Pixel art has recently gained popularity, with people experimenting with art more frequently. Do you feel like you are missing out? Do not worry. We have a guide on how to get started with making pixel art in Krita. 

To make pixel art in Krita, you must first set up your canvas. Set the dimensions to 32 by 32 pixels, set up a grid, and choose the brushes specific to making pixel art. After you are done, you can continue to use the tools as you normally would. 

For more detail on these, please continue reading. 

Setting The Canvas For Pixel Art In Krita

The default settings in Krita are such that they cater to the majority of the features that Krita supports. However, for pixel art, very specific settings need to be done. One example is the grid. Having a grid shows you all the pixels in the document. Making art and navigating gets easier. 

1. Open Krita.
2. Go to the top panel and click on Settings.
3. Then select Configure Krita from the drop-down menu.
4. In the window that opens, go to Display in the panel on the left. 
5. Here, click on Grid Settings.
6. Set the “Pixel Grid: Start Showing” at 400%. 
7. In the Pixel Grid, choose a darker color. We recommend black.
8. Click OK. 

Now that all of these settings are done, they might still need to show on the document you have opened. To see these settings practically, you should begin with a new document. 

This is also helpful because the default size in Krita is too large for pixel art. Opening a new document in a smaller size is ideal. To do so, follow the instructions given below. 

1. Go to the top panel and click New. 
2. In the window, go to Custom Document. 
3. Set the width and height to 32 pixels. 
4. Click OK. 
5. The new document will have a grid. 

Choosing Brushes For Pixel Art In Krita

The default brushes in Krita are too big for the minute details that pixel art often requires. To set the adequate brushes: 

1. Go to the right side of your screen. 
2. Go to the brush presets and scroll to the bottom. 
3. There will be three brushes specialized for pixel art. 
4. Please choose the one that suits you the most, or you can incorporate them for advanced effects. 
5. You can also search in the brush presets. Type “pixel art,” and the brushes will show. 

How To Draw Basic Pixel Art In Krita Using A Reference Picture

Using another picture for reference and tracing can greatly help if you are a beginner. This does not apply to people trying to create art, but to when you are still learning. 

1. Download an image from the internet. 
2. Paste it onto your canvas. 
3. Now using the pixel art brushes, trace the image from the outlines. 
4. Please select the image and remove it once you are done.
5. Now you can add more details as you desire. 

Choose The Right Cursor For Pixel Art In Krita

The default cursor used in Krita is great and does its job. However, for ease, it is recommended that you use an arrow-shaped cursor. This provides precision and makes the canvas easier to navigate, especially when making pixel art. To achieve this, look at the instructions below. 

1. Go to the top panel and select preferences. 
2. Here, go to General.
3. In the Cursor Shape option, choose Arrow. 
4. Your cursor should be changed now. 

Make Your Color Palettes For Pixel Art In Krita

Colors are as important as the quality of art that you produce. Choosing a palette that speaks to you and sets the message you wish to convey through your art is very important. 

If you are an artist with a specific color palette that they prefer, it is suggested that you make a color palette to use in every art. To do so, follow the steps below. 

1. Go to the top panel, and choose Settings.
2. In the drop-down menu, click on Docker.
3. In the menu that emerges further, choose Palette. Clicking on the palette will toggle it on.
4. This will appear on the right side of the window. 
5. You can either choose a preset or make your own. 
6. To make your own, create a blank palette and add colors from the eyedropper tool; choose the colors you want. 

Watch this video for more information. 

Conclusion

Pixel art is an excellent mode of expression for artists who prefer this medium. Using Krita may be difficult at first, but stick with us until you get the hang of the software. Krita is free and offers tools that most other free digital art software do not; we highly recommend this to beginners or people who are brushing up their skills.

Pie charts are a great way to represent complex data in different settings visually. InDesign is widely known for its amazing data visualization features. However, it may be a bit difficult to get the hang of how to create a pie chart in InDesign if you’re new to it. But all you need to do is follow the steps in this article, and you’ll be good to go.

You can create a pie chart in InDesign through the software’s built-in Graphs feature. Simply go to Column Graph Tool > Pie Graph Tool. Next, drag out your cursor to create a pie chart on your artboard based on the required size and placement.

Keep reading below for more information.

How To Make A Pie Chart In Indesign

Creating a pie chart in InDesign is fairly simple. You can do it by following the easy steps in this section.

For a more visual demonstration of how to create a pie chart in InDesign, watch the video below:

1. Select and hold the Column Graph Tool in Adobe Illustrator before moving on to the Pie Graph Tool.
2. Drag the pie chart to the desired size by hovering your mouse over the canvas. This can also be resized afterward. 
3. A data panel with rows and columns will display once the chart has been added to the canvas, allowing you to add data to the graph.
4. After the statistics have been added, exit the window by clicking the checkbox to make the changes. (Tip: Make another duplicate of this graph and transfer it to the pasteboard before continuing; you may need to pull a different version when making numerous graphs.)
5. Go to Object > Ungroup after selecting the pie graph using the selection tool. 

