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TM

PHOTOFRAME TM

User Guide
Version 1.0 for Macintosh ® and Windows ®
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© 1998 Extensis Corporation. This manual and the software described in it are copy-
righted with all rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, neither this manual nor the
software may be copied, in whole or part, without the written consent of Extensis
Corporation, except in the normal use of the software or to make a backup copy of the
software. This exception does not allow copies to be made for others.

Extensis, the Extensis logo, PhotoFrame, PhotoTools, and Portfolio are trademarks of
Extensis Corporation. Adobe and Adobe Photoshop are registered trademarks of Adobe
Systems Incorporated, which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Microsoft and
Microsoft Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Auto F/X and
Photo/Graphic Edges are trademarks of Auto F/X Corporation. All other trademarks are
the property of their respective owners.

Extensis warrants the disks on which the software is recorded to be free from defects in
materials and faulty workmanship under normal use for a period of ninety (90) days from
the original date of purchase. If a defect occurs during the 90-day period, you may return
the disks to Extensis Corporation for a free replacement provided that you have previ-
ously registered your product with Extensis Corpor ation. This warranty is limited to
replacement and shall not encompass any other damages, including but not limited to loss
of profit, and special, incidental, or other similar claims. This software is provided on an
“as is” basis. Except for the express warranty set forth above, Extensis Corporation
makes no other warranties, either express or implied, regarding the enclosed software’s
quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose.

Extensis Europe Extensis Corporation

Zonnebaan 34 1800 SW First Avenue, Suite 500
3606 CB Maarssen Portland, OR 97201
The Netherlands
Telephone: (503) 274-2020
Telephone: #31 (0)30 247 50 50 Fax: (503) 274-0530
Fax: #31 (0)30 241 20 39 Technical Support: (503) 274-7030
E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.extensis.com

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Contents

Introducing PhotoFrame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
System and Software Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Getting Started with PhotoFrame . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

What is PhotoFrame? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Feature Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Frame an Image—Instantly! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Using the Portfolio Frame Catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

PhotoFrame Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

The PhotoFrame Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Loading Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Effect Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Using PhotoFrame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Special Effects using Invert Frame and Opacity . . . . . . . . . . .35
Special Effects using Multiple Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Creating Your Own Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Special Effects using a Photograph as a F rame . . . . . . . . . . .43
Sample Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Appendix A: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Appendix B: Frame Catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

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Introducing PhotoFrame

Welcome to Extensis™ PhotoFrame™! PhotoFrame is a powerful

and indispensable plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop® that allows you
to instantly create an unlimited variety of beautifully-rendered
image frames and border effects.
Select from hundreds of high-quality frames designed by
professional artists, import your favorite frames, or create your
own frames using any JPEG image. Once the frame is selected,
use PhotoFrame’s unique effect options to modify and adjust
your frame to achieve just the right edge effect for your image.
Set the opacity, color, blend mode and blur separately for the
background and border. Rotate, flip, resize and adjust the frame
on your image interactively.
With PhotoFrame it’s easy to create an unlimited number of
stunningly framed images—effortlessly!

System and Software Requirements

To install and use Extensis PhotoFrame, you will need the

following:
Macintosh:
• 68040-25MHz or faster, including Power Macintosh®
• Mac OS® System 7.5 or higher
• Adobe Photoshop 3.0.4 or higher
• 3MB free hard disk space for PhotoFrame
Optional: 20M free hard disk space for Portfolio
Windows:
• PC with Pentium processor or faster
• Microsoft ® Windows 95® or Windows NT® 4.0
• Adobe Photoshop 3.0.5 or higher
• 3MB free hard disk space for PhotoFrame
Optional: 20M free hard disk space for Portfolio

Installation

Instructions for quick and easy installation can be found on the

CD-ROM that is included with your product.

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Registration

It is important to register your copy of PhotoFrame so we can pro-

vide you with the best possible service. Registered users of
PhotoFrame are eligible for technical support, information regard-
ing new versions and products, discounts and special offers on new
products.

Your registration number is located on the back cover of this man-

ual. You will need to enter that number to personalize your copy of
PhotoFrame. If you choose not to personalize your copy,
PhotoFrame will run in a demonstration mode that allows you to
use the product for 30 days. You can purchase additional registra-
tion numbers at 1-800-796-9798.

Technical Support

For questions regarding Extensis PhotoFrame, please first refer to

this manual, which describes the features and basic operations.
We invite you to visit our PhotoFrame page on the Extensis web-
site (www.extensis.com) for frequently asked questions and trou-
ble-shooting tips.
If you have a question which is not addressed in this manual or
on the Extensis website, Technical Support is available by phone
at (503) 274-7030, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pacific time. When calling for technical support, please be at your
computer and have the following information available: your
Extensis PhotoFrame registration number, your computer configu-
ration, and your question or a description of the difficulty you’re
experiencing—what specifically occurs and when. Take note of
any displayed error numbers or messages and any other informa-
tion you think may be relevant.

Suggestions

We’d love to hear your comments about Extensis PhotoFrame!

For your convenience, a suggestion sheet is included at the end of
this manual. Please fax, mail, or e-mail your comments and sug-
gestions to Extensis.

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Getting Started with PhotoFrame

What is PhotoFrame?
Extensis PhotoFrame is a powerful and indispensable plug-in for
Adobe® Photoshop® that allows you to instantly create beautifully-
rendered image frames and border effects in just three quick steps:
1) Select an image that you wish to frame or add edge effects to.
2) Open the PhotoFrame plug-in and select an appropriate frame.
3) Apply the frame to your image.
Or, with a basic frame selected, use PhotoFrame’s unique effect
Original Image
tools to add your own special touches to the frame. Your adjust-
ments take place in real time so you can instantly see how your
effect will look, and change it until you get just the right effect.

Extensis provides over one hundred fifty high-quality profession-

ally designed frames for you to choose from. However, Photo-
Frame does not limit you to using just the frame files that come
with the product. You can create your own frame files, then
manipulate them with PhotoFrame—simply save the image(s) you
wish to use for the frame as a JPEG file. Or use any existing
JPEG file. PhotoFrame is also fully compatible with frame files
from any Auto F/X™ Photo/Graphic Edges™ Volume.
Selected Frame

You can create separate effects for the frame Background and the
frame Border. You can combine the effects of up to three frames
per image for virtually unlimited possibilities, or use the addition-
al frames to quickly compare the effect of different frames on
your image, to choose just the right one. Modify any or all frames
interactively, to see exactly how your effect will look. When
you’ve achieved the result you want, simply apply the effect to
your image. You can even save your favorite effect settings and
recall them for use on other images.

PhotoFrame includes a handy pop-up image navigator; editing in

Framed Image real time with interactive preview; multiple undo/redo; and the
ability to view composite layers (Photoshop 4.0.x)—so you can
see exactly how your frame and special edge effects will look on
your image.

We think you’ll find Extensis PhotoFrame a natural extension of

Photoshop, and an invaluable tool in your creative arsenal. If you
have questions, comments, or suggestions please contact us at our
Web site, http://www.extensis.com, or at the location listed on the
inside front cover of this User Guide.

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Feature Summary
• Frame preview—displays a preview of frame files as you
select them in the Add/Replace frame dialog box.
• Frame Catalog—includes a Portfolio ™ catalog of professional-
quality frames. When you’ve located a frame that you like,
simply drag its thumbnail into PhotoFrame and start using it!
• Interactive, real-time editing environment—work with
frames interactively, watching your effect take shape on a
real-time Preview screen.
• Multiple undo and redo—go back and forth as many steps as
you need to before applying your effect to the image.
• View composite layers (Photoshop 4.x only)—see all the
active layers, not just the layer you’re working on, inside the
image preview area. Allows you to see your effects in relation
to the rest of the image without giving up the flexibility of
layers.
• Multiple frames—use up to three frames per image either to
combine effects or to compare different effects without closing
and reopening. Create Background and Border effects for each
frame individually.
• Save and reapply effects—create the edge effect you want,
then save the settings for reuse at any time.
• Eyedropper tool and color palette—extract colors from the
image without leaving the preview window, or select colors
from a pop-up palette. Watch the Background or Border color
change in real time as you drag the eyedropper through the
image, or move around the color palette.
• Navigator pop-up—innovative “pop-up” navigator is hidden
until needed. Allows you to instantly position your image in the
preview area without competing with the image for space.
• Standard Photoshop-style interface—no need to relearn tools
and commands. Uses Photoshop-type commands, and opera-
tions behave as you’d expect them to if applied directly in
Photoshop (exceptions are noted where they occur.) Zoom and
scrolling controls use standard keyboard shortcuts.
• Background Processing—uses idle time between image
adjustments to process the effect, reducing or eliminating the
need for more processing time when the effect is applied.
• Help Box—special window displays a description of each tool
or button function as you dr ag the mouse over it.
• Flexible—allows you to use any existing JPEG file, or frame
files from any Auto F/X Photo/Graphic Edges Volume.

