User Guide

The Basics 19
Placing Files
Placing a file lets you import an image into an existing Corel Painter document. The
placed image becomes a new reference layer in the document — you can transform
(resize, rotate, slant) it on screen by dragging its handles. A placed file maintains its
link to the source file until you commit it to standard layer format.
For general information about working with reference layers, refer to “Working with
Reference Layers” in the Help.
To place a file
1 Choose File menu > Place.
2 Select an image file, and click Open.
3 In the Place dialog box, set the options:
• In the Scaling area, the Horizontal and Vertical boxes suggest a scale to fit the
image in the current document. To change the size, enter scaling percentages in
the Horizontal and Vertical boxes.
• Constrain Aspect Ratio maintains the proportions of the image. Disable this
check box to distort the image.
• Retain Alpha retains the file’s mask. When the image is placed, the image mask
becomes the layer mask. Disable this check box to discard the mask.
4 Do one of the following:
• To place the image in a particular location, click on that location in the
document.
• To place the image in the center of the document, click OK.
Understanding Resolution
When working with images in a digital workspace, it is helpful to understand the
concept and applications of resolution. Resolution refers to how Corel Painter
measures, displays, saves, and prints images — either as small squares of color known
as pixels or as mathematical objects known as vectors.
A document’s resolution affects both its appearance on your computer screen and its
print quality. You can specify a document’s resolution when you create a new
document, acquire an image, or save or export a file.