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Axialis IconWorkshop 6.1 - Axialis Distribution Kit

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1. Z AXIALIS SOFTWARE 3 If you want to create a subfolder Axialis to install the plug in module recommanded to organize your folder properly activate the option Install in a subfolder Axialis Note that creating a subfolder may fail with some compatible applications 4 Click OK When done a message informs you that the plug in has been installed 5 Now you can start your Photoshop application The plug in is visible in Filter Axialis Transfer To lconWorkshop and File Export Export to Axialis IconWorkshop menus Read this for more info on how to use the plug in filter You can install the Plug in in various other compatible applications See your application help file for more info on how to proceed If Photoshop is installed on your computer the plug in folder will be automatically added to the edit zone Also you ll be prompted to install the plug in the first time you ll launch IlconWorkshop Use the Photoshop Plug in To use the Photoshop to Axialis IconWorkshop plug in you must start the Photoshop application first The plug in is accessible from within Photoshop only Before using the plug in as detailed in next topic you need to install it on your computer The plug in can be easily installed from within Axialis lconWorkshop in one fast and simple operation 267 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 If you ve already installed the Photoshop plug in with a version of IconWorkshopa
2. not over the borders which will not be exported The resulting image should look like this Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Sises te Create Tete Cohrs ROMA Roar I Caor Abs 4 Coboes Abes 5 Repeat the procedure for the file Axialis Librarian Objects Samples Medium Folder With Document png Move it into the drawing area 192x192 6 Repeat the procedure for the file Axialis Librarian Objects Samples Small Folder With Document png Move it into the drawing area 128x128 See below the resulting document window teat B coen f ROMA 2eber 24 Cobeet A tas 222 Creating Icons using Photoshop Templates 7 Now let s create the icon In Photoshop choose File Export Export to Axialis IconWorkshop The template is automatically recognized by IconWorkshop and the icon is created with all the formats as described in the template 8 Various image formats have been created Simply remove the formats you don t wish to include in your icon Save the icon 9 Once you have finished to work on an icon template we recommend you to save the document using the PSD format This will permit to work again later on the project preserving all your layers and effects you may have added Create your own Photoshop Templates Before reading this page we recommend to learn how the Photoshop templates work This article provides information on the following topics Photoshop Templates
3. 48x43 RGBIA 32x32 256 Faa Y 32032 Mone OEE Ues 25 J 16x15 16 7 16x16 Mono 7 16x16 RGE A 1x12 256 16x12 16 16x12 Moro 2563256 RGB Agh 05 10 4 Tiger ex more erty 7 Create image format f not present in source icon Overwrite source a compare with Mac OS X version D hier yes Ramon omy eon Symes wi New filename prier OS vernon Create new folder 2560256 rapes cos S pa monat youi wate seed eon uncer Windows Viera rot gt compari For each icon the normalization rules are e The selected formats are created if not present in the icon In such a case the largest and most coloured image format is used as source for the creation This rule applies only if the option Create image format if not present in source icon is checked e The unselected formats are removed if present in the icon 5 In Write Options group choose one of the following options 306 Working with Icons e Overwrite source file The original icon file is replaced by the normalized icon e New filename The normalized icon is created using a new filename original filename plus an index number e Create new folder The filenames are identical but created in a new subfolder 6 When done click OK The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the creation When done the normalized icons are created Create a new icon project from clipboard Creating an Icon from
4. All kinds of formats can be included in a Windows ICO file you can even create non square icons With Macintosh icon files this is not possible Only some strictly defined image formats can be included Axialis lconWorkshop supports the following Macintosh icon files ICNS RSC and BIN Icons from system 7 5 8 5 9 x and 10 X are supported You can easily open them into the Icon Editor and save them as Windows ICO format During this operation we recommend you to remove special Macintosh formats which are useless under Windows To learn more about Windows and Macintosh icon file formats read this topic Macintosh vs Windows icons Which image formats are included in Macintosh icons Here is the list of image formats you can find in Macintosh Icons Tiger 256x256 32 bits alpha channel Thumbnail 128x128 32 bits alpha channel Huge 48x48 32 bits alpha channel 256 colors 16 colors mono Large 32x32 32 bits alpha channel 256 colors 16 colors mono Small 16x16 32 bits alpha channel 256 colors 16 colors mono Mini 16x12 256 colors 16 colors mono The new OS X icons can contain very large image formats 128x128 256x256 32 bits Those formats are also supported Although those image sizes are not actually used in Windows it s a good idea to start from hi res sizes to create a new Windows icon Here is a summary of image formats you can find in Macintosh Icon
5. File structure The ICL file type uses the Windows executable DLL format structure Windows DLL are executable portions which are detached from the main program and stored in files on disk They are loaded and launched by the main program but they re not self executable As all Windows program files DLL files contains 2 parts A code portion which contains the algorithms to run and a resource portion which contains the data used by the programs icons images dialogs texts In ICL files the code portion is empty Only the resource portion has data which is exclusively composed of icons ICL files exist in 16 bit and 32 bit versions Axialis lconWorkshop generates ICL files in 32 bit format Create a new icon library Axialis lconWorkshop permits to create new icon libraries from scratch Create a new icon library 1 Choose File New Icon Library or press Ctrl L Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 A new Icon Library window opens Its contents is empty Now you can add remove icons to this library You can save this icon library as an ICL file See topic Open a library as a separate document to read more about options in the document window Open a library as a separate document Axialis lconWorkshop allows you to open a library in a separate document window This operation is very useful when moving or copying icons from one library to another to keep them visible on screen You can also import into and export from a
6. The resulting image should be perfectly adjusted inside the transparent square not over the borders which will not be exported Axialis IconWoekshop Fomplate 003 Oo 2007 Axiak Software All Rights Reserved net Few 2424 eee Pe EdR Export To Axiaks IoonWork shop Redo the same operation for the 32x32 RGB A format In you re an advanced Photoshop user you can retouch the images to enhance the final result 5 Now let s create the 16x16 format We ll use another image which will produce better results in very small sizes located in subfolder Small Open the file Axialis Librarian Objects Samples Small Folder With Document png 6 Redo the operation similar to step 4 and adjust the image into the 16x16 RGB A square The result must be perfectly adjusted inside the square Axial konworkshop Template 003 ae we SSK OI Aiai Softevace All Rights Reserved an AD 7 Now let s create the icon In Photoshop choose File Export Export to Axialis IconWorkshop The template is automatically recognized by IconWorkshop and the icon is created with the 3 formats we ve drawn 217 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Only the squares with images generated the associated formats Now if you want to create other formats you can follow the same procedure as in Lesson 4 Adding other formats using the template You can also add new formats
7. 3 Choose Draw Adjustments Effects HUE Saturation or press U A Dialog box opens In the Hue group specify 140 either using the slider or the edit zone When done click OK The sphere color has been changed to Red 159 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 4 Select the whole image press Ctrl A then Choose Draw Adjustments Effects HUE Saturation or press U A Dialog box opens In the Hue group specify 140 either using the slider or the edit zone When done click OK The sphere color has been changed to Red Creating a new icon from this image 5 In the menu choose Edit New Windows Icon Project from this Image Ctrl Shift Y 6 The dialog box New Windows Icon From Image opens In the Name group enter the icon project name Red Sphere Do not specify any extension _ New Windows Icon from Image New Windows Icon from Image icon Project Name Project2 x32 CES w l x16 Pr Ha E as 2 T e E 2a l6 W l xi l6 gt B 128028 P E oP 72072 tm B so Esas Mo 6x16 Mono tra Formats Smooth i Apply Per when Resizing FA Apply Othering for 256 16 and Mono formats 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic 8 When done click OK The icon is automatic
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9. 3 Arrange the windows to get them visible side by side in the application 4 Select the icons you want to import in the 2nd icon library you can use Shift key to select several icons 5 Using a mouse drag amp drop and pressing the Ctrl key copy the icon files from the 2nd library into the 1st icon library window Press and keep pressed the Ctrl key during the drag amp drop operation to copy the icons Otherwise they ll be moved into the 1st library deleted from the 2nd library 6 The icons are imported in the icon library Export icons from a library Once a library has been built you ll probably need to export icons embedded in it to create individual icon files or partial libraries Several methods are available to perform exports Export icons as individual icon files ICO ICNS 1 Open the icon library containing the icons you wish to export 2 Once the library is opened in a window select the icons you wish to export you can use Shift key to select several icons 3 Choose Icon Library Export as Windows icon or Icon Library Export as Macintosh icon 318 Working With Icon Libraries Conversion between Windows and Macintosh will be done automatically during this operation if necessary A If only one icon is selected a save as like standard dialog box opens Choose the destination folder and specify the filename Click Save button when done One file is created or 5 If several icons
10. Back to IconWorkshop a new icon document is created 224 Creating Icons using Photoshop Templates When you select the command File New Icon Project from Photoshop Project conWorkshop populates a menu with all the templates it finds in folder Application Data Axialis lconWorkshop Templates The folder Application Data has different locations depending on Windows versions If you want to open the Axialis lconWorkshop application data folder choose the command File Open Application Data Folder in IconWorkshop menu to open it in Windows Explorer It contains several data files Color Swatches Color Tables Templates The Photoshop template files are located in the sub folder Templates By choosing one of the templates it opens the associated PNG file same root filename as the XML description file in Photoshop as a new document The name of the document has the name of the template image with the string Copy added to the end This is very important because it means that the document window is not attached to the original PNG file This has been implemented this way to avoid overwriting of the original PNG template file If you choose file save Ctrl S you ll be prompted to enter a new filename Once you have drawn your image files be sure to remove any selection and export it into IconWorkshop by choosing File Export Export to Axialis lconWorkshop The image is temporary flatten not the original work which keeps the
11. Before proceeding with this topic you need know how to work with selections Using filters you can apply various effects to existing images Filters apply to the current selection if any Otherwise they apply to the whole image Various filters are implemented in Axialis IconWorkshop Working with Icons e Smooth and Smooth more The Smooth filter lets you smooth edges in an image The Smooth filter tones down differences in adjacent pixels resulting in only a slight loss of detail while smoothing the overall image or selected area e Blur Blur more The Blur filter softens an image Blur filters are useful for retouching They smooth transitions by averaging the pixels next to the hard edges of defined lines and shaded areas in an image The Blur More filter produces an effect three or four time stronger than that of the Blur filter e Sharpen and sharpen more The Sharpen filter accentuates the edges in the image by finding the edges and increasing the contrast between adjacent pixels The Sharpen More filter applies a stronger sharpening effect than does the Sharpen filter e Details The Details filter lets you add more details in an image e Find Edge The Find Edge filter removes colors and shades in the image It keeps only the frontiers between color areas e Enhance Edge Enhance Edge more This filter maximizes the visible information in an image to reveal all the detail and use all available colors It adjusts the balance
12. Preview option It permits you to see the changes in background editor and preview windows Specifies the Hue value you wish to add to the current image The value you specify is added or subtracted if this is a negative value to the current image hue tint By changing this value you shift all image colors in the color spectrum Valid values are in range 180 to 180 Specifies the Saturation value you wish to add to the current image The value you specify is added or subtracted if this is a negative value to the current image color saturation Valid values are in range 100 grey scale to 100 very coloured Specifies the Brightness value you wish to add to the current image The value you specify is added or subtracted if this is a negative value to the current image brightness Valid values are in range 100 dark to 100 very light When done click OK 249 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Adjust Opacity Before proceeding with this topic you need know how to work with selections The opacity is a value stored in the alpha channel of an image It permits to adjust the visibility transparency of the image When the opacity of a pixel is set to 255 the pixel is totally opaque It means that when you draw it on a background image like displaying an icon on Windows desktop you don t see this image behind the pixel The pixel is 100 displayed over the background When the opacity is O the pixel is
13. 1 Create a PNG image file named IW Template NNN png with the transparent drawing zones The file must be RGB A 32 bit with alpha channel to permit IconWorkshop to support transparency 225 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 2 Create the associated XML description file named W Template NNN xml 3 Place the 2 files in folder Application Data Axialis lconWorkshop Templates and reload IconWorkshop Create the PNG image file In this image file you need to place at least the drawing zones and the barcode as discussed previously We recommend you also to add some texts to identify the drawing zones and give instructions to the person who will draw the icon However this is not necessary Only the barcode and the content of the drawing zones will be used To create the PNG file we recommend you to use Adobe Photoshop Once the image is done save it as PSD for future edition and save a copy as PNG in the IconWorkshop Template folder The PNG file must be saved as RGB A 32 bits 1 Launch Adobe Photoshop Create a new RGB A image Specify the size as requested by your template 2 Create the barcode To do so we recommend you to copy paste an existing barcode from the templates provided with lconWorkshop and modify it to reflect your template number The code must be located at the same position as in the existing template pixel 2 2 Only the rectangle and its content is used The text DO NOT MODIFY OR REMOVE and the arrow can
14. 5 Select the destination folder and click OK 6 The icons are extracted as ICO ICNS RSC or BIN as chosen Adding to the Librarian icons from a program file 1 Choose File Open and select a program file EXE DLL OCX You can also open an Explorer window Ctrl E and double click on a program file 2 The program opens in a document window displaying all the icons it contains 3 Select the icons you wish to add to the librarian Choose File Add to the Librarian or press F3 If the selected item in the librarian is a folder 4 A dialog box opens Choose either to extract them as separate icons ICO or to create an icon library ICL 5 Click OK The icons are extracted as requested If the selected item in the librarian is an icon library 4 The icons are immediately added to the selected library How to Create a Snapshot Picture of My Icons 164 A Snapshot is an image created automatically by Axialis lconWorkshop to show one or several icons with embedded formats on a decorated background Creating a Snapshot Picture of your icons may be useful to make a visual archive of your icons illustrate a website or just promote your work Three kinds of snapshots are available e Detailed snapshot of one icon The icon image formats are displayed in one raw e Detailed snapshot of several icons One icon per raw several images per icon e Quick Thumbnail snapshot of several icons Only one image per icon severa
15. 5 When the selection is done choose Image Create Windows Icon from Selection or press I You can also click the following command button in the local toolbar 6 A large dialog box New Windows Icon From Image opens see below In the Icon Project Name zone enter the icon project name MySpherelcon Do not specify any extension Getting Started Tutorial Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image Toon Project Names MySphereleon Viren O Standard image formats for Windows 7 256x256 RGBA Windows Vista onty 7 48x48 16 Fiaa 16 Other formats for Windows Vista Other Formats e Easan 24 colors 129x29 Uo colors Mrmr ote oe Mpa P TETE VIPNG compress 254x254 formats for Windows Vista Fans 0 test Mone D 3a32 Moro O xis Mono Aa seo tomes Rendering Options Smooth Sep D ser Somes here the nape rr O LJ Angly Finer when Resizing eae Saye add sves foran lane Z Agly Ortherng fr 2 16 and Mono formats Fegin wae yrr neler ta ZZ Axlats Otter teage Formata C Gc 7 In the Standard Image Formats for Windows group select the image formats to add in the icon O Just click on the image preview to select We recommend you to add the following formats in a Windows icon 256x256 RGB A 64x64 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 32x32 RGB A 16x16 RGB A 48x48 256 colors 32x32 256 colors 16x16 256 colors 32x32 16 colors 16x16 16 colors Yo
16. 96 100 16x16 32x32 48x48 120 137 22x22 40x40 66x66 scaled by code 144 150 24x24 48x48 72x72 scaled by code 37 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 192 200 32x32 64x64 96x96 scaled by code Macintosh OSX Recommended 128x128 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors mono 16x16 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors Minimum 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16x16 RGB A 256 colors Macintosh OSX 10 4 Tiger Recommended 256x256 RGB A 128x128 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors mono 16x16 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors Minimum 128x128 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16x16 RGB A 256 colors Macintosh OSX 10 5 Leopard Recommended 256x256 RGB A 128x128 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors mono 16x16 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors Minimum 128x128 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16x16 RGB A 256 colors Optional 512x512 RGB A Below is a summary of the standard image formats that should be included in icons If an image format is missing Windows displays the nearest existing image The resulting image is generally blurred and distorted 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A is o i o 256 Colors o o o 16 Colors o fe o o Mono Windows
17. Batch create Windows icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Windows Icons from Selection or Ctrl Shift C 5 A dialog box opens In Standard Image Formats and Extra Image Formats choose the image formats you wish to add in the icons Batch Create Windows kons From Selection W Batch Create Windows Icons This feaare wil permit you to create several Windows icons in one batch process Som selected sources inching kons mages arsos This not a conversion but a creation of new icons containing several predefined mage formats see below Icons wil be automatically created in the source fie folder Created Senames mil be the same as the source file mith 300 extension Standard image formats for Windows 4 3232 WP TM J 35x16 oP 7 3232 256 2M 255 J 35x16 256 2424 16 J x16 6 Zi 296256 P 256x256 256 256x255 36 F Compress 256x256 formats for Windows Vata embedded PNG compression 2x72 XP Tewa oe 48x48 Mono 32x32 Mono 36x16 Mono Transparency 6 In Image Adjustment group you can add a smooth or sharp filter to the image shrinking process You can also use or not a dithering method to render image using 256 or 16 colors In Transparency group an option permits to use opaque images i e without transparency and specify a color to make transparent 7 When done click OK The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the c
18. Corrvert onty the following formats J 1280128 RCSA A Gx 2 J Ge 6 A tx Moro A Bed RGA A IDN TON DN Mong F ION RGBA v 6 26 16x35 6 25x16 Mono V 16x35 RGBYA Vi 16x12 256 12 6 25x12 Mono T IIH RG wate Reese a ceed By HA ere 7 256256 format 6 compete wt Mac OS E ee LO ees aar Gaptery OA Fy Rams ei pror OF roren vazias ee eons 6 You can choose to convert all the formats or only a selection of formats When done click OK 7 The batch operation starts The hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the conversion When done the Windows icons are added to the folder contents The created icons have the same filename as the original document with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting 276 Working with Icons Convert a PNG icon to a Windows icon An interesting feature of IconWorkshop is the ability to create an icon from a PNG icon PNG is an image file format not really an icon format Icons usually contain several formats PNG images contain only one image used as icon This image is usually a large one 128x128 or 256x256 with alpha channel RGB A 32 BPP This format is used by numerous GUI and applications Linux KDE dock bars This format is very interesting to create hi quality RGB A images in icons Open the PNG image file in lconWorkshop 1 Choose File Open browse
19. Creating Icons Saving the project in a file 1 Choose File Save 2 Select or create the file s folder from the Save In Drop Down box 3 Enter the filename for the new icon in the File Name Text box Axialis lconWorkshop will add the file extension ICO automatically 4 Click on the Save button If the filename is already in use Axialis lconWorkshop will present a prompt Click on the Yes button to overwrite the existing file Saving the project by adding it in the Librarian 1 Choose File Add to the Librarian F3 2 Enter the name of the icon file to create do not specify the extension Click OK 3 The file is automatically added to the librarian An ICO file is created if the selected Librarian item is a folder If an icon library is selected the icon is added to this library Save a Macintosh icon as Windows format It could be useful to save an opened Macintosh icon to Windows This is an handy way to convert and icon from one system to another Saving a Macintosh icon using a Windows format 1 Open a Macintosh icon Choose File Save As 2 Choose File Save As select Windows ICO as file type and specify a new name or 2 Choose File Save As Windows Icon Ctrl Alt S and specify a new name or 2 Click the following button on the toolbar and choose a new name for this icon EOE 3 Click on the Save button If the filename is already in use Axialis IconWorkshop will present a p
20. Generate Codes based on Serial Numbers 1 If you have chosen to use the system of activation codes NOT based on the username i e based on Serial Codes during the compilation Choose Edit Generate Activation Codes or press Alt F6 The above dialog box opens 2 In the Library ID see above and the Company ID enter the hexadecimal numbers you entered at compilation for the requested Icon Library If you can t recall these numbers click on the Get IDs from History File button A dialog box opens displaying a list of the compilation you have done select the right line then OK 3 In the From and To Number zones enter the first and the last number of the list of codes to generate When done click the Generate To File button A standard Save As dialog box opens Select a location and a new filename TXT When done click OK The file is generated 170 How to Procedures Creating Icons Before reading this chapter we recommend to read these topics e What is an icon chapter 2 page 37 e Macintosh vs Windows icons chapter 2 page 44 e Introducing Windows Vista icons chapter 2 page 48 e What is an image object chapter 4 page 201 Create a new Windows icon project When you create a new icon project you first select the type of the icon which is either Windows or Macintosh The second step is to choose the first image format you wish to include in the icon An icon contains several imag
21. Mone 32x32 Meno 36x16 Mono Transparency Convert the folowing color 19 Tareparert the image bat 2o Comvert to ransperent Cox cont 6 In Image Adjustment group you can add a smooth or sharp filter to the image shrinking process You can also use or not a dithering method to render image using 256 or 16 Working with Icons colors In Transparency group an option permits to use opaque images i e without transparency and specify a color to make transparent 7 When done click OK The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the creation When done the new Windows icons are added to the folder contents The created icons have the same filename as the original image files with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting When you create icons from Image Files the whole image is selected and resized keeping its aspect ratio If it contains transparency it is kept during the creation Convert several images to Macintosh icons batch processing An interesting feature of IconWorkshop is to convert an image into an icon Some image formats support 32 BPP alpha channel transparency which is very interesting to create hi quality RGB A images in icons During the operation the image will be converted in several formats that will be included in the icon Using this feat
22. You re done The resulting image should look like this 123 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Finalizing the Icon by Creating All the Formats Now that the largest image is done 256x256 RGB A we ll create all the other formats of the icons from this one This is done in one step with Axialis lconWorkshop Corporate Edition Using the Personal Edition you need to create each format manually see product help for more info 17 Choose Draw Add Several Image Formats from This Image or press V A dialog box opens as Standard image formats for Windows 17 256x256 RGBA Windows Viste oriy Misext2 2 E2a24 25 Die 2 Baa 16 Other formats for Windows Vista 4 Other formats E 256x256 256 colors 7 256x255 16 colors Phim Fisse CS F PNG compress 256x256 formats for Windows Vista Bena xP E 48x48 Mono E2024 16 6 3 ERSS T Ex Mono E 16x16 Mono formara 90 and mena Satsa ae oe we ae SE o VOA Da a ee E 1x16 36 Rendering Options 6 V Apply Fiter when Resizing Z Apply Dithering for 256 16 and Mono formats Semooth None Sore be compressed you plan to we the con wade Woden Vena Pet IP Comput Coa en 18 Select the images formats to include in the icon by clicking on the associated check boxes Follow the specifications as we defined them above 19 You can also choose to apply the dithering option to the 256 16 color ima