This will let you style the graph in several ways. Just make sure the statistics are ready in advance since the graph can no longer be edited to change the figures.

1. Navigate to the Ellipse Tool and proceed to the pie graph’s center. Drag an Ellipse shape while holding Shift and Option, keeping just over an inch or so of the graph exposed.
2. Drag and pick the graph and the shape together by using the Selection Tool before selecting the Shape Builder Tool.
3. Click and delete the inner portion of the circle while holding Option on a Mac or Alt on Windows. This will create a gap in the graph.

Should I Add Excel Sheet to InDesign?

Several factors are considered while integrating the two programs depending on the goal. InDesign is used to make spreadsheets appear amazing visually, whereas Excel is used to organize and prepare data. They have different functions, but they provide a fantastic outcome when combined.

For instance, revenue data may be entered into Excel to build a visually pleasing presentation for an annual report and imported into InDesign. The ability to convey facts elegantly gives any presenting goal a major advantage.

Importing menus, catalogs, and product prices is another excellent application. The design makes the data appear amazing, while the spreadsheet will handle the data. Automating changes by connecting the Excel sheet to InDesign produces a more dynamic final product.

The design possibilities provided by Excel are decent, but they fall short of InDesign’s broad set of capabilities. InDesign allows you to design a template that encompasses the spreadsheet, but a decent Excel sheet looks excellent, and you can insert simple visuals into the spreadsheet itself.

Linking an Excel Spreadsheet to InDesign

You can link an Excel Spreadsheet to InDesign by following the instructions below:

1. Click Edit (on Windows) or InDesign (on MacOS) in the top menu bar, select Preferences from the menu that appears, and then select File Handling.
2. Click Create Links. Click OK after adding text and spreadsheet files to the File Handling box.
3. Click File > Place (Windows users can also hit Ctrl+D or Cmd+D, respectively.)
4. To import an Excel file into InDesign, choose the file, click Open, and then check the Show Import Options box in the import window (if it isn’t previously checked).
5. To arrange your table in InDesign, first, click OK and then build a text-frame.
6. This is the InDesign table that is connected to the Excel spreadsheet.
7. Right-click on the first row you selected and chose Convert to Header Rows.

Conclusion

And there we go. This article taught us how to create a pie chart in InDesign. Furthermore, since you might need to use excel data (because, let’s face it, it’s the most common software out there), we talked about how to import excel data into InDesign so you can work with it.

Are you bored of all the straight lines and want to do something more fun? To add to the fun, introduce wavy lines into your work. Need to know how to do so? We’ve got your back!

To make a wavy line, draw a straight line first. Go to the control panel on top > Effect > Distort and Transform > Zig-Zag. In the window that opens, choose the number of ridges and sizes according to your preference and hit OK. 

To learn more about the wavy lines, please continue reading. 

Making A Straight Line In Illustrator

An important prerequisite to drawing any line is learning to draw a straight line. Most other lines build upon this basic component. You may already know this, but read the following instructions to brush up on your knowledge. 

1. Open a new document.
2. Select the line tool.
3. Click on the canvas and hold down the Shift key.
4. Now drag the cursor across the canvas to make a straight line as long as you like it. 
5. Release the mouse. 

Making Wavy Lines In Illustrator

Let us get into the real deal that you are here for. There are multiple methods of making wavy lines. Some involve extensive manual work to draw the line with the pen tool, but we think the ideal one is this method we will introduce to you. It helps you stay in control and saves you plenty of time. 

To make wavy lines in Illustrator:

1. Draw a straight line as long as you wish for your wavy line to be. 
2. Now select this line.
3. Go to the control panel on your screen and choose Effect.
4. In the drop-down menu, go to Distort and Transform. 
5. In the menu that opens up further, choose Zig-Zag. 
6. A window will appear. 
7. The first thing you need to do here is to click on the Preview button to see the changes. 
8. The line will appear to be a zig-zag line. Choose the Smooth option in the window to turn this into a wave. 
9. Your wavy line is ready. 

To watch a detailed demonstration of this visually, refer to this Youtube video: 

How To Increase The Number Of Ridges In The Wavy Line In Illustrator?

You may be happier with how wavy the wavy line is. Some people prefer flatter waves, and some prefer higher ones. To change this and change the number of highs and lows in one wave, we will show you how to increase the ridges of the line. 

To do so, follow the steps below. 

