Flash: Trace Bitmap Function

We have colored in line art in Photoshop and manually traced an image to create line art in Flash.  Today we will be learning the MODIFY > BITMAP > TRACE BITMAP function in Flash.  Basically what it does is convert a bitmap/raster graphic (i.e. a photograph) into a vector graphic automatically -- or at least with very little effort.

Typically I begin by either importing the graphic to my stage or pasting the graphic onto my stage.  Then I go to Modify > Document and change the Document Properties to match the Contents.  All that does is makes my "stage" the same size as the picture on the stage.

I also give it a Title (and sometimes a description) at this point as well.  You will also notice the Frame rate -- which is something we will be using later when we get to animation.

Next I go to the Modify > Bitmap > Trace Bitmap menu so I can trace my image.  Here I can adjust the color threshold (smaller numbers are more detailed) and the minimum area (again, smaller numbers give higher detail).  You can also adjust your Curve fit or the Corner threshold to smooth the graphics out.

I used various settings on this example image to get more or less detail and to smooth out what I have.

In the Eagle example I traced the outline by hand with a black paintbrush, but did a "Modify > Bitmap > Trace Bitmap" to pull out some feather details.  I also added in some of my own details (using the paintbrush) to make it appear more hand drawn.

Finally I traced a flag using the Trace Bitmap option and placed it behind the Eagle.

Because this project can be done in a number of seconds, what I want you to do is create several different images using different settings and then choose two good example to upload to your portfolio.

Photoshop: Line Art Coloring

Coloring a line art image is basic on the surface, but to really get a quality result [and something you can get creative with] you should begin by separating the black lines from the white page.  Here are some steps to help you through this project:

Step 1: Begin by finding a good example of a line art image.  You can specify in your Google Search that you want large, line art images -- try this search for an example.

Step 2: Do a SELECT > COLOR RANGE and then click on the white area of your picture.  Drag the "fuzziness" up a bit to catch any straggler pixels.

Step 3: Press DELETE and also delete the background layer.  You should see a line art image with a checkered [transparent] background.

Step 4: Create a new layer and drag it beneath the Line Art layer.  Use the paintbrush to put down a good "foundation coat" which you can do without worrying about the lines.

Step 5: Click on the Line Art layer, select the Magic Wand tool, and click on the empty background area.  This should select everything around the object you are coloring.  Now click back on the "foundation coat" layer and press DELETE.  This should clean up the edges of your object (see above).

Step 6: Use your DODGE tool (looks sort of like a round push pin) and a small brush to add some highlights to areas where you would expect to see them.  In this example I assumed the light was coming from the top-left so I added highlights to the top of the dome, the top of the instruments, and along the tops of other ridges.

Step 7: Use the BURN tool (looks like a pinching hand) and a small brush to add "shadows".  I added shadows on the underside of instruments, under the lips of overhangs, under the extending spheres, etc.

Step 8: If you have spherical/rounded objects (such as the circles on the bottom of the Dalek), go to the Line Art layer and select the object(s).  If you have multiple objects (above) hold shift and select all of them.  Then I like to expand the selection a little by going to SELECT > MODIFY > EXPAND and then 1 pixel.  This will allow the new layer to slightly expand beyond the "holes you're putting them in.

Step 9: Create a new layer and use the paintbrush to paint into your selections.  We will add a bevel to these new pieces in the next step.

Step 10: Go to LAYER > LAYER STYLE > BEVEL & EMBOSS and adjust the settings until you get the roundness you want.

Step 11: Add details, textures, colors, etc.

Step 12: You can also add a background and a foreground if you choose.

Here are a couple more examples: