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I made this video for quilt makers and other artists to better understand how to re-size their images so that when it comes time to enter a show that requires a digital entry, you’ll understand exactly how to do it.

In this video, I explain how to re-size your image by changing the number of pixels in the document.  This is also known as resampling.  In a future video, I’m going to explain how to re-size images specifically for print.  In the process, you’ll also learn why saying a web image needs to be 72 dpi or 72 ppi no longer makes any sense (and why it did some 15 years ago).

Also, you’re welcome to share this video.  Enjoy!

There are many ways of creating repeating patterns using computer programs.  The following are basic directions for creating a repeat pattern using Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.  Again, basic, but it should get you started.

1.  Open a new document.  It really doesn’t matter the size, as it will be re-sized later.  I selected the default paper size.

2.  For illustration purposes, I’m using a custom shape from the custom shape palette.

Tip:  To find  more custom shapes, open the flyout menu and select All and click Append.  This will append a bunch more shapes to your shapes palette.  This is in Photoshop CS4.  Elements has this feature (top right illustration)

3.  Drag to create your shape, hold down the shift key while dragging to constrain the design to a square.  Select the crop tool.  The goal here is to create a square with a border of white.  Put the crop tool in the center of the design.  Hold the option/alt key and the shift key together and drag out.  This will make an square around the item.  Turn on your Rulers if they are not on.  View>Rulers.  Drag a vertical and horizontal guide to locate the center of the shape. (top left illustration)

4.  Use the marquee tool to select the left half of the image. (top right illustration)

5.  Open the layers menu (Windows>Layers).  Copy the left half that has the selection around it and then Paste.  You’ll see the copy of the section on its own layer in the palette. (top left illustration)

6.  Click on Layer 1 to make sure it is active (it is highlighted in color) and then use the move tool to drag it to the right.  (top right illustration)

7.  Click on the background layer.  Marquee to select the right side. Copy it and paste it.  The copied image will appear on its own layer, in this case Layer 2.  (top left illustration)  Drag it to the left. (top right illustration)

8.  From the fly-out menu on the Layers palette, select Flatten Image.  This will merge all of the layers into one (top right illustration)
9.  Repeat the steps, but select the top half, copy/paste it, then move it to the bottom.  Return to the background layer, select the bottom half, copy/paste it, and move it to the top.  (top left illustration)

10.  Determine the size you want your repeat pattern.  Go to Image>Image Size. Leaving Constrain Proportions and Resample Image ON, insert 60 x 60 pixels in the top Pixel Dimensions area (or insert whatever dimension you want).  Click OK.  The image will change size. (upper top right)  If you cannot initially see it, be sure you are viewing it at 100%.

Note: Ignore the Print Size box underneath it; it only applies to printing and has no relevance here. Also, my 60×60 pixel size is a good size for the web.  For print, however, you’ll need more resolution.

11.  To define this design as a pattern, go to Edit>Define Pattern.  (above this illustration, on the lower right)  Name the pattern.  I named mine flowers. (top left illustration)  Click OK.  (top right illustration)  The flower is now part of the Patterns Library.

12.  Open a new document.  I opened a document that is 640 pixels by 480 pixels.

To create your pattern, go to Image>Fill.  Select Pattern from the dropdown menu.  Select the pattern you just created, which will be on the bottom right of your palette.  Voila, you have a fill pattern.

Experiment. Consider different sizes, shapes, colors, and so on.

Also, you’ll see my pattern has a small gray line.  That means that I didn’t select my image quite right.  I should have turned on the grid.  Even so, I’m okay with the gray line.  It sort of looks stitched.   A happy accident.

Did you ever look out at scenery and find yourself wishing you could take a photo that shows the entire breathtaking view?  Behold Photomerge.  Photomerge is a tool available in both Photoshop and Photoshop Elements that allows you to stitch together two or more photos to create one photo.

Here are the basic of using the tool.  I’m working with only two photographs, but it works the same way using more than two photos.

1. Open the images that you’d like to stitch together. In this case. There are two:

2. Next, go to File . Automate > Photomerge.

3.  The Photomerge dialog box will open.

The center column defines the Source Files — the images that you’d like to merge together.  Because I opened the files before selecting the Photomerge command, I clicked the “Add Open Files” button.  My two files (called Picture 26.png and Picture 24.png — most of the time, you’ll be adding jpg files) opened in the center column.  (Note:  If you didn’t initially open the images, or if you have multiple images open and only want to use a few, select the appropriate options from the Use: drop-down menu.)  The Blend images together is checked — which is what I want, a blending of the two images.

The left column defines the layout of the images.  While Auto works fine for most situations, it’s fun to experiment with other layouts.

Once you have your images ready, click the OK button.  Then wait as the software does the work for you.

The resulting image is a merger of the Source Files.  I often find the results interesting to use as is or inspirational for something else.

If you open the Layers palette, you’ll see each image on its own layer with a layer mask blending the images together.  The merger is a result of the software examining the pixels and overlapping the seam.  The more seams, the more you may need to correct things.  If you are familar with working with masks, correcting seams is a matter of blowing up your image and adjusting the mask where needed.

To finish the panorama, use the crop tool to select the area you’d like to feature.  Drag the center handles of the crop in and out until you are satisfied.  Click the Return key to commit to your crop.  If you are unsatisfied with your crop, use the undo command and give it another try.

And here you have it!

Some tips:  Try to overlap a chunk of the scenery so that the software can better recognize and stitch together the overlap.  Keep the camera steady and at the same level for each picture.  To take the pictures, I generally shoot one, move two steps to the right and shoot another, move two more steps and take a third (and so on).  When I cannot do this, I twist my body.  However, the more twisting, the more there will be wonky angles on the top and bottom of your image that may require cropping.

Coming soon: more panoamic images and an explaination of how they were done.