1. Draw a straight line and select it.
2. Go to the control panel > Effect > Distort and Transform > Zig-Zag.
3. In the window that now opens, turn on the preview button.
4. Select smooth to make the line look like a wave.
5. Now in the settings, look for the section which says “Ridges per segment.”
6. Increase the number here to as many as you want. 
7. You can also change the wave size by sliding the slider in front of the Size option. 

Sometimes you may have already drawn a line and may not like it after doing the work. Going back and drawing a new line may compromise the workflow and the artwork. If you wish to change the wavy line after it is drawn, do the following. 

1. Look for the Appearance option on the right side of your screen. 
2. Now select the wavy line.
3. In the series of effects shown, go to Zig-zag and make the necessary changes. 
4. In the “Ridges per segment” option, choose the number of ridges you wish to add or subtract. 

How To Make Multiple Blended Waves In Illustrator?

1. Select the wave that you have drawn. 
2. Hold down the Alt and Shift keys, or the Option and Shift keys, and drag from the wave downwards. 
3. Move the duplicated wave as far away as you want or as big as your waves look. 
4. Now, select the Blend tool, or hit the W key. 
5. Select the two wavy lines. 
6. There will be multiple blended waves that will appear in between the two original wavy lines that you made. 

How To Add Color To The Wavy Lines In Illustrator?

To add color to the wavy lines:

1. Select the wavy line that you wish to work on. 
2. Now go to the tools panel on the left side of your screen. 
3. At the bottom, look for the Fill option. 
4. Click on this, and a color picker will appear. 
5. Choose the color of your choice and make the changes that you prefer. 

Conclusion

Wavy lines add to the geometry and structure of any art piece you are working on. Knowing the correct and easy way of introducing these into work helps greatly, especially when you are a budding artist.

Knowing how to make a cube, whether in 2D or 3D, is a skill every designer should be familiar with. However, we understand that it may take work for someone just starting with Illustrator. So, how do you make a cube in Illustrator?

The “Rectangle Tool” should be used to draw a rectangle, create a duplicate and position it beside the original. Create a slanted picture of a square using the “Shear Tool.” For the top, make a third square. Extend the square’s width with the “Scale Tool,” add an anchor point to the top, and then change it into a cube by rotating it.

Keep reading below as we take you through these steps in more detail.

How To Make A Cube In Adobe Illustrator (2D & 3D)

You may use the Rectangle tool to construct a Cube that will fit in your 2D graphic design or a 3D style, according to the effect you would like to produce. 

For more information on how to create a cube in Illustrator, watch this video below:

Making a 2D Cube

You can make a 2D cube by following the instructions below:

Step 1: In the toolbar, select the Polygon Tool. 

Typically, this shares a menu with the rectangle tool. 

• To create a six-sided polygon, click on the artboard.

Step 2: Rotate the polygon 330 degrees after clicking on it. 

• It may be manually rotated, or you can double-click the Rotate Tool to enter the precise angular position.
• The polygon can also be scaled up or down to change its size. 
• To scale proportionately, click and drag on any corner of the enclosing box while holding down the Shift key.

Step 3: In the toolbar, choose the Line Segment Tool ().

• Create a line from the polygon’s bottom anchor point towards the middle by clicking there. 
• When you arrive in the middle, if your smart guide is turned on, it will appear.
• To create a cube, link the other two corners’ lines to the center point using the same procedure.

Step 4: Choose the Shape Builder Tool (Shift+M) from the toolbar after selecting all (the polygons and the lines)

• Click on all three of the cube’s surfaces.
• They will stop being lines and turn into shapes. To make sure the shapes have been created, you can split them.
• After making sure the shapes are created, put them back again, and you’re almost done. Your cube could now have colors added to it!

Create A 3D Cube Using The Rectangle Tool

You can create a 3D cube by following the instructions below:

Step 1: Make a Square 

• Rectangle Tool may be found in the “Tool menu” and selected, or you can use the keyboard shortcut by hitting the letter “M.” 
• Pressing “Shift” while moving the tool over the panel is the first method for drawing the square.
• The second method involves selecting the tool, clicking anywhere on the canvas, and then using the “Rectangle” window to change the “Width” and “Height” parameters. 
• The square’s dimensions in this tutorial are set to 400×400 pixels. You are welcome to use a square of a different size.

Step 2: Duplicate Square. 

• Select the square using the “Selection Tool,” look for it in the “Tool Menu,” or use the keyboard shortcut by hitting the letter “V.” 
• Upon selection, press Control (CTRL) + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) to copy the shape, and then Control (CTRL) + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac) to paste it. 
• Drag the duplicate square to the left of the original circle such that one side of each square overlaps the other.
• You may make a replica of the square via another method as well. Select it, hold down “Alt,” and then drag it to the desired location.

Step 3: Open Shear Tool. 

