Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
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Stroke emboss must be used with the Stroke Layer Style.
These two effects combine to create a colored, beveled edge
along the outside of the layer.
Tip
Bevel Overuse
Don't over-bevel. A slight bevel
helps a text or logo element lift off
the page or screen and adds subtle
depth. Overuse, however, looks
amateurish.
The Bevel and Emboss effect allows significant control over the
edges. You can change the lighting source and direction of the
bevel, as well as the bevel's thickness, softness, and depth:
•
Depth. Specifies how thick the bevel is.
•
Direction. Indicates whether the bevel goes up or down to
change the look of the bevel.
•
Altitude. Allows you to set the altitude of the light source
between 0° and 90°. The higher the number, the more the
bevel appears to go straight back.
•
Gloss Contour. Creates a glossy, metallic appearance. The
Gloss Contour is applied after shading the bevel or emboss.
•
Highlight Mode and opacity. Specify the blending mode
and opacity of the highlight.
•
Shadow Mode and opacity. Specify the blending mode and
opacity of the shadow.
Tip
Like a Style?
You can easily store a custom
style as the default by clicking the
Make Default button below the
style. To reset an applied style for
the default, just click the Reset to
Default button.
THE FLEXIBLE POWER OF CONTOUR SETTINGS
The least understood option of Layer Styles is the Contour setting. Most users leave Contour set to the default
linear slope setting. The easiest way to grasp the Contour setting is to think of it as a cross-section of the bevel
(it represents the shape of the bevel from a parallel point of view).
The basic linear contour reflects light with predictable results.
However, irregularly shaped contours can generate metal-
lic highlights or add rings to the bevel. The Contour setting
is extremely powerful and unlocks many looks. Be sure to
choose the Anti-aliased option for smoother results.
You have a few options available to modify a contour:
• Click the menu and select a preset.
• If you don't like the 12 included contours, you can load
additional contours. Loading contours is similar to loading styles—just click the submenu triangle.
• You can make your own contours by defining the shape of the curve. Click the curve and add points. If the
Preview check box is selected, the curve will update in near real time. This is the best way to learn how the
Contour controls work. You'll find Contour controls on glows, shadows, and bevels.
You'll find an extra set of contours called UAP contours.shc in the Chapter 13 folder.