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Frame an Image—Instantly!
To create a frame or special edge effect using PhotoFrame:
1. Select an image.
Open your image in Photoshop. You can work with the full
image, or use a selection tool to select an area to work with.
2. Open the PhotoFrame plug-in.
Select Extensis > PhotoFrame from the Filter menu.
3. Select the desired frame file(s).
Select a frame file (.frm) from the catalog supplied on your
Extensis PhotoFrame CD, then drag and drop it into
PhotoFrame. For information on using the Portfolio
Browser to search the Frame Catalog, refer to page 11.
Or select “Add Frame...” then
locate a frame file. PhotoF rame
works with most JPEG files as
well as frames from any Auto
F/X Photo/Graphic Edges
Volume. For instructions on opening PhotoFrame and load-
ing frame files, refer to pages 16 through 19.
4. Use the frame as-is, or use the edge effect options to cre-
ate the desired effect.
You can experiment with all kinds effects for each frame,
including the frame Background and Border, and immedi-
ately see your results on the image in the preview area.
While you are working in the PhotoFrame dialog box (pre-

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view area) the changes you make do not affect the image in
Photoshop. When you like the effect you see in the preview
area and are ready to make those changes to your image,
click “Apply.”
Until you click “Apply” you can change the parameters as
much as you like until you get just the effect you want. If
you don’t want to apply the effect you created, click
Cancel and the preview area will close without making any
changes to your image.
5. When you are satisfied with the effect you’ve created in
the preview area, apply the effect to your image.
Click “Apply” to apply the effect to your image.
PhotoFrame places the frame effect onto whatever layer
was targeted before the plug-in was opened. If you want to
place your frame on its own layer, create a new layer
before opening the PhotoFrame plug-in. (Refer to page 33
for more information on creating a separate layer for the
frame.)
Note: If you accidentally Apply the effect to your image
before you are completely finished (the PhotoFrame dialog
box closes), you can “undo” the effect [Command+Z (Ma-
cintosh) or Control+Z (Windows)], then reopen Photo-
Frame—the plug-in will remember and display your Last
Used settings.
If you get any warning dialogs when you attempt to apply your
changes, refer to “Troubleshooting” on page 49.

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Using the Portfolio ™ Frame Catalog

Extensis provides a number of professional-quality frames in a

Portfolio electronic catalog located on the Extensis CD that ships
with your product. Portfolio is an easy to use yet powerful and
efficient cataloging tool from Extensis that allows you to organize
all your creative work into browsable electronic libraries.

Note: When PhotoFrame is installed, you have the option of

installing a full working version of Portfolio on your hard drive.
Portfolio will run in demonstration mode for 60-days, allowing
you to experience the power of electronic catalogs. After the 60-
day period you can purchase Portfolio and continue to create
your own catalogs, or simply continue using Portfolio as a read-
only Browser. Even if you do not purchase Portfolio after 60 days,
the frame files on the CD will still be available using the Browser.

Using the Frame Catalog is quick and easy:

• Open the Frame Catalog by double-clicking the icon
(Frame_Browser.fdb) installed in the PhotoFrame folder
on your hard drive.
• Locate the Frame you wish to use.
• Drag and drop the Frame thumbnail into the Preview
area of PhotoFrame. (For instructions on opening
PhotoFrame and loading frame files, refer to pages 16
through 19.)

Searching for Frames

Note: This section shows you briefly how to use the Portfolio
Browser to locate and display frames in a particular category or
with certain commonalities. For a thorough description of
Portfolio and it’s many powerful features, refer to the Portfolio
User Guide in pdf form located on the Extensis CD that shipped
with your product. You can also download the Portfolio User
Guide from http://www.extensis.com.
The catalog opens to the Gallery window, where you can view the
frames as Thumbnails or on a List. You can visually search for
interesting frames, or use Portfolio’s powerful Keyword list to
locate and display frames with common attributes. Or use the
Find feature to locate frames by name or attribute. A visual cata-
log of available frames is printed at the back of this manual, start-
ing on page 51.

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Search Using the Keyword List

The fastest and easiest way to search for and display frames is
using the Master Keyword List. To access the list, select “Master
Keywords Palette” from the View menu, or press Command+K
(Macintosh) or Control+K (Windows).

On the Master Keywords Palette, Categories are listed first. To

view a category of frames, double-click the category name. Or
scroll through the keyword list to find all the frames with a partic-
ular commonality, such as arched or circular frames.

Select the frame or frames of interest (up to three at one time),

then drag and drop them into the open Preview area of
PhotoFrame. (For instructions on opening PhotoFrame and load-
ing frame files, refer to pages 16 through 19.)

You can also use the Find utility to locate frames, especially if
they have more than one feature in common—such as brush
stroke frames that are circular. Select “Find” from the Catalog
menu, or press Command+F (Macintosh) or Control+F
(Windows) then enter your search parameters.

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Copying Frame Files from the Extensis CD

If you’d like to copy any or all of the frames in the Frame Catalog
from the CD to your hard disk (the folder “Frame Volumes” is
41.2M) you are free to do so. However, you’ll need to update the
Portfolio Browser so that it can update the path to the files. If you
do not update the catalog after moving the files, you won’t be
able to drag and drop files from the catalog into PhotoFrame.

To Copy Frame Files from the CD and Update the Portfolio

Catalog:
1. Drag the files or folders you wish to copy: You can copy
one or two of your favorite frame categories, or copy
the entire Frame Volumes folder containing all the cate-
gory subfolders.
2. Unmount the CD. IMPORTANT!
You must unmount the CD, otherwise Portfolio will auto-
matically look for (and find) the frame files there, and the
catalog will not be updated.
3. Open the Frame Catalog Browser (Frame_Browser.fdb)
installed in the PhotoFrame folder on your hard drive.
The catalog on the CD cannot be written to. If you do not
use the copy of the catalog browser on your hard drive, you
will not be able to update it.
4. Drag and drop the new Frame Volumes folder (or what-
ever folders you copied) from your hard drive into the
Portfolio Gallery window.

When you drop the folder(s) into Porfolio, the Options

window of the Catalog Properties dialog box is displayed.

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5. In the Options window of the Catalog Properties dialog,

verify the following settings: Modify Method = Update;
the four checkboxes in the bottom-left portion of the
window (Extract Keywords, Extract Descriptions,
Extract Thumbnail, and Skip Files without
Thumbnails) are all un-checked.

6. Click “OK.”
Portfolio will begin updating the catalog, and will display
its progress in the Cataloging Status window.

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PhotoFrame Tools

When you select the PhotoFrame plug-in, the PhotoFrame dialog

Tip box opens. Inside this window you select the frame(s) you wish to
If you’re familiar with Extensis use, and you have access to all the tools and options needed to
PhotoTools version 2.x, you’ll find rotate, resize, flip, color, blur, blend, experiment with, and view
that using PhotoFrame is a snap. frame effects on your selected image.
The PhotoFrame user interface is
much like PhotoTools. PhotoFrame tools and options are summarized below. For more
detailed information refer to “Tools” starting on page 20 and
“Effect Options” starting on page 28.