• Using either the horizontal or vertical axis, this tool may be used to create a slanted representation of an item. 
• It will help in creating the appearance of a 3D object. 
• To use the “Shear Tool,” select “Object” from the main menu; a drop-down menu will appear; click on “Transform”; then select “Shear.” 
• The “Shear Tool” may also be accessed by searching for it in the “Tool Menu.”

Step 4: Adjusting Squares

• Using the “Selection Tool,” choose one of the squares.
• Click the top right corner and move it up or down with the “Shear Tool” to shift it down the vertical axis. 
• Put the second square in the same manner as you did the first. 
• Make sure the squares overlap. They want to simulate a cube with the addition of a third square.

Step 5: Third Square

• Create a third square in the same manner as described in the first step. 
• Hold “Shift” while dragging the “Rectangle Tool” over the canvas to create the square. 
• Make the square 400×400 pixels in size, the same as the previous two. 
• When you’re finished drawing a square, rotate it at a 45-degree angle.
• Pressing the letter “M” on your keyboard will activate the “Rectangle Tool.”

Step 6: Adjusting Top Square

• The bottom anchor point of the top square must overlap the top middle corner point of the top two planes after being selected and moved. 
• In the “Tool Menu,” select the “Scale Tool” while making sure the square is still selected. 
• To make the square’s width equal to the width of the adjacent squares, increase its width.
• By using the “Add Anchor Point Tool,” add an anchor point to the upper corner of the newly created square before choosing the “Free Transform Tool.” 
• When it settles into the angle formed by the two adjacent squares, select the top corner and drag it down the vertical axis.

Conclusion

And there you go. In this article, we showed you how to create a cube. You have to follow the simple instructions, and you’ll get there in no time. Remember, learning how to use any design application requires lots of practice.

Are you wonderful at art but cannot reproduce the art as beautifully as you thought? If the neatness and roughness of the piece are your concerns, this article is for you. We will talk about drawing smooth lines with a brush. 

To draw smooth lines in Photoshop, try using a harder brush, incorporating the smooth tool whenever you can, liquifying to make amends, and not shying away from using the eraser. It is your best friend. 

Please continue reading if you wish to learn more about these in detail. We will explain each tip comprehensively to make art easier and help you solve messy lines. 

Using The Hard Brush Instead Of A Softer One

Changing the type of brush that you are using can have a great impact on your piece. Here we draw a contrast between harder and softer brushes to demonstrate why the hard brush can give you smoother lines. 

By using the soft brush, you get rougher and more realistic lines. The sketch is the result looks like a hand-drawn sketch and is quite natural. This is because making an error is fine here. You can go back and forth multiple times to ensure that your lines are smooth. The rougher edges of the lines make it easier to erase and maneuver their lines. 

A hard brush, however, will give you a very blunt and even line. The sketch that comes out looks crisp and also very animated. However, this may have a downside. This is because the chances of making an error and fixing it are minimized with the hard brush. You may be restricted a considerable amount, but the result will be smooth once you get the hang of it. 

How To Draw Smooth Lines In Photoshop By Using The Smooth Tool

A smooth tool is a wonderful tool that can ensure that all the lines drawn in the piece of work you are making are smooth. This tool can make your lines look cleaner without the ridges on their side showing. The lines would look less hand drawn and more smooth. 

To go over the steps to do this, read the instructions below.

1. Locate the smooth tool at the top of the canvas. This says smoothing.
2. Set the number to your desired setting. 0% will provide no smoothing, but your lines will get smoother as you increase the number. 
3. The higher the smoothing is, the more your line will be restricted from tapering and extending as you draw it, so choose wisely. 
4. Now draw the lines at the level of smoothness that you want. 

How To Draw Smooth Lines In Photoshop By Using The Eraser

The eraser is your best friend! To draw smooth lines in Photoshop using an eraser, follow the instructions below. 

1. Select the brush tool. 
2. Draw the lines that you wish to draw without being too careful. Go about it as you would, overshoot the lines or experiment. 
3. Once you are done, select the eraser tool. 
4. Now zoom into the picture as much as you want and carefully begin erasing the protruding edges or lines. You can make revisions wherever you want. 
5. Erasing the excess allows you to get a finished result that looks cohesive and smooth. 

How To Draw Smooth Lines In Photoshop By Liquifying

The liquify tool is often considered to be unknown in Photoshop. You can make use of this tool to make your lines smoother. To do so:

1. Draw the lines that you wish to draw. 
2. Once you are done, go to Filter and choose Liquify.
3. The canvas would change, and you will only be able to see the lines on a grid. The grid is there to help you to see the pixels clearly and make corrections accurately. 
4. If the grid is too confusing, go to the properties window and check the box next to “Show Backdrop.”  

