User guide

Getting Started 11
Starting from scratch
PhotoPlus deals with two basic kinds of image files. We'll differentiate them as
pictures (still images) and animations (moving images). The two types are
closely related, and creating either from scratch in PhotoPlus involves the same
series of steps.
PhotoPlus lets you create an image based on a pre-defined canvas size (e.g., 10 x
8 in). Different canvas size options are available from a range of categories
(International/US Paper, Photo, Video, Web, or Animation). Alternatively, you
can create your own custom canvas sizes, and even store them for future use. For
either preset or custom sizes, the resolution can be set independently of canvas
size.
When you create a new image, you can choose to work in different color modes,
i.e. RGB or Grayscale, in either 8- or 16-bits/channel. Use a Bit Depth of 16 bit
for higher levels of image detail.
To create a new image or animation (using Startup Wizard):
1. The first time you launch PhotoPlus, you'll see the Startup Wizard, with a
menu of choices. Click Start New Image or Start New Animation.
2. In the New Image dialog, you can either:
1. For a preset canvas size, select a suitable Category from the drop-
down list. Categories are named according to how your image or
animation is intended to be used, e.g. pick a Photo category for
photo-sized canvases.
2. Pick a canvas Size from the drop-down list.
OR
• For a custom canvas size, enter your own Width and Height. If
the dimensions are non-standard, the Size drop-down list will be
shown as "Custom." For future use, save the custom size with
Add Size (from the
button) if necessary.
Although you can resize the image canvas size (width x height)
later, it's usually best to allow some extra canvas area at first.
3. (Optional) Add a Resolution for the new image file. Leave the resolution as
it is unless you're sure a different value is required.