23. e BMP Windows bitmap 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e PNG Portable Network Graphic 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e PSD Photoshop 32 BPP alpha channel transparency and layers supported e JP2 JPEG 2000 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e JPG JPEG e TGA Targa e GIF Compuserve GIF e Others Various other formats supported TIFF PCD PhotoCD PIC Apple PICT PCX Zsoft WMF Windows MetaFile Using the image import function 1 Choose File Import Image or press Shift Ctrl l A standard Windows file open dialog box opens 2 Select a file to import and click Open The image opens in a separate document window A dialog box opens to remind you the procedure We recommend to read this dialog carefully 3 Select a portion of the image and use Clipboard Copy Paste to import the image in your icon See the topic Move Copy image to learn more on how to use the clipboad The image colors will be automatically adjusted to match the icon format specifications automatic conversion to 256 colors for example 4 You can also create a new icon from the selected portion of the image See Create a Windows icon from an image or Create a Macintosh icon from an image If the image to be imported does not have the same color palette as the icon in the current edit window Axialis lconWorkshop asks you if you want to replace the current icon palette by the palette attached t
24. e To avoid future visual ambiguity we recommend you to use icons showing a folder See My Documents or Fonts folder 376 Customizing Windows Icons Customize Start menu Axialis IconWorkshop displays the list of available Windows items to customize Each item entry includes a description and small symbols on right showing its status Custom icon Windows standard icon or Modified changed must be applied Customize Start Menu 1 If you click the Change icon button you can change the icon associated with the selected item Axialis IconWorkshop opens a dialog box Change icon Specify the File Name of your Library All icons are displayed in list Choose your icon and click OK 2 If you click the Restore Default button you can revert to the default Windows icon associated with the selected item 3 If you click the Restore Default button you can revert to the default Windows icon for all items in the list Some of them may not be available or inoperative on your Windows version Customize Desktop Axialis lconWorkshop displays the list of available Windows items to customize Each item entry includes a description and small symbols on right showing its status Custom icon Windows standard icon or Modified changed must be applied Customize Start Menu 1 If you click the Change icon button you can change the icon associated with the selected item Axialis lconWorkshop opens a d
25. 16 colors ETING qompress 2569255 formats for Windows Vista One Meee More P3232 Mero ons Rendering Options vee hup E E apoy Fiter when Resizing l EA Orern fr 255 16 ant Meno formans e E Ea Coe Gace 3 Select the formats you wish to add by clicking directly on the preview image You can just ignore select or not the image formats already present in the image You can also apply or not the dithering option to the 256 16 color images try and see the results in the preview images 4 When done click OK The formats are automatically created 238 Working with Icons H Myfiintkon ken Tole BERS xe vrean UG I ai a DA Remove an image format in an icon 1 Select the image format you wish to remove in the list 2 Choose Draw Remove image format or press Del Axialis lconWorkshop asks you if you want really to remove the following image format If you re sure click Yes Work with selections The Selection tool 13 permits to select a rectangular area of the image to perform an action The following commands will apply to the selection only e Filters Smooth blur sharpen details e Adjustments Brightness contrast hue saturation opacity e Clipboard Cut copy paste e Other Resize rotation mouse move mouse copy e Other Resize rotation mouse move mouse copy The selection is a non persistent tool If you activate
26. 2 alls E taei _ 6 When done click OK The search begins When finished a Search Results window opens containing the found items 158 How to Procedures Se xO Di wi eS UNA hue Slo FPEERFFFY E 26 E aA Up mour Varisher ani Wagalani Wat iur Wat _tcur War vag Format My i Forman My 1 Forman By 1 Foman By 1 Fama 24 Frames D a st 700d 33 A wat Lor Wat m or Wat_ Wart_rlour Wakrm cur Syskonl ani Grab the Icons add them into a library 1 Create a new Icon Library in the Librarian or select an existing one Select the items you wish to add to the library 2 Choose File Add to the Librarian or press F3 The files are added How to Create Different Color Versions of an Icon In interesting effect is to create different color versions of the same icons For example creating Red and Green versions of our Blue Sphere icon gt Blue Sphere Red Sphere Green Sphere 12 formats 12 formats 12 formats Original Icon Icons Created from Original by modifying HUE value Opening the existing icon modifying the image HUE overall color 1 Open your original icon file As example we ll work on the Blue Sphere icon which is located in the Librarian if not displayed press ESC In the Icons Tutorial subfolder select and open the MySpherelcon ico icon 2 The image file opens in a document window In the image format list select the 48x48 Win XP image
27. 4 The Snapshot image is created in a new window Now you can save copy print this image as necessary Creating a Quick Thumbnail Snapshot of Several Icons You can create a snapshot of several icons from within an opened Icon Library ICL Program File EXE DLL OCX a Search Result window or from the built in Explorer 1 Select several icons from a list only icons within libraries or Macintosh Windows files Choose Edit Create Snapshot or Ctrl Shift P 2 A dialog box opens select Quick Thumbnail Snapshot then click OK 3 A dialog box Create Icon Snapshot opens Adjust the various options then click OK 4 The Snapshot image see sample below is created in a new window Now you can save copy print this image as necessary Rounded Buttons Ad E3 bs ed by hy Favorite gt e a A a 3 O EF 02 ee ee Tak User Money Nex Phone Previous oono Construction Help Back To Top 312 Working with Icon Libraries What is an Icon Library An Icon Library is a file containing several icons stored in Windows format The default file extension for icon libraries is ICL We recommend you to use this format to manage your icon sets It permits faster access and hard disk space gain Features in Axialis lconWorkshop permit you to easily use ICL files in the librarian System Compatibility ICL files are compatible with Microsoft Windows systems only This file format is not compatible with Macintosh
28. 7 In Image Adjustment group you can add a smooth or sharp filter to the image shrinking process You can also use or not a dithering method to render image using 256 or 16 colors In Transparency 99 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 group an option permits to use opaque images i e without transparency and specify a color to make transparent 8 When done click OK All the icons are created and added to the same folder see below Names are preserved only the extension is changed to ICO The Librarian is updated accordingly since this is the same folder ee D e D B bd C wee cs e 36 Be Qe O a Recently Ured JD CUsern Mace EM Lbranan Mess des Iruget Posrded Dzone P ceeemere i PE TESS i 9 Let s take a look at a newly created icon Double click on a created icon for example Cancel ico A document window opens as shown above with all the image formats available When you ve checked all the formats close this window DRA Creating the Macintosh icons 10 In the Explorer window select the 7 last images in the list Use the same method as above 11 When the images are selected Right click on one of them a menu opens Select the command Batch Create Macintosh Icons from Selection 100 Getting Started Tutorial 12 A dialog box opens First we need to choose the Macintosh file format we wish to use there are 3 formats supported
29. Adjusting ICOM IMAG OS A ETRA NN it aa N 59 ACHUSEING AEE ennai a 59 Adobe Photoshop cccseessesssssessesssesestsesesesneesseeesneesees 135 AJUSEOPAChey Avishata AGG 252 Application CUSTOMIZING tea trance nsoee take Abeer teenie 2 381 FANG 0 alll ol Oop eeeeveereereeesteeensereeeenerterenrerereeterreeenr terrestres teeter 252 Axialis IconWorkshop essesssessseessseesseeesesesteessecsseeeseeesees 27 Axialis Software User Licence Agreement secnecssesconecenseseneseseees 31 Axialis Software ooo eeccssseescsssssecesseescessneseeesnseseessneeeeeennesss 31 B Bate ne eer 87 Batch Convert Several Macintosh Icons WiRdOWS ICONS 2 1 22 sirenas 151 Batch Convert Several Macintosh Icons 151 Batch Create Several ICONS eeseecseesseeesseeeseeeeees 153 Batch create several Macintosh icons 199 303 355 Batch Create several PNG iMag eecseeeceeee 154 Batch create several Windows icons 186 302 354 Batch Processing ICONS aisles 301 Ib cla o AEREE EEE 312 BIW ee a ASEELLE TT 162 pilta iM tOO Seii 57 C Capture ICON E E N ane EA 310 CAP CU e scsi 310 Change COlOMAEDth skate a EE 370 Editor Drawing Area ASpect sss 157 item CIS playan E A EEA 339 Librarian folder location sess 333 385 Librarian Position 22 0 cin ceva chee cents 333 384 The Program Preferences oo escssecsssecssseeesseesseeesses 389 USerINterhaCes nedecnsc cause cee N E 156 409 Axialis
30. Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Add items using the import function 1 Select the folder where you re going to import the files 2 Choose Librarian Import 3 Select the file type from the File Type Drop Down box e Icons files ICO ICNS RSC BIN e Icon Library files ICL e Images files BMP PNG JP2 JPEG PSD GIF e Cursor files CUR ANI ACL 4 Click on the file that you want to select in the Contents List box and click on the Open button The imported files will be automatically placed in the librarian Downloading Object Packs from Internet 346 On a regular basis new image object packs will be available for download on our website Packs are free but some of them are reserved to registered customers Additionally third party authors may propose their own object packs additional fees may be required Links to selected object packs will also be added to our download page Download Object Packs from your Web Browser This is a standard way to proceed The procedure may differ slightly depending on your web browser type and version The procedure below is based on Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 0 1 Launch Internet Explorer In the Address bar type the following address http www axialis com objects 2 The web page opens Download Image Object Packs We recommend you to read the License Agreement before downloading packs w a p feet tee oo Qm IAG trom e Db z axialis Produits Osmnisede Xe
31. Create an icon from this image Create a Macintosh icon from an image File Open the im age file in Axialis lconWorkshop Create an icon from this image CUSTOMIZING WINDOWS ICONS Customize Sy Icon sizes stem Settings Icon Spacing Icon Display Windows Icon Cache Customize Fo Customize F Remarks Iders olders Customize Start menu Customize S tart Menu Customize Desktop Customize S tart Menu Miscellaneous Miscellaneous CUSTOMIZING THE APPLICATION Customize the main toolbar Show hide t he Main Toolbar Change Main Toolbar text style Add remove move buttons in the Main Toolbar Show hide t Empty the R he Recently Used Bar ecently Used List Show hide the Toolbars Show hide t Show hide t Show hide a Show hide t Show hide t he Main Toolbar he Recently Used Bar Local Toolbar he Status Bar he Librarian Show and hide the Librarian Window Show hide t Change the Li he Librarian brarian position on screen Change the Librarian position on screen Table Of Contents 371 372 372 372 375 375 375 375 375 376 376 376 376 377 377 377 377 378 378 379 379 379 379 379 380 380 380 380 380 381 381 381 381 381 381 381 xxi Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Change the Librarian folder location 382 Change the Librarian folder location 382 How to change the Scale 1 1 window
32. Footer group click the Print Header and Footer Texts option if you want to print texts at the top and bottom of the printout 8 In the fields below Specifies the Header and Footer texts to print You can specify macros that will be automatically be replaced by its related variable text at printing A macro must be specified between brackets e DATE Actual print date e TIME Actual print time e FILENAME Filename of the file to print no path e PATHNAME Filename and full path of the file to print e PAGE Page number You can also specify a separator to split the text in two parts The first part will be printed on the left side and the second part on the right side of the page If no separator is specified the text is centered 9 When done click OK and continue the print procedure Print a media file as a poster image animation or video still only This feature permit to print an image in very large format The image is printed on several pages that you ll have to collate after the printing to create a large poster 5 Choose the File Print An option dialog box opens 6 In Options group choose Print image as a poster option Specify Height and Width in inches 7 In Header amp Footer group click the Print Header and Footer Texts option if you want to print texts at the top and bottom of the printout 8 In the fields below Specifies the Header and Footer texts to print You can specify macros
33. It changes to this 3 Press the CTRL or Alt key keep pressed Use drag amp drop to copy the selected image 4 The copied part of the image is now a floating selection Place it to the desired location and apply the floating selection 245 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 246 Moving part of a drawing in the same image 1 Select a region with the selection tool 2 Place the mouse pointer over the selected area It changes to this 3 Use drag amp drop to copy the selected image 4 The copied part of the image is now a floating selection Place it to the desired location and apply the floating selection Copying or moving an image from one icon to another requires that you use the Clipboard Copying part of a drawing using the Clipboard 1 Select the drawing region with the selection tool in the source image 2 Choose Edit Copy 3 Select the target image Choose Edit Paste A dialog box opens select the appropriate option see below 4 The copied part of the image is pasted as a floating selection You can place it using the mouse or using the arrow keys Move part of a drawing using the Clipboard 1 Select the drawing region with the selection tool in the source image 2 Choose Edit Cut The selected portion is cleared 3 Select the target image Choose Edit Paste A dialog box opens select the appropriate option see below 4 The copied part of the image is pasted as a floating selection You ca
34. Recently Uied J Cier Marc ERD Documenti Anais Lenan Mada Firmaen Rounded Bmore RO s h Redmond CO0 kontuta S lt Dana 2 New Folger EM Pack Gess New on Litany 7 Open Folder in Explorer 4 Bakie Cancels me sec sec L 103 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 12 Right click in the librarian tree a menu opens Choose the command Open Folder in Explorer A new Explorer window opens in the working area and the folder contents is automatically displayed You see all the images displayed in thumbnail mode with preview If this is not the case be sure to select in menu Explorer Display Large Icons and Explorer Display Auto Preview 13 Select all the ICO and BIN files If you want to select all the ICO files in one operation press the key A dialog opens type ICO click OK Redo the same for the BIN files uncheck the option Replace the current selection 14 Once the files are selected select the Icon Library Buttons that you ve just created in the librarian it is empty Back into the Explorer Window click on the Add to the librarian button or press F3 Ey Ansis koeWortshop 6 59 Explores Rownded Batons tte 60 Uplore L urian Favortes View Window Hep Dre D B id Dee ta a The icon files are added into the library in one step The list is populated and you see all the icons in the librarian window Right click on the list and choose Save Now
35. The icon is opened in a document window 2 Choose File Save As select Macintosh ICNS RSC or BIN as file type and specify a new name How to Procedures or 2 Choose File Save As Macintosh Icon Ctrl Alt S and specify a new name or 2 Click the following button on the toolbar and choose a new name for this icon EoRe Creating a Macintosh icon from a Windows icon This operation is not a conversion it s a creation of a new icon It will not preserve all the existing formats It will create a new icon based on the largest and most coloured image included in the original Windows icon usually 256x256 or 48x48 with alpha channel 1 Open the Windows icon Choose File Open 2 When the icon is opened select the largest and the most coloured image format in the list best with 256x256 or 48x48 with alpha channel 3 Right click on the selected image format in the list a menu opens Select New Macintosh Icon Project from this Image t MySphereicanico Loon Libe lokder Icons O BOGS ww cnan v BS B G 8 O ws ODRA 0 D l l EIE ew ino Forme Create x48 16 braze Format 8 Adi Several lage Normats from thes Image inat New Windows Icon Project rors thes Image Copy Create Snapshot ieie Epon b S Remove mop Format a i Fon nop Fons Ust Dow Lat On Left Dew Lat On Right 2009 3 Properties 4 A large dia
36. They both have several image formats embedded in the same icon But the file format is totally different You cannot use Windows icons under Macintosh because the file format is not compatible You must convert them to Macintosh ICO file format with lconWorkshop of course All kinds of formats can be included in a Windows ICO file you can even create non square icons With Macintosh icon files this is not possible Only some strictly defined image formats can be included As a result some image formats cannot be converted to Macintosh icon Axialis lconWorkshop supports the following Macintosh icon files creation ICNS RSC and BIN Icons from system 7 5 8 5 9 x and 10 X are supported You can easily open Windows icons into the Icon Editor and save them as Macintosh format During the conversion formats which are not supported under Macintosh will be removed To learn more about Windows and Macintosh icon file formats read this topic Macintosh vs Windows icons 143 Axia 144 lis lconWorkshop 6 10 Which image formats are included in Macintosh icons Here is the list of image formats you can find in Macintosh Icons Tiger 256x256 32 bits alpha channel Thumbnail 128x128 32 bits alpha channel Huge 48x48 32 bits alpha channel 256 colors 16 colors mono Large 32x32 32 bits alpha channel 256 colors 16 colors mono Small 16x16 32 bits alpha channel 25
37. a frame and a title bar appear It can placed anywhere over the user interface without docking If the window was floating Nothing is visually changed but if you move it over the right or left borders of the main window it will be docked when you ll release the mouse button How to Search the Icons have on My Computer Many files containing icons are present on your computer s hard disks Axialis lconWorkshop includes a search feature to help you locate and grab these icons Searching for files on your computer 1 Choose Edit Search On the Computer or press Ctrl G 2 A search option dialog box opens In the Named zone specify a filename search criterion If the filename contains a portion of the specified text the file is selected You can also use the standard DOS characters Example Image 3 In the Look In zone specify the folder from which you wish to start the search If you want to perform a deep search including subfolders select the Include Subfolders option If you specify folder C with subfolders the whole disk bill be scanned It can be a very long process 4 In the Type list specify the type of file you wish to find All Icon Files 5 You can also specify Date and Size options and _ Search Media Files on the Computer Search on the Computer Ow tamed D can EA Q Ghee FA Ixdude subfolders Doe All Suppeeted Fies K E Qate 4 OO me 5 v
38. button 4 Click the Download Now button If the file is in FREE ACCESS the download process starts immediately Otherwise the file is marked REGISTERED USERS and you need to enter your Genuine Axialis Product Key to download the file 5 The file to download is an executable file EXE so you may be prompted by Windows or any other antivirus application to confirm the download and execution of the file File Download Security Warning Do you want to run of save this file e Name AodalsObjectPack exe Type Application 1 61 MB From www andn com OF ie mrn While files from the intemet can be useful the fle type can potentially ham your computer If you do not nust the source do not tun ot save thet tolterane What s the isk Installing packages downloaded from Internet is potentially dangerous Install packages that you download on Internet may contain viruses However your security is our priority and all our files are periodically tested against all known viruses Also if you have an antivirus software the file will be automatically checked before it is launched 6 If you want to launch the installation of the pack without saving the file on your disk click Run In such a case the file downloads and the installation starts automatically If you want to save a copy of the install pack to your disk click Save The file will be saved to a folder of your choice When finished you ll have to
39. comes in handy where the RGB model can t help for instance classifying similar colors classifying colors by levels of darkness sorting colors etc Customized palette Axialis lconWorkshop supplies a standard palette with 256 colors Images in 256 colors use fixed color palettes You can customize this palette by creating your own colors using RGB values or the standard Windows dialog box Opening a new color palette causes all colors in the current image to be remapped using the new palette It is therefore recommended that the desired color palette be opened before beginning a 256 color image The palette is initialized with the color palette of the image being edited When a new image 256 color image is created the palette is initialized with 256 colors from the default palette file 261 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 To modify a color in a customized palette 1 Select the color in the palette 2 Double click on this color or choose Color Modify color The standard Windows Color box opens 3 Modify your color using the scroll box or in the color box 4 If you want add the customized color 5 Click on the lt Add color gt button and the color will be automatically placed in your customized color palette replacing the color selected in the standard palette You can change the Hue and Saturation of the color and then move the slider in the color gradient to change the luminescence Lum Copy Color as HTML 1
40. contents appears automatically in the main area Now you can create an icon from this image see Step 2 of topic Create an Icon from an Image File Creating Icons using Photoshop Templates Templates permit you to use the powerful tools of Adobe Photoshop to draw your icon in different formats then transfer the work to IconWorkshop Axialis IconWorkshop creates the icon automatically in one step Transferring an Icon Image from IconWorkshop to Photoshop 1 Open an icon in IconWorkshop Select the desired image format by clicking on it It appears in the editor window 2 Choose Draw Save Image as Bitmap A dialog box opens Choose to Preserve Transparency Information this will permit you to keep transparent areas in your PSD image file When done click OK 3 A standard Save Image As dialog box opens In the Save as Type list select Adobe Photoshop PSD Choose a destination folder and type a new filename When done click OK The file has been created 4 In Photoshop open the newly created file It opens containing one layer with transparency Now you can retouch it or use it as necessary 133 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Install the Photoshop to IconWorkshop transfer plug in Before using the plug in as detailed in next topic you need to install it on your computer The plug in can be easily installed from within Axialis lconWorkshop in one fast and simple operation If you ve already i
41. or Macintosh OS to choose the appropriate format when displaying it on screen It may change based on screen number of colors and display location For example in the Windows task bar icons are displayed using 16x16 image format and on the desktop they are displayed at larger sizes 48x48 96x96 256x256 In Windows Vista some intermediate sizes are used 24x24 32 32 48x48 and 64x64 If a size does not exist in the icon Windows Vista displays it automatically by resizing on the fly the largest size 256x256 The Macintosh OSX uses the large formats 128x128 256x256 and even 512x512 in OSX 10 5 All those formats include an alpha channel to create smooth transparency and permits nice resize effects wa amp ots 4h46 3232 24x24 16x16 RGB A RGB A RGB A RGB A RGB A u B 4545 3232 2424 16x16 256 6 256 256 kx Dii j J a d Ke hae 256x256 48x48 3232 24x24 16x16 RGB A 16 16 16 16 An icon contains several images formats size and colors This is very important to create several image formats in an icon especially if you wish to redistribute it in order to be compatible with all screen configurations Axialis lconWorkshop includes a powerful feature which permits to create new formats based on existing images in a few clicks The image format 128x128 is used under Macintosh OS 10 0 or more only OSX 10 4 codename Tiger supports icons up to 256x256 OSX 10 4 codename Leopard supports icon
42. or folders you can add them to a Favorite List to retrieve them faster You can also easily manage this list Add a Document to the Favorite List 1 Select an opened document window 2 Choose Favorites Add to Favorites In the area Name displays the name of the document as it will appear in the Favorite List You can change the name and click OK Add a Folder to the Favorite List 1 Open a New Explorer window and select the desired folder Ctrl E 2 Choose Favorites Add to Favorites In the area Name displays the name of the document as it will appear in the Favorite List You can change the name and click OK Open an Item from the Favorite List 1 Open the Favorites menu 2 Choose the desired item to open it If the item is a file a document window opens If the item is a folder an Axialis Explorer window opens Modify the Favorite List 1 Choose Modify Favorites 2 The Favorite List contents displays You must select the document you want to change or remove from the list 3 If you want to change the name of the selected document you will change the name that appears in the list not the filename on disk click the Rename button 4 If you want to remove the selected document from the list you will NOT delete the file or folder on the disk click the Remove button Paste an image as a new document If an image is present in the Clipboard you can paste it in the application and create a new Image docume