If you wish to learn more about the Liquify tool in Photoshop, make sure you check out this video: 

Conclusion

Lines are lines combined cleverly to make impactful and dynamic art pieces. You have to make sure such a thing happens smoothly. In this article, we have walked you through four ways by which you can create smooth lines in Photoshop, and we hope these help you in your pursuit of being an artist.

The brush tool can be the best in Photoshop and yet the most challenging thing to get around in the software. We have all struggled with trying to get the brush strokes to be straight. We are here for you and will get you through this. 

To draw a straight line with a brush in Photoshop, click on the canvas after choosing the brush you want to select. Hold down the shift key and click on the endpoint of the line you drew with the brush. The two points will connect with a straight line, and you will be done. 

That was easy, right? To find out more, continue reading. 

How To Draw A Straight Line With The Line Tool In Photoshop?

Before we dive into using the brush tool, you must understand how straight lines are drawn in Photoshop with the help of the line tool. This is important because it sets the foundation for how to use the brush tool and provides some practice before diving into the brushes. 

To draw a straight line with the line tool:

1. Go to the rectangle tool. 
2. Now click the Line tool option. This should be the second last option.
3. Click on your canvas and hold down the Shift key.
4. Now drag your cursor across the canvas in the direction you desire. 
5. Release the cursor when you are happy with your line. 
6. This will make a horizontal line. 
7. Do not hold down the shift key if you wish to make a line in a different direction. 

How To Draw A Straight Line With The Brush Tool In Photoshop?

Let us get to the real deal. Photoshop offers a wide range of brushes, each performing its specified function. These are versatile and allow users to experiment with art, photo editing, and much more. 

To draw a straight line with the brush tool in Photoshop:

1. Open Photoshop and make a new layer for your line.
2. Select the brush tool.
3. Click on the canvas at the point where you want to start your line.
4. Press and hold down the Shift key from your keyboard. 
5. While Shift is still held, click at the point where you want your line to end. 
6. The two points will be joined and will make a straight line. 

Watch this video for more help:

How To Change The Color Of The Straight Line In Photoshop?

Are you bored of black lines? So are we. To add some color to your art piece, explore the different colors you can use. 

To do so, follow these steps. 

1. Draw the line that you want. 
2. Once you are done, look at the tool panel on the left side of your screen.
3. On the bottom, it shows the colors of the line. 
4. Click on this and pick a color of your choice, or use the eyedropper tool to make your color. 

How To Use Straight Lines With Brushes When Photo-Editing In Photoshop? 

What good is learning to draw straight lines with brushes when you do not understand how to apply them at work? We have demonstrated one example of where you may need to use the brush tool and make straight lines. 

To remove items from a photo, follow the instructions below. 

1. Open up the picture you want to remove something from.
2. Unlock the background layer by clicking on the lock icon next to the layer.
3. Select the spot healing brush tool. 
4. If the item you wish to remove falls on a straight line, click on the spot where it starts.
5. Now press and hold the shift key, and click on the area where this ends. 
6. There you go, you healed a photo without spending too long zooming in and getting the lines right. 

How To Use A Spot Healing Brush To Remove A Curved Line?

You might be unable to remove curved lines because this technique applies to straight lines only. If you think about it, a curved line can be broken up into multiple straight lines. This technique still applies; let us explain the steps to you. 

1. Open up the picture you wish to edit.
2. Locate the curved line.
3. Unlock the background layer.
4. Now look closely at the curved line and make imaginary breaks in it.
5. Click on the line’s starting point, and hold down the Shift key. 
6. Now begin clicking as you move across the line with the Shift key still held.
7. Remember the imaginary breaks you made in the line, click on every break, and you should be able to remove the entire line seamlessly. 

Conclusion

The brush tool offers so much versatility in work on photoshop regardless of the type of work you are performing. Knowing this tool fully and working through it can be a life changer.

Contact sheets are useful for gaining an overview of all the photographs taken during a shoot and for easily locating a certain negative or slide. In Photoshop, there are various methods for creating a contact sheet.

Firstly, “File > Automate > Contact Sheet II” should be selected. To suit your demands, adjust the “Contact Sheet II” parameters. To create the contact sheet, click “OK.” Next, arrange the rows equally and, if necessary, modify the caption names. Lastly, alter the color of the caption and backdrop.

Keep reading below for more information.

What is a Contact Sheet?

A contact sheet has its roots in the era of film photography. These were primarily utilized to look at images from a session or show photos to clients so they could choose which ones to print. To put it simply, a contact sheet is the photographer’s initial proofing tool.

How to Prepare Photos for a Contact Sheet

The images for the Contact Sheet must first be chosen, and they must then be placed in their own folder.

