Module 2 Lesson 2- "The Middle Path" (Intermediate)
 - More on Layers and Vectoring

An Apple A Day...

Ok, so maybe you don't like apples. But in this Lesson, we're going to work a bit more with Vector objects and Layers. These features are most often at the "core" of each graphic you create. They provide the flexibility to do a wide array of "special effects" and image manipulations with out any additional tools.

All you need for this lesson is your copy of Paint Shop Pro installed on your computer.
[ Purchase your copy of Paint Shop Pro @ coolmaps.com Digital River store ]

COOL KROW CLUE
Thanks to those incredible folks of coolmaps, you can now access all the Lessons to The KROW's PSP Workshop, in one place! So, click here if you missed previous Lessons, or need a quick review!

You Can Get There From Here. Just Use A Map!

In PSP, you have 3 types of layers:

• raster
• adjustment (which is a raster)
• vector

Raster layers are pixel oriented. This means objects are displayed by units of colored light called pixels. If you zoom in on a raster graphic, you can actually see the pixels of the image:

"Cool KROW Clue" icon - zoomed in. See the pixels now?

Vector layers (and objects) "store" information about a graphic as a set of properties about its attributes, size and placement. Because of this format, you're able to manipulate the graphic without affecting the overall image. Good usage idea for this is say.....a map. You show a thumbnail of a map, but want viewers to be able to zoom in on it, without the picture pixelating and destroying detailed information.

See! The map was zoomed in, but didn't pixelate!

Who Says Oil And Vinegar Don't Mix?!

What makes PSP so great is it's ability to let you work with both, raster AND vector layers at the same time! What this does is let you change parts of an image without affecting other parts. Take the map for example. You create the map and then realize you want the coolmaps lake bigger! Now what? Re-build the entire image? For as long as that will take, you could just hire the club coolmaps land development engineers and have them dig you a brand new one! Since you knew the engineers were booked for the year, you were smart enough to create the lake on a vector layer and as a vector object.

Now, you can simply use the Vector Selection tool to resize with out re-drawing the entire map.

Engineer Of Another Sort

Download this zip file which has the map to work on! (24k)

Open the file in your PSP. Next, highlight the layer which is the coolmaps lake. This automatically places a selection box with "handles" around the lake. With your cursor, "grab" one of the handles and stretch the lake to make it larger. Congratulations! You just boosted coolmaps resort tourist population by the hundreds Not only did you give them a more precise map, but more water to play in, too! (news sources from The KROW's Nest said the folks at coolmaps have been seen purchasing large quantities of sunscreen as well). Amazing the power of graphics isn't it?!

COOL KROW CLUE
If you find another object is covered over by the lake you just stretched, don't worry! Remember, you're working in layers. Back in the Layer palette, just click and drag the layer UP until it's no longer covered over by the lake.

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