On this page... How to change colors . . How to separate color layer . . How to adjust drawing and painting tools . . How to shade . . How to use the color fill tool . . How to get the color fill tool to work
CHANGING COLORS
In pencil mode (using windows 7) if you want to change colors select the color you want then click away to paint tool and click back to pencil and it will be the color you selected. I would like the tool to change color when selected but it doesn't at least not on windows 7.
This also applies to alpha settings. You can adjust your alpha setting and it shows the change in the color box but not on your pencil.
Click paintbrush then click back to pencil and your new alpha setting will work fine. Then go to top right of screen near color. The slider will be labeled alpha. adjust alpha to make it lighter or darker as needed.
SEPARATING COLOR LAYERS AND INK (outline) LAYERS
Sometimes you may need to place colors for moving characters on a separate layer from the ink outlines.
As an example if your ink outlines are on the vector layer. and you need some fancy shading and color effects you may have to use a bmp layer for the colors.
The bitmap layers allow for more complex shading and transparent effects. Plus you can import photographic images to the bitmap layer but not the vector layer.
As each frame moves the color will have to match the movement (synch) of the outlines.
It is easier and cheaper to put the color on the same layer as the outlines.
HOW TO ADJUST AND USE YOUR DRAWING AND PAINTING TOOLS
The brush tool only works on the bmp layer and has several useful settings.
1. The Size slider lets you adjust the brush size.
2. The Feather slider gives you a spray paint effect. You can also use more or less according to where you put the slider.
3. Below the sliders is a... Stop at Contours setting which lets you color to an outline without running over. Nice.
4. The ...Preserve Alpha just keeps the alpha setting where you put it.
5. The ...Size with Pressure setting is intended for tablet drawing.
6. Adjusting the alpha slider allows you to get a transparent effect.
HOW TO SHADE ON THE BMP LAYER
You can use the pen or pencil tool on the bmp layer to add small highlights, dots or cross hatching to provide a shading variation.
Shading in two dimensions is fairly simple. Since you are not trying for realism you can bend the rules.
Usually a darker version of the main color is the best way to shade. For a tan colored box or tree, use a darker tan or light brown. The same holds true for most other colors.
For white clouds or any other white items try light blue or pale gray.
Most of your 2d shading will just be near the edges of your drawing.
Try adding a darker shadow under your figures to give them a grounded look.
HOW TO USE THE COLOR FILL TOOL
You can quickly fill any outline with color with the color bucket. Just click the color bucket tool and place it within the outline you want filled. One click and you are done.
IF YOUR COLOR FILL TOOL DOES NOT WORK...
If you get a popup that tells you your lines are not closed or you have zoomed out too far do this.
Zoom out till you can see all the whole subject outline and try it again. If that doesn't work then you need to close a gap or two.
