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Types of Design Elements

In PhotoFrame 4.6 there are several types of design elements that you can mix and match together to create the perfect finishing touch for your images. To learn how to find and use the different types of design elements watch the Design Elements video tutorial.

Frames: If you have used previous versions of PhotoFrame you are familar with the concept of frames. These are edge or border treatments. Frames can look like traditional photographic film edges from different types of film or darkroom techniques as well as torn paper, brushed emulsion, etc. The range of frames in PhotoFrame is astounding. Frames are generally applied to modify the edges of an image or an image layer

Backgrounds: Backgrounds are new to PhotoFrame 4.6. Backgrounds are complete images that can be placed on an empty layer under your image(s). Backgrounds are the often the base layer used when creating layouts. The backgrounds in PhotoFrame 4.6 can be details of natural or man made materials such as brick walls or rusted metal; or composite backgrounds created by onOne that blend several elements together. Backgrounds can also be used as texture overlays if they are added on top of an image and their opacity and blending modes are altered.

Textures: The idea of textures has been changed significantly in PhotoFrame 4.6. In previous versions of PhotoFrame textures where applied only to frames, limiting their usefullness. In PhotoFrame 4.6 textures work just like frames or other elements. They can be applied on top of an image to alter the surface of the image. Changing the background color will control the color of the texture. It is often best to alter the opacity and blending mode of textures to make them blend realistically into your image. The soft-light blending mode is a great place to start. The textures in PhotoFrame 4.6 can simulate different artistic mediums like watercolor paper and canvas as well as scratched film and even text overlays. A good tip to remember when adding a texture is to use the apply each frame to a new layer option in the Options Palette. This will add a mask to the layers so you can easily paint the texture off your subject.

Adornments: Adornments are also new to PhotoFrame 4.6. Adornments are graphically interesting illustration style elements that can be used as textures to break up an image edge or background. Adornments can also be "holders" such as tape, photo corners or thumbtacks that can be used to "hold" an image or element to the background.

Layouts: Layouts combine all of the design element types into complete layouts that can be applied just like a frame. Layouts feature a composite background with a frame and adorments floating on top of it. You can create your own layouts in PhotoFrame by combining multiple elements. These layouts can give you an idea of what's possible as well as give you a quick way to get started with PhotoFrame.