How To directory

Canvas 5 Tips and How-To's

Canvas 5 provides image-editing, vector drawing and type manipulation tools, which lets you produce illustrations from start to finish in one program. View the latest how-to lessons to learn more about Canvas 5 features and effects.

Note: Some of these pages have several images and although each image file is as small as possible, they might take a few moments to download.

Embossing with multiple channels.

You can create the appearance of "embossed" images using image channels in Canvas 5. This how-to page describes how we embossed the Canvas logo into an image and explains how you can accomplish the same effect.

Masking an image with text.

Canvas 5 lets you create a mask with text of a vector object in just a few simple steps. What makes this features so unique is that Canvas 5 is the only graphics application that let's you use the editable text as mask.

Using Indexed mode effectively

Learn how to choose the right Indexed color mode options to get the best-looking graphics with the smallest file size.

Using the Opacity slider control to affect a background

This How To shows you the steps needed to "ghost back" selected parts of an image using Image Channels and Opacity. This technique can be used in conjunction with text or logos to create interesting effects, such as the "LEAF" text in the image seen here.

Soft Focus effect with Gaussian Blur

The Gaussian Blur feature in Canvas 5 delivers quick soft focus effects.

Creating a mezzotint effect in an image

Use the Add Noise filter and other image-editing features of Canvas to create a mezzotint effect.

Drop Shadows 1: Creating drop shadows quickly.

Create drop shadows quickly for text and other objects. This technique can be used when the shadow will be placed on a white background.

Drop Shadows 2: Using channels to create drop shadows.

Create shadows in any color using image channels. This technique also lets you make shadows that appear to fall on a background image.