The Photopia Blog
Tips, tutorials & inspiration for making slideshows
March 11, By Photopia
Frames
Frames are the newest addition to Layer Effects in both Photopia Director and Creator. This feature allows you to add a frame to any image, adjust the image behind the frame, and animate both elements together as you would with Groups.
You can watch the video or read the transcript below it.
To add a frame to an image, select the image in the Layers List and click on the Add Layer Frame icon.
The Select Frame window will display several Frame options included with Photopia, or you can upload your own frames. Many frames come with variants for different image orientations, automatically showing the variant that matches the selected layer. Some frames even include an option for captions. After selecting a frame, click Apply.
If the frame has a caption option, you will enter your text in the next window. Once the frame is applied, you can adjust the text’s font, color, and size.
Next, reposition your image inside the frame by selecting the image layer and use your mouse wheel to resize and position it behind the frame.
The frame, image, and text can be animated as a single unit. Select the frame layer and animate its keyframes the same way you would with a group.
To choose a different frame, go to the Frame options in the Layer Settings tab and click on Select, or right-click on the frame and choose Select Frame.
To import your own frame, click Import. Ensure that the frames are transparent on the inside. JPEG files do not support transparency, so using PNG or TIF images is recommended for frames. After importing your frame, you’ll be given an opportunity to name it.
To add text to your custom frame, go to the Text tab and select Enable Text on Frame, then adjust your text settings accordingly. Reposition your text in the left window and you’ll find all of the format options by scrolling down.
To ensure your frame recognizes image orientation variants, you must create and assign these variants in the Variants tab. Click Add Variant to create a new variant option.
For example, you can rotate your frame in the Settings tab to create a portrait variant from a frame that was originally landscape. Ensure that only the appropriate orientations are checked in each variant’s Supported Image Aspect Ratios list. If you have added a Text Layer, be sure to go back to the Text tab and adjust its settings to fit your new Frame orientation.
Each variant should only be matched with image orientations that are compatible. If a variant does not work with a specific image aspect ratio, be sure to uncheck it.
To edit a custom frame after saving it, select it in the Select Frame window and click Edit. The Edit and Delete options are unavailable for internal frames.
Photopia will automatically identify which areas of your frame will show your image (marked in blue) and which areas will be blocked out (marked in green), similar to a mask. The automatic settings work well for most simple frames. However, if your frame is more complex—such as having multiple areas where the image shows through—you may need to create a custom mask using an external photo editing program.
To create a custom mask, fill the areas you want to be hidden with green. Keep the areas where you want to see your image transparent. Save your custom mask as a PNG or TIF file. To import a custom mask, go to the Settings tab, select Custom Mask File for the Masking Mode, and then import your custom mask.
Frames can have more than one image or caption layer inside them, the same way a group can. To add an additional layer under your frame, drag the arrow on the left side of the layers list down.
We hope you enjoy the new Frames Feature that lets you add stylish frames to your images and animate them.
