Does anybody have any tips on tiny images
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 by k10w3 | Discussion: Skinning
Hey Gang -
I'm into the toolbar icons section of my Steampunk blind. I've always had a problem with this part -- is there a technique for keeping detail in tiny images like that (24 x 24)? So far, I've been creating the icons at a much larger size (300 x 300) and then shrinking them down -- so much detail gets lost and the icon ends up looking so blurry. Is there anything that can be done about that, or am I just SOL.
Reply #3 Tuesday, September 8, 2009 7:54 PM
k10w3 best with those type of images to use vector and not raster the imaqe as such. Here is a good site to use for making a good vector image and how it all works for you...
Reply #4 Tuesday, September 8, 2009 8:20 PM
Works well. Start out in a 196 resolution. If you go to high, the sharpening will look awful.
This is very true. I use Vector Magic. I indulged and got the desktop version (Way overpriced for a one trick pony, but it's the best at what it does any where)
My Avatar is from a 1600x1000 wall and VectorMagic allowed me to keep the detail when I shrunk it down. It's excellent. It allows you to save in bmp and png.
For most of my icons, I work with a 500x500 canvas. For the st of toolbar icons I did for the trollthumping suite, I started with a 256x256 canvas becasue I had the same problems you're having. (pre-VectorMagic)
In Photoshop, I found setting your shapes to 'snap to pixel' helped a great deal with 'fuzzy edges'. Also 'Slect>Modify>Contract' about 1 pixel witll help as well with cleaning up the edges.
Reply #5 Tuesday, September 8, 2009 8:32 PM
Thanks ShelbyGT, and PoSmedley. Everything else is going to well with this blind, I really didn't want to mess it up the icons.
Reply #6 Tuesday, September 8, 2009 9:07 PM
I'd suggest designing them at size normal size 24 - using only vectors \ pentool.
Reply #7 Wednesday, September 9, 2009 4:29 AM
Depends on what prog you are using. I'm in PSP, the vector tools work better on larger sizes, you have more control.
Reply #8 Wednesday, September 9, 2009 4:37 AM
an old school trick is to zoom out until it's reduce to the size you want
take a screen shot
crop and clean
Reply #10 Wednesday, September 9, 2009 6:43 PM
*I posted to the wrong thread/
Blame the vicodin.
Reply #11 Wednesday, September 9, 2009 7:07 PM
take a screen shot
crop and clean
that is something I have not thought of.....I'm going to try that.
And I suppose you don't feel like sharing, do you?Reply #13 Thursday, September 10, 2009 7:09 PM
You're skinning. You need a clear head.
Reply #14 Thursday, September 10, 2009 7:38 PM
And I suppose you don't feel like sharing, do you?
You're skinning. You need a clear head.
That's true. I don't really have any time to be wasting on prescription meds right now since the skinning demon has me in a head lock and I'm waking up early and going to bed late obsessing on it.
Carry on!
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Reply #1 Tuesday, September 8, 2009 6:50 PM
Reduce the image size in stages and sharpen each time