mosaic dialog box

Blurs the image into blocks by averaging pixel values in each block.

X-axis size Set the width of each square in pixels.

Y-axis size Set the height for each square in pixels.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette .

Square Select Square to make each block a perfect square.

Note: If the block size does evenly fit into the image, the blocks are cropped starting from the lower right corner.


Sphere dialog box

Produces a wide-angle camera lens effect on an image.

Light direction Choose the angle for a light source on the image.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Punch / Pinch dialog box

Punch pushes out the center of an image as if it were being stretched on the outside of a Sphere. Pinch squeezes the center of the image as if it were pushed into the inside of a sphere.

Power Set a high value to make the effect more pronounced.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Whirlpool dialog box

Twists an image into a swirling pattern.

Direction Choose a clockwise or counterclockwise swirl.

Twist degrees Set how much rotation to use. The higher the number, the greater the distortion.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Ripple dialog box

Adds waves to an image as if viewed through water.

Direction Choose Center to create waves start from the center and move out in a circular pattern. Choose Edge for waves that appear to be flowing across the image.

Frequency Choose a high value for more waves.

Amplitude Choose a high value for larger waves.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Watercolor dialog box

Enriches the colors in an image to simulate the appearance of a watercolor painting.

Stroke size Choose Small for short brush strokes. Choose Large for big strokes.

Moisture level Set higher levels to add streaking typical of paints with higher water content.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Unsharp Mask dialog box

Sharpens the image by subtracting an amount determined by the average pixel values in the specified cell size from each pixel in that cell.

Sharpen Factor Set a high factor for stronger contrast.

Aperture Radius Set a low radius to reduce pixelization.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.


Choose Intensity to make the brightness of the image more like the reference.

Choose Saturation to make the richness of the colors more like the reference.

Choose Chrominance to tint the image according to the colors of the reference.


Positive values add to the total, usually causing the image to become lighter. Negative values usually cause darker results.


Stagger dialog box

Creates a wobbly effect for the image.

Direction Choose which way the image wobbles.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.

Random Click to readjust the effect at random until you find the one you want.


Custom Effect dialog box

Distort image data by remapping pixel locations in a plane. The easiest way to use this filter is to first select a method by clicking on the Samples button. After examining the map, you can fine tune to achieve the effect you want.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.

Map Drag the curve to squeeze or expand pixels. The left edge of the graph represents the center of the image; the right , all four edges. If the curve is steep, the image will be squeezed; if shallow, expanded.

Show control points Click to place control points on the graph. This may make it easier to draw the desired curve. Enter the number of points you want in the points text box.

In / Out Shows the current and remapped pixel assignments when the mouse is in the Map area.

Methods Click to start with a reference map. The Smooth option takes the current map and smoothes out any sharp changes in the curve. All effects applied are cumulative, that is, the map is not reset before you apply a new effect from the Method list.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Load Use a previously saved matrix file to remap the colors.

Save Saves the current matrix settings to a file for future use in another image.


Custom Filter dialog box

Create custom effects by changing the color values of pixels by weighting them against their surroundings. The easiest way to use this filter is to first select a method by clicking on the Method button. Then, after examining the matrix and other filter settings, you can fine tune it for the effect you want.

Thumbnail Choose a portion of the active image to show in the dialog box preview window.

Add Adds the settings to the EasyPalette.

Matrix Enter a value representing the relative weight a each pixel has when calculating new pixel colors. The center box is the pixel that will actually be changed.

Reset Returns the grid to its unchanged appearance.

Load Use a previously saved matrix file to remap the colors.

Save Saves the current matrix settings to a file for future use in another image.

Test Click to see how the changes in the right preview window on the dialog box. (This is a little faster than pressing the Preview button but not as clear.)

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.

Samples Click for some sample maps to help you get started.

Symmetry Select an option to help you add factors into the proper places faster.

Divided by Enter a value that will bring the color values for all pixels down to a value that falls between 1 and 256. For best results, this number should be equal to the sum of all factors in the matrix. (If the sum comes out to zero, the factor should be 1.

Offset Set a value to add to each pixel after the matrix calculation. Positive values make the image lighter; negative, darker.

Invert Apply the complimentary colors to those calculated by the filter. For example, all black pixels would become white.


Warping dialog box

Distorts localized regions of an image by allowing you to drag control points.

