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June 2010 Featured Software |
| June 2010 Submitted by Dan Delong |
Blend images together very easily, varying the transparency level of one image, and controlling this area with a mask. The user first loads the base picture followed by a top layer image. Finally, add the mask (supplied or make your own) and the program automatically merges everything together. Costly commercial programs will do this, but require a greater effort to learn the technique. A few gradient masks are provided within the program to get you started, but you cannot create any new masks directly. You can however import more images into the transparency layer. 20 sample *.jpg files are included, or you can create your own masks using any graphics program of your choice. FEATURE OVERVIEW (from the author)
 A mask is a just 256 greyscale image (some are black and white). When used for image editing, the white areas of the mask will allow the overlay image to project through and onto the base image. A transparency slider controls the amount of overlay image that will show up, on top of the base image. If the base image is not really needed, it can be taken away by using the New Image button.  Editing the mask layer, and clicking on the invert image will exchange white for black, allowing what was previously projecting through the mask to be switched (negative behaviour). Areas of the mask that are grey, will allow partial transmission of the overlay image. This is a great way to introduce those soft edges and highlights to photos. Image Inc. can also be used to add a brands, watermarks or logos.  In the case of the cat walking on water, the original photo showed the cat walking through grass. A background eraser was used to remove the grass, leaving the cat on a blank (alpha channel) background. The image was saved as png to preserve the alpha channel transparency. Although interesting discoveries can be made by playing with the controls, this program does not yet offer an undo, or a users’ manual. However, it is easy to reload the images and start again. And, it is easy to use other paint programs to create your own masks. Finding the already provided masks (20 sample masks) requires finding the install location of the program. Look in C: for a folder called “Cybia”, where the ImageInc and Masks sub-folders are located. Another tip: The software will appear not to work unless you load all three elements: base, overlay and mask. But, the programs can create blank elements for base and mask. If you do not wish to work with a base image, click on New Image. If you do not wish to work with a mask, click on the Edit button for Mask, and choose a Gradient Present of None (clear). You may need to hit the Invert Image option to get the desired effect. Several other image editing applications are available for free at the author’s site, one of which subtracts background colours from a photo (useful for the cat on water photo). System requirements: Platform: XP, Vista, Win7 Screen Resolution: 1280 by 960 pixels Version: 1.2 Price: Free Language: English Download Size: 1.89 MB Installed Size: 4.8 MB Rating: Download Site: here |
