Using Graphic Converter: Part 1

The Basics

Graphic Converter has become known as the crown jewel of shareware graphic editors. It can do many simple and complex tasks. While it might not have the power and versatility of Photoshop, it can hold its own, and it cannot be beat for the price.

• The Interface
• Resizing your Image
• Resolving Resolution
• Adjusting the Image: Levels
• Changing the Format

The Interface

The Interface may seem rather complicated. The Overview and Detail boxes are extra, and if the screen is too cluttered for your tastes, you may close them. If you later decide you want them back, they can be retrieved under the Picture on the menu bar. Important parts of the interface include: Tool Bar: The long strip right next to the full picture.   Information: Provides all pertinent information about the image, including colors, file format, and resolution.

Resizing your Image

When using the Internet, have you noticed that pages with larger pictures take longer to download? You want to make your image a size that is not too large, but still effective. Many times after digitizing your image, you may find that it is not quite the size you had envisioned.(Please note: There is a technique called thumbnailing where you put a small copy of the image on your web page, with a link to the large image. This is discussed further in Graphic Converter: Part 2).

1. Find Picture on the menu bar, click and hold and go down to Size. Still holding the mouse, go over and down to Scale. Let go of the mouse.
   

    

2. The Size menu should appear (shown below).
   

    

3. The first action you should take is clicking on the Size radio button, and checking Proportional (both circled in blue). This will assure that you are changing your image correctly. Next you will select the Width or Height, which ever one you wish to change. Once you change one, the other will automatically change. One querk of Graphic Converter is that it only works in pixels, not inches.

   Here is a quick reference for converting the numbers:

   • 2 inches = 144 pixels
   • 3 inches = 216 pixels
   • 4 inches = 288 pixels
   • 5 inches = 360 pixels

   
   

4. Once you have finished your calculations (Remember, there is a calculator located under the Apple Menu!), hit OK. Note in the Information box your new image size.

Resolving Resolution

You need to examine the information box, if under resolution it does not read 72x72dpi, follow the steps below. To read more on resolution, see the main page on Manipulating Images.

1. Under Picture on the menu bar, go down to Resolution - right below size. The menu below will appear.
   

    

2. Change the Horizontal and Vertical numbers to 72 dpi. Check the Convert picture box and hit OK. Make sure the changes are reflected in the information box.

Adjusting the Image: Levels

In BME we learned to adjust the Brightness/Contrast to correct the image. Graphic Converter has this option, but also has a more advanced tool called Levels. It examines the color/grayscale spectrum and makes changes based upon the individual image. It is more accurate and true to each graphic.

1. Under Picture on the menu bar, select Levels. The Levels menu will appear (shown below).
   

    

2. Graphic Converter has a wonderful feature that lets you preview your changes as you make them - with the Before and After boxes. You may change where on the image you want to preview by moving the square in the Picture box.
   
   
3. Look at A.(Input levels) on the above image. This is where most of your adjustments will come. The three circled triangles show how the image is balanced in regard to darkness and lightness. Most of the colors used in this image fall on either end of the spectrum. To adjust this image, you would move the right triangle to where the colors begin (about 1/8 of an inch to the right). Leave the left triangle alone because the colors go all the way to the edge. Now if that did not balance the image to your liking, you could drag the middle triangle to the left (if you want the image darker) or the right (if you want the image lighter).
   
   
4. Now look at B. (Output levels). You will usually leave this alone, unless you cannot successfully adjust the Input levels. To use it, simple drag the triangles on either end towards the middle. Do this in small doses and watch the Before and After boxes until the desired result appears.
   
   
5. Once you are done adjusting the levels, Hit OK. If at any time you feel you have "done too much" and want to start over, hit Reset and it will provide you with the original settings.

Changing the Format

As discussed on the main Manipulating Images page, graphics for the Internet need to be either a GIF or a JPEG. Converting images is one of Graphic Converter's specialties and is easily done. The file format and number of colors for your image can be found in the Information box.

(Note: If you have an image created in another program, or even on a PC, Graphic Converter will convert it to a GIF or JPEG using the same steps here!)

To Make a GIF

1. Under Picture on the menu, go down to colors. With the mouse still held down, go down to Change to 256 Colors (8 bit). Let go of the mouse. Check your Information box for 256 colors. If when you do this and your image quality plummets, go to Edit on the menu bar and Undo. If this is the case, you should save as a JPEG (see below).
   
   
2. Now go to File on the menu bar, and go to Save As. The Save menu below should appear.
   

    

3. Notice how the PICT at the end of the file name (clinton.PICT) corresponds with the PICT up next to Format. We need to change the format to GIF. Click and hold on the Format PICT (upper right hand corner, where the cursor is). A long list of file formats will appear, navigate towards the top of the list and select GIF. When you select GIF, it will automatically change the end of your file name (clinton.GIF).
   
   
4. Make sure you are saving in the correct folder, and hit save. Congratulations, you have saved yourself a GIF.

To Make a JPEG

1. Creating a JPEG is very much like a GIF, but easier. First check how many colors you have in your information box. If it reads 256 colors, you should save as a GIF (see above). If it reads a number higher than 256 colors, continue on!
   
   
2. Under File on the menu bar, select Save As. The menu directly above here should appear. Go to Format and click and hold on PICT (or what ever type appears here), navigate to JPEG and let go of the mouse. When you select JPEG, it should automatically change the suffix of the file (clinton.JPEG).
   
   
3. Make sure you are saving in the correct folder, and hit save.

Exercise

1. Open the provided image or an image you digitized in the last module.
2. Make the image smaller.
3. Check the resolution.
4. Adjust the levels.
5. Save it as a GIF and a JPEG.

Conclusion

Here ends Graphic Converter: Part 1.