Sample image Drag the grid to define how to warp the image.

Preview image Shows how the current warping settings will affect the image. (Press the Testing button to update this image.)

Grid size Choose the type of grid to place over the image. A small grid gives you finer control over the changes.

Show control points Check to place control points at the grid intersections. Clear to remove the points. Clearing the points gives you a better view of the original image.

Test See how the changes affect the image in the right preview window in the dialog box. (This is a little faster than pressing the Preview button but not as clear.)

Reset Returns the grid to its unchanged appearance.

Preview Click to see how the changes will affect the actual image before applying them.


Thumbnail dialog box

Allows you to choose what appears in the dialog box preview window while applying the filter. This can be useful if you are concerned about a particular region, or to change the magnification in the preview window. It also allows you to choose an image for adding filter settings to the EasyPalette.

Scales the entire image to fit in the preview window.

Selects a portion of the image to show at full size in the preview window.

Selects any part of the image to show in the preview window. PhotoImpact automatically resizes areas larger than the preview window.


Add To / Update EasyPalette dialog box

Saves the current dialog box settings in the EasyPalette  of the EasyPalette for future use.

Preview Window Displays the image that will appear in the EasyPalette .

Sample name Enter a name for this filter setting that will remind you of what it does or when to use it.

Gallery / Library Select the Gallery or Library you want to save the attributes in.

Tab group Select a tab group within the Gallery or Library.

Recently-used Displays the most recently used Galleries and Libraries.


Palette Ramp Editor dialog box

Contains pre-defined ring palettes and allows you to edit or design ring palettes.

Palette ramp Displays the currently selected ring palette and its order control points.

Hue shift control Adjusts the hue in the ring palette without changing the saturation and brightness. Click and drag the index in the color hue bar or enter the desired hue value.

Ring Rotates the color ring affecting the start and the end color. Enter the degree of turn.

Add Inserts a newly defined ring palette to the library.

Palette library Contains the pre-defined ring palettes. Click to select a ring palette to display in the ring palette window.


Allows you to reorder, change, add or delete colors from the selected ring palette.

To edit the ring’s color order, click and drag the control point of the color around the ring to the desired position.

To change/delete a color on the ring, right-click on the control point and select “Change color” or “Delete”.

To add a color to the ring, click on the area of the ring you wish to add a color to. This opens the Windows color picker. Select a color and click OK to add it to the ring.


PhotoImpact plug-ins

PhotoImpact includes plug-in effects for enhancing your images, plus the Ulead Color Picker, which offers better control for choosing colors to use. Access the Ulead Color Picker by right-clicking on a color box in dialog boxes, or on the Attribute Toolbar of certain tools.

The plug-in effects in PhotoImpact include:

  Charcoal Displays an image with a charcoal-drawn look.

  Colored Pen Softens an image to simulate the look of colored pens.

  Oil Paint Enriches the colors in an image to simulate the appearance of an oil painting.

  Magic Gradient Fills an image with specially designed gradients.

  Kaleidoscope Generates a pattern based on the placement of a reflection in the image.

  Turnpage Curls up a corner of an image, like you’re turning a page.

  Light Creates a focused or diffused beam on an image.

  Artist Texture Creates a custom texture based on a gradient by combining various textures.

  Creative Warp Distorts an image by mirroring and segmenting it.

  Painting Applies painting effects such as Watercolor, Oil Paint and Crayon to an image. You can also apply textures and add a colored tint to the image and create seamlessly tiling backgrounds.

  Particle Applies natural effects such as bubbles, firefly, rain, snow, clouds, smoke, fire and stars.

  Remove Red Eye Removes red from a selected area of the image. While this effect is primarily used to remove the “red eye” effect created by camera flashes, you can also use it to decrease the level of red in any other part of the image.

  Transform Applies brush effects such as Smudge, Pinch, Punch, Sphere, Ripple, Stone, Mirror, Whirlpool, Diffuse and global effects such as Horizontal and Vertical squeeze.

  Type Effect Applies predefined effects such as Gradient, Hole, Glass, Metal, Emboss, Concrete, Sand, Lighting, Fire, Snow, Neon and Seal. These effects can be applied only when there is a selection or object.

  Other plug-ins If you add any compatible third-party plug-ins (such as Kai’s Power Tools), they will also appear in the All submenu and at the bottom of the Effect menu.