PhotoFrame Dialog box

A PhotoFrame Menu: In Windows, the

PhotoFrame menu is located at the
top of the dialog box window. In
Macintosh, the menu replaces the
Photoshop menu in the main A M L
menubar.
B Frame controls: Select the starting
frame file. Allows you to load up to
three frames at one time.
C Rotation controls: Allows you to B
change the orientation of the frame
on the image.
D Effect Options: Allows you to alter the
background and the border of the C
frame to achieve just the right effect.
E Settings: Allows you to Select, Save,
and Delete effect settings.
F Help Box: Displays a description of
D
each tool or button function as the
mouse passes over it.
G Zoom Controls and Indicator: Allows
you to adjust zoom amount.
H Undo/Redo/Reset: Undo/Redo pro-
vides multiple undo and redo; Reset E
returns all settings to their default val-
ues. Reset does not delete the
frame(s).
I Progress Indicators: Top bar shows F G H I J K
Preview Redraw progress. Bottom
bar shows Background Processing
progress when the “Background
Processing” option is turned on.
J Frame Tools: Scroll (Hand), Zoom
(Magnifiying glass), Adjust (Arrow)
and Extract color (Eyedropper). L Image Navigator: Click and drag in this pop-up window to instantly reposition the
image in the Preview window.
K Cancel/Apply: Apply closes the dialog
box and applies your effects to the M Preview window: Displays your image, with the selected edge effects applied,
image in Photoshop. Cancel closes before you apply them to your image. Updates your changes in real time if “Real-
the dialog and leaves the image time Preview” is turned on. Displays the composite view of all selected layers when
unchanged. “View Composite Layers” (Photoshop 4.x only) is turned on.

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Loading Frames
Before you can apply any effects to your image in PhotoFrame
you must select and load a frame. You can load up to three frames
at one time, you can modify any or all of the frames individually,
and you can apply and view the frames on your image in the pre-
view area either separately or together. Access to multiple frames
during a single session allows you to try out and compare different
frames on your image to see which one gives you the look you want.

Frames will automatically fit themselves to the image and are

applied to the image in the order in which they appear on the
frame list. You can move the frames up or down in the list to vary
the affect. You can replace, delete, or add frames to the list at any
time. Only frames that are visible on the image (eye icon to the
left of the frame name) will be applied to the image when you
Apply effects and exit PhotoFrame.

Frame Selection

A Frame Preview: Displays a thumbnail

of the currently selected frame.
B Active Frame Indicator: Determines
whether a frame is applied to the
image in the Preview area. Eye icon
indicates applied, no Eye icon indi-
cates not applied. Only frames with an A B C
Eye icon present will be applied to the
image when “Apply” is selected.
C Frame List: Indicates loaded frames.
D Selected Frame: The currently select -
ed frame is highlighted on the list. D
Effect Options (see page 28) are
applied to the currently selected E
frame. Note:Only one frame can be
selected at a time, but all frames can
be applied to the image at once. F
E Additonal Frames: Up to three frames
can be loaded for use with the image. G
F Add/Replace Frame: Allows you to
add a frame to the list, or replace the
selected frame with a new frame. H
Adding a frame restores the Effect
Options to their default values.
Replacing a frame maintains the cur -
rent Effect Options settings.
G Delete Frame: Allows you to delete the
selected frame. Deletes the frame
from the list, does not delete the frame
from the disk.
H Invert Frame: Click anywhere on the
bar to invert the frame. See page 20.

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There are several ways to load frame file(s) into PhotoFrame:

• Click the Add Frame... button
• Double-click a slot on the frame list
• Drag and drop from the Portfolio Frame Catalog
• Drag and drop from the Finder
• Press Command+I (Macintosh) or Control+I (Windows)

To Add (Load) a Frame from a File List:

1. Open an image in Photoshop.
2. Open the PhotoFrame plug-in.
From the Filter menu select Extensis > PhotoFrame.
3. Click “Add Frame...” or double-click an empty frame
slot on the Frame List (empty slots will are shown as
Frame 1, Frame 2, Frame 3). Or press Command+I
(Macintosh) or Control+I (Windows).
A dialog box will be displayed allowing you to locate the
frame file you wish to use.
You can use a frame file from the frame folders supplied on
your Extensis PhotoFrame CD (.frm); you can use any JPEG
file; or you can use any frame file from an Auto F/X
Photo/Graphic Edges Volume.

Note: The “Add Frame...” option changes to “Replace

Frame...” if the maximum number of frames (three) has been
loaded (see pages 18 and 19).
4. Locate the desired frame and click “Open.”
The selected frame will be displayed in the frame preview
at the top-left of the window, and the name will be dis-
played on the list. The frame is automatically applied to the
image (indicated by an eye icon) when the frame is loaded.
A frame effect can be turned off in the preview area by
clicking the eye icon off.
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Additional frames (up to three) can be added to the list.

Frames will be displayed on the image in the order in
which they appear on the list. The frame overlays can be
rearranged by dragging the name up or down in the list.
When no additional frames can be added, the “Add
Frame...” button changes to “Replace F rame...”.

To Add (Load) a Frame using Drag and Drop:

1. Open an image in Photoshop.
2. Open the PhotoFrame plug-in.
From the Filter menu select Extensis > PhotoFrame.
3. Open the Frame Catalog (Frame_Browser.fdb) on your
Extensis CD and select a frame from the Gallery window.

Or locate a frame file icon in the Finder. You can use nearly
any JPEG file, or you can use frame files from any Auto F/X
Photo/Graphic Edges Volume.
4. Drag and drop the selected frame (from the catalog or
Finder) into the PhotoFrame window.
The selected frame will be displayed in the frame preview
at the top-left of the window, and the name will be dis-
played on the list. The frame is automatically applied to the
image (indicated by an eye icon) when the frame is loaded.
A frame effect can be turned off in the preview area by
clicking the eye icon off.

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Additional frames (up to three) can be added to the list.

Frames will be displayed on the image in the order in
which they appear on the list. The frame overlays can be
rearranged by dragging the name up or down in the list.
When no additional frames can be added, the “Add
Frame...” button changes to “Replace F rame...”.

To Replace a Frame:
1. Highlight the name of the frame to be replaced, then click
“Replace Frame...”. If Replace Frame is not available,
press and hold Option (Macintosh) or ALT (Windows)
then click “Add Frame...”
A dialog box will be displayed allowing you to locate and
select a new frame file.
2. Locate the new frame and click “Open.”
The newly loaded frame will be displayed in the frame
preview at the top-left of the window, and the new name
will replace the old name on the list. Effect Options for the
replaced frame will be applied to the newly loaded frame.
Note: If you do not wish to keep the Effect Options created
for the frame being replaced, you can delete the old frame
then add the new one, or simply select the replacement frame
when it appears on the list and click “Reset.”
— or —
1. In the PhotoFrame frame list, double-click on the name
of the frame file that you wish to replace.
2. Locate the new frame and click “Open.”
— or —
1. Drag and drop a frame from the Portfolio Frame
Catalog (or a frame file from the finder) directly on top
of the frame file name that you wish to replace.

To Delete a Frame:
Tip
1. Highlight the frame to be deleted then click “Delete
To delete all frames at once, Frame.”
press Option (Macintosh) or ALT
(Windows) while clicking the The frame will be removed from the list.
Delete Frame button. If you accidentally delete a frame, or change your mind
and wish to keep the frame, click “Undo.”

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To Reorder Frames on the Frame List:

1. Highlight the frame to be reordered, then drag it up or
down the list and release at the new location.
Note: If you have only one frame loaded, it will always occu-
py the first, or topmost slot on the Frame List. This is because
the top slot represents the top layer on the image—and a sin-
gle frame will always occupy the top layer. Likewise, if you
have only two frames loaded, neither frame can occupy the
third slot.

Tools
PhotoFrame provides a number of Photoshop-like tools that allow
you the full freedom to create just the effect you want. Once you
have selected a frame, you can use these tools to rotate, flip,
resize, and adjust the frame on the image. You can quickly zoom
and pan, select colors interactively, undo and redo multiple times,
and save your settings for later use.
Note: The controls on the Background and Border control panels
allow you to alter edge color, opacity, size, blend, and blur. These
control panels, along with the Settings Controls and Progress
Indicators are described in the section “Effect Options” starting on
page 28.