43. the left pane The same file types as above are supported 3 In the Librarian select the icon library in which you want to add the icon 4 Using a mouse drag amp drop copy the icon files from the Axialis Explorer window to the icon library window You can also choose File Add to the Librarian or press F3 ul The icons are imported in the icon library If a file contains several icons all the icons included in the file are imported When finished all the new icons are added and selected in the library Import a selection of icons from another icon library 1 In the Librarian select the icon library in which you want to add the icon 1st icon library 2 In the workspace open an icon library containing the icons you want to import 2nd icon library w Select the icons you want to import in the 2nd icon library you can use Shift key to select several icons 4 Using a mouse drag amp drop and pressing the Ctrl key copy the icon files from the 2nd library into the 1st icon library window Press and keep pressed the Ctrl key during the drag amp drop operation to copy the icons Otherwise they ll be moved into the 1st library deleted from the 2nd library uw The icons are imported in the icon library After adding icons to an icon library it is marked as modified Therefore if you select another one or a folder you ll be prompted to save it Click YES or you ll lose the modifications Edit an icon in
44. up to Windows Vista See the product help to read more about image format compatibility with different versions of Windows New Icon Project for Apple Macintosh Cheese Apple Macietoth xon format you with to create an icon for the Mac operating system only up to OS X Tiger and Leopard Some restrictions apply on MacOS icon image formats see help to get more info on valid snage foemats 2 Axialis lconWorkshop support both Windows and Macintosh icons see format comparison to learn more Select the Apple Macintosh option Defining the first image format If you have chosen to create a Macintosh icon project a second dialog box opens An icon can contain several image formats size and colors In this dialog you specify the properties of the first image format you wish to include in this icon You ll be able to add several other image formats later See Creating a new image format in an icon 3 In Project Name type the name of the project without extension 186 Creating Icons New Icon Project for Macintosh An icon can conten several image formats sire and colors in ths dalog you speoty the properties of the first mage format you mish to ndude in his Kon You be able to add several other mage formats later Project Name Projecti Oo Lenage Color format Image Size in pecets RGB Alpha Came RGBA J2 bets 123x123 Thurber 256 Indexed Colors 8 bts x88 Hoge 16
45. 256 colors 16 colors 24x24 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors 16x16 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors Minimum 256x256 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16x16 RGB A 256 colors Optional 256x256 256 colors 16 colors 64x64 256 colors 16 colors other formats are possible to deal with HIDPI screens see below If you create an icon for recent versions of Windows the compatibility is ensured with previous versions For example if you create an icon containing a 256x256 image for Windows Vista it will display fine under Windiws XP Based on our tests the only exception we ve found is If you add 24x24 image formats in your icon it won t be compatible with Windows 98 and Windows 2000 The icon displays correctly in IconWorkshop but will be considered invalid by Windows Windows Vista for HI DPI screens On hi dpi screens high DPI resolution LDC screens Windows Vista code will downscale the images for sizes between 64x64 and 256x256 If you want your icon to be compatible with future screens we recommend you to add the following sizes Recommended 256x256 RGB A 64x64 RGB A 256 colors 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 40x40 RGB A 256 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 24x24 RGB A 256 colors 22x22 RGB A 256 colors 16x16 RGB A 256 colors Examples of scaling ratios applied to some common icon sizes DPI Scale Factor 16x16 Icon Size 32x32 Icon Size 48x48 Icon Size
46. 338 Working With The Axialis Librarian by its related variable text at printing A macro must be specified between brackets Fill the different areas Header and Footer by using macros and or static text e PATHNAME Your username e DATE Actual print date e TIME Actual print time e PAGE Page Number Create a new icon library If you plan to deal with a large number of icons we strongly recommend you to create Icon Libraries to save them Before proceeding we strongly recommend you to read this topic What is an Icon Library You can assemble an unlimited number of icons in an Icon Library The extension for a standard Icon Library is ICL Axialis IconWorkshop fully support ICL files It can create read and save ICL library files Also ICL file format is fully supported by all versions of Windows For example you can customize a Windows shortcut by selecting a new icon in an ICL file Axialis lconWorkshop has a powerful feature to support ICL files in its built in Librarian that permits you to consider ICL files as folders Create a new icon library in the librarian 1 To create an Icon Library in the librarian you must be sure the librarian is visible If the librarian window is not visible check the Librarian button in the main toolbar or press ESC 2 To create the Icon Library first select the folder where you want to create it 3 Choose Librarian New Icon Library or right click on the current fol
47. 356 356 357 358 358 358 359 359 361 361 XIX Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 XX Normalize the icons Supported Media Types Icon Files Cursors Images Open a media file Open a media file Open a media full screen Switch ON OFF the Auto Full Screen option Zoom in zoom out change display mode in full screen mode Print a media file Print a media file image animation or video still only Print a media file as a poster image animation or video still only Print as preview Change display mode Change display mode image Display full screen Open a media full screen Switch ON OFF the Auto Full Screen option Zoom in zoom out change display mode in full screen mode Copy a media file to the Clipboard Copy to the Clipboard Paste the media file in a project Resize an image Resize the image Undo the change Save the modified image Crop an image Select the image portion to keep Crop the image Undo the change Save the modified image Change the color depth of an image Change to True Colors with Alpha Channel Change to True Colors Change to Indexed Colors Undo the change Save the modified image Create a Windows icon from an image File Open the image file in conWorkshop 361 362 362 362 362 363 363 363 363 363 364 364 364 365 365 365 366 366 366 366 366 367 367 367 367 367 367 368 368 368 368 368 368 369 369 369 370 370 370 370
48. Antaha tare Support Teterials Company Download Image Object Packs Working With The Axialis Librarian 3 When you re interested by an object pack read the quick description Take a look at the popularity and user rating Once downloaded and tested you ll be also able to vote for it just by clicking on the Rating Stars To get more information about the pack click Read More button 4 Click the Download Now button If the file is in FREE ACCESS the download process starts immediately Otherwise the file is marked REGISTERED USERS and you need to enter your Genuine Axialis Product Key to download the file 5 The file to download is an executable file EXE so you may be prompted by Windows or any other antivirus application to confirm the download and execution of the file File Download Security Warning Do you want to run of save this file e Name AodalsObjectPack exe Type Application 1 61 MB From www andn com OF ie mrn While files from the intemet can be useful the fle type can potentially ham your computer If you do not nust the source do not tun ot save thet tolterane What s the isk Installing packages downloaded from Internet is potentially dangerous Install packages that you download on Internet may contain viruses However your security is our priority and all our files are periodically tested against all known viruses Also if you have an antivirus software the file will
49. Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Usted Fi 7 a m 13 formats 13 anats Hep 2 Mat Previews UI te formats cote formats ew k 1 formats 12 formats 13 Hore 11 formats u rt 1 Btw it feemats ____ 2 A window opens with the selected icon ready for modification The title of the window is something similar to this lconName Icon embedded in LibraryName 3 You can edit the icon like any independent icon file See Editing Icons to learn more about icon edition Update icon in the library 4 Once the icon has been modified you need to save your work As the icon is not linked to an icon file you ll update it into the icon library Click on the floppy icon in the toolbar or select File Save The operation is done in memory and the file is updated in the library 5 You can close the icon edition window The work has been saved in the library but not on disk Now you need to save the Icon Library to make the changes permanent Save the library 6 Be sure to activate the icon library window Click on the floppy icon in the toolbar or select File Save 7 The ICL file is updated on disk Open an icon as a new icon from the library This feature is useful if you want to use an icon contained in a library as a template to create a new icon Open the icon as a new document 1 First open the icon library Once the icon library is opened in a document window select on the icon you wish to use as templat
50. Creating different versions of an icon is very easy with this pack See below some examples of the help icon made in a few minutes simply using the mouse and without drawing one pixel non exhaustive list of course Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 118 OQO Object Packs are libraries containing a large number of image objects made by a professional designer We regularly publish new objects packs that you can download on Internet To create your icons you just have to assemble basic objects together See below examples of icons made using the Glossy Objects pack X O a Axialis Object Pack 1 For Icons Glossy Buttons A collection of 150 hi res objects to be used with Axialis IconWorkshop To follow this tutorial you need to have the Glossy Buttons object pack installed in the librarian Search the Librarian for the folder Objects Pack 1 Glossy Buttons This pack is included in IconWorkshop 6 0 or more If you can t find the folder download the Glossy Buttons pack from Internet Defining Creating the Icon Project Before using the image objects we need to create a new icon project An icon contains several image formats see What s an Icon so we need to define all these formats before going on We ll create an icon compatible with Windows Vista 256x256 format Windows XP 48x48 32x32 24x24 and 16x16 formats and Dock Bar applications 128x128 format To simplify the project we won t add indexed
51. Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the images using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the files appear with preview in the right pane Select the image files you wish to convert to icons You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several files Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch create the Windows icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Windows Icons from Selection or Ctrl Shift C 5 A dialog box opens In Standard Image Formats and Extra Image Formats choose the image formats you wish to add in the icons tech Crente Windom 8 kona From Saeco SN Batch Create Windows Icons This feature wil permit you to create several Windows icons in one batch process fom selected sources ndudng kons images azters This i not a converson but a creation of new icons containing several predefined image taser tal Teons wil be automaticaly created in the source file folder Created Sensmes wil be the same as the source file with 100 extension Standard image formats for Windows J x8 OP A 32x32 P of 2 P of RIG oP o F texta 256 7 32x32 255 26M2 sxi 256 48x53 16 3BG2 16 2424 36 T x16 36 Windows Vista Formats J 25625 WP 256x255 256 1256x256 35 Vl Compress 256x256 formats for Windows Vata embedded PNG comoression Other Formats o 20 128x128 3P 96x96 P 72x72 XP J 6084 Mecieath icons amao P 43x48
52. Formats 6 Macintosh OSX Leopard Icon 512x512 2 Windows Vista Icon 256x256 7 Windows Project 2 Sizes 3 Windows XP Icon 48x48 8 Windows Project 3 Sizes 4 Macintosh OSX Icon 128x128 9 Macintosh Project 2 Sizes 5 Macintosh OSX Tiger Icon 256x256 10 Macintosh Project 3 Sizes What is the difference between Simple Icon and Icon Project templates The Simple Icon Templates numbers 1 to 6 have been designed to permit you to draw all the formats of the icon including RGB A 256 and 16 colors If a format is left blank it will not be added to the icon We recommend you to follow this tutorial Use a Simple Icon Template The Icon Project Templates numbers 7 to 10 permit you to create 2 or 3 versions of your icon based on the template you choose Then during the export the formats are created according to the XML descrition file Usually image formats in project templates are created using the following guidelines Creating Icons using Photoshop Templates 512x512 256x256 128x128 to 72x72 Image in perspective with details light effects and shadows 64x64 to 24x24 Image in perspective with a few details limited light effects and shadows A border is added to enhance visibility 16x16 Flat image without details and large borders Install the Photoshop to IconWorkshop transfer plug in Before using the as detailed in next topic you need to install it on your computer The p
53. Full Screen in the menu Switch ON OFF the Auto Full Screen option 3 Choose Explorer Auto Full Screen option or press Ctrl F11 If the Auto Full Screen Ctrl F11 option is ON the file is opened full screen using the simple open command Zoom in zoom out change display mode in full screen mode 5 While viewing a file fullscreen you can zoom in or zoom out by pressing or keys 6 With image files you can zoom using the left right mouse buttons Move the mouse to slide the image on screen if larger than screen in zoom mode for example You can also use the arrow keys A double click quits the fullscreen mode 7 Three display modes are available scale best fit stretched You can change the mode by pressing the Tab key 363 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Print a media file Using the explorer you can easily print a media file image animation or video still only 1 Create a New Explorer window by choosing File New New Explorer Ctrl E 2 Browse your disks and select the appropriate folder in the left pane The media files included in the folder appear in the right pane 3 Select the file you wish to open 4 Double click on it or choose Explorer Open Item Enter or right click on it and choose Open in the menu Print a media file image animation or video still only 5 Choose the File Print An option dialog box opens 6 In Options group choose Print image in one page option 7 In Header amp
54. Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image m m O Standard image formats for Windows 4 256x255 RGBA Windows Views orty Op Other formats for Windows Vista 24x24 254 colors 294x244 16 colors a 96s 1 7an Fiats P ZIPNG compress 254x254 formats for Windows Vista Dodd P E aes Mono 32x32 Moro 1x34 Mono Rendering Options As conten severe formas see ond Smooth sn dion Comte bere the mage Greats you wah to Z Aoply Fiter when Resizing q fiche in tus eon Fout be sole 1o odd seven meves other SS 254256 erage cor be compressed you pian 90 whe T heshy Cree for 236 16 ond Mono formats Be con wider Mindeng Wore net IP compatibie Bos one s am GE s 3 In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension 4 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic If you wish to start creating your icon with an unlisted format click the Other Image Format button 5 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected Capture an icon This version of IconWorkshop does no longer include the Capture feature as it was implemented in previous editions A new function takes a snapshot of the screen and places it in a window This will allow you to copy paste port
55. Large Icons and Explorer Display Auto Preview Creating the Windows icons 4 In the Explorer window select the 9 first images in the list To do this click on the first image press the SHIFT key keep it pressed and click on the 8th image The images are selected 5 Right click on one of the selected images a menu opens Select the command Batch Create Windows Icons from Selection 6 A dialog box opens In Standard Image Formats Windows Vista Formats and Other Formats choose the image formats you wish to add in the icons Batch Create Windows kons From Selecto Batch Create Windows Icons This feature wil permit you to create several Windows icons in one batch process Som selected sources ndudng kons images oxters This not a conversion but a geston of new icons containing several predefined image formats see below Icons wil be automaticaly created in the source fie folder Created Sienames wil be the same as the source fle mith ICO extencion Standard image formats for Windows Taso 7 322 P Viren oe IZ x16 1 o Texa 256 7 32032 255 26m 25 sse 256 sae 16 F Ida 4 Maan 6 ieie 38 Windows Vista Formats m22 e 256x255 255 E2562 36 V Compress 256x256 formats for Windows Vata embedded PNG compression Other Formats ieee E 120123 oe 195x95 3P Bran Wises x Macreanh come te f j l we 7 nd L aneo P 48x48 Mono 32x32 Mono 36x16 Mono
56. Macintosh computer A 1 Click a and select System Preferences A window opens In Internet amp Network group select Sharing The following window opens Computer Name Marc EMRE s Computer Other computers on your local submet can access your computer at Marc EMILEs Computer bocal Services Firewall internet b Select a service to change its settings Service Personal File Sharing Windows sharing O Personal Wed Sharing Remote Login FTP Access Appie Remote Desktop Remate Apple Events Printer Sharing wna On a Windows wierd Can access your Computer at 152 166 1105 marcemite Enabled accounts Marc EMRE a Click the lock to prevent further changes 2 Select the Service tab in the list select Windows Sharing service 3 If necessary select the user accounts you want to activate On the Windows computer 4 Double click in the icon My Network Places A window opens In Local Network group open the folder which is related to your Macintosh computer Browse the folders and locate a target directory 148 How to Procedures 5 In IconWorkshop save your Macintosh icon as MacBinary in the folder that you have located above On the Macintosh computer 6 Launch the Finder and browse the folder where you have saved the BIN file 7 Use mouse Drag amp Drop to copy or move the file on the Desktop Double click on the BIN file StuffIt Expande
57. Macintosh icon format is not open You cannot add image formats which are not defined in Macintosh icon specifications Some image formats are not available Adding a new image format 1 Choose Draw New image Format or press Ins Add a New Macintosh Image Format Image Color Format 1 Image Sine in p ch 2 RGD phe Cannel RGA 32542 Da rt 254 Indexed Colors bets t hauge 6 Coors 45ta 3N Garge Morochrome 1 b a5 mal Maa On HAI Foe orty SIDN Geopars oniy E Ene Aoh Oaai imagu wa daginyat corny Mac O5 I o baa van oady JOBA fome jaAa Trunda a par of ha Mar CS X oecfentora Ading Sia ary winnende fo cira D te Sapir ai Frim Diato pemain b The sue moomi erty ROS mth siha homei oirt 13 boo fa om patel wears aO ni ement Lal Mow komat eal owas be nuded i yor emn paat CO RSM and SEDAS Renee wre compete aA Mar OF X vere 146 ae trie Taa tomer dom ree tuciny om ryme wit prer 5 verse Paasied Th Sam napora ordy ROE mD aha Carve aion CI bos 4 Creation based on the folowing mage i Z Aeply Diterng f 24 16 and Mono formats orty G Hews 2 In the Colors group choose the color mode of the new image format e RGB With Alpha Channel 16 8M 32 bits Uses true colors to get the best results This format will be used only if the icon is displayed under Macintosh OSX only Also it uses an additional Alpha Channel to create smooth shades and object borders e 256 Indexed colo
58. New IconProject from Photoshop Template Your template should be visible in the list sorted by template numbers 231 233 Working with Icons Before reading this chapter we recommend to read these topics e What is an icon chapter 2 page 37 e Macintosh vs Windows icons chapter 2 page 44 e Introducing Windows Vista icons chapter 2 page 48 e What is an image object chapter 4 page 201 Add a new image format in an icon This is very important to create several image formats in an icon especially if you wish to redistribute it in order to be compatible with all screen configurations see What is an Icon for more info The following table shows the common Windows and Macintosh image formats 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A eo a s o 256 Colors o is is 16 Colors o oO e o Mono Windows standard icon image formats PNG compressed Windows Vista 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A o e i o 256 Colors e s s 16 Colors is o Mono oO 0 compressed OSX 10 4 JO compressed OSX 10 5 Macintosh OS standard icon image formats Recommended Optional Not Available If you add 24x24 image formats in your icon it won t be compatible with Windows 98 and Windows 2000 If you use these Windows versions the icon will display correctly in Axialis IconWorkshop but will be considered as invalid by Windows 235 Axia
59. The created icons have the same filename as the original document with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting Convert several Windows Macintosh icons to PNG batch process PNG is an image file format not really an icon format Icons usually contain several formats PNG images contain only one image used as icon This image is usually a large one 128x128 or 256x256 with alpha channel RGB A 32 BPP This format is used by numerous GUI and applications Linux KDE dock bars Using this feature you can Create Several PNG Images from Windows or Macintosh icon files in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in IconWorkshop explorer Only one image will be extracted from each icon and each time one PNG file will be created We recommend you to extract the largest RGB A image from the icon since IconWorkshop supports creation of PNG images with alpha channel Select the Source Icons 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the source icon files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the source icons appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert to images You can select Windows and or Macintosh icons Use 304 Working with Icons Shift Ctrl Mo
60. The dialog box Empty folder Deleted items opens 3 If you are sure to permanently delete all the items click YES You will not be able to UNDO this operation Preview items in the librarian explorer 1 Select one or more items in the librarian 2 Activate Librarian Preview 3 The item is displayed in the thumbnail The option Preview is only available if you activate the command Librarian Display Large icons Only pictures can be previewed in thumbnails Send media items via email 336 1 Select one or more items 2 Choose Librarian Send as email 3 The dialog box Send Media Items opens 4 In the To specifies the list of recipients You can specify several recipients by separating email addresses with a semicolon or click to select the recipients directly from your Address Book This feature is implemented only if you use Microsoft Outlook address book 5 In the Subject area enter description for the selected items attached as an Internet email Working With The Axialis Librarian 6 In the Message area enter a message for the selected items attached as an Internet email 7 Click on the Send button Change the item display Change display 1 Choose Librarian Display and click on Large icons Small icons Lists or Details 2 You can also sort the items by Name Size Date Size Ascending or Descending 3 You can activate the command Librarian Display Auto Preview This option will allow you to displa
61. a PNG file 2 In lconWorkshop choose File Open browse your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the image file you wish to open then hit Enter Ww The image file opens in a document window Its contents appears automatically in the main area If the image contains transparency it has been kept see the chessboard texture Now you can create an icon from this image see Step 2 of topic Create an Icon from an Image File Transferring an Icon Image from IconWorkshop to Paint Shop Pro Open an icon in IconWorkshop Select the desired image format by clicking on it It appears in the editor window N Choose Draw Save Image as Bitmap A dialog box opens Choose to Preserve Transparency Information this will permit you to keep transparent areas in your PSD image file When done click OK Ww A standard Save Image As dialog box opens In the Save as Type list select Portable Network Graphic PNG Choose a destination folder and type a new filename When done click OK The file has been created 4 In Paint Shop Pro open the newly created file It opens containing the image with transpare
62. a new icon with several formats based on the image see step 4 Create a New Image Document IconWorkshop opens a new document containing the image You ll be able to perform various operations on the image resize crop save and even create a new icon from a portion of it Paste the Image in the Current Icon Document This option is enabled only if an icon document is already opened in IconWorkshop It pastes the image in the current editor area just like the Clipboard paste operation If you choose the first option Create a New Icon using this Image the following dialog box opens see below As Axialis lconWorkshop support creation of both Windows and 135 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 136 Macintosh icons you re prompted to choose the format Select option for Windows or option for Macintosh You can create icon projects for Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh operating systems Please choose the desired 4 operating system below o Microsoft Windows Icon Project Choose Microsoft Windows icon format you wish to create an icon for al Windows versions incuding P 2000 ME 96 and 95 2 Apple Macintosh Icon Project Choose Apple Macintosh icon format if you wish to create an icon for the Mac operating system only up to OS x zy axialis a Cancel 5 By choosing Windows the following dialog box opens a similar dialog opens if you choose Maci
63. again The repair process resets your program version 399 Registering Upgrading Online features Downloading Object Packs from Internet On a regular basis new image object packs will be available for download on our website Packs are free but some of them are reserved to registered customers Additionally third party authors may propose their own object packs additional fees may be required Links to selected object packs will also be added to our download page Download Object Packs from your Web Browser This is a standard way to proceed The procedure may differ slightly depending on your web browser type and version The procedure below is based on Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 0 1 Launch Internet Explorer In the Address bar type the following address http www axialis com objects 2 The web page opens Download Image Object Packs We recommend you to read the License Agreement before downloading packs oO te ie tee oe Qm 226 trown vp axialis Produite Geunteads M Amede tere tuppert Tetertale C Download Image Object Packs Glossy Buttons o vy og OO Q a op o S 401 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 3 When you re interested by an object pack read the quick description Take a look at the popularity and user rating Once downloaded and tested you ll be also able to vote for it just by clicking on the Rating Stars To get more information about the pack click Read More
