How to customize a digital collage sheet?

[KSue]

I am very very new to this. I would like to make digital collage sheets of 1"x1" squares, 1" circles, 1 1/2" circles, and 3/4"x1 1/2" rectangles. The shapes need to be spaced apart, and I need to import an image into each shape. I am doing this to customize images for my son's augmentative communication device because he is non verbal. Are there pre made grids to do this with? I would greatly appreciate the explanation of how to do this with this program if it is possible. Keeping my fingers crossed!

[Sarkut]

The Grid Maker plugin could be used to make a template

to help align the images.

Grid Maker - Part of the MadJik Plugin Pack

Edited April 29, 2010 by Sarkut

[KSue]

Thank you so much. I did download and play around with the grid....lots of fun! I think I have the hang of that. Is there a tutorial that would explain how to cut, paste, and resize the image into the grid? Sorry, I played around with that, actually did it but have no idea how I am just that new. This has been the answer I have needed forever! It will be so wonderful to customize the communication device.

[Sarkut]

KSue,

If you open Paint.NET with the grid template as background,

then the other images can be brought in, each on its layer.

In the top menu:

Layers > Import from File...

The images will import already selected, and with the

Move Selected Pixels tool active, automatically.

Use the Move Selected Pixels tool on a corner adjustment

node with the Shift key held down to resize the images.

Use the same tool away from any adjustment nodes

to reposition the images.

If the images are much larger than their finished

size will be, you may want to make resized copies of

them individually before importing them into the project.

Image > Resize

Edited April 29, 2010 by Sarkut

[KSue]

KSue,

If you open Paint.NET with the grid template as background,

then the other images can be brought in, each on its layer.

In the top menu:

Layers > Import from File...

The images will import already selected, and with the

Move Selected Pixels tool active, automatically.

Use the Move Selected Pixels tool on a corner adjustment

node with the Shift key held down to resize the images.

Use the same tool away from any adjustment nodes

to reposition the images.

If the images are much larger than their finished

size will be, you may want to make resized copies of

them individually before importing them into the project.

Image > Resize

Thank you for taking the time to provide those instructions. I have already done some pages with circles. I'm on a roll! Thanks again.

[KSue]

Using the vertical/horizontal grid (matching) how do I get the exact size I need? ie-1 1/2" circle would be what number on the grid. I have used the inches above to 1 1/2" for a circle, and when printed it was just under 2". Same issue with squares and rectangles. Not sure how to get the exact size I need. Thank you so much.

[Sarkut]

This is something that can require some

trial and error tweaking to get the desired print.

Typically it is helpful to use Simon Brown's

Printer+ plugin, which allows for more control

in setting margins, etc.

Plugin Pack

Sometimes some resizing before printing may be needed,

and/or expanding/reducing canvas size.

How far off is the printout, currently, from what you want?

Edited April 29, 2010 by Sarkut

[KSue]

This is something that can require some

trial and error tweaking to get the desired print.

Typically it is helpful to use Simon Brown's

Printer+ plugin, which allows for more control

in setting margins, etc.

Plugin Pack

Sometimes some resizing before printing may be needed,

and/or expanding/reducing canvas size.

How far off is the printout, currently, from what you want?

The print is off by about 1/2". You are correct, it just takes some tweaking to get the exact size you want, and then remember those settings. For what I'm using it for it really isn't a problem. Thanks again for all of your help!

[Christina]

Hi, Can you please tell me how to get the grid template as my background?

I downloaded the plugin pack but do not know where to go from here...

Thanks!

Christina

[Sarkut]

Here are installation instructions for plugins:

http://www.getpaint.net/doc/latest/InstallPlugins.html

Once installed, the plugin effect can be found thru the Paint.NET menu -

Effects > Render > Grid/Checkerboard Maker ...

Edited December 3, 2010 by Sarkut

[Christina]

Thank you for the reply.. I am not sure if I am doing this right or not.. My pics are coming out very blurry and not good.. I will play around with it more first before I give up.. Thanks for your help!

Christina

[pdnnoob]

Thank you for the reply.. I am not sure if I am doing this right or not.. My pics are coming out very blurry and not good.. I will play around with it more first before I give up.. Thanks for your help!Christina

your problem is related to dots per inch. Your image is probably small, so when it gets increased in size, it gets blurry.

[Leigh56]

Hi

Will these directions work for making a printable collage sheet? I understand about ppi/dpi. I have version 3.5

 

Any help on this is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Ego Eram Reputo]

@Leigh56 - This thread is four years old. It no longer current. If you wish to raise this as a topic, please just start a new thread.

You should also update your version of paint.net to the latest one. It's free. I urge to to do this because there is no support for earlier versions.

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