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In this tutorial, I'll show you how to use PaintShop(R) Pro X5 to create a photo collage...
...that will fit as your Facebook Timeline cover.
The techniques can be used for any collage project,
...whether you're creating something for the Web or print.
I'll use layers,
...and apply photo effects, a picture frame, text, and other embellishments.
You can place any size photo for your Timeline cover...
...and adjust to what you want to show.
But, let's start with that size in mind.
...so everything you want in your photo will be visible in the Timeline cover.
Let's get started.
We'll start with a blank canvas, so we'll be able to set the exact size we need.
Start by going to File > New.
The dimensions of a Facebook Timeline cover are 851 by 315 pixels.
I'm also going to set the background to be transparent.
I have a folder open of photos and objects I've collected.
There are several ways to transfer images from one file to another.
Let me open the background image I want to use first.
I have two tabs at the top that represent my two open files:
... the new file...
...and this background image.
You can select, copy, and paste the background into the new file...
...or you can try this:
Grab the layer of the one you want to move...
...and hover it over the tab of the one you want to add it to.
That tab will then come to the front.
Then simply drop the image onto it.
This image is so big in comparsion to the background, I can't see the outer edges.
To fix this, I'll zoom out until I can see the outer edges...
I'll resize it to fit better.
... and zoom back in.
I'll let it overhang somewhat.
...but only what is on the canvas will be visible.
Another method is to resize the image first.
Use Image > Resize.
Another method is to use the scale tools in the Tool Options palette.
Next, I'll turn off Tabbed Documents so I can see multiple windows at the same time.
Again, I can select the photo and copy and paste.
Or, even easier, just drag the layer to the new window.
As I place each new photo, PaintShop Pro places each on a new layer in the Layers palette.
I can rearrange each object without affecting anything else.
This is a good time to save our file into the PaintShop Pro format.
The .pspimage format will retain all my layers as editable.
Let's add a picture frame to one of these photos.
Go to Image > Picture Frame.
I'll choose Daguerreotype and make sure I apply this only to the objects on this layer.
On the bottom photo layer, I'll add a photo effect.
Go to Effects > Photo Effects > Black and White Film.
I'll start by using a color filter.
This mimics using a color filter with black-and-white film.
I’ll settle on an orange filter,
...and set the Brightness to around mid 40s and Clarity to the low 20s.
I'll even rotate it a little bit.
For the third photo, let's apply a Retro Lab effect.
Located under Effects > Photo Effects > Retro Lab.
I'll select a preset from one of the many available.
Other effects can be applied through Layer Styles.
How about adding a small drop shadow?
I can set the shadow using the joystick or by using precise measurements.
Since I would like to apply the same shadow to the other photos...
... I'll save this one as a preset.
I now want to add the Statue of Liberty, but just the statue, not the sky.
For this, I'll use the Background Eraser tool.
I click the nub in the middle on the area I want to delete,
...but make sure the circle overlaps the area I want to keep.
The circle can be interactively adjusted using the Alt key.
If you need additional assitance, remember to refer to the Learning Center.
I'll move it over to the main image,
...place it just above the background layer,
...and move it over to the left.
To add an additional effect on the statue, I'll use the Blend effects.
These effects show various results from blending the current layer with the one underneath it.
Next are the suitcases.
Let’s try a different method of deleting the white background.
Follow along as I use the Magic Wand and the Layers palette.
I’ll need to select both portions of the white background to delete it.
To do this, I can either hold the Shift key and click, or choose the Add mode.
Then simply click the portions I want to delete.
You can’t delete anything from the background layer.
So I will first lift my selection off the background...
...with this layer command: Promote Background Layer.
And then, hit the Delete key.
I'll leave the lower left portion of my image rather empty...
...to make room for the Facebook profile photo.
Next, I’ll add some custom brush strokes.
I found these free brushes online.
They happen to be made for PhotoShop,
...but I can easily import and use them in PaintShop Pro.
I’ll create a new layer.
and use the Paint Brush tool to place a few of these around my image.
To choose another brush, simply double-click it in the brush list.
I’ll set one to rotate around 340 degrees.
I’ll even change the color of the wavy lines.
I’ll use the Alt key again to scale down the one for the suitcases.
Lastly, I’ll add a bit of text.
Let's not forget to keep saving in the PaintShop Pro file format.
All I have to do now is place it into Facebook,
...which I'll do now by saving it as a JPEG.
This will merge all of our layers down to one.
A JPEG can be saved using File > Save As or, File > Export > JPEG Optimizer.
Since Facebook optimizes the JPEG anyway, I'll just do a Save As.
If you need more information, check out the PaintShop Pro Help files,
...or explore the Corel Guide for additional resources and tutorials.