64. an ellipse The circle is dynamically drawing while moving the mouse When you release the mouse button the circle border is automatically smoothed It works only with RGB AP image formats It can be enabled disabled by pressing E Smooth Edges in the local toolbar iN When done you see the blue circle in the drawing area and in the Preview 1 1 floating palette Q uw Ooops If you made a small error while drawing you can Undo what you did Choose Edit Undo or press Ctrl Z or Alt Backspace Now you can try again Drawing a letter in the circle 6 To do so Axialis lconWorkshop includes a Text feature First select White Color 255 255 255 in the color swatches the procedure is similar to you did before 7 Click the Text tool a A letter button at the lower right corner of the Drawing Tools A Dialog box opens 55 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Text to add i Font attributes cs see v KOs Fk Preview 235 AXIALIS 8 In the Text to add zone type the i letter In the Font list choose Tahoma In the Size zone choose 30 and click Bold You can check the result in the preview zone When done click OK 9 A large selection box has been added in the upper left corner on the drawing area This selection contains the large i letter drawn in white This is a floating selection that can be moved over the existing image 10 Move the mouse pointer over this selection
65. applications 4 Click OK When done a message informs you that the plug in has been installed 5 Now you can start your Photoshop application The plug in is visible in File Export Export to IconWorkshop menu Read this for more info on how to use the plug in filter Use a Simple Icon Template to create an icon Before reading this topic we recommend to learn how the Photoshop templates work 215 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 216 The Simple Icon Templates have been designed to let you to draw all the formats of the icon including RGB A 256 and 16 colors If a format is left blank it will not be added to the icon 10 templates are included in lconWorkshop 6 of them are simple icon templates numbers 1 to 6 1 Windows Icon All Formats 4 Macintosh OSX Icon 128x128 2 Windows Vista Icon 256x256 5 Macintosh OSX Tiger Icon 256x256 3 Windows XP Icon 48x48 6 Macintosh OSX Leopard Icon 512x512 Create a Windows XP icon using a Simple Icon Template In this tutorial we ll create a simple icon for Windows XP To do this we ll use an Icon Template This kind of template see above permits you to create each format of the icon separatly A typical Windows XP icon contains 9 or 12 formats sizes 48x48 32x32 16x16 optional 24x24 each one in colors RGB A 256 and 16 As a result the templates contains 12 areas where you can draw the different formats of the icon If a drawing area is left blank
66. area The pointer automatically switches to a four arrow cursor 4 Now left click in this area keep the button pressed and move your mouse to the center on the Drawing Area in order to get the following result 11 You can apply the floating selection by click left clicking anywhere CONGRATULATIONS you ve created your first icon image 56 Getting Started Tutorial Lesson 3 Adjusting the icon image In this lesson we ll modify the icon image we ve drawn in Lesson 2 using some of the Adjustment Tools available These tools do NOT permit you to draw something but to modify appearance of an existing image brightness contrast hue size rotate Changing the brightness and contrast of our icon 1 Select the whole image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the whole icon using Drag amp Drop or Press Ctrl A When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created J All adjustments apply to the selection only 2 Choose Draw Adjustments Effects Brightness Contrast or press B A Dialog box opens Adjust Brightness Contrast This wil adjust the frightnessContrast of the actual kon image 4 or a parton of it if selected HI J Preview Vaid valves are in range 100 1 100 9 means no charge aS oc cones 3 In the Brightness group specify 5 either using the slider or the edit zone In the Contrast group specify
67. background Draw your images creating layers as necessary You can save the work as a PSD file for later use Choose Export to IconWorkshop The Axialis plugin is launched a XML description file is read you can create your own and the icon is created in IconWorkshop Just retouch it if you want and save it Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 214 2 Draw the different images of your icon in Adobe Photoshop Windows kon Project 3 Sizes leon icoriverishep Template 008 Copyright 0200 Anish Softens Aigh Reverend 1 Choose New Project from Template in Axialis lconWorkshop E en sd gt Anewdocumentiis Fea be dd created in Photoshop rom with the template in Lin TE usu o Monen background aas 3 Export to IlconWorkshop AXML description file is read by the plugin to create the icon A a a a s wal i a e 4 The icon is created in lconWorkshop How many templates are included in IconWorkshop 10 templates are included in lconWorkshop Each template is composed of 2 files a PNG file with transparency which is the image file on which you ll draw the different sizes of your icon a XML file describing the template this is a text file with the same filename extension XML You can create your own new templates Files are located in Application Data Axialis IconWorkshop Templates The 10 templates are a EXPORT PLUGIN Photoshop TO IconWorkshop 1 Windows Icon All
68. background and the dialog box Install the Photoshop to Axialis IconWorkshop Transfer Plug in opens see below 268 Working with Icons Image Transfer From Adobe Photoshop Options VNR f You are about to transfer an image from Adobe Photoshop or a gt compatible application to Ardalis Icon Workshop a How do you want to use this image o Create New Icon using this mage A new kon will be created froen this image several image formats welll be inchaded in the kon 2 E Create new Image Documert A new document containing this image wil be created 3 Paste the image in the current Leon document The image wil be parted in the currert con Editor window Qurt ike using the Clipboard E Oo not prompt in the Future First option by defoul 7y axialls ae comet 3 The image is about to be transferred in Axialis lconWorkshop You can choose one of the following operations Create a New Icon using this Image You create a new icon with several formats based on the image see step 4 Create a New Image Document Axialis lconWorkshop opens a new document containing the image You ll be able to perform various operations on the image resize crop save and even create a new icon from a portion of it Paste the Image in the Current Icon Document This option is enabled only if an icon document is already opened in Axialis lconWorkshop It pastes the image in the current editor
69. be removed An information message will be displayed Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 How to create Windows Vista compliant icons Creating the Windows Vista Icon from an existing image 126 In this topic we ll see how to create a Windows Vista compliant icon Windows Vista includes many new features and enhancements The most visible evolution is the new Graphical User Interface GUI A first look at Aero the codename for the Windows Vista user experience reveals a slicker interface with sharper graphics Microsoft Windows Vista comes with a new format of icons supporting PNG compression and sizes up to 256x256 The standard Windows Vista icons now includes the following image formats grayed formats are optional 256x256 RGB A 64x64 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 32x32 RGB A 24x24 RGB A 16x16 RGB A 256x256 256c 64x64 256c 48x48 256c 32x32 256c 24x24 256c 16x16 256c 256x256 16c 64x64 16c 48x48 16c 32x32 16c 24x24 16c 16x16 16c The problem is if you simply make the icon and save it in standard Windows XP ICO format the resulting file will be 400Kb on disk The solution is to compress the images Only the 256x256 images are compressed The compression scheme used is PNG Portable Network Graphic because it has a good lossless ratio and supports alpha channel The compressed icon sizes are 100Kb to 150Kb To get
70. be removed They re here only for info The barcode is binary based from left to right lower digits are left upper digits are right To get more info about the Binary Numeral System we recommend to read this article http en wikipedia org wiki Binary_numeral_system The barcode is composed of 8 bars A thin bar 1 pixel means O and a thick bar 3 pixels means 1 A thick bar means 1 i A thin bar means 0 O ee O m O 2 mu l 0 21 The rectangle containing the barcode must be located at pixel 2 2 Gray colors rectangle and bars and white background must be strictly identical The binary number is coded from left to right Less Significant Bit on Left Most Significant Bit on Right In our example the template number is 21 in decimal numeral system 3 Create the drawing zones You can create 2 types of templates If you create a Simple Icon Template each zone must be specified at scale 1 1 You must make one different zone for each format If you create an Icon Project Template the drawing zones are usually larger than the final icon formats Each zone can be used to make several icon formats 226 Creating Icons using Photoshop Templates Axialis IconWorkshop Template 001 Copyright 2007 Anisia Softmare Al Hight Reserved NGASA I bits balphs channel TH Colors 0 bits adexpd beetat Srez Tee Weele INSTRUCTIONS 1 Simple Icon Template The drawing zones mu
71. by IconWorkshop see this topic to learn more Choose MacBinary Icon BIN 13 In groups Standard Image Formats and Other Formats choose the image formats you wish to add in the icons The other options are the same as above Batch Create Macistosh koea From Selection de o e Batch Create Macintosh Icons This feature wil permt you to geste several Macntoch icons in one batch process from selected sources ndun Kons mages cursors This 6 not a conversen but a geston of new icons containing several predefined image forans see below Score wil be automatically ceated in the source file folder Created finanses wil be te tame as the source Se mith new exterson fhe Fermot Hacinar ton mm 10 Standard image formats for Macintosh OS Fixi DnR DIR V ax RNA na onades 7 488 256 YJ 32x32 256 F ssx35 256 oy wde NOSY w 6 F IaxR 16 F x36 16 Other Formats 48x48 Mono 4 32032 Mone 16x16 Mono 16x12 2 wn 3 16x1 Mono 156x256 RCSA OS 10 4 Tiger or more oriy 1512 RGB Alphe OS 10 4 Leopard or more oriy Transparency Conver te folowing oslo to Eareparert the image hat no Paraparency formation Convert t transparent 14 When done click OK All the Macintosh icons are created and added to the same folder Names are preserved only the extension is changed to BIN The Librarian is updated accordingly since this is the same folder 15 Let
72. cache is corrupted and icons displays incorrectly By clicking on this button Repair you force Windows to delete and repair its internal icon cache and solve the problem Customize Folders To access the Customize Folders Tab options choose Edit Customize Windows icons The Customize Windows Icons dialog box opens click on the Customize Folders to get the related options Using this feature you can customize any hard drive disk folder or subfolder appearance with the icon of your choice Customize Folders 1 In the Folder area specify the full pathname to the folder you wish to customize To customize drive icons you can also specify a root folder 2 If you click the Change icon button you can select a new custom icon 3 If you click Default icon button you can restore the folder standard icon Don t forget to Apply the changes for each folder 4 In the Info Tip area specify the custom info tip message you wish to assign to this folder This message is displayed in a small window when you pass the mouse pointer over the folder in Windows explorer Remarks e You can also customize a Local Hard Drive disk icon Select the hard drive root folder C for example and customize its icon e You can customize any folders as long as it is located on a write enabled disk For example CDROM folders can t be customized e Any files containing icons ICO ICL DLL EXE can be used to select the custom icon
73. conversion it s a creation of a new icon It will not preserve all the existing formats It will create a new icon based on the largest and most coloured image included in the original Macintosh icon usually 256x256 or 48x48 with alpha channel 1 Open the Macintosh icon Choose File Open 2 When the icon is opened select the largest and the most coloured image format in the list best with 256x256 or 48x48 with alpha channel 3 Right click on the selected image format in the list a menu opens Select New Windows Icon Project from this Image Senos peen BGS MEE v OS E C ROO M S o New Image Format E Creste 48x48 16 tage Format AI Severs mage Formers from Pes wage ana New Macintoshi kon Project fron this Image Copy Creste Snapshot Export Remove mage Format M A O Dow Image Format it See Let On ett Pom Wet On Right ek 4 A large dialog box opens In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension 181 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 a a ee Som PA Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an image n e e O Standard image formats for Windows 7 256x256 RGBA Windows Vista only Fasas 255 colos 1294x295 16 colors J281 OS Dran Yb tbe oe TIPANG compress 254x256 formats for Windows Vista Od P Sias Mono 32x32 Mono 1x36 Mono AA OA Cae conten serora Sormars see d Rendering Option
74. document with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting Convert several Windows Macintosh icons to PNG batch process PNG is an image file format not really an icon format Icons usually contain several formats PNG images contain only one image used as icon This image is usually a large one 128x128 or 256x256 with alpha channel RGB A 32 BPP This format is used by numerous GUI and applications Linux KDE dock bars Using this feature you can Create Several PNG Images from Windows or Macintosh icon files in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in IconWorkshop explorer Only one image will be extracted from each icon and each time one PNG file will be created We recommend you to extract the largest RGB A image from the icon since IconWorkshop supports creation of PNG images with alpha channel Select the Source Icons 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the source icon files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the source icons appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert to images You can select Windows and or Macintosh icons Use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by
75. drawing area or in the Image Format list The Image Format List shows all the image formats available in your icon only 1 image for the moment The selected image format is always displayed in the Drawing Area You can show hide this list Press I or choose View Icon Image Formats Show You can also place it on the left or right side of the Edit Window choose View Icon Image Formats Left or Right 53 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 The Local Toolbar includes many commands For now just try to click the Image Format List show hide button You can also show hide the Grid in the drawing editor Actually the Zoom Factor is automatically based on the window size but you can change it manually by clicking on or 7 The Drawing Area displays a special texture like a chessboard This texture indicates a transparent area Actually as you have not drawn anything the icon is fully transparent Transparent areas allow to see the screen background behind the icon within its square image see illustration below FRANSES editor Windows desktop 2 gt E Transparent Area 8 This texture can be customized to meet your needs Choose Edit Preferences or press F2 A dialog box opens choose the Editor tab Preferences General Ector User intedace Toobars Fle Associations Lbratan images Temporary Fles Transparency Gid Sye Tey QO Color Scheme Davoren J Proms for res
76. enter in the edit zone the new name of the item 4 If you have selected several icons the dialog box Rename several media items opens 5 Enter the name of the item The items will be automatically indexed For example Image will rename Image1 mage2 ImageN 6 If you select the Add zero characters in index check box the items will be indexed differently For example Image will rename Image001 Image002 ImageOOn 334 Working With The Axialis Librarian Search items Choose Librarian Search The dialog box Search Media Files in the Librarian opens Inthe Type area choose the type of Items to find All types Images Icons Cursors A WW N In the Name area enter a search criterion for the item s filename blank no search on name Wildcards are needed to perform multi files search For example to get all the PNG files with B as the first letter enter b PNG 5 In the Author area enter a search criterion for the item s author blank no search on author Do not use wildcards For example to find the files made by John Smith you can just enter smith 6 In the Keyword area enter a search criterion for the item s keywords blank no search on keywords Do not use wildcards For example to find the files that have the ball keyword just enter ball Enter the Name the Author the Keyword and the Description of the item 7 In the Description area enter a search cri
77. example You can also use the arrow keys A double click quits the fullscreen mode 7 Three display modes are available scale best fit stretched You can change the mode by pressing the Tab key Copy a media file to the Clipboard When a file is opened in a viewer document window you can copy it in the clipboard Two elements are copied in the Clipboard e The displayed image if the document contains an image e The full pathname to the document file It may be useful to add the document in a project for example 1 Create a New Explorer window by choosing File New New Explorer Ctrl E 2 Browse your disks and select the appropriate folder in the left pane The media files included in the folder appear in the right pane 3 Select the file you wish to copy 366 Working With The Axialis Media File Explorer 4 Double click on it or choose Explorer Open Item Enter or right click on it and choose Open in the menu Copy to the Clipboard 5 Select Edit Copy Ctrl C Paste the media file in a project 6 Select a project document screensaver or other and choose Edit Paste Ctrl V Resize an image The application contains a high quality image resize feature a k a resampling This may be useful to change an image size without loosing quality 1 Create a New Explorer window by choosing File New New Explorer Ctrl E 2 Browse your disks and select the appropriate folder in the left pane The media files includ
78. explore this folder later to launch the installation manually 7 The installation starts in a separate window similar to this Object Pack 1 Glossy Buttons Installation Object Pack 1 Glossy Buttons Copyright 2005 Axialis Software All rights reserved This progam will install the image objects on your computer These fles vil be copied in the Aiak Litvarion Objects subfolder usually located in My Documents folder This wal be done without modilying any of your Windows sellings nor changing of adding any Regist entnes Only the files wil be copied to the target location Preview O Y Q Contents 150 Image Objects 1 55 Mb xp axialis 402 Registering Upgrading Online features Click Next to go the 2nd screen You must read carefully the license agreement and accept it before going further This is very important to understand the way you can use the objects Click Yes agree all the terms and click Next 8 The files are copied on your computer The target location is the Axialis Librarian Objects folder usually located in the My Documents folder This folder is easy accessible from all Axialis products in the built in Librarian window To get more information about the Librarian see this topic Working With The Axialis Librarian 9 When finished the associated Axialis application is launched or activated automatically here Axialis lconWorkshop and the built in Librarian is opened The
79. for Windows Jaxa OP 4 3232 P o 2 J x16 P o Fera 256 J 3x32 256 204 256 7 16x16 256 ES 3202 16 2824 16 AETA Windows Vista Formats 71255256 P 256x255 256 256x256 35 J Compress 256x256 formats for Windows Veta embedded PNG compression Other Formats o zors 123x123 P 96x95 P 72x72 X Dees 1 48x48 Mono 32x32 Mono 35x16 Mono Transparency Convert the following color to rarspaet f he mage tao Tarega akasor Convert to Fensparent 6 In Image Adjustment group you can add a smooth or sharp filter to the image shrinking process You can also use or not a dithering method to render image using 256 or 16 colors In Transparency group an option permits to use opaque images i e without transparency and specify a color to make transparent 281 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 7 When done click OK The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the creation When done the new Windows icons are added to the folder contents The created icons have the same filename as the original PNG files with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting When you create icons from PNG Image Files the whole image is selected and resized keeping its aspect ratio If it contains transparency it is kept during the creation Convert several PNG icons to Macintosh icons 282
80. for the Mac operating system only up to OS X Tiger and Leopard Some restrictions apply on MacOS icon image formats see help to get more info on valid wnage foemats SetOefadt Type ze sodas C a 2 If you choose Windows the procedure is similar for a Macintosh icon a second dialog box opens Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image Sa eae ween O Standard image formats for Windows 256x256 RGBA Windows Vara ony dD gt 2 WW Other formats for Windows Vista Other Formats Eas 25h colors 284256 16 colors Cuma Poe Er TIPNG compress 244x256 formats for Windows Vista Bana e Dars MaR D Aniem nenesa sero Rendering Options Srosth None s OD eet Comber tamer ones pey 5 LZ Anply Fiter when Reszng LT onanan TZ Aoply Otherng Sr 2 16 and Mono formats 3 In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension 116 How to Procedures 4 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic If you wish to start creating your icon with an unlisted format click the Other Image Format button 5 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected How to create attractive icons using image objects Graphics are among the prim
81. formats in one operation 14 Right click on the 256x256 RGB A format in the list of available icon formats on the left of the editor window a context menu opens select Add Several Image Formats from This Image see below Aaa Several image Formats troon Pee Drage Conngreised knige Formu Votat New Windows E icon Pregect trom tha Image New Mecetesh kon Preget thom the image Copy Create Snapahot Ada to Whe Liburan as nage Object bport IRAS 75 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 15 Anew dialog box opens Add Several Image Formats Standard image formats for Windows EEE RGBA Windows Vata erty Other formats for Windows Vista Other Formats 1255x256 156 colors 256x256 16 colors 1280125 a 96x95 OP Drm EAA WP O VIONG compress 256x296 formats for Windows Vista Sdo 2c Mono 32x32 Moro 16x16 Moro mr kres Rensering Options Smooth Nne swp O BSR rot 6 fd Fher R g Sap be able tm add sewers other EZ Aadhy Oithering for 256 16 and Mono formats opine lw bah ven wept yai ajin 16 The format 256x256 RGB A is already present in the icon so selecting it is not necessary if selected it will be ignored 17 Select the following formats to add click directly on the preview image 48x48 32x32 16x16 RGB A 48x48 32x32 16x16 256 Colors 32x32 16x16 16 Colors 64x64 RGB A is recommended for Windows Vista 18 If you plan to use your icon under Window
82. from icons can be very useful You can either create one image from one icon see topic Convert an icon to an image or several images from icons in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure The following image format creation is supported by IconWorkshop e BMP Windows bitmap 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e PNG Portable Network Graphic 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e PSD Photoshop 32 BPP alpha channel transparency and layers supported e JP2 JPEG 2000 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e GIF Compuserve GIF Web optimized Select the Source Icons 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the Source Files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the Source Files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert to images You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Create the Images 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Images from Icons or Ctrl Shift V 5 The dialog box Batch Create Images From Icons opens see below In the Icon Format to Extract group choose the image format you wish to extract from the icons You can choose only one image format If this exact format does not exists in an icon the nearest format is chosen 295 Axialis IconWork
83. from images Opening the folder containing the image in the Axialis Explorer Creating the Windows icons Creating the Macintosh icons Lesson 12 Creating a new Icon Library Creating an Icon Library in the Librarian Lesson 13 Adding icons to the Icon Library Adding an icon to the Icon Library from the Librarian Adding an icon to the Icon Library from an opened icon document Adding icons to the Icon Library from the Axialis Explorer Lesson 14 Compiling the Icon Library Selecting the Library starting the compilation wizard Specifying the compilation options using the wizard Testing the compiled installation package A word to finish Table Of Contents 66 69 71 71 71 72 73 74 75 77 77 78 78 79 83 85 85 85 86 88 89 90 91 91 94 98 98 99 100 101 101 102 102 103 103 104 104 105 107 108 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 HOW TO PROCEDURES vi How to Create an Icon from an Image File 1 Open the image file in Axialis IconWorkshop 2 Create an icon from this image How to Create an Icon from a Cursor File 1 Open the cursor file in Axialis lconWorkshop 2 Create an icon from this cursor How to Create an Icon from a Transparent GIF File 1 Open the GIF file in Axialis lconWorkshop 2 Create an icon from this GIF image How to Create an Icon from a Web Image Get the Image from the Web Create an icon from an image in the page using the Clipboard C
84. from the library This feature is useful if you want to use an icon contained in a library as a template to create a new icon 1 First select the icon library which contain the icon Select on the icon you wish to use as template 2 Right click on it and choose Open As New Icon or press Ctrl Enter 3 Anew window opens with the selected icon ready for modification The link between this icon and the library does not exist anymore Therefore if you select File Save you ll be prompted to choose a new name for the icon file It just work like a newly created icon Delete icons in a library 1 First select the icon library which contain the icons to delete 2 Once the library contents is displayed select the icons you wish to delete you can use Shift key to select several icons 3 Right click on them and choose Delete or press Del 342 Working With The Axialis Librarian 4 A dialog box Delete Icons opens It asks you if you really want to permanently delete the selected icons from the current library This action can t be undone If you choose Yes the icons will be lost forever Choose No to stop and go back Rename icons in a library 1 First select the icon library which contain the icons to rename 2 Once the library contents is displayed select the icons you wish to rename you can use Shift key to select several icons 3 Right click on them and choose Rename or press F6 4 A dialog box Rename icons
