Photoshop question - DPChallenge Forums

05/31/2005 01:12:06 PM · #1

I am wanting to make a poster of multiple images.
I have two questions I can't seem to work out.
1. I will add each image in a layer, but how do you resize the image to a set number of pixels. I can do it with the mouse using transform, but I want each image to be the identical size?
2. How do I set the xy coordinates manually i.e. not using the mouse, so I can lay out the images in exact rows and columns?

Thanks in advance.
Peter

dpakoh

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

05/31/2005 01:19:59 PM · #2

Open each image as a new document set the size for them, making them all the same dpi and dimensions.

Even if you have to resize in the big image, you atleast have all the images the same size from the start, so just decrease equally with transform. You can use percentages or pixels/inches.

Then move to the document that you want them all to be in.

Then go from there.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

05/31/2005 01:24:00 PM · #3

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

05/31/2005 01:27:44 PM · #4

Turn gridlines on to help you with alignment in the final image. (View>Show>Grid).

DanSig

05/31/2005 01:29:46 PM · #5

the best way to make multiple posters is to work the images in photoshop, then use Illustrator for creating the posters, that way you just define postersize, add the image and place it where you want it, then add text, background and other things you want in the poster, and you can view all your posters in illustrator at the same time, really helpful if you want them to fit to a specific theme, then you see at once if one of the posters is out of place, or something is wrong with it.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

05/31/2005 01:38:06 PM · #6

As pareviously posted, resize the images individually to the size you want them. To do so, right-click on the image title bar, select Image size, and change the pixel dimensions to what you want.
When this is done, drop them each into a new document created with the proper dimensions. If you do this with the "move" tool (select the tool and just drag them from source window to target) you should see that it will "snap" to the corner when you position the image near it. Drop the first image in the corner, move the second, and let it "snap to the top edge. Now zoom in to at least 200% and tweak the horizontal position with the arrow keys (move tool still selected) until it is in position. Repeat with rest of images.
Only if you have an image that is not aligned to an edge will you have to tweak in two directions.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/31/2005 01:40:58 PM · #7

To do this entirely in Photoshop (or really any photo edotor), I would set the crop tool fixed at the desired size/resolution, and then crop each of the source files to that spec. Save these "intermediates" as TIFF files. Then create the final layout and drag each of the images onto it (from the Layers Palette) or use Copy/Paste, and position as desired.

cpanaioti

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

05/31/2005 01:43:24 PM · #8

A template can also help. Create masked areas where you want the images then resize them in place. This may be a bit more complicated that what you want but if you want to use the same layout for different posters it may be a time saver in the long run.

(I can't provide step by step since my PS book is at home but can provide them tonite if needed).

Artifacts

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

05/31/2005 02:29:06 PM · #9

Originally posted by aKiwi:

This wasn't stated in so many words, but you will want to create a new document and set the CANVAS size (Image-->Canvas size) to the full size of the poster containing the montage of images you will be adding.

Resize the individual images sizes (Image-->Image size) in their individual documents before copying and pasting them into the montage document. Each will be added as a new layer. You can go to each layer and use free transform (Edit-->Free Transform) to select and either drag it or use the arrow keys to position each image into its proper place on the big canvas.

05/31/2005 03:29:30 PM · #10

Ok, thanks for the replies. Actually it surprises me that photoshop doesn't seem to offer the option to set the size by typing in the numbers or coordinates manually.
Any more suggestions with setting the XY coordinates of the top left corner to an exact position?

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

05/31/2005 03:32:37 PM · #11

Ooh and another thing. Is there an easy way to print an image over multiple pages in photoshop. I made a poster once and printed it over 16 pages or so by manually selecting the area to print and selecting "Print selection", This took ages and was fiddly. That is another thing I'm sure there must be an easier way to do.

Artifacts

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

05/31/2005 03:55:15 PM · #12

Originally posted by aKiwi:

Actually, it does allow you to set x,y coordinates.

When an element is selected with free transform you can see the x and y coordinate setting in the toolbar at the top. You can manually type in the numbers you want. Though the coordinates 0,0 are for the upper left corner of the canvas as you expect, be advised that the display is for the CENTER of the selected object (the bulls eye circle) and not the upper left hand corner of the object.

However, you can drag the bulls eye circle into the upper left corner of a retanglar object and you will be able to enter coordinates exactly the way you want to.

Personally, I'd rather just drag and use arrow keys to position stuff... but I maybe I've never needed to be that precise before.

Message edited by author 2005-05-31 16:33:53.

cpanaioti

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

05/31/2005 10:12:25 PM · #13

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

Steps for creating a template:

1. Create new document the size of your poster
2. Set up the rulers and guides - this is for your boundaries
3. Define the grid
4. Create your layout
a. change foreground colour - this will be used to mark the location of the images - the colour helps with resizing
b. Choose the shape tool you want to use - these are what form the masks for your images
c. Draw your shapes - each one will be in a different layer
5. Add layer styles - here's where you select dropshadow or some other feature if you want to

Template done.

Images are pasted in in layers just above the shape to which you want to link them. CTRL-G will group it with the shape and CTRL-T can be used to resize to match the shape size. (pressing ALT and clicking on the dividing line between the shape layer and the image layer does the clipping)

For more fun stuff check out the book:

How to Wow - Photoshop for Photography by Jack Davis and Ben Willmore

Message edited by author 2005-05-31 23:40:58.

06/01/2005 07:05:40 AM · #14

That template idea sounds good as I want to create a couple of similar posters with 4 x 4 rows, and a title at the bottom.

Any suggestions regarding printing over multiple pages?

cpanaioti

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

06/01/2005 07:45:32 AM · #15

I haven't tried printing over several pages so I can't help you there. PS may not have the option but maybe one of the other Adobe products does.

If you are considering framing each section separately you could divide the image into smaller pieces of the size you want that your printer can handle and print that way.