Inverted Frame Invert Frame

Invert Frame toggles between normal frame and inverted frame.
When the frame is inverted, the black and white pixels are
Normal Frame
reversed. You might use invert when you want to stamp out an
area rather than framing it, or if you’ve created a JPEG frame file
and realize when you load it into PhotoFrame that it needs to be
reversed.

To Invert a Frame:
Click to
invert or 1. Click anywhere on the inversion bar.
restore
The frame will be inverted.
To restore the frame to normal, click on the inversion bar
again.

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PhotoFrame Tools

A Preview Area: Displays your image

with the selected effects applied,
before you apply them to your image.
Updates your changes in real-time if
“Real-time Preview” is enabled.
B Invert Frame: Click on the left side of
the inversion bar to invert the select- A
ed frame; click on the right side of the J I
bar to restore the frame to normal.
C Rotation Controls: Allows you to
rotate the frame. Adjust rotation using
the control knob; by entering a value
inthe Orientation box; or by clicking
the Flip Horizontal/Vertical boxes.
Clicking a directional arrow ( ∆) B
rotates the frame to the 0°, 90°, 180°,
or 270° degree position. C
D Undo/Redo/Reset: Provides multiple
undos and redos. Reset returns all
effect settings to their default values.
Note:Reset only resets effect set-
tings for the selected frame, it does
not unload (delete) the frame.
E Zoom Controls and Indicator: Allows
you to zoom in and out of the image
incrementally. D
F Pan and Zoom Tools: Allows you to
pan around and zoom in and out of
the image in the preview area .
G Adjust Tool: Allows you to rotate,
resize, and relocate the frame in the
preview area. G
E
H Eyedropper: Allows you to extract a F H
Background or Border color from the
image. Drag the Eyedropper across
the image to select a color interac-
tively.
I Image Navigator: Click and drag in
this pop-out window to instantly repo-
sition the image in the window. Saves
space by closing itself when the
mouse is released.
J Interactive Wireframe: Provides 10 hot
spots to interactively rotate, resize,
and relocate the frame on the image.
Cursor changes to reflect action avail-
able at each point.

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Rotation Controls and Adjust Tool

You can change frame rotation interactively using the Rotation
Control Knob, by entering a value in the frame Orientation field,
by clicking the Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical box, or by rotating
the wireframe using the Adjust tool. The Adjust tool can also be
used to resize, reshape, and reposition the frame on the image.

Tip
You can quickly switch to the
Adjust tool by pressing the “V”
key.

Press “H” to select the Hand tool,

“Z” to select the Zoom tool, and
“I” to select the Eyedropper.

When positioned inside the preview area, the Adjust tool utilizes a
wireframe with eight handles, or hot spots, along the perimeter of
the frame for size adjustments. Two other hot spots, one inside the
wireframe box and the other outside it, allow you to rotate and
position the frame.

As you pass the Adjust tool over the ten hot spots, the tool
changes shape to indicate the type of movement that will be
applied when you click and drag from that spot.

Sides Inside Outside Corners

(Resize) (Move) (Rotate) (Resize)

Wireframe Handle Locations The side handles (top, bottom, left, right) drag the frame from
their respective side in any direction. The corner handles drag the

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image from their respective corner in any direction. The outside

Tip pointer allows you to rotate the frame, while the inside pointer
To resize from the center, or to allows you to reposition it.
maintain current proportions
when rotating the frame, press
the Option key (Macintosh) or To Rotate a Frame:
ALT key (Windows) while drag-
ging. 1. If you have more than one active frame (see page 16),
highlight the frame to be adjusted.
2. Drag the Rotation Control Knob around the circle until
the frame is in the desired position.
— or —
2. Enter the desired degree of rotation in the Orientation
box.
— or —
2. Select the Adjust tool.
3. Place the tool outside the wireframe box; the pointer
should look like a circular arrow.
4. Using the circular arrow cursor, drag the frame until it
is in the desired position.

To Position a Frame:
1. If you have more than one active frame (see page 16),
highlight the frame to be adjusted.
2. Select the Adjust tool.
3. Place the tool inside the wireframe box; the pointer
should look like an arrow and plus sign.
4. Using the arrow and plus sign cursor, drag the frame
until it is in the desired position.

To Resize a Frame:
1. If you have more than one active frame (see page 16),
highlight the frame to be adjusted.
2. Select the Adjust tool.
3. Place the tool on the desired handle of the wireframe
box; the pointer should look like an arrow with a direc-
tional indicator.
4. Using the directional arrow cursor, drag the frame until
it is in the desired position.

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Zooming and Panning

PhotoFrame provides a number of easy ways to navigate and view
your effects in the preview area.

To Zoom In:
• Click the “+” button under the preview area.
Each click magnifies the image to the next percentage.
Tip Zooming occurs from the center of the image. When you
Macintosh Users: To momentarily reach maximum magnification, the “+” button greys out.
switch to the Hand tool, hold down — or —
the Spacebar.
Select the Zoom tool (magnifying glass), then click
To momentarily access the Zoom the area of the image you want to magnify.
tool when the Hand tool is active,
press Command (Zoom In) or Each click magnifies the image to the next percentage, and
Option (Zoom Out).
the magnified display is centered around the point you
Note:These commands work click. When you reach maximum magnification, the center
together: With any tool selected, of the Zoom tool appears empty.
press Spacebar to activate the
Hand tool, then also press — or —
Command or Option to access a
Zoom tool. • Press Command“+” (Macintosh) or Control+“+”
(Windows).
— or —
• Choose Edit > Zoom In from the menubar.

To Zoom Out:
• Click the “–” button under the preview area.
Each click reduces the image to the next percentage.
Tip Zooming occurs from the center of the image. When you
Windows Users: To momentarily reach maximum reduction, the “–” button greys out.
access the Zoom tool when the — or —
Hand tool is active, press Control
(Zoom In) or ALT (Zoom Out). Select the Zoom tool (magnifying glass). While press-
ing Option (Macintosh) or ALT (Windows), click the
area of the image you want to reduce.
Each click reduces the ima ge incrementally. When you
Tip reach maximum reduction, the center of the Zoom tool
To zoom to 100% (Actual Pixels) appears empty.
double-click the Zoom tool.
— or —
To Fit on Preview double-click the • Press Command+“–” (Macintosh) or Control+“–”
Hand tool.
(Windows).

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— or —
• Choose Edit > Zoom Out from the menubar.

To Pan (Scroll) in the preview area:

Select the Hand tool and drag the image until you
locate the area you wish to view.
— or —
• With any other tool selected (Macintosh only), press
Spacebar while you drag the image in the window.
— or —
• Use the Navigator pop-up window (see following page).

Fit on Preview
Fit on Preview adjusts the zoom percentage to the largest size that
can fit in the Preview area and still contain the entire image.
Actual Pixels returns the Preview to the actual pixel size prior to
invoking Fit on Preview.

To Fit the Image to the Preview area:

1. Select View > Fit on Preview.
Or press Command+0 (Macintosh) or Control+0
(Windows). Or double-click the Hand tool.

Actual Pixels
Acual Pixels displays the ima ge at its actual size, or 100 percent.

To Display the Image at 100%:

1. Select View > Actual Pixels.
Or press Command+Option+0 (Macintosh) or
Control+ALT+0 (Windows). Or double-click the Zoom
tool.

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Navigator Pop-up
This handy little navigator window “pops-out” from the upper-right
corner of the preview area, allowing you to instantly reposition your
image within the window. The navigator stays out of the way until
you need it, but is instantly available when you do.

To Use the Pop-up Navigator:

1. Click and hold the mouse over the Navigator button in
the upper-right corner of the Preview area.
2. Keep holding the mouse button down as you drag the
view box around the Navigator window.
3. When the image area you want to see appears in the
preview area, release the mouse to close the pop-up.

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Undo/Redo/Reset
There are several ways to use the multiple undo and redo feature:
you can use the Undo/Redo buttons, select Undo/Redo from the
Edit menu, or use keyboard shortcuts. Reset returns all settings to
the default condition but does not delete the loaded frames. This
allows you to start over in a known state.

