The PhotoStrips filter is part of the DreamSuite 2 Set. It cuts and overlaps strips of a photo.

Effect Tab
This Tab, the blue button with "Layout" on it, will allow you to change the automatic setup controls of the effect. Warning: You will lose all manual effect settings whenever you adjust any of the automatic controls located in the Layout mode.

A. Transform Effect
This allows you to Select, Move, Scale, Stretch and Rotate effect objects.

• To Move an effect, click to select it, and then place the cursor on the inside of transformation box surrounding the effect. The cursor will then display a four-sided arrow. Once this cursor is displayed, click and drag to move the effect to a new location.
• To Scale, place the cursor on one of the corners of the transformation box, and it will change to an angled double-sided arrow. Click and drag to scale (hold the SHIFT key down to constrain the scale to proportional dimensions).
• To Stretch an effect, move the cursor over the box sides and a double-sided arrow will appear. Click and drag to stretch the effect in the desired direction and proportion.
• To Rotate, place the cursor outside of any of the box corner handles and the cursor will display a curved arrow. Click and drag the box to the desired angle and release the mouse.

B. Clone Effect
This effect tool is used to create new effects that are based on the currently selected effect; or if no effect is selected, from the default effects settings. Click on the screen where you want the cloned effect.

C. Transform Photo
Allows you to Select, Move, Scale, Stretch and Rotate photos that are a part of the effect. It works as the Transform Effect does, but only with the image inside the frame effect.

D. Load Photo
This tool is used to replace an image that is inside an effect. When new effects are created, they automatically create a copy of the original image into the effect. In most cases, you will want to load in another image instead. With this tool selected, click over the photo area inside the effect, and you will be shown a small onscreen menu that allows you to load a new image, turn the image area transparent or reload the original image.

E. Adjust Up or Down
This control moves the selected portion of the effect over or under another part of the effect. In the case of Photo Strip, the selected strip will be moved under or over another strip. Use the Edit Menu > Bring To Front and Send To Back command in conjunction with this tool.

F. Delete Tool
Is used to delete effects, paths and ellipses. Select this tool, and then click over the item you want to delete. When this tool is active, you are shown all effects, ellipses and paths from all tools you have used.

Make Changes Global
When this checkbox is activated, it will apply any control changes you make to the entire effect, altering all elements that are affected by the control you are working with. This is useful if you desire to adjust, for example, the Edge Curl on all strips globally. You may uncheck or check this as many times as you like, and your settings will be preserved.

Edge Curl
This slider control shades and curls the edges of the strips to give them additional depth.

Deckle Width
This slider control is used to apply a deckled edge along the photo strip that is used to create the mesh effect. The higher the setting, the wider the deckle becomes.

Deckle Irregularity
The slider control will make the deckle edges more or less irregular. The higher the setting, the more irregular and varied the edges of the deckle become.

Bevel Type Menu
This menu allows you to select a bevel style that will be applied to the photo strips on the mesh. Adding a bevel to the strips will enable you to give the strips more depth and a unique appearance.

Edge Radius
This slider adjusts the angle and sharpness of the bevel edge. Use this control with Polish and Bevel Depth sliders to refine the look of the depth effect.

Polish
This slider rounds and smoothes the angles of the bevel making them softer with gentle curves versus sharp angles. Use this control with the Edge Radius and Bevel Depth sliders to refine the look of the depth effect.

Depth
This slider changes the height of the bevel. Stronger settings make the bevel appear to have more height and depth. Use this control with the Edge Radius and Polish Curvature sliders to refine the look of the depth effect.

Hue
This slider shifts the color values of the image across a color spectrum. This control allows you to shift the colors of the artwork while not affecting the lightness or saturation.

Saturation
This slider makes the colors in the image more or less vibrant. This control is useful for making an images colors pop while not affecting the overall tone or lightness.

Luminance
This slider adjusts the luminance or "light" qualities in an image to either darken or lighten the image.

Softness
This slider will soften the selected image making it look out of focus.

Sepia Tone
This control adds a subtle color tint to the image. Use the slider to control the amount of tint applied to the image and the color box to define the color of the sepia that is used.

By Joe Cilinceon, © July 30, 2002