Sigtag

PI Version: X3 (you can use earlier, and newer versions too)
Level: Intermediate
Featured tools: Text Tool, Transform Tool, Crop Tool, Zoom Tool and Eraser Tool
Additional filters: Filter Factory Gallery E and Alf's Border FX
Additional files: Tube - You can choose any tube you want. I used a tube from Jecajo, which can be found on the PSP Tube Depot homepage. Just remember to read the TOU for every artist.
Additional material: here

Tutorial: Copyright © Inge Klement

DESCRIPTION: Make an easy and stylish Sig Tag with PI and different filters.

Remember to save often!

	Open a New Image: Canvas color: White and Size: 400x400 Pixels. Effect/Filter Factory Gallery E (red arrow)/Web (white arrow) and use these settings (1): 128/69/121. Your screenshot might look different, since I'm using Filters Unlimited 2 - but the settings are the same anyway. Click Apply. Effect/Alf's Border FX/Gear and use these settings: 53/255/255/255/164/38.

	Go to Selection/Color Range, use the Eyedropper (red arrow) and choose the white background (red ring) in the left preview window. I've set the Similarity to 30 (white arrow). Click OK, right click/Invert and go to Edit/Fill/Color and choose a color that fits your tube. For this example I used 127/134/99. Selection/None. Adjust/Expand Canvas/Expand sides equally: 30 Pixels, Color: White.

	Activate your tube (1), copy (Ctrl+C) the tube, activate the main picture (2) and paste (Ctrl+V) the copy on it. Right click/Properties/Position & Size (3)/and go to Size. Check that you have ticked the box Keep aspect ratio (red arrow) and change the Height to 280 (white hand). Now we can change the position of the tube: Left: 13 and Top: 175 (white arrows). Click OK and use the Transform Tool to rotate the tube 5 degrees to the left - counterclockwise (4). Deselect the tube.
In case you need to freshen up your memory on how to save a mask into the EP - you can take a look at one of my other tutorials, where I explain a little bit more about how to use a mask in PI. You'll find the tut here.
	Open your Easy Palette/Object Libraries (red arrow) and find the mask you've downloaded. (If you want to use another mask be aware that the mask must be black inside, and the border around should be white!) Double-click the mask (1).

	Choose the Transform Tool, deactivate the button Keep aspect ratio (red arrow), click the Selection button (white arrow) and resize the mask as you can see on the screen- shot. Change the background color (white hand) to a color you want your mask to be. (For this example I used the color of my homepage). Click the Delete button on your keyboard, and your mask will be filled with the chosen background color. (Alternatively - go to Edit/Fill/Color and fill the mask with the color of you choice!) Deselect the mask.

	Activate the tube, right click/Shadow and use these settings: Black + 4.altern (red arrow) + 2/2/50/100/10. Click OK. Add a name as you wish, Merge All and your sig tag is finished!
Here's the result in the original size :))


That's it! A stylish, but still very easy Sig Tag ... made with PI and different filters. HAVE FUN!!!
If you need any help with this tutorial - or want to make suggestions to improve it - please email me!