85. has automatically been added behind the icon If you want to create a stronger shadow just repeat the operation In the example below we ve repeated the operation twice pressed D two times Lesson 4 Adding new image formats In this lesson we ll add New Image Formats to the icon This is very important to create several image formats in an icon especially if you wish to redistribute it in order to be compatible with all screen configurations see What is an Icon for more info The following table shows the common Windows and Macintosh image formats 58 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 RGB A o 256 Colors o 16 Colors Mono Windows standard icon image formats 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 RGB A eo e oO 256 Colors oO 16 Colors Oo Mono Macintosh OS standard icon image formats Recommended Optional Not Available Getting Started Tutorial 32x32 24x24 16x16 0 Oo o e PNG compressed Windows Vista 32x32 24x24 16x16 is e d d Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 4 Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 5 IMPORTANT If you add 24x24 image formats in your icon it won t be compatible with Windows 98 and Windows 2000 If you use these Windows versions the icon will display correctly in Axialis lconWorkshop but will be considered as invalid by Windows In this tutorial we ll choose to comply with Windows XP standard ic
86. icon a richer look A drop shadow provides contrast and dimension Outlines provide definition ON OU Everyday objects such as computers and devices have a more modern consumer look Windows XP Icon Color Depth and Size To be compatible with all display cases and screen configurations you must consider creating icons containing various image formats based on the following rules IMAGE SIZES 16x16 Displayed in taskbar windows upper left corner detailed lists 24x24 Displayed in Windows 2000 Windows XP menus facultative 32x32 Displayed in desktop lists 48x48 Displayed in Windows XP explorer and system lists IMAGE COLORS Monochrome Displayed by Windows if the screen is monochrome rare facultative 16 colors Displayed by Windows if the screen is 16 or 256 colors recommended 256 colors Displayed by Windows if the screen is 16bits or True Colors recommended Windows XP Displayed by Windows XP if screen is True Color or more recommended Recommended Formats Facultative Formats 16x16 24x24 32x32 48x48 Monochrome 8 8 16 Colors s D 256 Colors amp amp Windows XP a S amp D Summary of standard icon image formats If an image format is missing Windows displays the nearest existing image It works but the result is generally distorted Color Palette used in Windows XP Icons The following colors are generally used in Windows XP icons E R153 G102 B0
87. icons as individual icon files ICO ICNS 1 Select the icon library containing the icons you wish to export 2 Select the icons you wish to export you can use Shift key to select several icons 3 Right click on the icons and choose Export as Windows icon or Export as Macintosh icon Conversion between Windows and Macintosh will be done automatically during this operation if necessary 4 If only one icon is selected a save as like standard dialog box opens Choose the destination folder and specify the filename Click Save button when done One file is created or 4 If several icons are selected a folder browser standard dialog box opens Choose the destination folder Click Save button when done Several files are created Export icons as library file or DLL 1 Select the icon library containing the icons you wish to export 2 Select the icons you wish to export you can use Shift key to select several icons 3 Right click on the icons and choose Export as ICL or DLL 4 A save as like standard dialog box opens Choose either ICL or DLL as file type Choose the destination folder and specify the filename Click Save button when done One file is created with all the icons embedded If you create a DLL using IconWorkshop the file will be a 32 bit executable As a result you ll be able to load it programmatically in an external 32 bit project Open an icon library as a document Axialis lconWorkshop allo
88. image formats for Windows 2 2560256 RGBA Windows Views only E gl Other formats for Windows Vista _ e F 2 colors 1294x256 16 colors Dixa Dw Dan Tints P VIPNG compress 244x244 formats for Windows Vista Danso 0 Sias Mono 3252 Moro mix i Mono Rendering Options Smooth Sep A nee e aea Per when p Se Ren ANB men eie 5 256256 mages can be comoressed yow pian Wi Aooiy Other fox 236 16 and Meno formats econ eee Rindows Vou et ID compat a ot Ce as 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic 8 In the Extra Formats group select the optional image formats you wish to add in the icon The new formats 128x128 and 256x256 are expected to work with next version of Windows codename Longhorn The following table shows the common Windows image formats 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 j m aaa a a ae a 256 Colors e o o o 16 Colors F e Te o o o gt o SS ae se ee ee ae ee g Windows standard icon image formats o PNG compressed Windows Vista Recommended Optional Not Available 9 To get the best results possible you can also apply a filter when resizing RGB A images and a dithering option to t
89. image quality Choose Auto if you re not sure about desired the number of colors 8 In Palette choose the type of palette desired e Adaptive The palette will be calculated to get the best results possible recommended e Web Safe This is the default Netscape Web palette e Windows This is the default palette used under old Windows versions in 256 color screen mode e Macintosh OS This is the default palette used under old Macintosh OS versions in 256 color screen mode 9 In Dither choose Diffusion if you want IconWorkshop to simulate colors not present in the palette by pixel mixing using the error diffusion method Choose None to encode 294 Working with Icons the image without dithering Diffusion produces the best results but usually creates slightly larger images 10 In Transparency specify if you want to preserve transparency or not Of you choose opaque the transparent areas of the icon will be converted to solid color the Matte color If you choose to preserve transparency and encodes your GIF file from a RGB A images you may need to adjust the Threshold value to produce better results on image edges 11 In Preview compare the original and the optimized images image quality and size to find the best adjustments possible 12 When done click OK The image file has been created Convert several icons to images batch processing Creating images
90. in the Librarian Adding the icon to the librarian Lesson 6 Creating a new icon from an existing image Opening an image file in Axialis lconWorkshop 35 35 35 36 37 ms KR a BR ph A ER KR ER gt an Ahah Wn N aa EE e E e Oo OonN DA Oo KR BR BR L 51 52 52 53 55 55 55 57 57 57 58 58 59 61 62 63 64 65 65 Creating a Windows icon from this image Creating a Macintosh icon A quick look at the icons stored in the Librarian Lesson 7 Composing an icon from several image objects Create the new icon Adding the first object The folder background Adding the second object The document Adding the third object The folder front Creating all the image formats Going further Exercises Lesson 8 Using an object pack to create an icon Defining Creating the Icon Project Building the Icon Using Image Objects Finalizing the Icon by Creating All the Formats Creating a Macintosh version of the icon Exercises Lesson 9 Creating and Using a Windows Vista icon Creating the Windows Vista Icon from an existing image Using a Windows Vista Compressed Icon in a Software Project Lesson 10 Creating Icons Using Photoshop Templates How do the Photoshop templates work Install the Photoshop to lconWorkshop transfer plug in Create a Windows XP icon Create a Windows Vista icon using a 3 image Project Template Lesson 11 Batch creating several icons
91. info pany and Ds M you cant recall the 10s you used cick N Library ID EOSAEF2 1 below 90 select them in a ist J compeny io 311762 cest Estie Generate an Activation Code based on a User Name eA gt Tf you chose an Activation Code based on the User Name during compilation specify the name of the user below then cick Generate automaticaly coped in Cipboard User Name ee Cosel John Saith GP Ge Or 75 s36 6327557 Generate a List of Activation Codes in Serial a gt Sf you did NOT choose a username based Activation Code please specify a range of code generation then click generave 10 save the resut in a ner file Q i i Generate to Fie C Serial Acuvation Codes can be generaci from O00001 to 999999 palais 4 SOFTWARE 2 In the Library ID and the Company ID enter the hexadecimal numbers you entered at compilation for the requested Icon Library If you can t recall these numbers click on the Get IDs from History File button A dialog box opens displaying a list of the compilation you have done select the right line then OK 3 In the User Name zone enter the name of the user then click the Generate button the code is generated and displayed in the Code zone A text is also automatically copied in the clipboard as in this example useful if you send an email to your customer Your User Name John Smith Your Activation Code 1527 9872 0984 6717
92. is displayed during the conversion When done the Windows icons are added to the folder contents The created icons have the same filenames as the original icon with ICO appended A smart system has been added to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting IMPORTANT NOTICE Converting a Macintosh icon to Windows format does NOT change Copyright or Intellectual Property of an icon The image icon is property of its author and still property of this author after a conversion As aresult do NOT redistribute converted icons without permission of the author Also some Macintosh authors do not wish that you convert use their icons under Windows In such a case please respect author wish and do not convert its icons even for your personal use Convert the icons From Windows to Macintosh 4 Choose Explorer Batch Convert Windows Icons To Macintosh ICNS RSC BIN or Ctrl Shift M 5 A dialog box opens First select the Macintosh file format you wish to create 3 formats are available for Macintosh icons see this topic to learn more about the file formats 6 You can choose to convert all the formats or only a selection of them When done click OK 7 The batch operation starts The hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the conversion When done the Windows icons are added to the folder contents The created icons have the same filenames as the original icon with ICNS RSC or BIN appended A smart
93. it looks like this 206 Creating Icons from Image Objects 14 Now the final touch the shadow We want to add a shadow at the bottom and under the earth This will produce an interesting effect just like if the globe was laid on a white horizontal plan First we need to move the whole Earth 10 pixels up just to leave more space for shadow at the bottom of the image Important To do so we must select the whole image Actually only the last object we ve added is selected Choose Edit Select All or press Ctrl A There is no visual change but now you re ready to move the whole image To move the image you can use the mouse with a drag and drop or use the arrow keys of the keyboard To move the image 10 pixels up hit UpArrow 10 times or press Shift UpArrow The resulting selection rectangle is now 10 pixels outside the top of the editor area 15 We can now add the shadow Select the object Circle Shadow png in the librarian and add it to the project The resulting image looks like this 16 Obviously there is a problem The shadow is in front of the Earth Globe The solution is as easy as a keystroke Press the End key or choose Edit Set Floating Selection to Background You re done The resulting image should look like this 207 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Finalizing the Icon by Creating All the Formats Now that the largest image is done 256x256 RGB A we ll create all the other formats of t
94. keeping its aspect ratio If it contains transparency it is kept during the creation Convert an icon to an image 292 If you work with external programs such as Macromedia Freehand Adobe Photoshop or Jasc Paint Shop Pro you may need to save an icon image to an external file Axialis lconWorkshop permits you to save an icon image to PSD PNG BMP GIF or JPEG 2000 file formats preserving the transparency areas of the icon Only one image will be extracted from the icon We recommend you to extract the largest RGB A image from the icon since IconWorkshop supports creation of PNG images with alpha channel Open the icon file in lconWorkshop 1 Open your original icon file from the librarian or using File Open Working with Icons 2 The image file opens in a document window In the image format list select the image you wish to use to create the PNG file We recommend you to extract the largest RGB A image from the icon since IconWorkshop supports creation of PNG images with alpha channel Save the image as an image file 3 Choose File Export Image or press Ctrl Shift E 4 A standard Save Image As dialog box opens In the Save as Type list select the desired image file format 5 Choose a destination folder and type a new filename When done click OK 6 If you ve chosen JPEG 2000 an option dialog box with preview opens see below If you ve chosen GIF read Convert an icon to a Web optimized GIF
95. keeping its aspect ratio If it contains transparency it is kept during the creation If you create icons from an Existing Icons or Cursors the largest image is used as source to create the icons Transparency is kept Batch create several Macintosh icons from images Using this feature you can Create Several Icons from images existing icons or cursors in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in Axialis IconWorkshop explorer Select the source images icons or cursors 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the Source Files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the Source Files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch create Macintosh icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Macintosh Icons from Selection or Ctrl Shift D 5 A dialog box opens First we need to choose the Macintosh file format we wish to use there are 3 formats supported by Axialis lconWorkshop see this topic to learn more 6 In groups Standard Image Formats and Extra Image Formats choose the image formats you wish to add in the icons Batch Create Macitozh Ikons From Selection IE W Batch Create Macintos
96. kon Project Name MySehereteor Standard image formats for Hacietosh OS 7 128x228 RGB Alpha 2 bts Veet RGA K RGB Alpha OS 20 4 Tiger or more oniy E 12x512 RGB Alpha OS 39 4 Tiger or more only Rendering Options P 6 Aoply Peer when Resizing Apply Dthering for 2 16 and Mone formats Er 5 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon 60 6 You can also add other formats 256x256 to be used in Tiger When done click OK The new Icon Project document window is created with all formats embedded 7 Save your icon to Macintosh format choose File Save and choose a new name for this icon 194 Creating Icons Create a Macintosh icon from an image File An interesting feature of Axialis lconWorkshop is to create an icon from an existing file Some image formats support 32 BPP alpha channel transparency which is very interesting to create hi quality RGB A images in icons The following image formats are supported BMP Windows bitmap 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported PNG Portable Network Graphic 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported PSD Photoshop 32 BPP alpha channel transparency and layers supported JP2 JPEG 2000 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported JPG JPEG TGA Targa GIF Compuserve GIF Others Various other formats supported TIFF PCD PhotoCD PIC Apple PICT PCX Zsoft WMF Wind
97. layers if any and the export plug in is executed automatically During the export process the plug in recognizes that the image is a template by detecting a special barcode located in the upper left corner of the image This barcode should not be modified or removed during the artwork creation If the plug in can t find this barcode the whole image will be exported to create an icon like it is usually done with the plugin This is not what we expect with the Photoshop templates We want the plugin to extract portions of the image as described in the associated XML file to create the different formats This barcode permits to the plugin to identify which XML file is associated with this template image This is a binary based barcode which permits to generate a number up to 255 Therefore you can create 245 additional templates 10 templates are already provided You ll need to create your own barcode to identify the template you ll create see later in this topic Once the plug in has identified the template by its number IconWorkshop searches for the associated XML description file in folder Application Data Axialis lconWorkshop Templates The filename must have the following format IW Template NNN xml where NNN is the template number 001 002 When the file is found it is read all the template data are loaded and the icon is created based on this data As a conclusion if you want to create a new template you must
98. lconWorkshop 6 10 Chan Chan Chan Chan Chan Chan Chan Chan Chan Chan clipboard inaner RENNUR OAE 309 368 Clipboard COntents ceccceccescssesssessstessseesseesseeeseesseeeee 118 color depth Co Co Co pile mpile Icon Libraries compiled Filet computer Search media file Siesia niona vs ctzices 352 COMPUTET iiciin ii 352 Contact Axialis Software Team 413 Convert Co Co Co Co Co Co Co Co Co Co Co Co Co 41 nve nve nve nve nve nve nve nve nve nve nve nvert several icons IMAGES an R N 297 360 nvert several ICONS o ceeceeceecessessessessessessesessesssseeseesese 297 O Convert several ICONS woe eececccssessecseestesseesteeseesesseeseesses 360 Convert several images Macintosh ICONS aaa E ETNA NAE 293 WIRdOWS ICONS ien innin EAEn NANAREN 292 Convert several IMAGES eeeseecsesessseessseeesneeesneeessnees 292 Convert several IMAGES eecseesseeesseeesstseesneeeeeteessnees 293 Convert several Macintosh icons Windows format c ccccecescseesesseesseseeteeeeeeee 277 304 356 Convert several Macintosh iCOMS ccccccsseeseeees 277 Convert several Macintosh iCONS ccccceceeseeeees 304 Convert several Macintosh iCOMS cccceseeseeees 356 Convert several PNG icons Macintos he ICONS arsa EnA EE TEEI IE EEn Windows ICONS iea e i a a e Convert several PNG icons Convert several PNG
99. list of image editing programs installed on your computer is displayed Choose the program you wish to use It is automatically launched the image is ready to be modified in the external application The following programs are detected by Axialis lconWorkshop Adobe Photoshop Microsoft Expression Design Corel Paint Shop Pro The GIMP 332 Working With The Axialis Librarian Create a new folder Go to the Parent Folder 1 Go to the librarian 2 Select the folder where you wish create a new folder 3 Choose Librarian New Folder type the name of the folder and hit Enter Go to the Parent Folder 1 Choose Librarian Parent Folder This command permits you to return to the parent folder Change a folder icon 1 Select a folder in the librarian 2 Click right and choose the option Change icon 3 The dialog box Change Folder icon opens 4 In the area Icon file enter the filename ICO ICL EXE ou DLL or click the button Browser The icons list displays Select the new icon The new icon will be displayed in the Explorer Windows Import files 1 Select the folder where you re going to import the files 2 Choose Librarian Import 3 Select the file type from the File Type Drop Down box e Icons files ICO ICNS RSC BIN e Icon Library files ICL e Images files BMP PNG JP2 JPEG PSD GIF e Cursor files CUR ANI ACL 4 Click on the file that you want to select in t
100. may be required Links to selected object packs will also be added to our website object page 1 Open your Internet browser and visit our page Download Image Object Packs We recommend you to read the License Agreement before downloading packs 2 When you re interested by an object pack click Read More to get additional information on this pack click the Download Now button It is an executable file EXE so you may be prompted by Windows or any other antivirus application to confirm the download and execution of the file Click YES Installing packages downloaded from Internet is potentially dangerous Install packages that you download on Internet may contain viruses However your security is our priority and all our files are periodically tested against all known viruses Also if you have an antivirus software installed the file will be automatically checked before it is launched 3 Once the file is downloaded launch the installation and follow the procedure When finished the objects are installed in the Axialis Librarian folder If lconWorkshop is installed it is automatically launched Defining Creating the Icon Project Before using the image objects we need to create a new icon project An icon contains several image formats see What s an Icon so we need to define all these formats before going on We ll create an icon compatible with Windows Vista 256x256 format Windows XP 48x48 32x32 24
101. new Icon Project window If this option is checked the application will automatically create a new icon project window each time it starts Create a new Explorer window If this option is checked the application will automatically create a new explorer window each time it starts Warn if insufficient video colors If this box is checked the application warns you if your display configuration is insufficient less than 65536 colors each time it starts Remark It is highly recommended to configure screen settings to Hi Colors 65536 or True Colors 16 8M when using the application 385 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 386 Display Welcome and tips windows If this option is checked the application automatically opens the welcome window and displays a new Tip of The Day each time it starts Warn if Icon files are not associated with Axialis lconWorkshop If this box is checked the application prompts you when it starts if Icon files ICO ICL are not properly associated with it If this box is not checked the application will ignore bad file association It is highly recommended to associate icons and ICL files with the application in order to permit fast icon project access from Windows Explorer Warn if Windows components are missing Internet Explorer Quick time If this box is checked the application prompts you at startup if the Windows component named Internet Explorer Quick Time are missing o
102. not cut the shadow if there is one around the object When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created 5 When the selection is done choose Image Create New Icon from Selection or press I or click the first command button in the local toolbar 109 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 E To create a Macintosh icon the procedure is similar just click the Apple button in right or press M 6 The dialog box New Icon From Image opens see below In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image icon Project Name MySphereleon 1 Standard image formats for Windows 7 256x255 RGBA Windows Vista only Other formats for Windows Vista Other Formats ee Ejas 24 coos 129x295 16 colors Bim oss gt Ean P Miass e WI PNG comorens 254x254 formats for Windows Vista Bando 0 E Mon E 3x32 Moro T ixi Mono Rendering Options An on Cae Conte several Farapa yoe ond Smooth cele uses bare te erage you wish to Seyler Eo 5 LY Aoply Fher when Reozrg F Apply Otherng for 2 16 and Mono formats Eeid 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic 8 If you wish to start creating your icon wit
103. o EA A Creten E E Ei Greate dese zz22zz2z22222222 222220 22022222222acereracraennanrea eens CREA ss sccsccccesesccscesccssesccscesscseeseesecssssessesscssescdcsdivesnscscaseetsess Crea tE sc ccccccesscessessesceseesecsessessessessessessesseatsansaseaserseseeneetees Create CAL E ses seecerceesecseascaseseeseessesseseessemauaiasiieiienis Create h iener spspsnsasssieme rn Cr ate neri PEPPY Pre EE EEE TOE pP EEE ETS 118 CROAT i icsasiessstassassassassssssnssreaana 162 CREAT g a E S 163 Greate errez aa RRR 166 CROAT ieee aeiiae EEA 175 Great Enee R R R 184 GrEITE iaaa E E 188 Greate eneun E EEE 197 aE EEE 237 Gieatencree n 341 C eT REA 351 Greate ieren a RRR RRRA 352 GRAS EEEE 372 Great nreti ae R nce 374 Create Different Color Versions Create Different Color Versions Cr ate Gradient eeseissiiiiiiiiisannnnannnhh Create New Swatch ou Create Windows XP Compliant ICONS 130 Crop Customize Application yesenteisnaie i eane sma 381 mantol bary ee a E E EEEE 381 Customize Customize Customize Folders cccceccccessessessessesseesessesseseseseeseeseeees customized palettes D DEFINE TOOS zzz 263 Delete image formatei EE OE e 241 Index CESCHIPLION i 325 BI 5 ro open Ree 379 Desktop Reorganization ecsecsssecseeessseerneeesneeenes 401 Display KEM properties 3 sscsssssiewinsintiannucitnitannadssce 340 DiS playa ase aR E 340 Display full screen ssssssssssssssssseserss
104. of the image by pressing the Shift key 4 Release the mouse button resized part of the image is now a floating selection Place it to the desired location and apply the floating selection Resize part of the drawing using a dialog box 1 Select a region with the selection tool 2 Choose Draw Scale or press S A dialog box opens 3 Specify the new size and click OK 4 The resized part of the image is now a floating selection Place it to the desired location and apply the floating selection Rotate part of the drawing 1 Select a region with the selection tool 2 Choose Draw Rotate or press R A dialog box opens 3 Specify the rotate angle and click OK 4 The rotated part of the image is now a floating selection Place it to the desired location and apply the floating selection Rotate part of the drawing to 90 angle 1 Select a region with the selection tool 2 Choose Draw Rotate 90 CCW or press Z A dialog box opens 3 The rotated part of the image is now a floating selection Place it to the desired location and apply the floating selection Adjust Brightness Contrast Before proceeding with this topic you need know how to work with selections This feature works only with RGB A Windows XP image formats Adjust brightness and contrast of a portion of image 1 Select a region with the selection tool If no selection is active the adjustments will apply to the whole image 248 N Working with Ic
105. on keywords Do not use wildcards N If you check the Date option the search will use the specified date as a search criterion In the Between and And areas specify the date range for the search The file must have been modified after before this date to be selected If you check the Size option the search will use the specified size as a search criterion You can choose At Least or At Most options The file must have at most at least the specified size Create an Icon Snapshot Picture A Snapshot is an image created automatically by lconWorkshop to show one or several icons with embedded formats on a decorated background Creating a Snapshot Picture of your icons may be useful to make a visual archive of your icons illustrate a website or just promote your work Three kinds of snapshots are available e Detailed snapshot of one icon The icon image formats are displayed in one raw e Detailed snapshot of several icons One icon per raw several images per icon e Quick Thumbnail snapshot of several icons Only one image per icon several icons per raw Creating a Snapshot of an Opened Icon When an icon is opened in an editor window you can create a snapshot of the work in progress 1 From the opened icon window Choose Edit Create Snapshot or Ctrl Shift P 2 A dialog box Create Icon Snapshot opens Adjust the various options then click OK 3 The Snapshot image see sample below is created in a new window
