Does anybody have any tips on tiny images

from WinCustomize Forums

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.

skinning
4,372 views 14 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Reduce the image size in stages and sharpen each time ;)

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Thanks, Fuzzy!  I appreciate your help.

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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

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...

http://vectormagic.com/home

 

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Reduce the image size in stages and sharpen each time
End of quote

Works well. Start out in a 196 resolution. If you go to high, the sharpening will look awful.

best with those type of images to use vector and not raster the imaqe as such
End of quote

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 from WinCustomize Forums Top

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 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I'd suggest designing them at size normal size 24 - using only vectors \ pentool.

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I'd suggest designing them at size normal size 24 - using only vectors \ pentool.
End of quote

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 from WinCustomize Forums Top

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 #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Fantastic suggestions!!  Thank you ALL!

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

*I posted to the wrong thread/

Blame the vicodin.

 

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

an old school trick is to zoom out until it's reduce to the size you want

take a screen shot

crop and clean
End of quote

that is something I have not thought of.....I'm going to try that.

Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting PoSmedley, reply 10
*I posted to the wrong thread/

Blame the vicodin.

 
End of PoSmedley's quote


:annoyed:  And I suppose you don't feel like sharing, do you?

Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top

And I suppose you don't feel like sharing, do you?
End of quote

You're skinning. You need a clear head.

Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting PoSmedley, reply 13

And I suppose you don't feel like sharing, do you?
You're skinning. You need a clear head.
End of PoSmedley's quote


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!