PI: 1.0 HOWTO: Cutouts Using Smart Task Edge Finder (156480)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Picture It! 1.0
This article was previously published under Q156480

SUMMARY

Making a cutout in Picture It! is like cutting an object out of a photograph with scissors. Once you make a cutout you can color it and add it to other pictures.

Making cutouts is demonstrated on screens 5-7 of the online Introduction. To run the Introduction, click Introduction to Picture It! from the Help menu.

The best way to make a cutout is through a combination of clicking, dragging, and using the Smart Task Edge Finder. Zooming in helps you to see edge detail. Once your rough outline encircles the object, you can adjust it to match the edges perfectly.

MORE INFORMATION

To create a cutout in Picture It! do the following:
  1. Bring a picture into Picture It! using Get It!. Notice there is just one image on the image stack on the right of the window.
  2. Click Prepare It!, and click Make Cutout and then click Cut Out By Tracing.

    NOTE: The Smart Task Edge Finder (STEF) check box is on by default. You may have to scroll down in the instruction box on the left to see it. Look for the big pink arrow. See the tip below for more ideas on how to use the STEF.
  3. Click points around the edge of the object. As you click, a line will connect the points. Turn the STEF on and off as needed to get the best fit. Trace by dragging as needed.
  4. Once the line extends completely around the object, click the green flag. Your pointer changes to a hand.
  5. Drag the selection line until it matches the edge of the object; zoom in if you need to see detail. Click the yellow flag when the selection line matches the edges of the object.
  6. If you want to add to or remove objects from your cutout, click Add To Cutout, or Remove From Cutout, in the instruction box on the left and repeat steps 4-7 above.
  7. Click Done.
Notice that the cutout has been added to the image stack on the right.

TIP: The Smart Task Edge Finder is the key to quick cutouts, but you don't always want it on. Turn it on when you're tracing a curving edge on a contrasting background. Turn it off when you want to follow a straight line such as the outer edges of a picture. You'll want to turn the STEF on and off as the edge you're tracing changes. If there isn't enough contrast in the picture to allow the STEF to find the edge accurately it may be best to trace by dragging.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:3/25/2001
Keywords:KB156480
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.