Using Graphic Converter: Part 2

The Basics

This section should be done after Graphic Converter: Part 1. Any references to Part 1 will include links to the specific section being mentioned.

Now that you have grasped the basic graphic manipulating functions, it is time to move onto some more advanced tasks that will help you add some flavor to your web pages. Graphic Converter does have its limitations, and if you are a graphics god, or even just a minor deity, look into getting Photoshop. Now let's just jump right into things!

• The Interface (This brings you back to Part 1!)
• Making Transparent GIFs
• Interlacing GIFs
• Thumbnails
• Creating Drop Shadows for Text

Making Transparent GIFs

Have you ever noticed an image that was not a rectangle? That is what is called a Transparent GIF. A single color value is changed from an opaque value to a transparent value. Only one color value can be deemed transparent. Graphic Converter has a transparency tool which is easy to use! Note that is can only be done with GIFs, not JPEGs. If you need to convert your image, please see Changing the Format in Part 1.

1. We are going to make changes to an image of a knight. Notice the image has a gray background.
   

    

2. All you have to do is select the Transparency Tool. Then go and click once on the solid gray background. Look at the results.
   

    

3. To reverse the effects, simply click again on the transparent portion of the image. All of your images might not come with a solid background, if you want to create a transparent image you must go into a paint or graphics editor application and do this manually. It may be a bit of a hassle, but the image looks significantly better without the background!

Interlacing GIFs

What is an Interlaced GIF? When an interlaced GIF is loading on your screen, the whole image will appear, and then get more and more clear until it has completely loaded. A non-interlaced image starts at the top and as it loads, moves down the graphic. One reason to do this is, if you have a larger image that is taking some time to download, a person could stop it and still have an idea as to the content of the image. Once again, this is an option that can be done only with GIFs, not JPEGs. If you need to convert your image, please see Changing the Format in Part 1.

1. Once you have a GIF on your screen. Go to Save As. On that menu (a portion of it is shown below) select Options.
   
2. On the options menu (shown below), select Interlaced under the Row Order section.
   

    

3. Hit OK, then save the image. Easy enough?

Thumbnails

Thumbnailing allows you to put multiple images on a page without slowing the download time. On your main page, you would have a small version of your image - 1 to 2 inches wide. You would then create a link to the larger version of the image. The thumbnails (smaller version) are usually GIFs, and the larger images are most often JPEGs. This feature is most used with photographs. There are no step-by-step instructions, but use here is an example of it being used! Notice the label, it tells the name of the file and the size. This way a person can make the decision whether or not they want to wait for it.

Creating Drop Shadows for Text

Drop shadows pull your text off the page, creating a 3D effect. While they are not necessary, they can add a certain flare to your pages.

1. To create drop shadows we need to start with a brand new Graphic Converter window (this will be the only time we will be starting from scratch). Under File on the menu bar, select New.
   
   
2. A menu will appear asking how large you want your image. For this activity make it 150 wide and 100 high. Change the colors to 256 colors.
   
   
3. Now a solid white window should appear. We are going to work with just the white background today, but you have the option of painting it with the paint bucket to a color of your choosing. First off we have to create the shadow. Double click on the Text button on the menu bar (identified by the A in the bottom left hand box). The menu below should appear.
   

    

4. I have selected MarkerFeltWide for my font, and made it font size 24. Many times it is also useful to bold you text. Once your changes are made, hit OK.
   
   
5. Make sure the Text button is still pressed and click in the white box. Type "Hello There"
   
   
6. Now you want to choose the dominant color of the text. To do this, click and hold on the foreground color (on the image to the right, it is black box sitting on top of the white box). When you click and hold the menu of colors below should appear (or one similar to it).
   

    

7. Select you color. Here we are using a blue (you can see it selected - 5 down, 11 across).
   
   
8. Once your color is selected, return to the Text tool and type "Hello There" again. This needs to be typed away from the first black "Hello There" (we will move them together in a moment).
9. Now go up to the Square Selection Toolbutton on the tool box (top right) and double click. The menu below should appear.
   

    

10. You will select the color of your background (in this case white). You choice will be reflected in the box at the top that is labeled Transparent Color. Next, check the box labeled Copy Selection Transparent. Once you have done this, hit OK.
    
    
11. Using the Square Selection Tool put a box around the second set of words (the blue ones).
    
    
12. Move your cursor to the middle of the dotted box now surrounding your words. Click and hold, drag down to your black lettering.
    
    

     

13. Once the lettering is lined up as you want, click outside the box. Go to Save As and you are finished.