106. opens select Quick Thumbnail Snapshot then click OK Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 3 A dialog box Create Icon Snapshot opens Adjust the various options then click OK 4 The Snapshot image see sample below is created in a new window Now you can save copy print this image as necessary Rounded Buttons Ad bd sd by 066080 D Gi bs bs k ly 322 Compiling and Distributing Icon Libraries Specify a filename and location You are about to create an installable icon library This is the most convenient and use friendly way to distribute your icons The ICL Icon library will be compressed then included in an install program The resulting package will be smaller than the original ICL This is perfect to distribute your icons on the Web page for example Specify a filename and location 1 Activate the Icon library window document 2 Choose Icon Library Compile as EXE installable Package or Right click and choose Compile as EXE installable Package 3 In the Filename area specify the name of the install procedure executable file usually Install exe You don t need to specify an extension here EXE by default 4 In the Location area specify the location where you want to create the installation package If you specify a new folder it will be created You must type a folder full pathname here Add a description to a compiled file You can customize your screen saver by specifying a Title a Copyright a Web and a Comment
107. or a right click menu 14 When done save the icon by choosing Edit Save or pressing Ctrl S The resulting icon size is 150Kb How to Create Windows XP Compliant Icons In this topic we ll see how to create icons which deal with the new Windows XP Style We ll also see which image formats must be included in such icons in order to be compatible with all screen configurations see What is an Icon for more info This topic is based on a Microsoft article named Creating Windows XP Icons Click here to read the original document Introduction Windows XP introduces a new style in icon design see image below We recommend you to follow the guidelines described in this topic to create compliant icons 128 How to Procedures The best way to proceed is to start creating large scale versions of your images in an external vector or bitmap drawing program such as Macromedia Freehand Adobe Photoshop or Jasc Paint Shop Pro The next step will be to import them into IconWorkshop to create your icons A f The new Windows XP icon style All these programs support the new Alpha Channel a k a 32 BPP Smooth Transparency feature in images This will help you to create beautiful icons with smooth edges What about the new Windows XP icon format This is not a new icon format at all This is a new image format that you can find in new generation of icons This new image format is called Windows XP fo
108. perfect borders around the sphere object 11 Why don t take a look at all the formats you ve created and admire your work This is possible to display all the format on the same document by using the Snapshop feature Choose Edit Create Snapshot A dialog box opens several options are available Select White Background and 16 2 colors if necessary Click OK The following image document is created see below You can print it or save it for reference 68 Getting Started Tutorial MySpherelcon e e e e oe 8 sed 3232 25 256256 3232 16x16 titg 16x16 3232 1616 RGS A RGBA RGBA RGG A RGE A 25 25 16 16 12 Don t forget that the icon is created in memory but not saved Please save it in the librarian in the Icons folder as specified in Lesson 5 name it MySpherelcon It is saved in ICO format Creating a Macintosh icon Close the Windows icon document you ve just created return to the sphere png document and redo steps 3 amp 4 of the previous topic 5 When the selection is done choose Image Create Macintosh Icon from Selection or press M You can also click the following command button in the local toolbar i tt eye ere png 0x300 32 RADD 6 A large dialog box New Icon From Image opens see below In the Icon Project Name zore enter the icon project name MySpherelcon Do not specify any extension Create a New Icon for Apple Macintosh from an Image kon Project N
109. preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert to images You can select Windows and or Macintosh icons Use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Create the PNG images 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Images from Icons or Ctrl Shift V 5 The dialog box Batch Create Images From Icons opens see below In the Icon Format to Extract group choose the image format you wish to extract from the icons You can choose only one image format If this exact format does not exists in an icon the nearest format is chosen 284 Working with Icons Batch Create Images trom Selected kons pp oo o oa lal aa D Batch Create Images From Icons This fearre wil permit you to create several Images PHG PSO BMP CF o PECI n one baich process Fon a selection of source cora Macntedh or and Windows kora Tha a not a conversion but a creaton of new images containing a selected format of each tcon based on the selection below images wil be automaticaly coated n the source fle folder same filenames Sfferent extensora Select the image format you mart to extract frees the kons f some cora A not contan thes format the nearest format nd be ext acted Color in Piwels D Yordows Noha 32 ts r gbt Troe Coers 26 8 24 bits 120123 ma 256 jrdexed Colors 3 bts aa pe 25 Colors 4 bits aes et Monochrome 1 bt Pn 3x6 Image file format Tr
110. return to the previous state choose 128x128 Display remove the Floating Window option and use the mouse to dock the window Building the Icon Using Image Objects This is the most important part of the project The time has come to be creative No problem it s easy and fun with lconWorkshop Before we start don t forget that each step of the creation can be undone redone Ctrl Z Ctrl Y up to 16 steps back 7 In the Librarian window choose View Librarian if it is not visible select the Objects Pack 1 Glossy Buttons Circle folder A list of available object is displayed in the contents window below Find the Circle Blue png file and select it EJ Anats lcenWorkshop 630 Geant wee B bed Qee e 36 0 lE SSSR amp man QoS Sed x Eoee O a h 204 Creating Icons from Image Objects 8 When done use a mouse Drag and Drop to add it into the project as shown above The object is added to the project as a floating selection Take a look at the quality of the artwork in the Scale 1 1 window Congratulation you ve just added your first image object to your project As you can see it s very easy and intuitive Now let s continue and add other objects to build the icon 9 From the Librarian select the file Circle Inner Light png and add it to the project using the same method The resulting image now includes a cyan light effect as shown below 10 To cre
111. s take a look at a newly created icon Double click on a Macintosh icon for example Phonea bin A document window opens as shown above with all the image formats available When you ve checked all the formats close this window Lesson 12 Creating a new Icon Library If you plan to deal with a large number of icons we strongly recommend you to create Icon Libraries to save them You can assemble an unlimited number of icons in an Icon Library The extension for a standard Icon Library is ICL Axialis IconWorkshop fully support ICL files It can create read and save ICL library files Also ICL file format is fully supported by all versions of Windows For example you can customize a Windows shortcut by selecting a new icon in an ICL file Axialis lconWorkshop has a powerful feature to support ICL files in its built in Librarian that permits you to consider ICL files as folders In this lesson we ll create a new Icon Library in the Librarian Creating an Icon Library in the Librarian 1 To create an Icon Library in the librarian you must be sure that the librarian is visible and located to the correct folder select the Icons folder If the librarian window is not visible check the Librarian button in the main toolbar or press ESC 101 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 K OOIE a Que Oroa 2 To create the Icon Library select Librarian New Icon Library or right click on the current folder in the tree and cho
112. system has been added to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting 150 How to Procedures How to Batch Create Icons From Images Cursors Using this feature you can Create Several Icons Macintosh or Windows from images existing icons or cursors in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in IconWorkshop explorer Select the source images icons or cursors 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the Source Files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the Source Files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch create Windows icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Windows Icons from Selection or Ctrl Shift C 5 A dialog box opens In Standard Image Formats and Extra Image Formats choose the image formats you wish to add in the icons Batch Create Windows Icons This feature wil permit you to create several Windows icons in one batch process fom selected sources nduding corm mages arsors This 6 not a conversion but a ceston of new icons containing several predefined image Soereats see below Icons wil be ra automaticaly created in the source fle folder Created
113. the Ctrl key while using drag amp drop the icons are duplicated 320 Working With Icon Libraries Create a snapshot picture of icons in a library A Snapshot is an image created automatically by lconWorkshop to show one or several icons with embedded formats on a decorated background Creating a Snapshot Picture of your icons may be useful to make a visual archive of your icons illustrate a website or just promote your work Two kinds of snapshots are available for libraries e Detailed snapshot of icons One icon per raw several images per icon Quick Thumbnail snapshot of icons Only one image per icon several icons per raw Creating a Detailed Snapshot of Several Icons 1 Select several icons from the list of icons Choose Edit Create Snapshot or Ctrl Shift P 2 A dialog box opens select Detailed Snapshot then click OK 3 A dialog box Create Icon Snapshot opens Adjust the various options then click OK 4 The Snapshot image see sample below is created in a new window Now you can save copy print this image as necessary Rounded Buttons Favorite i BE O g g x Lx a Hx 3202 reas RGB G G 228x228 tesi 3332 36x16 4s 3N dead RGBA RGBA RGA RGBIA 2 256 2 Forward gt Oo o 1646 aes RGE A Creating a Quick Thumbnail Snapshot of Several Icons 1 Select several icons from the list of icons Choose Edit Create Snapshot or Ctrl Shift P 2 A dialog box
114. the Librarian select the file Circle Inner Light png and add it to the project using the same method The resulting image now includes a cyan light effect as shown below AWW WSS SS WWW WE ESS WES SEES AAAA Raa ssa AEEA A AAEE EAA SAEPE AAEE ERARE ERER AREE EER 10 To create the Earth image we now add the map object From the librarian select the file World Map png and add it to the project using the same method The resulting image looks like below 11 The result is good but we want to make it even better We can increase the realism by changing the color of the map to green To do so IconWorkshop has a feature to adjust the Hue Saturation Brightness of an image Choose Draw Adjustments Effects Hue Saturation or press U A dialog box opens Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Adjust Hue Saturation Brightness This wil adjust the Hue Satraton Brightness of the actual i icon image or a portion of it if selected o iain Oe T Vald valves are in range IO to 100 for Hve and 100 to 100 for Saruracion Brigheness 9 means ro change Edrama Ca 12 Set the Hue to 100 either using the slider or by typing the value It shifts the colors of the floating image in the spectrum As a result the map is now green Also we slightly increase the Brightness of the map by specifying 6 You can see the results in real time in the Preview 1 1 window When done click OK Now the map is green
115. the Library ID area specify the Library ID an 8 digit hexadecimal number 32 bits that will be used to generate the Activation Codes Two Ids are used to generate the codes The Library ID which is different for each library you compiled and the Company ID which is constant but differs for another company You must specify the same number you specified when you compiled the Icon Library 2 In the Company ID area specify the Company ID an 8 digit hexadecimal number 32 bits that will be used to generate the Activation Codes Two Ids are used to generate the codes The Library ID which is different for each library you compiled and the Company ID which is constant but differs for another company You must specify the same number you specified when you compiled the Icon Library 3 Click the Get IDs from history file button if you can t recall the Library ID and or the Company ID you used when you compiled the Icon Library This will open a window and display a history list of the compilations you made Each digit in a hexadecimal number is coded from O to 9 and A to F A 10 F 15 This is a typical computer notation If you can t recall the Library ID or company ID you specified at compilation click the button on right side of this edit zone to choose this it in a history list Generate an Activation Code based on a User Name If you choose an Activation Code based on the User Name during Compilation specify the name of the Use
116. the Photoshop plug in with a version of IconWorkshopatr prior to 6 10 you must install it again by following the procedure below A new export plug in will be installed in addition to the filter plug in The export plug in will be used with Photoshop Templates Working with Icons Install the Photoshop plug in 1 Before installing the plug in we recommend to close the Photoshop application if it is opened in background Choose File Install Photoshop Plug in 2 The dialog box Install the Photoshop to IconWorkshop Transfer Plug in opens see below In the Location edit zone specify the Photoshop plug in folder If you don t know the exact folder path click the browse button to choose the folder in a list Install the Photoshop to lconWorkshop Transfer Plug in Install the Photoshop Plug in indudes a powerful feature which veal permit you to Photoshop through Adobe d temporary PSD file See help for more info In order to activate tis feature you have to install an Axals coriiiorkihop module in your Adobe Photoshop plugs directory QO icrtstee suggests you to istal the plug at the locaton speatied below SF nctochop i rataled memory without using can specify an akemate ogra Piles Adobe Adobe Photoshoo CS2 Plua Ins qhe acols TAs plugin cat be used with vevous paint apcleations These GUase Pare Shop Prod Asche Berercsd Adobe lustraterD See help for more info
117. the View Best Fit display if you want the image to be stretched to the maximum available size when displayed within the document window The image proportion will always be kept Zoom commands are disabled 7 Choose the View Maximized display if you want the image to be stretched to the maximum available size when displayed within the document window The image may be distorted Zoom commands are disabled 365 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Display full screen Using the explorer you can easily open a media file full screen 1 Create a New Explorer window by choosing File New New Explorer Ctrl E 2 Browse your disks and select the appropriate folder in the left pane The media files included in the folder appear in the right pane Open a media full screen 3 Select the file you wish to open fullscreen 4 Choose Explorer Open Item Full Screen F11 or right click on it and choose Open Full Screen in the menu If the Auto Full Screen Ctrl F11 option is ON the file is opened full screen using the simple open command Switch ON OFF the Auto Full Screen option 3 Choose Explorer Auto Full Screen option or press Ctrl F11 Zoom in zoom out change display mode in full screen mode 5 While viewing a file fullscreen you can zoom in or zoom out by pressing or keys 6 With image files you can zoom using the left right mouse buttons Move the mouse to slide the image on screen if larger than screen in zoom mode for
118. the associated format is not created In the procedure below we ll create 3 RGB A formats 48x48 32x32 and 16x16 1 First be sure the Photoshop plug in has been installed see previous topic Choose File New Icon Project from Photoshop Template Windows XP Icon 48x48 2 Adobe Photoshop opens and a new document is created Its name is I W Template 003 copy The term copy means that this is a new document based on the file IW Template 003 but not linked to it As a result you won t overwrite the original template image by saving your over it by error simply by pressing Ctrl S for instance It s like a new document containing an image at startup RW Termplate 093 copy 130 layer 0 AGE a Py EIER L PETER i AOR AOE a EA Windows XP Icon Axialis konNorkshop Template 003 Cooyright ODOT Axiala Software All fights Reverved NGU A 32 bit aisha chance exon 7 one Wr 2ee2e Mee see 1 Create images in desred dramang areas Layers are cupperted Empar image formats wil de iorored In Hed with sold mete wedi be automancally crested by Loonie y trcen other rages Z When the mages are created save your work deselect all ose EGa Expert To Axles IcoaWerk shap The figure above shows the document window as it has been created in Photoshop In the upper left corner there is a barcode to let IconWorkshop identify the number of the template this permits IconWorkshop to associate the template image with the
119. the customer service page 407 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 IMPORTANT The application will access the Internet This may result in an alert message from your firewall program if any installed You can configure your firewall to authorize the application to access to Internet Axialis applications DO NEVER access the Internet without informing you Also our applications do not and will never contain spyware or malicious code Accessing Customer Service from an Internet Browser 1 Launch your Internet Browser 2 Enter this URL in the address bar http www axialis com customer Contact Axialis Software Team Due to recent SPAM growth you cannot contact us by direct email anymore We ve created a contact page on our website It includes various ways to contact us The most convenient way is to use the contact forms accessible from this page Using this form we ll receive a message and the rest of the discussion bill be made by email Contacting us using an Internet Browser 408 1 Launch your Internet Browser 2 Enter this URL in the address bar http www axialis com contact You can choose on of the following topic to contact us e Ask a technical question about a program e Report a bug in a program e Suggest a new function in a program e Send feedback about this website e Ask questions about prices site license e Get information about Axialis Software company e Send a Translation Proposal e Other If you re a custom
120. the drawing area not the border SRC_WIDTH Icon Project Templates only numerical This member specifies the width in pixels of the drawing zone associated with this format in the template image SRC_HEIGHT Icon Project Templates only numerical This member specifies the height in pixels of the drawing zone associated with this format in the template image See below an example of a FORMAT object in a Simple Icon Template 230 Creating Icons using Photoshop Templates lt FORMAT gt lt WIDTH gt 512 lt WIDTH gt lt HEIGHT gt 512 lt HEIGHT gt lt BPP gt 32 lt BPP gt lt COMPRESSION gt JPEG2000 lt COMPRESSION gt lt X_POS gt 25 lt X_POS gt lt Y_POS gt 90 lt Y_POS gt lt FORMAT gt See below an example of a FORMAT object in an Icon Project Template lt FORMAT gt lt WIDTH gt 256 lt WIDTH gt lt HEIGHT gt 256 lt HEIGHT gt lt BPP gt 32 lt BPP gt lt COMPRESSION gt PNG lt COMPRESSION gt lt SIRC_ 25 lt SIRO XS lt SINC_ WS 90 lt SiIkC_W gt lt SRC_WIDTH gt 256 lt SRC_WIDTH gt lt SRC_HEIGHT gt 256 lt SRC_HEIGHT gt lt FORMAT gt When the XML description file is done save it as a XML text file Use a filename as specified above For example if the template is number 21 save it as W Template 021 xml in IconWorkshop template folder Once you have created the PNG and the XML files in the template folder restart IconWorkshop and check the menu File
121. the extension is changed The created icons have the same filename as the original document with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting If you create icons from Image Files the whole image is selected and resized keeping its aspect ratio If it contains transparency it is kept during the creation If you create icons from an Existing Icons or Cursors the largest image is used as source to create the icons Transparency is kept How to Batch Create PNG images with Transparency from Icons Creating PNG images from icons can be very useful For example PNG with transparency is the standard icon format for Linux KDE Desktop Environment Also some useful Dock applications 152 How to Procedures have been ported to Windows clones of Macintosh OS X Dock toolbar Most of these applications also are using 128x128 PNG with transparency as icons See MobyDock and Y z Dock websites for more info You can either create one PNG image from one icon see topic How to Create a PNG BMP or PSD Image with Transparency or several images from icons in one operation This is what we call a Batch procedure Select the Source Icons 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the Source Files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the Source Fil
122. the icon project name Do not specify any extension ee a oe eC ee ce a Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image lt li Toon Project Names MySpherelcon Oo Standard image formats for Windows 4 256x25 RGBA Windows View ony ig 48x48 16 VIDN 16 Other formats for Windows Vista 2x2 256 colos 125629 16 colors 1281233 P 6x05 P TJ PNG comoress 2546x256 formats for Windows Vista aao P aiwti Mono Rendering Options 5 J Aoply Finer when Resizing mae 25425 erage con be comoresond yew ate T Aaply Onthering for 2 16 and Mono formats Saua aan tdi WA PALID DRAAD An eon can contan severa Smooth sw O Seah Som hre te mare reii you mA to meze in tha ioon Wou l be able to add several other formats lane Gero a 9 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic 10 In the Extra Formats group select the optional image formats you wish to add in the icon The new formats 128x128 and 256x256 are expected to work with next version of Windows codename Longhorn The following table shows the common Windows image formats 309 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A o o o o o 256 Colors e o e 16 Colo
123. the same librarian folder select the object named Folder Front png Use mouse drag amp drop from this object to the icon project window The resulting icon looks like this Ti Fe Est Crow Cele Lovarian Frees View Window Hep imee iaa DOOIE Qua Orne E O Librarian w JE Base x xoo Harez opoo ease waa Ty al a jenne a D Pecht Goy Burm aa Wiles eeeen D Ji Pack 2 Paairti Be a Pack Quack Toa a Ui Packs Web20ko 12 The front folder object is opaque we don t the document object through it In order to get better results we re going to make it a little transparent Select Draw Adjustments Effects Opacity or press the O key A dialog box opens Set the opacity to 20 using either the edit zone or the slider 74 Getting Started Tutorial A This will adjust the Opscty of the actual icon image or a partion of it if selected LTT oa i V Preview Vald valves are in range 100 1o 109 9 means ro change Ze Axas 13 When done click OK The transparency of the front object has been adjusted so that you can slightly see the document through the front panel Congratulations The 256x256 image format is done Now we re going to create the other formats of the icon from this one Creating all the image formats As we ve seen in lesson 4 an icon contains several formats We ll add them using the fastest method adding several
124. the selection just click once anywhere in the image Draw using the tools 242 Several tools permits to draw directly into an existing icon image oma toa baa Selection tool Allows you to define a region of the icon in the editor in order to copy cut or paste it This tool doesn t draw anything it just select a portion of the image Position the cross in the upper left corner of the desired region then hold down the left mouse button and drag to the diagonally opposite corner Release the left mouse button when you have selected the desired region Color Picker tool Allows you to pick up a color from the editing surface by clicking with the left mouse button for a foreground color and the right button for a background color Color Replacer tool Allows you to rub out the foreground color and replace it by the background color Pencil tool Permits to free hand draw using a single point shape One click produces a single pixel The resulting drawing is not smoothed even in RGB A mode Brush tool Permits to free hand draw using various brush shapes One click produces a single shape based on the actual brush below in the tool palette The resulting drawing is smoothed for better results in RGB A mode if the Smooth Edges option is activated see below Flood fill tool Allows you to color an enclosed region The cursor changes to a paint bucket with a cross The cross serves as a pointer Choose two colors in the stan
125. this member or specify NONE This member is to be used with 256x256 or more format sizes NONE No compression or just don t specify the COMPRESSION member PNG The compression is PNG Used in Windows Vista icons only JPEG2000 The compression is Jpeg 2000 Used in Macintosh Tiger or more icons only X_POS Simple Icon Templates only numerical This member specifies the X position in pixels of the upper left corner of the drawing zone associated with this format in the template image This permits to locate the first pixel in the upper left corner inside the drawing area not the border Y_POS Simple Icon Templates only numerical This member specifies the Y position in pixels of the upper left corner of the drawing zone associated with this format in the template image This permits to locate the first pixel in the upper left corner inside the drawing area not the border SRC_X Icon Project Templates only numerical This member specifies the X position in pixels of the upper left corner of the drawing zone associated with this format in the template image This permits to locate the first pixel in the upper left corner inside the drawing area not the border SRC_Y Icon Project Templates only numerical This member specifies the Y position in pixels of the upper left corner of the drawing zone associated with this format in the template image This permits to locate the first pixel in the upper left corner inside
126. this object after the XML declaration The closing tag of this object ends the declaration file nothing will be read after its closing tag The TEMPLATE object contains the following data members REF numerical This member specifies the number of the template It must match the number coded in the barcode included in the associated PNG image file see above NAME text Creating Icons using Photoshop Templates This member specifies the name of the template This text will appear in the IconWorkshop menu This will permit the user to identify the template and launch it from IconWorkshop It must be informative but not too long to preserve the menu appearance TYPE fixed data This member specifies the type of the template Two types can be specified Simple Icon Template and Icon Project Template See above in this page the difference between the two template types ICON The template is a Simple Icon Template PROJECT The template is a Simple Icon Template TARGET_OS fixed data This member specifies the format of the icon Windows or Macintosh WINDOWS This will create a Windows icon ICO MACINTOSH This will create a Macintosh icon ICNS BIN FORMAT list of structured objects You can specify a list of several formats to be created Add one FORMAT structured object per icon format you wish to create The FORMAT object has 2 versions depending on the template type simple icon or icon project See late
