Using Circle Frames

[brandiels]

I am new to all of this: the site and digital scrapbooking - so my question is probably very elementary. I have a rectangular picture that I want to put in a circle frame on top of several other layers. Can someone please tell me how to do this? I tried to glue the picture and the frame, but the circle frame then became the picture! I am using CS4. Any help?

[Aino]

If I am not using a template (where the shapes are ready and you can clip your photo to it) -

then I will use the ellipse tool and draw out a circle, have the photo layer above the circle and clip it to the circle by using f.ex Ctrl+ALt (Windows - I don't know Mac commands). When you are in the photo layer you can easily change the position of the photo, change it's size etc.

I am really BAD at explaining anything really, so I hope Cassie will get to my rescue and explain it a little better!

Actually, if you are new to digiscrapping, you should just go ahead and buy Cassie's tutorials - you will learn LOADS and LOADS from them....

[1gr8muggle]

Aino's right. Use the marquee tool or shape tool and create a placeholder for the photo. This will let you put your photo in the frame without "cutting" it, just in case you want to resize/recrop/reposition the photo later.

1. Select the Elliptical Shape tool. Type the "U" key to activate the shape tool, then click & hold the icon in the Tools palette to see a flyout menu of all the available shapes. Select the ellipse.
2. Hold the Shift key as you click-drag to create a circle slightly larger than the opening of the frame (the Shift key keeps it a perfect circle).
3. Place your photo layer above this new shape layer. (the frame layer should be above the photo layer, and the photo layer should be above the shape layer).
4. Type Cmd/Ctrl + G to clip the photo to the shape (Opt/Alt + Cmd/Ctrl + G for PS users).



If you need to reposition the shape layer, select the Move tool (V) and click+drag it into place.

If you need to resize the circle, just target the shape layer and type Cmd/Ctrl-T to activate the Free Transform controls.

If you need to reposition the circle as you're drawing it, hold the Space bar to move it then release the Space Bar to keeping drawing.

When you're done, select the photo and shape layers in the Layers palette by holding the Cmd/Ctrl key as you click each one, then click the chain link icon to link them together. You might as well also select the frame layer and link all three. That allows you to move them all together.

I hope this helps!

[brandiels]

You know, I could have saved myself A LOT of time and energy had I not been so embarrassed to post a basic question. Thank you so much. IT WORKED! YAY!

[digigrandma]

Thought I'd just say hello and welcome to DD, brandiels. I'm glad you discovered that this is a great place to post your questions. There are so many knowledgeable people who hang out here and are perfectly willing to help everyone else.

Stick around, we'd like to get to know you! And, keep posting questions. We all learn from the answers!