To Undo a Command:
1. Click Undo as many times as needed to undo steps.
Or select Undo from the Edit menu. Or press Command+Z
(Macintosh) or Control+Z (Windows).
The Undo button and Undo menu options are grayed out if there
are no operations to undo.
To Redo a Command:
1. Click Redo as many times as needed to restore previous
undo(s).
Or select Redo from the Edit menu. Or press Command+Y
(Macintosh) or Control+Y (Windows).
The Redo button and Redo menu options are grayed out if there
are no operations to redo.
To Reset all Effects:
Important
1. Click Reset.
The Reset function allows you to
reset effect settings so you can All effect settings, undos, and redos for the current session
start over if you’ve convoluted the will be restored to factory defaults. The Preview image will
frame(s) too much to quickly undo be displayed with no effects other than the active frames.
and start over. Reset restores the
default settings for all loaded
frames, not just the selected Multiple Undos and RAM
frame. Reset does not remove any
currently loaded frames. The Undo/Redo feature allows you to experiment with effect
actions, revert back to earlier actions, then move forward to latter
actions to compare different effects, or to change your mind with-
out “losing” any work in the process.
The amount of RAM memory available to Photoshop will impact
how many times you can Undo and Redo effect actions. Naturally,
the more RAM the better, but even with Photoshop’s recommend-
ed RAM settings you’ll have access to dozens of levels of Undo.
Note: For best performance, Photoshop recommends that you do
not use virtual memory software when running Photoshop, but
rather allow Photoshop to manage memory. Refer to the Adobe
Photoshop User Guide for more information.
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Effect Options

Background
Other than rotating, resizing, and repositioning the frame, all
frame Background and Border effects are set using the options
available from the Background and Border control panels. These
options include Size/Width, Blur, Opacity, Blend Mode, and
Color.
Other options covered in this section include effect Settings and
Progress Indicators.

Border

The Background and Border Control Panels

A Background Tab: Contains options for

the background of the selected
frame. A B
B Border Tab: Contains options for the
border of the selected frame.
C Size/Width: Size sets the size of the
Background. Width sets the width of
the Border.
D Blur: Softens the edge. C
E Opacity: Determines the percentage
of the image that shows through the
frame. D
F Color Palette: Sets the Background
or Border color. Color picked with the E
Eyedropper is shown here.
G Blend Mode: Normal, Multiply, Screen,
Darken, Lighten, Difference. These
produce the same effect as when
applied directly in Photoshop, except
that the effect is applied only to the
frame. Note: If you want to use the
blend modes available in Photoshop,
return the frame to its own layer by G F
creating a new layer before opening
PhotoFrame (see page 33).

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Real-time Preview
The Real-time Preview feature allows different effects to be
applied and viewed as you change them. This means you get
immediate feedback in your preview as you adjust the parameters
of an effect. One of the most striking examples is in the Color
Palette. In a typical program, you would click-open the Color
Palette, choose a color, release the pop-up, then wait for the pre-
view to display the effect in that color. To try a different color, you
would have to go through the whole color-selection process again.
With PhotoFrame, you simply click-open the palette and drag the
mouse over the color chips. Each time you drag the mouse over a
different color chip, the preview updates immediately in real time.
For example, with Real-time Preview on, if you want to experi-
ment with Background coloring, press and hold the Color Palette
pop-up as you drag the mouse around—the Preview image imme-
diately shows the frame background in the color you chose, and
the color will change as you drag your mouse over the different
colors. Try turning Real-time Preview off and see the difference!
Note: You can also preview colors interactively by selecting the
Eyedropper and dragging it around the preview area.

To Turn Real-time Preview On or Off:

1. Choose Options > Real-time Preview.
A checkmark indicates that Real-time Previewing is On.

Preview Whether or not you have Real-time Previewing turned on, the
processing progress Preview image must be processed and redrawn when you change
an effect option. This redraw is tracked on the top half of the dual
progress bar located just underneath the preview area. The
Preview is not completely finished until the progress bar reaches
the end.

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Background Processing
In a typical Preview scenario, when you are finished with preview
mode and want to apply your changes to the image, more pro-
Background Processing cessing is required before the image window reappears. To speed
progress things up, PhotoFrame uses the idle time between your image
adjustments in the preview area to begin final processing. As soon
as you stop adjusting controls, final processing begins, and a
progress bar is displayed just below the preview area. If the
progress bar is complete (indicating that processing is complete)
when you Apply the effect, the image screen will appear much
more quickly when you return to Photoshop.

To Turn Background Processing On or Off:

1. Choose Options > Background Processing.
A checkmark indicates that Background Processing is On.

Selecting Background and Border Colors

The Color pop-up gives you interactive access to the current
Color Palette, the current Photoshop Foreground and Back-
ground colors, and the Color Picker. Color values are shown on
the bottom of the palette, reflecting both the current Color Mode
(RGB, CMYK, etc.) and the color values of the highlighted
color. Separate color palettes are provided for the frame Back-
ground and the Border.

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Note: In RGB mode, the Color pop-up displays all and only
“web-safe” colors. This does not mean that the final result color
will be web-safe, since colors may sometimes be blended and/or
faded to the background.

To Preview Colors interactively using the Color Pop-up:

1. Select either the Background or Border control panel.
2. Click and hold on the color indicator box.
3. Drag the cursor over the color swatches in the window
and observe the changes in the effect’s color.
4. When you see a color effect that you like, release the
mouse to select it.

Eyedropper: Provides interactive access to colors in the Preview area.

To Preview Colors interactively using the Eyedropper:
1. Select either the Background or Border control panel.
2. Select the Eyedropper tool.
3. Drag the Eyedropper around in the preview area and
observe the changes in the effects’color.
4. When you see a color effect that you like, release the
mouse to select it.

To Select a Color using the Eyedropper:

1. Select the Eyedropper tool.
2. In the preview area, click the Eyedropper on the color
you wish to select.
The selected color will appear in the color box.

Color Modes
The following color modes are available in PhotoFrame:
• RGB
• CMYK
• Multi-channel
• Grayscale
• Duotone
• Lab mode

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Effect Settings
When you open PhotoFrame, the frames and effects in place the
last time you applied changes will automatically be applied to the
new image. These settings appear on the Settings list as “Last
Used.” In addition to the Last Used setting, you can save and
name effect settings for later use .

To Save PhotoFrame Settings:

Tip 1. Once you’ve established the settings exactly as you want
You can apply the Last Used them, click the “Save” button.
frame effect without opening the
PhotoFrame plug-in. To do so, A dialog box is displa yed, allowing you to name and save
open your image in Photoshop, the effect settings.
then select PhotoFrame from the
top of the Filter menu (do not
2. Type a name for the Settings to be saved.
select Extensis >PhotoFrame). 3. Click “OK.”
Or press Command+F (Macintosh)
or Control+F (Windows). All active frames (eye icon to the left of the name) and any
settings applied to them will be saved. The name of the
Settings will appear in the pop-up menu in the bottom-left
corner of the dialog box.

To Use PhotoFrame Settings Previously Saved:

1. Open an image in Photoshop.
2. Open PhotoFrame.
3. Select the name of the saved effect from the Settings
pop-up menu in the bottom-left corner of the dialog box.
All frames and any settings applied to them when the
Settings was saved will be restored. Any frames loaded
prior to selecting the saved Settings will be deleted.
4. If desired, make any additional adjustments to the effect.
5. Click “Apply” to add the effect to your image.

To Delete PhotoFrame Settings Previously Saved:

1. With PhotoFrame open, locate the setting you want to
delete from the Settings pop-up menu in the bottom-left
corner of the dialog box.
4. Click “Delete.” You will be asked to confirm the deletion.
5. Click “OK.”