127. use Image Objects Creating icons from image objects is easy and produce hi quality results This tutorial will learn you how to create attractive icons in minutes using Image Objects e Background floating selection Using this command you can easily place a floating object in background of your icon This is useful to add a shadow or a colored halo around an icon e Copy Paste Alpha Channels as Masks Now you can use a grayscale mask image to apply it as Alpha Channel to an icon Also you can extract an alpha channel from an icon to create a grayscale mask image e 256x256 and floating Preview Window The preview window is now adjustable 256x256 or 128x128 It can also be set as a floating window easier to move in 256x256 mode e Other enhancements and bug fixes User License Agreement Corporate Edition IMPORTANT NOTICE Read this License Agreement carefully before using this Software BY USING THIS SOFTWARE IN ANY WAY YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS DO NOT USE THIS SOFTWARE IN ANY WAY AND PROMPTLY RETURN IT OR DELETE ANY COPIES OF THIS SOFTWARE IN YOUR POSSESSION License Grant Axialis Software AXIALIS grants you a non exclusive license to use this software and any associated documentation The Software as indicated herein If you have purchased a Single User License one copy of the Software may be installed and used for int
128. website http www ece uvic ca mdadams jasper gt System Requirements Axialis lconWorkshop has been designed to work with Windows 95 Windows 98 Windows ME Windows NT4 Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows Vista Minimum e Pentium class CPU 500 Mhz e 65536 color video card 1024x768 e 128 Mb RAM e Microsoft Windows 95 with ComCtl32 v4 72 or Windows NT 4 0 SP4 Recommended e Pentium 3 4 or AMD Athlon 1 2 Ghz or more e True Color Video Card 24 or 32 bits 16 8 M colors 1280x1024 e 512 Mb RAM e Microsoft Windows ME Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows Vista 33 Getting Started Tutorial What is an Icon An icon is a graphic image a small picture or object that represents a file program web page or command Icons help you execute commands open programs or documents quickly To execute a command by using an icon click or double click on the icon It is also useful to recognize quickly an object in a browser list For example all documents using the same extension have the same icon That s almost all you need to know if you only use icons But to create icons which is the purpose of Axialis IconWorkshop you need to more about them What s the difference between a standard image and an icon image What s the structure of an icon How to create an icon which will display correctly on all screen configurations size colors Can we save an icon to a file Can we asse
129. where we want to save the icon its contents appears in the zone below 3 Choose the File Add to the librarian or click on the command button in the local toolbar see below Q 48x48 RGB A 4 A dialog box Add Icon to the Librarian prompts you In the Name edit zone be sure the name is correct it propose you the name you gave to the icon project 5 When done click OK The icon is saved and added to the librarian 8 Formats Oo 23K gt EJ MyfFirstlcon 64 Getting Started Tutorial 6 Now you can close the Icon Project Document window then open it again by double clicking on the associated item in the librarian see above picture Lesson 6 Creating a new icon from an existing image In this lesson we ll create a new icon from an existing image We ll create a Windows and a Macintosh icon Opening an image file in Axialis lconWorkshop 1 First we re going to load a file which is located in the Librarian You must be sure the librarian is visible If the librarian window is not visible check the Librarian button in the main toolbar or press ESC EJ Anat kxenWortchop 613 phen png tae Sag Laon foes ew Wor tp o Oe BOO ean oome Recently Used E Cited Mare EMILE Documents Ansh Lioranen Meds Fieidmageiiphurpap 2 Select the Media Files Images folder In the thumbnail preview list below you see a file named Sphere png Select it and press Enter or
130. with a 64x64 48x48 few details limited light 32x32 24x24 effects and shadows Add larger borders to enhance visibility 128x128 Flat image without details 16x16 and a large border Project Templates you draw 2 or 3 versions of your icon depending on the template you use and IconWorkshop automatically creates the icon formats using pre defined rules For example the template Windows Project 3 Sizes lets you draw 3 images Use the recommended guidelines below to draw the images Then IlconWorkshop creates each format of the icon accordingly This is an advanced method for creating icons but this is the one which produces the most professional results The final icon contains hi res images for operating systems which support them such as Windows Vista or MacOS 10 4 10 5 It contains also smaller images which are easily identifiable by the user in all resolutions 220 Creating Icons using Photoshop Templates Note that the small sizes are generated from larger original images For exemple the 16x16 size is created from a 128x128 image ratio 8 1 This permits an easier drawing experience and produce better results In the procedure below we ll create a fully featured Windows Vista icon of the image Folder With Document that we ve already used above 1 First be sure the Photoshop plug in has been installed see topic above Choose File New Icon Project from Photoshop Template Window
131. 0 310 311 311 311 312 312 313 313 313 XV Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 File structure Create a new icon library Create a new icon library Open a library as a separate document Open an icon library Other ways to open an icon library Change the icon display Edit an icon in a library Open and edit the icon Update icon in the library Save the library Open an icon as a new icon from the library Open the icon as anew document Import icons into the library Import icons ina library Import icons from the Axialis Explorer window Import a selection of icons from another icon library Export icons from a library Export icons as individual icon files ICO ICNS Export icons as library file or DLL Delete icons in a library Delete icons in a library Rename icons in alibrary Rename icons in a library Sort item by name Sort icons by name in a library Change icon order using drag a drop Create a snapshot picture of icons in a library Creating a Detailed Snapshot of Several Icons Creating a Quick Thumbnail Snapshot of Several Icons COMPILING AND DISTRIBUTING ICON LIBRARIES Specify a filename and location Specify a filename and location Add a description to a compiled file Add a description to a compiled file Add an information text Add an information text xvi 313 313 313 314 314 315 315 315 315 316 316 316 316 317 317 318 318 318 318 319 319
132. 128 32 bits alpha channel Huge 48x48 32 bits alpha channel 256 colors 16 colors mono Large 32x32 32 bits alpha channel 256 colors 16 colors mono Small 16x16 32 bits alpha channel 256 colors 16 colors mono Mini 16x12 256 colors 16 colors mono The new OS X icons can contain very large image formats 256x256 512x512 32 bits Those formats are also supported It s a good idea to start from hi res sizes to create a new Windows icon Here is a summary of image formats you can find in Macintosh Icons 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A o e o o o 256 Colors o o o 16 Colors o oO o Mono oO Macintosh OS standard icon image formats Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 4 1 Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 5 Recommended Optional Not Available 180 Creating Icons Convert the icon to Windows keeping all Macintosh image formats This is the simplest way to proceed However some Macintosh specific image formats may be useless 1 Open the Macintosh icon Choose File Open The icon is opened in a document window 2 Choose File Save As select Windows ICO as file type and specify a new name or 2 Choose File Save As Windows Icon Ctrl Alt S and specify a new name or 2 Click the following button on the toolbar and choose a new name for this icon TECOE Creating a Windows icon from a Macintosh icon This operation is not a
133. 13 Do you recall the name of the icon Yes Glossy Earth So let s add the glossy effects First using the same drag and drop method as above we add the object Circle Effect 3 png Then to increase the effect we add the object Circle Effect 6 png Now it looks like this 122 How to Procedures 14 Now the final touch the shadow We want to add a shadow at the bottom and under the earth This will produce an interesting effect just like if the globe was laid on a white horizontal plan First we need to move the whole Earth 10 pixels up just to leave more space for shadow at the bottom of the image Important To do so we must select the whole image Actually only the last object we ve added is selected Choose Edit Select All or press Ctrl A There is no visual change but now you re ready to move the whole image To move the image you can use the mouse with a drag and drop or use the arrow keys of the keyboard To move the image 10 pixels up hit UpArrow 10 times or press Shift UpArrow The resulting selection rectangle is now 10 pixels outside the top of the editor area 15 We can now add the shadow Select the object Circle Shadow png in the librarian and add it to the project The resulting image looks like this 16 Obviously there is a problem The shadow is in front of the Earth Globe The solution is as easy as a keystroke Press the End key or choose Edit Set Floating Selection to Background
134. 16 colors Miao Fse P Ban Fiats XP 6 Z PNG compress 256x256 formats for Windows Vista Eoso 48x48 Mono FI3a32 Mono T 1x15 Mono As conta sever Sei aa oe eE Berrie rennes Q meme n L Z apgiy Dithering fer 256 16 arid Meno formats Sats ende kardana e Aaaah Aaa a oner moge Format C Eo 18 Select the images formats to include in the icon by following the specifications as we defined them above the format 256x256 RGB A is already included in the icon so it will be ignored select formats 48x48 to 16x16 RGB A by clicking on the associated check boxes Add the formats 128x128 RGB A and 64x64 RGB A Q 19 As we want our icon to be used under Windows Vista we can compress the 256x256 formats as PNG You can also choose to apply the smooth sharpen filter to get better results in small formats View the results in image previews 20 When done click OK The new formats are automatically created and added to the project Librarian x er Se eS ee EELER E bazowa xs oo0ooon 21 Take a moment to admire your work Click on the various formats and see the resulting icon at scale 1 1 in the preview window You can change the background lightness of the Scale 1 1 window simply by clicking in it using the left button of the mouse It will permit you to see how the icon is displayed on different backgrounds with different lightness 22 Save your icon Choose
135. 20 We recommend you to click on the Preview option to see the change in real time in the editor and preview windows When done click OK The image has been adjusted a stronger blue color Moving the image 4 Select the image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the whole icon using Drag amp Drop or Press Ctrl A When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created 5 We want to move the image by one pixel in the upper left direction Using the mouse Move the mouse pointer over this selection area The pointer automatically switches to a four arrow cursor Now left click in this area keep the button pressed and move your mouse by one pixel up and one pixel left Using the keyboard Press the Up Arrow key and the Left Arrow key once 6 Important By doing this you ve transformed the selected portion in a Floating Selection A floating selection can be moved over the rest of the image preserving the transparent area When you ve finished moving this selection you must apply it by cleft clicking anywhere in the image 57 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Creating a shadow behind the icon Windows XP style 7 Select the image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the whole icon using Drag amp Drop or Press Ctrl A When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created 8 Choose Draw Adjustments Effects Drop Shadow or press D A shadow
136. 256x256 resolution In order to get the best results possible you must frequently preview the artwork at scale 1 1 in the associated window in Axialis lconWorkshop In previous versions of Axialis conWorkshop the Scale 1 1 window was fixed to 128x128 for a better integration in the application interface Now the preview window can be resized to display 256x256 images at scale 1 1 Some features has been implemented to deal with this new size in order to have limited impact on the user experience By default the Scale 1 1 window s size is 128x128 382 Customizing the Application Ei Anais kon Wertshop 610 gt Fokder De BU Genlaalt In this topic we ll see how to switch the window size to 256x256 and vice versa Also we ll see how to change the ability of the window to be docked to the interface Switch the Preview 1 1 window to 256x256 1 If the Preview 1 1 window is not visible choose View Preview 1 1 or press Alt F10 2 Using the mouse right click in the Scale 1 1 window a local menu opens 3 Choose 256x256 Display The Scale 1 1 window is automatically resized to 256x256 and becomes a floating window Li Ania conWertohep 610 Folder Boomen 2 Fe fda Oue Cater Laarin Fooie View Widow Heip em may a a Bes ie t 8 0 383 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 When the window is in floating mode it can placed anywhere over the user interface without docking It is set in this mode to avoid th
137. 319 320 320 320 320 320 321 321 321 323 323 323 323 323 324 324 Add a User License Agreement Add a User License Agreement Use an Activation Code Use an Activation Code More information on Activation Codes Compile Compile Generate Activation Codes Company and Library IDs Generate an Activation Code based on a User Name Generate a List of Activation Codes in Serial More information on Activation Codes WORKING WITH THE AXIALIS LIBRARIAN What is the Librarian Change the Librarian folder location Show hide the Librarian Change the Librarian position on screen Show and hide the Librarian Window Show hide the Librarian Change the Librarian position on screen Change the Librarian position on screen Change the Librarian folder location Change the Librarian folder location Open an item in the librarian Open an item full screen Open an item full screen Toggle the auto full screen option Edit an image with an external editor program Create a new folder Go to the Parent Folder Go to the Parent Folder Change a folder icon Import files Export files Select items Select all items in the folder Select all items in the folder Table Of Contents 324 324 325 325 326 326 326 326 327 327 327 328 329 329 330 330 330 330 330 331 331 331 331 331 332 332 332 332 333 333 333 333 333 334 334 334 334 xvii Axialis IconWo
138. 6 color formats and even 16 color formats with transparency are generated Export icons to images to illustrate your applications If you create applications you know that images are required to create an attractive user interface Axialis lconWorkshop permits to export any image included in an icon Windows Macintosh to an external bitmap file You ll be able to easily use these images in your program to create beautiful toolbars for example Redistribute your icons A compilation feature permits you to create professional installation packages to redistribute your Icon Libraries It produces a compressed install program the result is up to 70 smaller convenient for Web distribution Also an advanced system based on activation codes permits you to protect your Icon Libraries The user will be prompted for a personal code to proceed with the installation An activation code generator is also provided Customize Windows icons A built in feature permits you to customize many Windows icons It works with all Windows version up to Windows XP This new version permits you to customize each folder icon individually What s New in Version 6 10 This version includes several major improvements e Compatible with Windows Vista Many Windows Vista compatibility issues have been fixed in this version e New Interface for Windows Vista The application automatically detects Windows Vista and propose a new user inte
139. 6 256256 t6xi6 p W 9 356 Example of Windows Vista icon images 47 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 48 The PNG compression is embedded in the ICO file for the 256x256 images only PNG compressed Windows Vista icons cannot be read and edited with an Windows XP only compatible icon editor nor can you open them with a PNG image editor You will require a Windows Vista compatible icon editor like Axialis lconWorkshop to edit such icons Compatibility with Windows XP Windows Vista compressed icons are compatible with Windows XP They can be used in Windows XP but only using the standard formats 48x48 32x32 and 16x16 which will be read and displayed The 256x256 PNG formats will be ignored For example if you save the down ico see link above on your Windows XP desktop it will be displayed as 48x48 The most important fact is that Windows XP won t reject Windows Vista icons Can we add other formats such as 128x128 in Windows Vista icons Yes but this is not recommended 128x128 format is used by Windows XP Desktop or Dock Bar applications These applications will probably support 256x256 icon format when ported under Windows Vista Can we create 256x256 icons which display under Windows XP Simply by creating uncompressed versions of the icons They will work on all versions of Windows However if you want to display at large size under Windows XP you must install a Deskptop Enhancer appl
140. 6 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16x16 RGB A 256 colors Optional 512x512 RGB A The 32x32 Monochrome format is recommended for Macintosh icons to ensure display compatibility on old Macintosh systems with B W screens Various Macintosh file types Macintosh icons can be saved using two different file formats ICNS and RSC or RSRC is used A third format MacBinary BIN is used for transfer purpose between Windows and Macintosh e ICNS This is the standard Macintosh icon file format Only one icon with several formats can be saved in this format This format is the most commonly used e RSC or RSRC This is the Macintosh resource file format It is used mainly by developers This format can contain several icons Axialis lconWorkshop support reading of RSC files with several icons but can write only RSC files with one icon e BIN MacBinary format This format permits to easily transfer files between Macintosh and Windows For more information on this format visit this website http en wikipedia org wiki MacBinary To transfer and icon between Windows and Macintosh the easiest method is to use the MacBinary format This format permits to generate an icon compatible with the Macintosh OS forks The MacBinary format permits to merge the 2 forks in one file handy for transfer mail attachment or Web publishing When IconWorkshop saves an icon in MacBinary format it writes the ico
141. 6 colors 16 colors mono Mini 12x16 256 colors 16 colors The new OS X icons can contain very large image formats 128x128 256x256 32 bits Those formats are also supported Although those image sizes are not actually used in Windows it s a good idea to start from hi res sizes to create a new Windows icon Here is a summary of image formats you can find in Macintosh Icons 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A o o o o 256 Colors oO oO o 16 Colors oO is o o s za Mono Windows standard icon image formats PNG compressed Windows Vista 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A o e 0 o 8 2 256 Colors oO oO o 16 Colors oO is e Mono oO Macintosh OS standard icon image formats Jpeg2000 compressed Os Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 5 Recommended Optional Not Available E Some image formats are unavailable in Macintosh icon specifications Therefore IconWorkshop won t event permit you to create them If you try to save or convert a Windows icon to Macintosh some format will be removed Note that all image formats can be created in Windows icons even custom formats not listed above Convert the icon to Macintosh keeping all Macintosh compatible image formats This is the simplest way to proceed However some Windows specific image formats may not be converted 1 Open the Windows icon Choose File Open
142. 6 formats in PNG Select the associated option 9 You can also choose to apply the dithering option to the 256 16 color images as well as add a filter effect to smooth sharpen the resulting images in RGB A mode View the results in the preview images 10 When done click OK A new icon project is created in a document window 87 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 88 EER Fee Gm Oww Color Lararen Fovettes Vian Window Help 2x 0 2 6D SB S Qa Orem E O O 9 a 9 a ao DDIRA A 0808000 f eaee eerr maa aan fb Pack 3 Quick Toot E Gb Pack 4 Web 20 kot 11 The main window with the grid is the edition area where you can retouch the icon The gray chessboard like texture behind the icon is the transparent portion of the icon the alpha channel info has been preserved The scale 1 1 preview is displayed in the associated window 12 All the available formats are displayed in a list You can select them to edit or preview them See the application built in help press F1 to learn how to add remove formats or work with this icon project 13 The compressed format only the 256x256 formats can be compressed are marked with this overlay PNG compression image You can add remove this option by choosing Draw Compressed Image Format Windows Vista or by pressing K You can also use the local toolbar or a right click menu 14 When done save the icon by choosing Edit Save or pre
143. 7 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 258 We strongly recommend to make a copy of the original program file before modifying it using this feature Modifying an icon included in a program file 1 Choose File Open and select a program file EXE DLL OCX You can also open an Explorer window Ctrl E and double click on a program file 2 The program opens in a document window displaying all the icons it contains If not already set we recommend you to choose the display option All Formats In Raw In this mode one icon is displayed on each row with all the formats it contains tomin Cae Wades Hep 3 To modify an icon just double click on it or select it and press Enter 4 The icon opens in an editor window Just modify it as if it was a standard icon file don t forget the above limitations though 5 When done update it by choosing File Save or press Ctrl S Close the editor window 6 The icon has been updated in the list if you modified the displayed format 7 Repeat steps 3 to 7 for other icons if necessary 8 Update the program file by choosing File Save Extracting icons from a program file 1 Choose File Open and select a program file EXE DLL OCX You can also open an Explorer window Ctrl E and double click on a program file 2 The program opens in a document window displaying all the icons it contains 3 Select the icons you wish to extract 4 Choose Icons Export as Windows icons
144. A Technical Overview Create the PNG image file Create the XML description file By default Axialis Iconworkshop is provided with 10 templates However we have designed the system to permit you to create your own ones This topic explains in details how you can create templates that will match your specific needs 223 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Photoshop Templates A Technical Overview The figure below shows in details how the Photoshop templates are implemented in IconWorkshop gt Windows kon Project 3 Sizes Asiain korWVertshop o O08 Copyright OIO Amisi Sofias Alig Revered EXPORT PLUGIN Photoshop TO iconWorkshop Select New Icon From Template in lconWorkshop IconWorkshop creates a temporary script to permit Adobe Photoshop to open the PNG file associated with the selected template The PNG file is opened as anew document in Adobe Photoshop 2 types of templates can be created In Icon Project templates each image is designed to match the level of details required for large medium and small sizes In Simple Icon templates you must draw all the formats of the icon Export to IlconWorkshop The XML file which describes the contents of the template is read by the plug in This file contains the type of the template the position of the images the formats to create and other parameters lt I Axialis IconWorkshop Template Description File gt
145. An icon can contain several image formats size and cokes In this dalog you the properties of the frst image format you with to indude in this icon Youll be able to add several other image formats later ProjectName Glossy xth Q 2 Image Color Format XP with Alpha Channel RGB A 32 bits True Colors RGE 24 bits 256 indexed Colors 8 bits D 16 Colors 4 bits Monochrome 1 bit Image Size in pixels 256x256 Vista 48x43 32x32 j 28x24 16x16 y We recommend to start an con Windows fer resaks when you create the other image formats from this larger image XP wih Alpha Channel images are Ssplayed correctly in Wedows XP or more only 1283128 is not a Windows sandaed format wil be with deseo VIPNG Compress 256x255 format but the icon and Set As Default 2562256 images can be you plan to use coupe __ Do not prompt in the future compressed the icon under Windows Vista not XP eats Coc caret Now specify the format of the first image to add in the project In Image Color Format choose XP with Alpha Channel RGB A 32 bits In Image Size choose and 256x256 Vista As we want the 256x256 format to be used under Windows Vista we choose to compress it as PNG Click the option PNG Compress 256x256 format To learn more about Windows Vista 2 Type the name of the project Glossy Earth 3 4 icons read this arti
146. An interesting feature of IconWorkshop is the ability to create Macintosh icons from PNG icons PNG is an image file format not really an icon format Icons usually contain several formats PNG images contain only one image used as icon This image is usually a large one 128x128 or 256x256 with alpha channel RGB A 32 BPP This format is used by numerous GUI and applications Linux KDE dock bars This format is very interesting to create hi quality RGB A images in icons Using this feature you can Create Several Macintosh Icons from PNG files in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in lconWorkshop explorer Select the source PNG images 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the PNG images using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the PNG files appear with preview in the right pane Select the files you wish to convert to icons You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several files Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch create the Macintosh icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Macintosh Icons from Selection or Ctrl Shift D 5 A dialog box opens First we need to choose the Macintosh file format we wish to use there are 3 formats supported by IconWorkshop see this topic to learn more 6 In groups Standard Image F
147. Axialis Software User Interface Allows to use Axialis Software specific user interface If you choose this interface you can adjust the color of windows title controls and more You can also specify the desired application main color This color will be applied to every windows and dialog boxes in the application only You can only specify a tint value HUE You cannot modify the lightness or the saturation of the color Background colors Full Screen Mode Click here to change the color of the screen background when you open a media file using full screen 389 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Background colors Document windows Click here to change the color of the document windows background when you open a document window Background colors Scale 1 1 preview Click here to change the background color of the scale 1 1 preview window This small window permits you to see the result of your icon drawing at scale 1 1 Did you know You can change the brightness of the preview window by clicking in it using the left mouse button Options in the Toolbars Tab 390 To access the Toolbars Tab options choose View Preferences The Preferences dialog box opens click on the Toolbars tab to get the related options Local Toolbar Display within document windows If this option is checked a local toolbar will be initially visible within the document window each time you ll open a document Otherwise it will be initiall
