How to Get Professional Graphics for Free - Unbelievable Trick!

MARC A.M
22 Mar 202307:53

TLDRIn this informative video, the host guides viewers on how to transform their photos into single-color vector images suitable for laser engraving, using free software like Inkscape and an online version of Photoshop called Photope. The process begins with finding a suitable image, preferably without a background, which can be easily achieved using Photoroom.com. The selected image is then imported into Photoshop, where a series of filters and adjustments are applied to achieve an oil-painted effect, followed by poster edges and color adjustments to finalize the vector-like appearance. The host emphasizes the ease of the process, noting that after a few attempts, users will be able to quickly manipulate settings to get their desired image. The video concludes with merging layers and using Inkscape's trace bitmap feature to complete the conversion, offering a valuable trick for those looking to create professional graphics at no cost.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 Use Inkscape, a free program, to convert photos into single-color vector images suitable for laser engraving.
  • 🖼️ Photoshop can also be used, and for those without it, an online version called Photopea.com is available.
  • 🔍 For removing image backgrounds, use Photoroom.com for a quick and automatic process.
  • 📏 Adjust image size and resolution in Photoshop for better quality, aiming for a resolution of 150 pixels/inch.
  • 🖱️ Select the image in Photoshop by holding Ctrl and clicking on the image to create a layer mask.
  • 🖌️ Apply the Oil Paint filter to give the image a painted effect, adjusting settings to avoid distorting details like eyes.
  • 📐 Use the Poster Edges filter to sharpen lines and create a more defined, graphic look.
  • 🧵 Experiment with the Surface filter to add a cartoon-like effect to the image.
  • 🔍 Apply the Unsharp Mask to make the image pop and enhance the details.
  • 🎨 Adjust Hue/Saturation to turn the image into black and white, then play with lightness for the right contrast.
  • 🌈 Use Levels to fine-tune the image's color balance and Posterize to reduce the color variations.
  • 🖋️ Add a new layer and use overlay blending with a brush to manually adjust dark and light areas for perfection.
  • ✅ Merge all layers and use Inkscape's Trace Bitmap feature to finalize the vector conversion.

Q & A

  • What is the purpose of the video?

    -The purpose of the video is to teach viewers how to convert their photos into single-color vector images that can be used for laser engraving and similar applications.

  • Which free program is used in the video to convert photos?

    -Inkscape is the free program used in the video to convert photos into vector images.

  • Is there an alternative to Photoshop for this process?

    -Yes, an online browser version of Photoshop called photopea.com can be used as an alternative.

  • How can one remove the background from an image?

    -Photoroom.com is a website that automatically removes backgrounds from images.

  • What is the image size and resolution used in the video?

    -The image size used is 8 dendro by a thousand, and the resolution is set to 150.

  • How is the watermark from the free version of the image removed in Photoshop?

    -The watermark can be manually removed or masked in Photoshop.

  • What is the first step in converting the image in Photoshop?

    -The first step is to select the image layer by holding Ctrl and clicking on the image.

  • What filter is used to give the image an oil-painted effect?

    -The 'Oil Paint' filter is used to give the image an oil-painted effect.

  • How does the 'Poster Edges' filter affect the image?

    -The 'Poster Edges' filter sharpens the lines in the image, creating a more defined and cartoon-like appearance.

  • What is the purpose of adjusting the 'Posterization' setting?

    -Adjusting the 'Posterization' setting reduces the number of colors in the image, simplifying it to a more stylized look.

  • How can one add more blacks or whites to the image?

    -A new layer can be added on top of the image, and by selecting 'Overlay' and using a brush, more blacks or whites can be added to the image.

  • What is the final step in preparing the image for use?

    -The final step is to merge all the layers into one, copy the image, and paste it into Inkscape for further manipulation or use.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Converting Photos to Vector Images for Engraving

The video begins with an introduction to the process of converting photos into single-color vector images suitable for laser engraving. The presenter mentions using Inkscape, a free program, and Photoshop, with an alternative online version called photopea.com for those without access to Photoshop. The tutorial covers finding a suitable image, preferably without a background, and using photoroom.com to remove backgrounds automatically. The presenter then guides viewers through importing the image into Photoshop, adjusting image size and resolution, and using various filters and tools such as 'Oil Paint' and 'Poster Edges' to achieve a stylized, vector-like appearance. Attention is given to fine-tuning the image to avoid distortion, particularly around facial features like eyes.