1. Make a new folder and give it the name “Contact Sheet Photos.”
2. After choosing the images, you’ll use for your contact sheet, transfer them to the Contact Sheet Photos folder.

How To Create A Contact Sheet In Photoshop

Photoshop has an Automate tool that does the labor-intensive work for us, making creating a contact sheet quite simple.

For more information on how to create a contact sheet in Photoshop, watch this video below:

1. Select Contact Sheet II under File > Automate.
2. The Contact Sheet II menu will appear. Select the contact sheet folder you made by clicking Choose under Source Images.
3. A Thumbnails menu may be found close to the bottom of the Contact Sheet prompt. To accommodate all of the photographs on a single page, make sure the sum of the columns and rows matches the number of your pictures.
4. Depending on how many images are in your Contact Sheet folder, adjust the total number of columns and rows to ensure that everything fits nicely.
5. When you’re ready, click OK, and Photoshop will create your contact sheet.

How to Format a Contact Sheet in Photoshop

The first contact sheet we created should be decent, but designers frequently need to add more customization to their digital products. 

1. By selecting File > Automate > Contact Sheet II, you may return to the Contact Sheet II menu.
2. The Document Size, Columns, and Rows, as well as other formatting options for the contact sheet, should be adjusted primarily. Modify the Document Size to 12″ x 4″, then the Columns to 6 and the Rows to 2, to produce a broader, longer contact sheet.
3. Select OK.

The contact sheet is given a whole new form and feels as a result. It goes without saying that you may alter these variables to fit your project.

How To Customize A Contact Sheet In Photoshop

The final step of this tutorial will demonstrate how to edit or customize your contact sheet. Since light-sensitive paper is used to create traditional photographic contact sheets, the backdrop is usually black compared to the images. Let’s look at how to accomplish this with Photoshop.

1. By selecting File > Automate > Contact Sheet II, you may return to the Contact Sheet II menu.
2. Uncheck the Flatten All Layers option in the Document Size submenu. Photoshop should provide you with the layers so you may alter them. Enter the document size, columns, and rows you think are most appropriate.
3. Additionally, uncheck the box next to “Use filename as captions” in the Contact Sheet II menu. This will make the contact sheet seem tidy.
4. Select OK.
5. Select the Background Layer in the Layers panel. The symbol for creating a new fill or adjustment layer appears as a black/white circle; click it. Select Solid Color next. Choose the color you desire.
6. Add a little roughness to have the contact sheet appear older and more reminiscent of the film photography of old.
7. You can now change the texture layer’s Blending Mode to Lighten.
8. To help the texture layer blend in a little bit better, lower its opacity to 34%.

Conclusion

As you can see, the procedure for making contact sheets is simple and uncomplicated. This tutorial provides a quick and simple method of creating content previews that you can print or download as a JPEG or PDF to email to your friends and coworkers.

Designers need to know how to make a clipping mask in Krita. It allows users to create unique effects. But creating a clipping mask in Krita is a bit more complicated than in Photoshop. So, how does it work?

Krita lacks the clipping mask capabilities that Photoshop and other software that imitates Photoshop’s features have. This is because a group layer in Krita is not an arbitrary collection of layers like in other tools. We employ the Inherit Alpha function in Krita to achieve a similar result.

Keep reading below for more information.

What Is A Clipping Mask?

In Photoshop, a layer composition method called “Clipping Mask” may reduce visibility by adding another layer. For instance, if we have a layer with a picture of a circle on it and add another layer on top of it, it will reduce the visibility of the base layer.

There is no transparency restriction; by definition, any drawings we generate on this layer will conceal what is beneath them. 

However, if we keep pressing the Alt key while clicking on the boundary between these two layers, we may transform this layer into a “clipping mask.” The transparency or alpha channel of the layer underneath it is now confining the picture on this layer. So, it is the essence of a “Clipping mask.”

How To Make A Clipping Mask In Krita

You can create a clipping mask in Krita using the instructions listed below.

 For more information on how to create a clipping mask in Krita, watch this video below:

Using the Quick Group Command

There is no function called “Clipping Mask” in Krita. But by employing a feature called “inherit alpha,” we can produce the desired result. 

• For instance, if we already have a layer, start by adding another layer. 
• Next, select both of these layers. 
• To make a group layer, use Ctrl + G. 
• On the layer above, turn on the “inherit alpha” option. 

As you’ll see, this layer’s visibility is now constrained to that of the layer underneath it, much like the “clipping mask” effect in Photoshop. Similar to Photoshop’s “clipping mask,” “inherit alpha” is a non-destructive tool. In other words, you may switch it on or off whenever you choose without affecting the image. 

• If you lose the shortcut, you may locate it by selecting “Group” from the context menu when you right-click on a layer, then “Quick group.” 
• Alternatively, you may access the “layer” menu, choose “group,” and then select the “Quick group” option.