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View Composite Layers (Photoshop 4.0.x only)

With the View Composite Layer feature you can see all visible
layers—not just the layer you’re working on—inside the PhotoFrame
preview area. This allows you to see your frame effects in relation
to the rest of the image without having to flatten the layers.
To View Multiple Image Layers in PhotoFrame:
1. In Photoshop, verify that all the layers you want to see
in the image preview area have been made visible (eye
icon showing in the layers palette).
2. Select the image area that you wish to create an edge
effect for.
3. Select PhotoFrame from the Filter menu.
This opens the preview area dialog box. You should see all
the layers along with your image.
Tip 4. If you do not see the layers along with your image,
choose View > View Composite Layer.
You can toggle View Composite
Layer on and off by typing This enables the View Composite Layer function. (This
Command+L (Macintosh) or option is turned off by default when PhotoFrame is
Control+L (Windows). installed.) Or press Command+L (Macintosh) or Control+L
(Windows).
Note: If the image does not appear to preview correctly after
performing the steps above, see page 34.

Creating a Frame on Its Own Layer

When you Apply a frame effect in PhotoFrame, the effect is
applied directly to the image in Photoshop unless you create a
new layer for the effect before you open PhotoFrame.
To Create a Separate Layer for the Effect:
1. From Photoshop, open the Layers Palette (Select “Show
Layers” from the Window menu, or press F7).
2. Click the New Layer icon or select New > Layer from
the Layer menu.
If you wish to see the frame and image, be sure to enable
View Composite Layers (see “View Composite Layers”
above.) Refer to page 34 for additional information.
3. Open PhotoFrame and create your effect. When you
Apply the effect, it will applied to its own layer in
Photoshop.

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About Viewing Composite Layers

The “View Composite Layer” feature (requires Photoshop 4.0 or
later) allows you to see all of your visible Photoshop layers while
creating your effect, something no other plug-in has allowed you
to do. This is an extremely powerful feature, but current limita-
tions with the Photoshop Application Programming Interface pre-
vent it from working exactly as you might expect.
If you choose any layer other than the top-most layer as the target
for your effect, the PhotoFrame plug-in will display the selected
layer as the top layer in the preview area; the effect is applied to
this selected layer.
When PhotoFrame is opened and the preview area appears, you
would expect to see the image in the preview area exactly as it
appears in Photoshop—with all layers in the correct relationship.
In order for PhotoFrame to display any composite preview cor-
rectly in all cases, your selection layer must be the top layer. But
even if your selection is not the top layer, be assured that
PhotoFrame is not actually rearranging the layers in your image,
only the Preview. If you select the top layer before opening an
effect, the preview behaves normally.

Viewing Composite Layers with Transparent Background

If you target a layer other than the background layer, then set the
Background to transparent and the Border to zero, the preview
will not look correct even if View Composite Layer is enabled—
it will appear that there is no frame at all. However, when you
Apply the frame effect, you will see that it was applied properly.
If you wish to make the frame Background transparent and still
be able to view all the layers, set all other effect settings before
selecting Transparency. Select Transparency just before you are
ready to Apply the effect. This will allow you to see the back-
ground and the frame together as much as possible while you
create the desired effect.

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Using PhotoFrame

While you can quickly and easily add frames to images using
PhotoFrame (as described on pages 16 through 19), it is also a
powerful and versatile tool for other types of effects. The follow-
ing examples illustrate some of the ways you can use PhotoFrame
to create interesting edge effects as well as other types of effects.
We recommend that look through all the examples, even if the
particular effect being discussed doesn’t interest you. You’ll learn
a lot about how to use PhotoFrame, and you may even get some
ideas about how to create your favorite effects in much less time
than using Photoshop alone.

Special Effects Using Invert and Opacity

PhotoFrame allows you to instantly invert any frame to produce

different effects. For example, you might want to create a screen
over an image, then add text over the screen so that it “pops out”
and can be read easily. PhotoFrame makes this task much easier
than using Photoshop alone. Using PhotoFrame’s interactive con-
trols it is very easy to manipulate a frame to screen just a portion
of the photograph.
In the Frame Catalog provided with PhotoFrame there is a cate-
Original Photograph gory of frame files called “Vignettes." (To view the available
frames, double-click the Frame Catalog (Frame_Browser.fdb)
icon to open an electronic catalog in Extensis Portfolio, or refer to
the visual catalog starting on page 51). A vignette (a soft, fading-
edge image) is a commonly used effect in today's print and web
graphics.
Traditionally, using Photoshop alone, vignettes are created by
feathering. Feathering can be a cumbersome process because you
have to keep playing with the feather value until it looks right. If
you change your mind about the size of the selection area or
where it masks the image, you have to start all over. We have cre-
ated some classic vignette frames to make this task much easier
Invert Frame Effect Applied and more flexible. The following example uses a Vignette frame
along with Invert frame and modified background Opacity to cre-
ate the overlay effect shown in the sidebar.

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To Create a Special Effect using Invert Frame and Background

Opacity:
1. Load the frame file (for instructions on opening
PhotoFrame and loading frame files, refer to page 17).
For this example we used “vignette_02.frm”

When the frame is loaded into PhotoFrame, notice that the

outside edge of the photograph is masked, while the center
of the image is left untouched.
2. Invert the frame by clicking on the left side of the
Invert bar.

Invert Frame

By clicking on the Invert bar, the frame effect is reversed—

the middle of the image is masked and the outside edges
are revealed.

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3. Lower the Background opacity.

By default, the Background color is white at 100% opacity.
In our example, this completely hides the apples. By low-
ering the Background opacity, we can screen the mask
back, revealing the apple photograph beneath.
For this example, we set the opacity to 60%, leaving
enough contrast to see the photograph underneath, but still
providing good contrast for the text to be added later.

4. Scale and Position the Effect

Depending on the size of your photograph, you may want
to zoom the preview out a bit (see figure above). This
makes it easier to scale the frame and
position it in the preview area.
In our example we reduced the frame by
49 percent. Then we zoomed back in to
get a good look, and moved the effect off
the image partially. Because of
PhotoFrame's interactive controls, you
can experiment with the size and position
of the area of the photograph where the
screen effect or frame is applied.

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5. Finish and Apply Effect

Tip
When you've created and positioned the overlay effect just
If you want your screened frame the way you want it, click the Apply button. Add drop-
effect to be created on its own
layer, create a new layer before shadowed text to complete the effect.
opening the PhotoFrame plug-in.

Special Effects Using Multiple Frames

PhotoFrame allows you to use up to three frame files and com-

bine them in unlimited ways to create endless variations of new
frame effects. For example, you might want to add the effects of
one or more screens to create a rough effect along the edge of an
image, while adding a corrugated effect to the center. Using
PhotoFrame’s interactive controls it is very easy to manipulate
frames to achieve just the right combined effect.
The following example uses two frames along with rotation and
Original Photograph modifying the frame width to create the multiple effect shown in
the sidebar.

Multiple Frames Applied

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To Create a Special Effect using Multiple Frames:

1. Load two frame files (for instructions on opening
PhotoFrame and loading frame files, refer to page 17).
For this example we used “camera_03.frm” and “cor-
brush_08.frm”

An eye icon next to the name on the frame list indicates

that the frame is active and visible in the preview area.
Only frames with an eye icon present will be applied to the
image when you choose Apply. Changes to the Bac k-
ground and Border control panels affect the highlighted
frame (as long as it is also active (eye icon visible)).
2. Activate each frame individually.
When you load a frame it is automatically activated (eye
icon next to the name). Once the frames are loaded you
can activate or deactivate each frame individually by click-
ing the eye icon. This allows you to view or configure each
frame apart from the others.
You can then turn on all the frames to see the combined
effect. This feature allows you to really unleash your
c re at ive power to create many more effects than might
otherwise be possible, even with over 150 frames to
choose from!
Note: You can also use the multiple frames feature to
quickly compare different frame files by previewing them
on the image to see which one you prefer.

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Each figure below shows the image preview with a differ-

ent frame active “camera_03.frm” or “corbrush_08.frm.”

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3. Edit each frame individually.

You can change any or all parameters on each frame using
the Rotation controls, the Adjust tool, and the Background
and Border control panels. Refer to the “Tools” (page 20)
and “Effect Options” (page 28) sections of this User Guide
for information on tools and adjustments.

