Trimming edges of high coverage designs (for RGB Images only)
In order to repeat designs with higher coverage (see example design below) using the Wrap Around method, it is necessary to first trim the edges of the file. This creates the white space needed to slide the motifs together. To prevent initial damage to the original image, a Mask Layer is used to determine the correct cut. After this, the relevant parts of the original design can be trimmed away and repeated.
Note: This method is intended for RGB images only. Designs containing layers or CMYK images need to be prepared using the Parallel Trimming Method.
Furthermore, there must be slightly more than one repeat in the file in order to use this method of Wrap Around. Whilst the document does not need to repeat exactly, a sufficient overlap is required to be able to trim and later slide the file together.
- Open the chosen file and go to Window Menu > Wrap around Repeat.
- Click Wrap Around Repeat to activate repeat mode. Blue horizontal and vertical rulers will appear within the design window.
- Set at least two repeats across and down. If there is a drop, enter this as well.
- Turn off Wrap Around to return to the design window and add a Mask Layer by going to Layer > New Mask.
- Click on the disclosure triangle to reveal the newly added Mask Layer and activate it. It will appear below the RGB channels of your image.
- Hold down the Shift Key and drag the Mask Layer into the main layer list. It will appear as an 8 Bit Layer.
- Activate only the Mask Layer, leaving it invisible. The image layer should be visible but not active.
- Make sure the foreground colour of your Tools Palette is white and begin to paint away the unnecessary areas of the image using your Filled Freedrawn Shape Tool. Begin by removing the information from the top left corner of the design as the information in this corner should always be cut out.
Note: While it looks like parts of the design are being deleted, it is in fact only an edit to the Mask Layer, meaning your image stays intact.
- Continue to check if you are cutting away the correct parts by intermittently returning to the Wrap Around Repeat Window. Continue trimming the design.
Tip: If you have taken away too much, swap the foreground colour to black and paint the missing information back onto the mask with your Filled Freedrawn Shape Tool. Change between black and white as needed to delete or add to the Mask Layer.
- Adjust the repeat handlers in your Wrap Around Window and begin to slide the new edges together. They will start to fit like a jigsaw puzzle. Click on the relevant drop to ensure it resets.
- When the top to bottom edge is complete, follow the above steps for the side to side repeat.
- When you are happy with your trimmed mask, select the background (white area) in the Design Window, activate the original image layer and delete the information by pressing ⌫ (backspace key) on the keyboard.
- Remove both Mask Layers. In other words, first remove the 8 Bit Mask Layer, then drop down the disclosure triangle of your image and delete the second integrated mask.
- Finally, return to your Wrap Around Window and click Trim Design.