Clipping Mask Effect

In addition to the “Quick group” command, Krita offers a quicker way to produce the “clipping mask” effect. The “Quick clipping group” command is used for this. 

• The keyboard shortcut for this command is Ctrl + Shift + G. 
• In order to use the “Quick clipping group” command, you must first choose the base layer. 
• Next, press Ctrl, Shift, and G. 
• As you can see, Krita will produce a new layer with the “inherit alpha” option already selected, in addition to a group layer. 
• So, we can start drawing immediately using this new layer as a clipped layer. Because the layer underneath it already limits the transparency.

Clipping Mask: Photoshop vs. Krita

You might have assumed up to this point that applying a “Clipping Mask” effect in Krita is more difficult than in Photoshop because a group layer has to be created for it. The answer to this is both “yes” and “no.”

If you only require one layer to serve as a “clipping mask,” then yes, it is a little bit more difficult. And “no,” because using “inherit alpha” does not require a group layer. The fact is that “clipping mask” and “inherit alpha” operate in quite different ways.

To function, “Inherit Alpha” reads every layer below it—not just the top layer. If we exclude two layers from the group, the “inherit alpha” will stop working. Why? The backdrop layer is responsible for this. 

This layer has a solid, opaque white hue. It will impact the alpha state of the layers over it that has enabled the “inherit alpha” option because it exists at the same level as and below the other layers. This is why a group layer is used.

The “inherit alpha” effect must be contained to prevent references to unnecessary layers. In essence, a single layer is used as a reference by Photoshop’s “Clipping Mask” feature. As long as the layers underneath it exist at the equivalent hierarchical level, Krita’s “inherit alpha” utilizes all of the levels underneath it as references. This characteristic may be utilized to create intricate visual compositions.

Conclusion

Using “inherit alpha,” we may produce a result that resembles a “clipping mask.” Although we frequently use it with a “group layer,” it initially appears more difficult. But given that “inherit alpha” operates differently than “clipping mask,” using a group layer may make more sense.

Shapes that are transparent and let you see through to the background picture provide images and other Photoshop graphics with a unique appearance. Transparent fills are a simple way for even new designers to give their shapes atmosphere or depth. Transparent fills can be created in various ways, depending on the user’s preferred tools and software experience level.

You can apply a translucent fill to your objects in Photoshop using various tools and approaches. First, you must set up the shape, so it is ready for transparency. Next, you can use tools such as Fill Dialog Box or the Paint Bucket.

Keep reading below as we take you through these methods and techniques in more detail.

What Is A Transparent Fill?

Colors with transparent fills enable people to see the objects underneath them. With this, incredible effects may be produced in Photoshop. A transparent orange fill, for instance, can provide “warmth” to a picture. Altering the depth or mood of the canvas is another advantage.

How To Make A Shape Transparent In Photoshop

The methods listed below can create a transparent shape in Photoshop. 

For more information on how to create a transparent shape in Photoshop, watch this video:

Setup

Setting up a transparent fill style typically only requires choosing a color for the fill and creating a new layer.

• Create a new, empty layer in the Layers panel above the image layer. 
• Clicking “Layer,” “New,” then “Layer” in the menu bar is one method of adding a new, blank layer. 

The initial color should be quite intense and vibrant because it will be diminished by the translucent effect. However, choosing a color for the fill is a matter of personal preference. 

• The full-strength color may be chosen by clicking the foreground color chip in the Tools panel, which displays the Color Picker dialogue.

Dialog Box Fill

The Fill dialogue box technique may produce a transparent fill when a new, empty layer is placed over the picture, and a foreground color is chosen. 

• The Fill dialogue box is opened when the new layer is chosen, and “Edit” is selected from the menu bar, followed by “Fill.” 
• The user should choose “Foreground Color” and an Opacity % in this dialogue box to produce the fill with the previously chosen color. 
• With 100% being completely solid, 50% being half transparent, 20% being weak, and so on, this percentage signifies the strength of transparency. 
• The fill becomes translucent after selecting OK.

Paint Bucket

The Paint Bucket tool may be used from the Tools panel as an alternate option to the Fill dialogue box. 

• The same conditions apply: a new, empty layer is created, and foreground color is chosen. 
• The Opacity field, which may be changed by entering a new percentage or by moving the slider, is visible when the Paint Bucket tool is selected in the options bar at the top of the screen. 
• A single click with the tool on the canvas causes the region to fill with the color at the chosen % strength.

Layers Panel

The transparency level cannot be changed after using the Fill dialogue box or Paint Bucket. The Layers panel’s opacity setting provides more freedom. 

