9. Importing images

9.1. Importing BMP/JPG

You can import .BMP images to a project or a library. To import an image select "Edit/Insert Image" item of main menu or use "I" shortcut.

Figure 9.1.1

In the dialog window navigate to a desired directory and select required .BMP, .JPG or GIF image.

Figure 9.1.2

Also BMP image can be dragged and dropped onto the design page.

9.2. Importing GIF

You can import animated .GIF images to a project or a library. To import an image select "Edit/Insert Image" item of main menu or use "I" shortcut. In appeared window with preview you can select required .GIF image. Also GIF image can be dragged and dropped onto the design page. GIF images are treated little different than static images. Depending on the format, rotating GIF images may disable animation.

9.3. Sizing imported images

You can change size of imported images. To resize an image, select an image and drag one of corners handles until the image is the size you want. By default an image is resized proportionally. Press and hold Ctrl key to adjust image size free hand.


Figure 9.3.1

Images contain 8 handles, 4 on each corner and 4 on each size. The corner handles are used to adjust image proportionally. The side handles are used to adjust image only on one direction.


Figure 9.3.2 Proportional adjustment of the image.


Figure 9.3.3 Stretch image using these handles.

In some cases you may want to return to the original size of the image. Click on the image with Right mouse button and select restore size.

In some cases users may want to re-sample images to make AVSnap file smaller. Re-sampling images is a one way street. Once re-sampled images can not be converted back to the original resolution. Re-sampling menu will only appear if the image is decreased in size.

Figure 9.3.4

 


9.3.1. Constrain keys (Ctrl)

To resize an image free hand (independent width or height), drag a corner handle while pressing and holding "Ctrl" key.

9.4. Cut and Paste operations

You can paste the AVSnap objects or images from other applications copied to the Clipboard into the project or library. To paste an object into a project, right click on design screen and select "Paste" command. Also you can use "Edit/Paste" item of main menu or "Ctrl + V" shortcut.


To copy an object into the Clipboard, right click on it and select "Copy" command. Also you can select an object, then use "Edit/Copy" item of main menu or "Ctrl + C" shortcut. The objects will be copied into the Clipboard.

Copy as Bitmap is a special copy function that allows to convert any selected object or symbol into a bitmap and place it into Clipboard. From there image can be pasted into external applications or back to the AVSnap design page.


To cut an object, right click on it and select "Cut" command. Also you can select an object, then use "Edit/Cut" item of main menu or "Ctrl + X" shortcut.


9.5. Using screen capture

For using screen capture download ScreenHunter 5.0 from http://www.avsnap.com/downloads.htm.
ScreenHunter can capture a rectangle area, an active window and full screen. It automatically saves captures in BMP, JPEG, GIF file format or to Clipboard. You can paste captured images right into the AVSnap.


9.6. Exporting images using printer driver

For exporting images download "PDF Printer" driver from http://www.avsnap.com/downloads.htm. Once this printer is installed you will have an option to print to PDF, JPG, BMP, EPS and many more formats.

9.7. Designating Transparent Color

In some cases it is advantageous to make imported image background transparent. This function is useful when using colored background with image having a different background.

Figure 9.7.1

The image with white background is placed on the pink background. Select Image properties (Shortcut "B") and configure transparent color.


Figure 9.7.2

The transparent color can be selected from the image or from the color palette. Since background color can vary from point to point on the artwork, it may be necessary to adjust the tolerance of the selected color. This will make background transparent even if color varies slightly.

Figure 9.7.3

Here the tolerance is very high which does not allow for full transparency. Setting tolerance to 20 will be much more forgiving in color variations.

Figure 9.7.4