In our example we rotated the “corbrush_08.frm” frame by

45° and scaled it 35%. We scaled the “camera_03.frm”
frame by -7%. Notice the effect of these combined actions
in the figure above.
4. Experiment with stacking order and frame effects.
By repositioning the frames on the list you can create even
more effects. Play around with frame options, colors, and
stacking order, and watch the preview change accordingly.
Below are three images resulting from different manipula-
tions of two frames.

corbrush_08.frm camera_03.frm Both

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Creating Your Own Frame Files

Tip
With PhotoFrame, you can use almost any JPEG file, or even cre-
You can view and download frames
that other users have created—
ate your own! Here’s how:
and even share your own frame
file masterpieces if you wish—from
To Create a Your Own Frame file:
our Frame Gallery at the Extensis
website. Have a look at these and 1. Open Photoshop and create a New file.
other great frames at: For this example we chose a 5” x 6” image area, 300 dpi,
http://www.extensis.com/
products/PhotoFrame.html. grayscale, with a white background. This a typical size for
a frame file, though the larger the file, the larger the image
that can be framed. Small frame files do not work well on
large images. Be careful not to create too large a frame,
however.
2. Create your frame.
We selected the Airbrush tool, set the tool to Dissolve, and
played around until we had an edge effect we liked. This is
your chance to really be creative!
3. Save your frame as a JPEG file.
In our example we named our frame “MyFrame.jpg” and
indicated an image quality of 6. The quality setting is up to
you—the higher the number, the larger the JPEG file.
Maximum quality is 10.
4. Load your JPEG file into PhotoFrame just like any
other frame (for instructions on opening PhotoFrame
and loading frame files, refer to page 17).

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Special Effects using a Photograph as a Frame

After you’ve seen how easy it is to create special effects with

PhotoFrame, you might want to try using a photograph to create
some really interesting effects. In the example below, we’ll show
you how use PhotoFrame to superimpose an image on itself to
produce a sort of enhanced negative effect shown in the sidebar
(refer to the PhotoFrame User Guide PDF file on your Extensis
CD to view the color version of this effect).

To Create a Special Effect using a Photograph:

1. Open your image in Photoshop. For this example we
Original Photograph used “The Lion.”
2. From Photoshop select File > Save a Copy.
3. Save the copy as a JPEG file.
In our example we named our copy “Lion.jpg” and indicat-
ed an image quality of 6.
4. Load the JPEG copy as a frame file (for instructions on
opening PhotoFrame and loading frame files, refer to
page 17).

Photograph Overlaid as a Frame

5. Adjust the controls and options to achieve just the right
effect.
In our example we set the parameters as follows:
Background: Size=-25%, Color=White,
Blend Mode=Difference
Border: Width=35%, Color=Blue, Blend
Mode=Difference
We made the Border a little larger than the Background to
create a sort of “raised relief” effect. Using “Difference” as
the Blend Mode increased the contrast, adding to the over-
all effect.

43 43
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44
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Sample Gallery

The following will give you an idea of some of the many possible
ways to combine photo graphs and artwork with frame files. With
PhotoFrame and your imagination, the possibilities are endless!

+ =

texturerip_11.frm

+ =

brush_04.frm

+ =

tape_01.frm

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+ =

watercolor_08.frm

+ =

texturerip_11.frm

+ =

corbrush_08.frm

46
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+ =

widebrush_02.frm

+ =

woodblock_03.frm

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48
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Appendix A: Troubleshooting

1. Nothing changes in my image Preview when I make

changes using the effect tools or controls.
PhotoFrame allows you to disable real-time viewing. If you
don’t see any changes in your image as you apply different
effect parameters, check the “Options” menu in the menubar
to be sure that “Real Time Preview” is selected.

2. When I drag and drop items from the Portfolio Frame

Catalog (Frame.Browser.fdb) into PhotoFrame, nothing
happens.
This can happen if you copy the frame files from the
Extensis CD onto your hard drive, then attempt to drag and
drop files without updating the catalog browser. The catalog
displays only a thumbnail view of the image in the Browser.
If the Browser cannot find the original high resolution file
that was linked to the thumbnail, it won’t have a file for you
to drop into PhotoFrame. See page 13 for instructions on
updating the Frame Catalog.

3. The background (or other layer) doesn’t appear in the

preview area.
If you expected to see all the layers in your picture and didn’t
(and you’re using Photoshop 4.0 or later), check the “View”
menu in the menubar to be sure “View Composite Layer” has
been selected. Also verify that the layers you wish to view
have been selected for viewing in the Photoshop layers
palette. Refer to pages 33 and 34 for additional information
on the View Composite Layer feature.

4. When I open PhotoFrame (or select previously saved set-

tings from the Settings list) I get an “x” over the eye icon
and the message “Could Not Load Frame.”
This can happen if one or more frame files have been moved
since the last time a frame effect was applied (or since the
Settings were saved). You will need to open PhotoFrame and
reload the frame file (see pages 16 through 19).

5. When invoked with Command+F (Macintosh) or

Control+F (Windows), the PhotoFrame filter quits with-
out applying the affect.
This can happen if a frame file located on the desktop has
been moved. Open PhotoFrame and reload the frame.

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6. When I select a different blend mode, nothing seems to

happen.
The blend mode only blends the effect with the pixels in the
target layer.

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Appendix B: Catalog of Frames

This section displays a visual catalog of the frames found in the

Our Thanks! Portfolio Frame Catalog (Frame_Browser.fdb) and Frame
And congratulations go to Randy Volumes folder on the Extensis CD that shipped with your prod-
Kitt who designed and created the uct. To see a full-size preview of any frame file, double-click its
frames in this catalog. And to thumbnail in the Portfolio Catalog.
Robert Barnett who designed and
created the first group of user-cre- In addition to the frames in the Catalog, you can view and download
ated frames for our Frame Gallery.
You can visit Robert at his website: frames that other users have created—and even share your own frame
http://www.sonic.net/pcreview file masterpieces if you wish—in our Frame Gallery at the Extensis
website: http://www.extensis.com/products/PhotoFrame.html

Brush

brush_01.frm brush_02.frm brush_03.frm

brush_04.frm brush_05.frm brush_06.frm brush_07.frm

brush_08.frm brush_09.frm

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Camera Edge

camera_01.frm camera_02.frm camera_03.frm

camera_04.frm camera_05.frm camera_06.frm camera_07.frm

camera_08.frm camera_09.frm camera_10.frm camera_11.frm

camera_12.frm camera_13.frm camera_14.frm camera_16.frm

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*AppB 1/27/98 4:43 AM Page 53

camera_17.frm camera_18.frm camera_19.frm camera_20.frm

camera_21.frm camera_22.frm camera_23.frm camera_24.frm

camera_25.frm camera_26.frm camera_27.frm camera_28.frm

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Canvas

canvas_01.frm canvas_02.frm canvas_03.frm

Charcoal

canvas_04.frm canvas_05.frm canvas_06.frm

charcoal_01.frm charcoal_02.frm charcoal_03.frm charcoal_04.frm

charcoal_05.frm charcoal_06.frm charcoal_07.frm charcoal_08.frm

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*AppB 1/27/98 4:43 AM Page 55

