Overview
Overlays are a form of template which sit over or “overlays” an image, allowing a customized border or logo on top of an image.
This tutorial is carried on in Adobe Photoshop software, but similar results can be achieved in image editing software that support saving in .PNG format.
PNG Files
Portable Network Graphics (PNG) is a lossless file format. PNG supports 24-bit images and allows background transparency.
Resolution
When working with image files for printing, it is important that we create it at a resolution that matches the maximum print we intend to produce from this file, i.e. We want to create 6x4 inch images predominantly from this file, with the occasional 12x18 inch poster, so we create the image at 12x18 inches and resize a copy down to 6x4 inches.
Creation of a PNG
In this chapter we will create a PNG file in Adobe Photoshop. You will need a pre-made border & logo for this exercise.
Step One: Creating a Blank
For this exercise we will be creating a frame to be overlaid on a 6x8 inch photo.
Open Photoshop & create a new image. File>New.
The fields should be adjusted to match figure 1 below.
Figure 1
Step Two: Measurement Units
Measurement units need to be changed to pixels. Later on in the tutorial we will need to measure the image area in pixels for designating where the inserted image will be placed.
To do this go to Edit > Preferences > Units & Rulers.
Figure 2
Step Three: Insert Border Image
Figure 3
Paste your pre-made border image into the blank template, use edit>transform (Ctrl-T) to resize the image to fit edge to edge on all four sides.
In the layers palette, check to ensure the layer name is not set to “Background”. Background layers do not allow the transparency we will need for our photo to show through the border.
You should be able to see the checker board pattern in all the areas that are to be transparent, if not check Edit>Preferences>Transparency & Gamut. Make sure the settings are the same as those shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4
Step Four: Measuring the Dimensions
Using the Ruler tool, measure the transparent area of the image. The dimensions of this area will be shown in the Info palette. You will need to know the overall dimensions of the transparent area, the distance of the transparent area from the left edge & the distance from the bottom edge.
X = Distance from left side of image in pixels
Y = Distance from top in pixels
D = Length of measured distance in pixels
Fig. 5
Step Five: Saving the Template
When we save our template we need to create two files, one will be a .PNG file which is then used as the final template; the second will be a PSD file, which we can then use for further editing.
Saving the PSD/Application native file: Click file > Save as. In the dialog that opens, select the folder that you want to save in, insert a suitable recognisable name and select save type as PSD. If you have layers in the image, tick Layers so these are left active. Click Save.
Saving the PNG file: Click File > Save as. Insert the same details as before, with the exception of File Type, which should be changed to PNG. Click save and another dialog will open. For Interlace click None, then Ok.
Now you can use the PNG as an overlay in Picture Layout.