[alligator]

For those of us who are signature challenged, we would really appreciate a short tutorial on how to make a nice signature with a photographic background image. For example, how do you get a transparent background? How do you minimize the file size? You can assume we have Photoshop or an equivalent program.

A couple of examples would help increase the quality of the signatures around here.

[TETENAL]

To get a transparent background select "Transparent" as the background in the new document dialog of Photoshop or Elements. Then you need to "Save for Web" and choose PNG as the file format.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by alligator 

How do you minimize the file size?

I don't think anyone's concerned about this these days. Dial-up is pretty much dead.

But back in the day, I used Graphicconverter or DeBabelizer to optimize file size.

-t

[phantomdragonz]

photoshops "save for web" is very good about slimming down pictures... GREAT for GIF's and Jpgs

Zach (I forgot who, but someone made my sig for me...)

[- - e r i k - -]

All you need is a great idea and some basic photoshop skills

[brassplayersrock²]

that one you had with the alligator and your user name a while back stuck out as rememberable to me. i actually really liked it

[rickey939]

No idea.

[brassplayersrock²]

the time you made your sig red was awesome rickey939!

[Chuckit]

Originally Posted by brassplayersrock² 

that one you had with the alligator and your user name a while back stuck out as rememberable to me. i actually really liked it

I think that was designed by effgee.

[brassplayersrock²]

*claps* good memory Chuckit.

* i actually didnae know that effgee designed the sig

[alligator]

Thanks! I had been looking for a copy of those old signatures on my computer - but since I changed computers, I thought I had lost them.

No need for the tutorial then . . .

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by turtle777 

I don't think anyone's concerned about this these days. Dial-up is pretty much dead.

Agreed. I optimize up to were it starts looking different. Then I back it up a bit. I hate image distortion. That is why I love png.

Great transparencies, and color choices than GIF, and when you compress it, it doesn't look as lossy.

Of course the file sizes are a TAD bit bigger, but in the end, it's worth it.

[ajprice]

Can any mods give a yes or no to whether the 10k file size limit is still around and needs to be kept to? It is hard to get a png with anything more than basic transparency down to that size.

[Oisín]

Originally Posted by alligator 

For those of us who are signature challenged, we would really appreciate a short tutorial on how to make a nice signature with a photographic background image. For example, how do you get a transparent background? How do you minimize the file size? You can assume we have Photoshop or an equivalent program.

A couple of examples would help increase the quality of the signatures around here.

I hereby give you permission to use mine, free of charge.

[brassplayersrock²]

and mine as well alligator

yes I see your joke Oisín

[starman]

Originally Posted by ajprice 

Can any mods give a yes or no to whether the 10k file size limit is still around and needs to be kept to? It is hard to get a png with anything more than basic transparency down to that size.

I doubt it. I tried to get the sigs wider to match the width of the tabs at the top of a post ("quote, quick reply", etc.) with no luck which really makes no sense.

[Chuckit]

Actually, I bet nobody would even know if you made a 20k sig.

[brassplayersrock²]

you should try and see if it gives the hampster a bigger hernia than the buzz off picture i posted somewhere on macnn

[rickey939]

Originally Posted by brassplayersrock² 

the time you made your sig red was awesome rickey939!

'sup?

[Ghoser777]

Photochop skills are optional. Lack of imagination is a problem (hence my sigs)

[- - e r i k - -]

Originally Posted by Kevin 

Agreed. I optimize up to were it starts looking different. Then I back it up a bit. I hate image distortion. That is why I love png.

Great transparencies, and color choices than GIF, and when you compress it, it doesn't look as lossy.

Seeing as PNG is lossless that would make sense

[Stogieman]

Originally Posted by Ghoser777 

Photochop skills are optional. Lack of imagination is a problem (hence my sigs)

I don't think you're using the lasso tool properly. Look at all the jaggies on your hose.

[CharlesS]

How do you use the lasso tool properly?

I have never figured out how you guys extract stuff from an image without getting those jagged edges.

[- - e r i k - -]

Originally Posted by CharlesS 

How do you use the lasso tool properly?

I have never figured out how you guys extract stuff from an image without getting those jagged edges.

Magic

Also, never using the lasso tool helps, hehe

[Chuckit]

Originally Posted by CharlesS 

How do you use the lasso tool properly?

I have never figured out how you guys extract stuff from an image without getting those jagged edges.

You create a mask rather than using the lasso tool.

[CharlesS]

How do you do that?

- graphics idiot here

[JonoMarshall]

Cut out a circular piece of card, cut a further two cicles in the upper section, then tape or staple some elastic to the sides.

[Chuckit]

Originally Posted by CharlesS 

How do you do that?

- graphics idiot here

The simplest way is with Quick Mask Mode, which basically just lets you draw a selection like a picture. There are other methods that can be more accurate, but Quick Mask is a good standby that is both easier to use and usually produces better results than the lasso.

JonoMarshall's suggestion is intriguing, though. I'll have to try that at work tomorrow.

[Face Ache]

The Masked Photoshopper!

I'll admit I taught myself Photoshop (V2) long before masks and layers and such. I still tend to use the lasso tool and "feather" the results.

I've been making more of an effort at doing things the modern way lately though.

[TETENAL]

Originally Posted by CharlesS 

I have never figured out how you guys extract stuff from an image without getting those jagged edges.

Watch this:

PixelPerfect with Bert Monroy Episode 15 - The Extract Command
PixelPerfect with Bert Monroy Episode 44 - Compositing
PixelPerfect with Bert Monroy Episode 18 - The Pen Tool
PixelPerfect with Bert Monroy Episode 9 - Layer masks & Alpha channels