charcoal_09.frm charcoal_10.frm charcoal_11.frm charcoal_12.frm

Corrugated
Brush

corbrush_01.frm corbrush_02.frm corbrush_03.frm

corbrush_04.frm corbrush_05.frm corbrush_06.frm corbrush_07.frm

corbrush_08.frm corbrush_09.frm corbrush_10.frm corbrush_11.frm

55
*AppB 1/27/98 4:43 AM Page 56

Corrugated
Stamp

corstamp_01.frm corstamp_02.frm corstamp_03.frm

corstamp_04.frm corstamp_05.frm

Pebble Board

pebblebrd_01.frm pebblebrd_02.frm pebblebrd_03.frm

pebblebrd_04.frm pebblebrd_05.frm pebblebrd_06.frm pebblebrd_07.frm

56
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Ripped

rip_01.frm rip_02.frm rip_03.frm

rip_04.frm rip_05.frm

Shapes

shape_01.frm shape_02.frm shape_03.frm

shape_04.frm shape_05.frm shape_06.frm shape_07.frm

57
*AppB 1/27/98 4:43 AM Page 58

shape_08.frm shape_09.frm shape_10.frm shape_11.frm

shape_12.frm shape_13.frm shape_14.frm shape_15.frm

shape_16.frm shape_17.frm shape_18.frm shape_19.frm

shape_20.frm shape_21.frm shape_22.frm shape_23.frm

58
*AppB 1/27/98 4:43 AM Page 59

shape_24.frm shape_25.frm shape_26.frm

Stucco

stucco_01.frm stucco_02.frm stucco_03.frm

stucco_04.frm stucco_05.frm stucco_06.frm stucco_07.frm

stucco_08.frm stucco_09.frm stucco_10.frm stucco_11.frm

59
*AppB 1/27/98 4:43 AM Page 60

stucco_12.frm stucco_13.frm stucco_14.frm stucco_15.frm

stucco_16.frm stucco_17.frm

Tape

tape_01.frm tape_02.frm tape_03.frm

tape_04.frm tape_05.frm

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Texture Rip

texturerip_01.frm texturerip_01.frm texturerip_03.frm

texturerip_04.frm texturerip_05.frm texturerip_06.frm texturerip_07.frm

texturerip_08.frm texturerip_09.frm texturerip_10.frm texturerip_11.frm

texturerip_12.frm texturerip_13.frm

61
*AppB 1/27/98 4:44 AM Page 62

Vignette

vignette_01.frm vignette_02.frm vignette_03.frm

vignette_04.frm vignette_05.frm vignette_06.frm vignette_07.frm

vignette_08.frm vignette_09.frm vignette_10.frm

Watercolor

watercolor_01.frm watercolor_02.frm watercolor_03.frm

62
*AppB 1/27/98 4:44 AM Page 63

watercolor_04.frm watercolor_05.frm watercolor_06.frm watercolor_07.frm

watercolor_08.frm watercolor_09.frm watercolor_10.frm

Wide Brush

widebrush_01.frm widebrush_02.frm widebrush_03.frm

widebrush_04.frm widebrush_05.frm

63
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Wild Brush

wildbrush_01.frm wildbrush_02.frm wildbrush_03.frm

wildbrush_04.frm wildbrush_05.frm

Wood Block

woodblock_01.frm woodblock_02.frm woodblock_03.frm

woodblock_04.frm woodblock_05.frm

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*Index 1/27/98 4:46 AM Page 65

Index

A Composite Layers 33-34

About Composite preview See “Composite Layers”
PhotoFrame 5, 7, 8, 9-10 Compatibility
Portfolio Frame Catalog 11-12 with other frame formats 7, 8, 9,
Active Frame Indicator 16 Contacting Extensis 2
Adding frames See also “Loading frames” Copying frame files from the CD 13-14
how to 16-19 Creating Your Own Frame Files 42
hotkeys 17 Creating a Frame on Its Own Layer 33
Adjust tool 15, 21, 22
Apply command D
defined 15
using 7, 10, 33, 38 Deleting frames 19
Actual Pixels command 25 Display at 100% command 25

B E
Background of frame Effect Options 28-34
defined 28 Examples
coloring 30 of framed images 7, 35, 38, 41-47
control panel 28 Eyedropper
adding effects to 20-23, 28-32, 37, 39 interactive 31
Background Processing 30 tool 15, 21, 31
Blend Mode
unexpected results with 52
Border of frame F
defined 28 Feature Summary 8
coloring 30 Find a frame
control panel 28 in the Portfolio catalog 11, 12
adding effects to 20-23, 28-32, 37, 39 in the visual catalog 51
from PhotoFrame 17, 18
Fit on Preview command 25
C Frame See also “Framing an image”
Cancel command Catalog 51-64
defined 15 Controls 15
using 10 Examples 35-43
Catalog of frames List 16
electronic Portfolio catalog 11-14 Menu 15
searching 11-12 Sample Gallery 45-47
updating 13-14 Selection dialog 16
using 11-12 order, changing 20
visual catalog 51-64 Preview, thumbnail 16, 17
Color Modes 31 Preview area 9, 15, 22
Color Palette 30-31 Tools 15
Colors
selecting 30-31
65
*Index 1/27/98 4:46 AM Page 66

Frame_Browser.fdb 11, 18, 51 N

Framing an image Navigating the Preview window 24-26
basic steps 9-10 Navigator pop-up
effect options 28-34 discussed 8, 26
frame tools 15, 20-27 using 26
selecting and loading frames 16-20 Navigator, Preview 26
resizing and repositioning 21-23
using the electronic catalog 11-12
Frame Volumes folder 11, 13, 18, 51 O
Opacity 28, 37
H Opening PhotoFrame 9, 17
Overview of PhotoFrame 7
Handles, wireframe
for resizing 21-23
for repositioning 21-23 P
Help Box 15
How to contact Extensis 2 Panning
how to 25
keyboard shortcuts 25
I PhotoFrame
basic steps 9-10
Image navigator 26 effects 28-34
Interactive wireframe 21, 21-23 feature summary 8
Invert frame 16, 20, 36 overview 7
tools 15, 20-27
Pop-up
L See “Color Palette,” “Navigator”
Last Used Setting 30 Portfolio Frame Catalog 11
Layers searching 11-12
creating 33 updating 13
viewing 33-34 using 11-13
unexpected results with 49 visual catalog 70-71
Loading frames Positioning frames 12-13
how to 16-19 Preview window 9, 15, 22
hotkeys 17 Progress bar
Background processing 30
Preview processing 29
M
Modes, color 50
Move tool 22, 23 R
Moving frame files 13-14 RAM Memory and multiple undos 27
Multiple layers See “Composite Layers” Real-time Preview 29
Multiple undos 8, 27 Redo 15, 27
Registration 6
Reordering frames 20
Replacing frames 19

66
*Index 1/27/98 4:46 AM Page 67

Reset 15, 27 V
Reshape and resize tool 15, 21, 22 View Composite Layers 33
Rotation controls 21, 22-23 about 34
command 33
with Transparent Background 34
S Virtual Memory discussed 27
Sample Gallery
of framed images 45-47
Save and reapply effects 32 W
Scroll Web addresses
how to 25 Extensis 2
keyboard shortcuts 25 Extensis Europe 2
Settings Extensis Frame Gallery 51
defaults 27 What is PhotoFrame? 7
for frames and effects 32 Window Navigator 26
saving 32 Wireframe
using 32 resizing and repositioning 21-23
deleting 32
resetting 27
Shape controls 15, 21, 22 Z
Software requirements 5
Special Effects 53, 54-56 Zoom
Support, Technical 6 how to 24-25
System Requirements 5 keyboard shortcuts 24

T
Technical Support, contacting 6
Transparent
layers discussed 42, 44, 51
Troubleshooting 49-50

U
Undo
a command, how to 15, 27
multiple 8, 27
Unexpected results See “Troubleshooting”
Updating the catalog 13

67
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68
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Registration

If you haven’t already registered, please complete the following regis-

tration information, then tear out this page and fax to (503) 274-0530
or drop it in the mail in the postage-paid envelope provided. Your prod-
uct registration number is located on the back cover of the manual.

■■■-■■■-■■■-■■■-■■■■■■

Name

Organization

Street Address

City State Country Zip/Postal Code

Daytime Phone Daytime Fax

e-mail

Platform (check all that apply)

■ Macintosh ■ Windows ■ Other _________________

Applications Used (check all that apply)

■ QuarkXPress ■ PageMaker ■ Photoshop ■ Illustrator ■ FreeHand

■ After Effects ■ Corel

69
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*~Reg/Sugg 1/27/98 4:48 AM Page 71

Suggestion

We’d like to know what you think we could do to make Extensis

PhotoFrame better. So if you have an idea for a new product feature, a
modification to an existing one, or anything else you can think of that
will help us make this product better—we’d like to hear from you.

To help make Extensis PhotoFrame better, please...

1. Print your name, address, and phone number below and sign your
name.
2. Describe your idea or comment.
3. Tear this page out and mail or fax this sheet to Extensis.

I understand that no compensation will be awarded for my suggestion.

My suggestion is…

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name

Street Address

City State Country Zip/Postal Code

Daytime Phone Daytime Fax

Thanks for your suggestions! Hopefully you’ll see your ideas in future
versions of this or other Extensis products.

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