Stretch Tiled Background
Disclaimer: Any resemblance to other tutorial are due to the original tutorial I found in 2001 has disappeared. I have done this from memory of the first background I did at that time. If you know who originally developed this idea, or if it belongs to you please email me at moommist@moommist.us
Now on with the tutorial.
Here is what you will need for this background:
  • PSP version 5, 6 or 7, (if you are using 8, adapt as best you can.) If you don't have Paint Shop Pro, you can download a 30 day free trial at Jasc . com
  • FM Tile Tools Seamless also a free version at FM Tile Tool.com
  • Any image of your choice. You can click on this, save it on your computer in a folder where you can find it.
    • 1. Open your image in psp, Shift +D and close the original. You may make the image small by 80%, and I suggest that if you do, you should go to Effects > Sharpen each time you reduce an image by 20% or more. In fact, I also sharpen whenever I use the deformation tool as well.
    2. Open a new image 1024 x 413, transparent background.
    3. With your flower image background layer activated, click on the layer and drag the image to the larger palette. See below.


    Your image should be in the center of the larger palette at this point.


    4. This step is up to you.. I move my image over to the left side first, because when I paste my next layer, I want to be able to see it clearly.
    Go to your selection tool > rectangle and choose a small portion of the image from top 0 to bottom 413 and make it only about 15 to 20 px wide.
    5. Copy the selection and:


    6 Paste as a new layer.


    7. Now the fun begins... if you ever wanted to be a mean person... and stretch someones neck :o) here is your change... take your frustrations out on this little tiny piece of picture. Get your deformation tool and stretch this little baby all the way across the 1024 px palette. Make sure that you that you add a bit of stretch to the top and bottom... Wasn't that fun :o)


    8. Click Apply and move the layer down between layer 1 and layer 2. So that your flower left image is on top and visible.


    9. Now you will be using your retouch tool see settings below. This will probably take the most time, or if you are proficient you might use a mask which is a tutorial for later.


    This is what your background should look like now!


    10. Home stretch -- no pun intended. To give it a more seamless effect we are going to use FM Tile Tools Plug-in. So go to Effects > Plug-In Filters > FM Tile Tools > Seamless.


    11. Use these settings.


    Merge All (Flatten) and Save as a .jpg. You are finished...
    Enjoy your new background. If you do not have PSP set to automatic save, I would suggest that you do it. I have mine set at 5 minutes and sometimes that can be a bit annoying, but well worth the wait.


    Tutorials Home Shopping