PhotoImpact 12 has several preset work modes. For this tutorial, we will be using the Full Edit mode so all of the tools in PhotoImpact will be available to you.

As you work, use your mouse to drag this along with you to mark your place.

LET'S GET STARTED

1. Open the image you want to use for your muted tile. Resize to about 150x150 if using as a background tile. Make sure it is RGB 24bit color.

2. Draw a 2d rectangle large enough to completely cover your tile.

3. Right-click\Properties. When the properties menu displays, adjust the transparency of the white rectangle to your liking. The higher the transparency percent, the more muted the tile becomes.

   To see what it will look like as a background, click File\Preview In Browser\As Tiled Background. The transparency for this example was set to 50%.

   Before Muting

   After Muting

4. When you are happy with the results, right-click\Merge All, then click Web\Image Optimizer and save as either a .gif or .jpg (your choice).

MAKING THE TILE SEAMLESS

You can make your tile seamless by doing the following:

1. Use the standard selection tool to select a square area within your tile.

2. Click Web\Create Seamless Tile...

3. The Merge Size and Merge Ratio indicate how much of the image will wrap around and blend. This will vary depending on your tile. Click the Preview to see how the image will appear when tiled.

When you're happy with your seamless tile, click Ok, then save your tile to your hard drive.

You're invited to join the PIRC Fourm! This is an active PhotoImpact Forum where you'll find a wonderful group of warm, friendly, talented, and knowledgeable people who are ready and willing to share their expertise with you. There are creative activities for all levels of PhotoImpact users. This forum is 100% free and everyone is welcome.