05:01

🖌️ Refining the Image with Color and Posterization

The second paragraph delves into further image adjustments using Photoshop. The presenter discusses using 'Hue/Saturation' to convert the image to black and white, tweaking 'Lightness' for the right balance, and utilizing 'Levels' to enhance the contrast. The process involves posterization to simplify the color palette, which is preferred to be around two colors for a clean look. If needed, additional layers can be added and adjusted using blending modes like 'Overlay' to refine specific parts of the image, such as adding more blacks or whites. The final step is merging all layers into one, copying the result, and pasting it into Inkscape for the trace bitmap process, which converts the image into a vector format. The presenter concludes by encouraging viewers to like the video, subscribe for more content, and request future tutorial topics in the comments.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Inkscape

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor used for creating and editing vector images, such as SVG files. In the video, it is mentioned as a tool that can be used to convert photos into single-color vector images suitable for laser engraving.

💡Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a widely used image editing software that offers a variety of sophisticated tools for manipulating and enhancing digital images. The video references using Photoshop to achieve a certain visual effect on the images, indicating its versatility and power in graphic design.

💡Photo P

Photo P is an online browser version of Photoshop, which allows users to access similar editing capabilities without needing to install the software. The video script suggests using Photo P as an alternative to Adobe Photoshop for those who do not have a copy.

💡Vector

A vector in graphic design refers to an image made up of points, lines, and curves, which are defined by mathematical formulas. Vector images are scalable without loss of quality, making them ideal for logos and designs that need to be resized. The video is about converting photos into vector-like images.

💡Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is a process where a laser is used to engrave or mark an object. It is mentioned in the video as one of the uses for the single-color vector images created from photos, highlighting the practical application of the technique discussed.

💡Google

Google is a search engine often used to find images, information, and various online resources. In the script, the presenter uses Google to search for a pet portrait image, demonstrating a common use of the platform.

💡Photoroom.com

Photoroom.com is a website and app that automatically removes the background from images, which is a useful feature for creating images with a transparent background. The video mentions using Photoroom to prepare an image for further editing.

💡Resolution

Resolution in digital images refers to the number of pixels in the image, which affects the level of detail and the size of the image. The video discusses adjusting the resolution to 150 to improve the image quality without making the file too large.

💡Watermark

A watermark is a visible but subtle logo or text that is embedded in an image or video to signify copyright or origin. The video mentions that the free version of Photoroom adds a watermark to images, which can be removed in Photoshop.

💡Oil Paint Filter

The Oil Paint filter is a feature in Photoshop and similar editing software that applies a stylized effect to an image, making it resemble a painting done with oil paints. The video uses this filter to give the image a painterly quality.

💡Posterize

Posterize is a technique that reduces the number of colors in an image to a limited set, creating a more graphic and simplified look. The video uses the Posterize filter to achieve a specific visual effect, reducing the image to a set number of colors.

💡Unsharp Mask

Unsharp mask is a technique used in image editing to sharpen an image by increasing the contrast along the edges. In the video, applying an unsharp mask is part of the process to make the image details 'pop' more vividly.

💡Levels and Hue/Saturation

Levels and Hue/Saturation are adjustment tools in image editing software that allow fine-tuning of an image's color balance and lightness/darkness. The video uses these tools to achieve a black and white effect and adjust the contrast of the image.

Highlights

The video teaches how to convert photos into single-color vector images for laser engraving.

Inkscape, a free program, is used for the conversion process.

Photoshop or its online version, photopea.com, can also be used.

A step-by-step guide is provided for both Inkscape and Photoshop users.

Photoroom.com is recommended for automatically removing image backgrounds.

The importance of selecting the right image with no background is emphasized.

The video shows how to import and prepare an image in Photoshop.

Settings for image size and resolution are discussed for optimal results.

A watermark can be removed from free images using Photoshop tools.

The process involves using the Oil Paint and Poster Edges filters in Photoshop.

Adjusting the brush strokes and edge thickness is crucial for the desired effect.

Cartoon-like effects can be achieved by adjusting the Surface Blur settings.

Sharpening the image using the Unsharp Mask filter is demonstrated.

The video explains how to manipulate Hue, Saturation, and Levels for a black and white effect.

Adding overlay layers and using brushes can enhance image details.

Merging layers and using Inkscape's Trace Bitmap completes the conversion.

The final step is to copy and paste the image into Inkscape for vector conversion.

The video is a quick tutorial for those interested in designing for laser engraving.

Viewer engagement is encouraged through likes and subscriptions.