User Guide

Collage Creator Quick Start Guide
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System Requirements
• Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP
• Pentium II-based processor or equivalent
• 100 MB free hard disk space
• 64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended)
• 16-bit color display at 1024 x 768
Introduction
Get ready—soon you’ll be creating the most unique and eye-catching collages ever. Collage
Creator takes all the fun from traditional collage building while leaves out all the messy paste,
paper trimmings, and most importantly, all the hard work. Because Collage Creator uses your
digital images, you’ll find it easy to construct and modify your collages in ways you never thought
possible.
One thing you’ll appreciate about the program is its ease of use. It’s a step-based program,
meaning all of the program options are segregated to prevent you from getting lost. While it’s
easy to use, this quick start guide will walk you through creating a sample collage. For more
detailed information on specific buttons, functions, and screens, consult the Interactive Help file
within the program.
Basic Vocabulary
If you’re an experienced user, you can probably skip this part and get right into the walk-
through. Otherwise, take a few minutes to learn these basic terms.
• Digital photo/image/picture: The words “photo,” “image,” and “picture” can be used
interchangeably. Basically, any photo that you have on your computer is considered
digital. Once you scan a photo and it becomes a file on your computer—bingo—it’s now
a digital photo. The same can be said for documents. Text files are considered “digital
documents.” Once you print them out, they become “hardcopy.” It works the same way
with photos. They’re digital photos on your computer or digital camera until they’re
printed out, at which point they become “prints” or “posters” or whatever you print them
out as.
• Thumbnail: A thumbnail is simply a small version of a photo, mainly used for
previewing.
• Pixels: Pixels are the “unit of measurement” for screens such as your television or
computer monitor. Imagine a grid of hundreds or thousands of tiny squares covering
your monitor. Each individual square is a pixel. You’ve probably noticed that when you
zoom into a picture, it becomes blocky, with rough edges. This is because you’re getting
closer and closer to seeing the individual pixels that make up the image.