• The Fill dialogue box or Paint Bucket technique are used first, with the opacity selection set to 100%, full-strength. 
• The Opacity slider may be changed at any moment and altered to any required level at the top of the Layers panel.

Layer Effect

Instead of using a foreground color or a blank layer, a more sophisticated method of applying a transparent fill uses the layer effect. 

• The photo layer should first be chosen in the Layers window. 
• If this layer is a “Background” layer that cannot be edited, double clicking it and selecting OK will change it to a “Layer 0” layer that can be edited. 
• The effect may be used by selecting “Layer” from the menu bar, then “Layer Style,” then “Color Overlay.” This opens the required dialogue box. 
• The opacity percentage and color selection options are both included in this Layer Style dialogue box. 
• The fill may be changed at any moment by double-clicking the Color Overlay in the Layers panel after pressing OK to apply it.

Conclusion

In Photoshop, adding transparency may help you create some unique effects. However, learning how to apply transparency in Photoshop can sometimes be a little challenging. This is the reason why we came up with a detailed tutorial on the topic. Now you can add transparency to a shape in Photoshop using the simple steps listed in this article. We hope that this guide helps your artwork.

Ever tried using Photoshop to design a rectangle? That’s easier said than done. It’s difficult despite having a firm hand and a tablet. This is the reason we’ve written a comprehensive tutorial. So, how do you create a rectangle in Photoshop?

Make use of the rectangle tool (U). To get the desired look, adjust tool parameters such as Fill, Stroke, Width, and Height using the Options bar. On the canvas, you may now create shapes or pathways. Drag in any area diagonally to create a rectangle.

Keep reading below as we discuss these steps in more detail.

Creating a Rectangle in Photoshop

 You can create a rectangle in Photoshop by following the instructions in this section.

For more information on how to create a rectangle in Photoshop, watch this video below:

Step 1: Open the Rectangle Tool

• You can find various form tools at the end of the toolbar on the left side of the page. 
• As standard, the Rectangle tool is on top. If another shape tool is currently selected as the top tool, right-click the thumbnail to see the menu and select the rectangle shape tool.

Step 2: Draw Your Rectangle

• To draw a rectangle on your screen, hold and drag.
• Holding the Shift key while dragging will keep the shape a perfect square.

Features Of The Rectangle Tool

Now, whenever we draw a rectangle, the properties tab appears.

As you’ll see, there are several variables. Let’s examine each one individually, starting at the top:

1. Height (H) and Width (W)

You’ll notice that these boxes already contain some data. This establishes the rectangle’s width and height. W and H’s values can each be altered independently. 

The rectangle will turn into a vertical line if we set W to 0 and a horizontal line if we set H to 0. Additionally, there is a clip-like icon between the boxes. If you click it, the other adjusts when we modify the width or height of one while maintaining the ratio.

2. The X and Y axes

These variables describe where the rectangle is located on the canvas. Now, we may move the rectangle up, down, left, or right by adjusting the values of the X-axis and Y-axis.

3. Fill

This is the drawing tool’s color fill feature. By default, there is no color fill. When we click on it, color swatches are displayed.

A pattern is applied to a rectangle.

4. Stroke

This setting lets us specify the color, gradient, and pattern of the shape’s border (or boundary). Black is the default setting. Additionally, the stroke’s width is modifiable. The rectangle’s stroke width in each photograph is 4 pixels. The range of values for stroke width is 0 to 1200 pixels.

5. Curved Corner Options

This is the final configuration option.

All of the parameters are initially set to 0 pixels. The rectangle’s four corners are rounded by the values defined by the four boxes. The values are between 0 and 1000 pixels. Each corner can be rounded by 100 pixels.

Step 3: Modify Your Shape

What if you do not require a shape that is completely filled in? No issue; you may simply alter your shape for various styles.

• This properties panel ought to appear as soon as your rectangle shape is placed.
• If you can’t see it, select Properties under Window in the menu bar.
• You may select how your rectangle will look in this section. Using the Transform box, you may change your shape’s size and location on the canvas.
• You may change the look under the Appearance section. To select a different color, make your shape translucent, fill it with a gradient, or add a pattern, choose the Fill box.
• You may observe that your shape completely vanishes if the fill is made transparent. This is due to the fact that you didn’t draw a line around the rectangle to create the shape.
• To do so, select the Stroke option. To select a color (or gradient or pattern) for the stroke, click on the corresponding box. You need to pick a value down below. 
• Choose a line style by selecting it to the right of the size selections (solid, dotted, dashed, etc.) If you prefer rounded edges, enter a number at the bottom boxes.

And bingo! You’ve got a rectangle.

Conclusion

And here you are. Creating rectangles is a great way to create more complex designs for your canvas. You can easily create a rectangle in Photoshop using the simple steps listed in the tutorial above. Happy editing!