148. B A E osns RGE A Elamo raa 72X72 RGBIA Fleas RGS A 7 Compress 256x255 formats for Windows Vista embedded PNG compression Macintosh Ieoas ppt 28125 RGIA Y 4a 256 Fas J 43x43 RGBA 3232 255 33 Oan Ba 7 sexes F 16x16 RGBA E sr 256 F 6x22 256x256 RGB Alpha 05 10 4 Tiger or more ordy FF Creste image formatif not present in source icon Overnnte source C 2561256 tarmac is companie with Mac OS X version fie 18 4 or apra Tipe Br does eat aploy on symone wah New filename prer OS vervora rataled Create new folder 255256 images can be compressed you plan to ute the s con under Windows Viea nce P compacbie For each icon the normalization rules are e The selected formats are created if not present in the icon In such a case the largest and most coloured image format is used as source for the creation This rule applies only if the option Create image format if not present in source icon is checked e The unselected formats are removed if present in the icon 5 In Write Options group choose one of the following options e Overwrite source file The original icon file is replaced by the normalized icon e New filename The normalized icon is created using a new filename original filename plus an index number e Create new folder The filenames are identical but created in a new subfolder 6 When done click OK The batch operation starts immediately th
149. Choose Color Copy HTML color It will allow to copy the actual color as a HTML compatible string in the clipboard This is an interesting feature if you use to deal with HTML codes Load color palette 256 color table Axialis lconWorkshop allows you to load a color palette from a file and apply it to the image You can create your own customized color palette Load a color palette 1 Choose Color Load palette 256 color table 2 Select the file s folder from the Color Tables In Drop Down box 3 Click on the file type from the File Type Drop Dow box e AXCT or PA8 Axialis Colors Table e ACT Adobe color Tables e PAL Jasc color Tables usually 256 colors 4 Click on the palette file that you want to select in the Contents List box 5 Click on the Open button The palette opens automatically and is linked to the edit window Save a color palette Axialis lconWorkshop allows you to customize and save your own color palettes 262 Working with Icons Save a 256 color palette 1 Modify the customized color palette See Related Topics 2 Choose Color Saver Swatches Palette 2 Select or create the file s folder from the Look in Drop Down box 3 Enter the filename for the new palette in the File Name Text Box Axialis lconWorkshop will add the file extension AXCT automatically in the File Type Drop down box 4 Click on the Save button If the filename is already in use Axialis lconWorkshop will pre
150. Colors 4ds ID karge Monochrome 1 bi Yin 6 small wa Mey 256x255 Tiger ordy SIDSN Leopard ordy We recommens D EIT An COA SAE WEN De aget maga oe and cobs poerba I g proda be naa wher yos Cwste Ae other image formam bor the rper mage 7 IASG and SDSL formats ara ampatia with Mar OS X worsen 324 o mye To Th format does nex dapis Om pymes Wied prior OG verons recalled Ths Be BPOS andy ROD wer site anne czo 12 bpo We recommend m man you project at nce LID128 or more Thasa nines mopot onfy ROG with she hannal tots R bow ROB wth Alpha Oura we daeet Set As Defot w imoye n sory in Ma OS E ar eer veron doy De net promt in the fare oe core 4 In the Colors group choose e RGB Alpha Channel RGB A 32 bits Uses true colors to get the best results This format will be used only if the icon is displayed under Macintosh OSX It uses an additional alpha channel to create smooth shades and object borders We strongly recommend you to start creating an icon with this color mode e 256 Indexed colors 8 bits Uses a fixed 256 color palette e 16 colors 4bits Uses the system standard palette 16 static colors This is the native Windows mode e Monochrome 1 bit Uses only 2 colors black and white 5 In the Size in Pixels group choose e 16x16 24x24 32x32 48x48 128x128 256x256 is used under Macintosh OSX 10 4 Tiger or more only 2 An icon can contain several image f
151. D USERS and you need to enter your Genuine Axialis Product Key to download the file 5 The file to download is an executable file EXE so you may be prompted by Windows or any other antivirus application to confirm the download and execution of the file File Download Security Warning Do you want to rum of save this fle m Name fodalisObjectPack exe Type Application 1 61 MB From www aodn com me pre While files from the intemet can be useful the file type can yg m your compete It you do not inast the source do not fun ct save thet toltwane What s the nk 6 If you want to launch the installation of the pack without saving the file on your disk click Run In such a case the file downloads and the installation starts automatically If you want to save a copy of the install pack to your disk click Save The file will be saved to a folder of your choice When finished you ll have to explore this folder later to launch the installation manually 210 Creating Icons from Image Objects 7 The installation starts in a separate window similar to this Object Pack 1 Glossy Buttons Installation Object Pack 1 Glossy Buttons Copyright 2005 Axialis Software All rights reserved This program wil install the image objects on your computer These fies wil be copied in the Aiak Lidearion Objects subfolder usually located in My Documents folder This wil be done without modiying
152. E52 IG em 208 Creating Icons from Image Objects 21 Take a moment to admire your work Click on the various formats and see the resulting icon at scale 1 1 in the preview window You can change the background lightness of the Scale 1 1 window simply by clicking in it using the left button of the mouse It will permit you to see how the icon is displayed on different backgrounds with different lightness 22 Save your icon Choose File Save or press Ctrl S It will be saved as Windows ICO format Congratulations You ve created your first icon from Image Objects There is no limit to your creativity using these objects You can resize them changing their color their opacity and more You can even create your own objects by combining existing ones If you want to practice try to recreate these sample icons made using the Glossy Objects pack Axialis Object Pack 1 For Icons Glossy Buttons A collection of 150 hi res objects to be used with Axialis lconWorkshop Creating a Macintosh Icon You can easily create a Macintosh icon using a similar procedure When creating the project choose File New Macintosh Icon Project or press Ctrl M and follow the same building method You can also save your Windows icon as Macintosh format When the icon is finished step 22 above choose File Save as Macintosh lcon or press Ctrl Alt S Downloading Object Packs from Internet On a regular basi
153. EG 2000 and WMF Create an icon from this image 3 Before proceeding we recommend you to select the portion of image you wish to use to create your icon If you leave too many transparent areas around your image the visible part of your icon will be too small 372 Working With The Axialis Media File Explorer 4 Select the portion of image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the portion of image you wish to use do not cut the shadow if there is one around the object When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created 5 When the selection is done choose Image Create Macintosh Icon from Selection or press M or click the first command button in the local toolbar 6 The dialog box New Macintosh Icon From Image opens see below In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension Create a New Icon for Apple Macintosh from an Image Yeon Project Name MySoheretcor Standard image formats for Hacietesh OS 7 128x128 RGB Alpha 32 bits Tyn 16x12 16 E 16x12 Mono M2561256 RGB Apha OS 30 4 Tiger or more onty Companhia wth Mec OS X 15121512 RGB Apha 06 20 4 Tiger o more orby Serkan mny CO ROSS Rendering Options vertora nealed i 6 Apply Miter when Reszings IZ Apply Ovthering for 2 16 and Mono formats Smosh anats 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the ic
154. F Windows MetaFile Open the image file in IconWorkshop 1 Choose File Open browse your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the image file you wish to open then hit Enter 2 The image file opens in a document window Axialis lconWorkshop will convert images to 32 bpp with transparency when possible This is much more convenient to create icons The following image formats can include transparency Photoshop PSD PNG RGB GIF JPEG 2000 and WMF 370 Working With The Axialis Media File Explorer Create an icon from this image 3 Before proceeding we recommend you to select the portion of image you wish to use to create your icon If you leave too many transparent areas around your image the visible part of your icon will be too small 4 Select the portion of image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the portion of image you wish to use do not cut the shadow if there is one around the object When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created 5 When the selection is done choose Image Create Windows Icon from Selection or press I or click the first command button in the l
155. File Open 2 When the icon is opened select the largest and the most coloured image format in the list best with 128x128 or 48x48 with alpha channel 3 Right click on the selected image format in the list a menu opens Select New Windows Icon Project from this Image 141 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 BOBS wean ran OS BESO ai ROOM Q6 O o Creste 4the46 16 Image Format pee et l New Macrtoshd kon Project from thes Image Copy Creste Snapshot Expert M A O Drow Image Format Let See Let Onteft Pom Ut On Right 4 A large dialog box opens In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension E2542 2H colors 1294256 16 colors Cease Dw anoe IFJ PNG compress 2446x256 formats Sor Windows Vista Bans E Mon E Mon D Rendering Options Smoth Sowo soy Somov sa eant La e IZ aggy Fiter when Reseno ae we L4 Vi Aooly Oithering for 2 16 and Mono formats Fermierii F a Efi Oee iage fonat ox Coc 5 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon 9 6 You can also add extra formats 128x128 or 256x256 may be used in future versions of Windows When done click OK The new Icon Project document window is created with all formats embedded 7 Save your icon to Windows format choose File Save and choose a new name ICO for this icon Where to find Macintosh icon
156. File Save or press Ctrl S It will be saved as Windows ICO format 84 Getting Started Tutorial Congratulations You ve created your first icon from Image Objects There is no limit to your creativity using these objects You can resize them changing their color their opacity and more You can even create your own objects by combining existing ones Creating a Macintosh version of the icon You can also save your Windows icon as Macintosh format When the icon is finished step 22 above choose File Save as Macintosh Icon or press Ctrl Alt S By doing this some icon formats which are not available for Macintosh icons will be removed In the example above format 24x24 will be removed An information message will be displayed Exercises If you want to practice try to recreate these sample icons made using the Glossy Objects pack Axialis Object Pack 1 For Icons Glossy Buttons A collection of 150 hi res objects to be used with Axialis lconWorkshop Lesson 9 Creating and Using a Windows Vista icon In this lesson we ll create an icon fully compliant with Windows Vista specifications and we ll learn how to use it in a software project Windows Vista includes many new features and enhancements The most visible evolution is the new Graphical User Interface GUI A first look at Aero the codename for the Windows Vista user experience reveals a slicker interface with sharper graphics Microsoft Windo
157. How do the Photoshop templates work How many templates are included in IconWorkshop What is the difference between Simple Icon and Icon Project templates Install the Photoshop to lconWorkshop transfer plug in Use a Simple Icon Template to create an icon Create a Windows XP icon using a Simple Icon Template Adding other formats using the template Use an Icon Project Template to create an icon Create a Vista icon using a 3 image Icon Project Template Create your own Photoshop Templates Photoshop Templates A Technical Overview Create the XML description file 192 193 193 195 195 195 197 197 197 199 199 199 200 200 201 202 202 202 204 208 209 209 210 211 213 213 213 214 214 215 215 216 218 219 220 223 224 227 WORKING WITH ICONS Add a new image format in an icon Adding a new image format Adding quickly a standard image format Adding several images formats in one operation Remove an image format in an icon Work with selections Creating a selection Selecting the whole image Discarding a selection Deleting the selected image Creating a floating selection Place selection in Background Foreground Place the floating selection in background Place the floating selection in foreground Draw using the tools Show Hide the tool palette Using the tools Applying gradients while drawing Using various brush shapes Produce smooth edges while drawing Show Hi
158. Icon from Selection or press I or click the first command button in the local toolbar LE To create a Macintosh icon the procedure is similar just click the Apple button in right or press M Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 6 The dialog box New Icon From Image opens see below In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension New Windows kon tom image E BS ibe Gee sy Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image Neocon Standard image formats for Windows 7 256x256 RIGBA Windows Views orby TAI 29 colors 2x2 VE colors TIPANG compress 254x15 formats for Windows Vista a Finer eh Tas to aie m sdl avei ober 6 T Aoply Otherng for 2 16 and Mono formats Bt mages en te mn sn ae Goo ces 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic 8 If you wish to start creating your icon with an unlisted format click the Other Image Format button 9 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected How to Create an Icon from a Transparent GIF File GIF is a famous and widely used image format Additionally some GIF files include transparent areas which is convenie
159. J 204 2153 80 E R255 6204 B0 R255 6255 80 R255 G255 B153 R255 G219 B157 1 R255 G204 B8102 I R255 6153 B51 g R51 G51 B102 J ss 8153 J 0 c102 820 E vc 8215 J 0 c 53 8255 E R62 G154 B222 1 Ris3 G204 B255 R180 G226 B255 B R153 G153 B255 J 2102 s102 8204 J R153 6153 8204 J 2102 6102 8153 E v0 ci02 80 E 0 cis3 80 BB kio 6204 851 I 153 6255 8102 How to Procedures i R255 G121 B75 E R255 G51 B0 R153 G0 B0 R222 G255 8255 R255 G204 8255 R204 G204 8255 R204 G255 B204 Colors used in Windows XP Icons We have created a file containing these color swatches The file Windows XP axco is located in Color Swatches subfolder of the installation directory For your information this file format is compatible with ACO color files used by Adobe Photoshop Perspective and Grouping Objects in Icons This is the perspective grid that Windows XP style icons use Windows XP Icon Perspective Not all objects work well at 16 x 16 at an angle The following objects are usually shown in a straight on manner Document icons Icons that are symbols such as warning or information icons Icons that are single objects such as the magnifying glass BP Y Straight on icon examples Jpg Document Search and Fevorites icons Overlapping examples Add or Remove Programs Print Pictures Recent Documents 131 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 132 Create overlapping seco
160. K All the Macintosh icons are created and added to the same folder Names are preserved only the extension is changed The created icons have the same filename as the original document with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting If you create icons from Image Files the whole image is selected and resized keeping its aspect ratio If it contains transparency it is kept during the creation If you create icons from an Existing Icons or Cursors the largest image is used as source to create the icons Transparency is kept Convert several Macintosh icons to Windows format Using this feature you convert a group of Macintosh Icons to Windows format in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in IconWorkshop explorer Select the source icons 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the source files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the source files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch convert the icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Convert Macintosh Icons To Windows ICO or Ctrl Shift W 5 A dialog bo
161. MacBinary format see this topic 6 When done click OK The program is now installed and properly configured Uncompressing a SIT HQX Archive File 1 Open Windows Explorer and browse to the folder in which you saved the archive file 2 Double click on the archive file The Stufflt program starts and automatically uncompress the archive contents into a subfolder 3 Now you can browse the newly created subfolder to see the Macintosh icons We recommend you to use IconWorkshop built in explorer Ctrl E to browse it and see the Macintosh icons in preview thumbnail 139 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Uncompressing Macintosh icons packed in a ZIP file More and more website now propose to download Macintosh icons in ZIP archives You can simply extract them with any ZIP unpacker Stufflt support this format too The unpacked files will be read without problems by IconWorkshop How to Convert a Macintosh Icon to Windows In this topic we ll see how to create Windows Icons from Apple Macintosh Icons What s the difference between Windows and Macintosh icons Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh icons are very similar They both have several image formats embedded in the same icon But the file format is totally different You cannot use Macintosh icons under Windows because the file format is not compatible You must convert them to Windows ICO file format with Axialis lconWorkshop of course
162. Martine BOCCANFUSO Marc EMILE Axialis lconWorkshop 6 1 Corporate Edition E Getting Started Guide E How To Procedures E Reference Manual Copyright 1996 2006 Axialis Software All Rights Reserved http www axialis com Table of Contents INTRODUCING LICENSE What is Axialis lconWorkshop What can I do with lconWorkshop What formats are compatible with Axialis lconWorkshop Why choose Axialis lconWorkshop What s New in Version 6 10 Features included since version 6 0 User License Agreement Corporate Edition IMPORTANT NOTICE License Grant Restrictions Term Copyright Ownership Disclaimer of Warranties Disclaimer of Damages Object Packs Terms Of Use License Grant Restrictions Copyright Ownership Disclaimer of Warranties Disclaimer of Damages Sample Icons Terms Of Use IconB c ffet copyrighted icons Acknowledgments Icons and Images used in the program T Vi Compression Support PNG Support JPEG Support JPEG 2000 Support anslations siBone Color Swatches System Requirements Minimum Recommended 25 25 25 26 26 27 28 29 29 29 30 30 30 30 30 30 31 31 31 31 31 31 32 32 32 32 32 32 33 33 33 33 33 33 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 GETTING STARTED TUTORIAL What is an Icon What are the differences between an image and an icon What is the structure of an icon Which
163. My Documents folder This folder is easy accessible from all Axialis products in the built in Librarian window To get more information about the Librarian see this topic Working With The Axialis Librarian 9 When finished the associated Axialis application is launched or activated automatically here Axialis lconWorkshop and the built in Librarian is opened The new object pack folder is automatically selected You re done Now enjoy the new objects and be creative Download Object Packs from the Axialis Application This is a faster way to proceed The procedure is very similar but the website is access from within the application 1 Launch IconWorkshop or any compatible Axialis Application 2 Choose Librarian Download Object Packs Internet or click the associated button S amp S The http www axialis com objects page opens in a document window inside the application Just follow the procedure as specified above 3 The new objects are installed and the folder is automatically selected Working With the Axialis Media File Explorer The application contains a powerful Axialis Media File Explorer that permits you to browse your disks locate media files display them as thumbnail with preview organize them and more All the media files supported by the application can be opened in a specific viewer document window You can open several types of media files including Icons Cursors Images Animations Each view
164. NOD zc2s22e2z2c 22c2see22eeeiseeareeresnrerennearnerreenaninen 156 image CONVERT es wlviesccetveuncdecelaaladkesOaedccens 287 290 Convert Several ICONS cecccesceccsesssestsstesesesteeesteeees 297 360 Mage Flen seisein 111 image format DS E O T A teeta vtets i 241 MAGE Orma t ae NRE 241 image into UTA SIN COE 2 eeaeee 256 Images tabiii 397 Import IMAGE INGO er NE 256 Gn ole a eseeeeeeereeeverteererrtecercsrrceeterstrsrrnstentea tantra tr errerreerrarrorer 256 port FIGS ii ac accccsceecsccccrtssesaieisisan doa 335 Import icons into NAS ds E EE 319 an oro a es icCo giowl nico E A 319 information text ya a L NE EEEE EEEE Mets ashlee Mae ss ke 326 information texte ER 326 Instal Photoshop PIUG MiM ssssscsssscsssscessescesetecssnscessneeessereessees 268 Install item PREVIEWS seirer E TEET elke 338 item display Changes irese Aea E EAN 339 item display sssssssiiiesssssssirisssssssrtrisrsssssstrrrrsssseeerrrsssssne 339 item full screen Librarian ian E Go o ian g w S brarian brarian brarian Eatme a ia brarian hide Librarian Librarian library FAPOREACOMS NEO aiei a 319 Index Opein aea a a a 316 IBTA Yii fecceesccscsccsceeecccsceccseeccsseestieeccssecssaeecesueens essences lessee 316 BEATY coeeeeseereeeteeeserresetreeseerees aaaea EREEREER 317 IDFA Yieee iiin 318 eTR
165. Now you can save copy print this image as necessary 350 Working With The Axialis Media File Explorer Phone Button 126128 2 RGB A RGB A RGE A RGE A 256 Doe Wo 6B 3232 888 232 256 16x16 16x16 256 Creating a Detailed Snapshot of Several Icons You can create a snapshot of several icons from within an opened Icon Library ICL Program File EXE DLL OCX a Search Result window or from the built in Explorer 1 Select several icons from a list only icons within libraries or Macintosh Windows files Choose Edit Create Snapshot or Ctrl Shift P 2 A dialog box opens select Detailed Snapshot then click OK 3 A dialog box Create Icon Snapshot opens Adjust the various options then click OK 4 The Snapshot image is created in a new window Now you can save copy print this image as necessary Creating a Quick Thumbnail Snapshot of Several Icons You can create a snapshot of several icons from within an opened Icon Library ICL Program File EXE DLL OCX a Search Result window or from the built in Explorer 1 Select several icons from a list only icons within libraries or Macintosh Windows files Choose Edit Create Snapshot or Ctrl Shift P 2 A dialog box opens select Quick Thumbnail Snapshot then click OK 3 A dialog box Create Icon Snapshot opens Adjust the various options then click OK 4 The Snapshot image see sample below is created in a new window Now you can save copy print th
166. OS X 10 4 icons the icons are compressed using this lossless method keeping the original image quality The resulting compression ratio is about 1 2 similar to PNG Keep in mind that a 256x256 icon is 28 times the size of a 48x48 icon It will change deeply the way you ll create icons in the future But be sure we ll add many features to help you in future versions To get an idea of things to come see an icon snapshot comparing sizes from 256x256 to 16x16 256x256 128x128 48x48 3232 16x16 RGB A RGB A RGB A RGB A RGB A Information about the future 512x512 icon format for Leopard OS X 105 This is preliminary subject to change August 2007 The next Macintosh OS version 10 5 Leopard introduces an extra large icon format which permits to display 512x512 icons on future HI DPI screens This format uses the same compression format as 256x256 format for Tiger see above A 512x512 icon is 4 times the size of a 256x256 icon and 114 times the size of a 48x48 icon Keep this in mind when you re designing the image The 512x512 image can be complex with a high level of details To get a better idea see an icon snapshot comparing sizes between 512x512 and 256x256 image formats 45 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 S1261 256256 RGS A RG8 A Introducing Windows Vista Icons 46 Microsoft Windows Vista include many new features and enhancements The most visible evolution will be the new Graphical User Interface GUI A fi
167. Photoshop choose File Export Export to Axialis IconWorkshop The template is automatically recognized by IconWorkshop and the icon is created with all the formats as described in the template 97 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 G Project icon o inas i Gae EEEL bha mna o pan e Bald na D a a s alo d a taseesta 8 Various image formats have been created Simply remove the formats you don t wish to include in your icon Save the icon 9 Once you have finished to work on an icon template we recommend you to save the document using the PSD format This will permit to work again later on the project preserving all your layers and effects you may have added Lesson 11 Batch creating several icons from images 98 We have seen how to create one icon from an image A more powerful feature permits to automate this operation to create several icons from a group of images Each image will be used to produce one icon with several formats embedded This automated operation is called a Batch feature Several batch features are included in Axialis IconWorkshop It permits to greatly increase productivity especially if you deal with numerous icons in your daily work In this lesson we ll see one of them but we strongly recommend you to test all of them to get a better idea of the power of Axialis lconWorkshop We ll start with a set of 18 images in 256x256 JPEG2000 format We ll create the 9 first icons in Windows format
168. SX 10 4 Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 5 Recommended Optional Not Available 8 To get the best results possible you can also apply a filter when resizing RGB A images and a dithering option to the 256 16 color images try and see the results in the preview images 9 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected 196 Creating Icons Batch create several Macintosh icons from images Using this feature you can Create Several Icons from images existing icons or cursors in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in Axialis IconWorkshop explorer Select the source images icons or cursors 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the Source Files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the Source Files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch create Macintosh icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Macintosh Icons from Selection or Ctrl Shift D 5 A dialog box opens First we need to choose the Macintosh file format we wish to use there are 3 formats supported by Axialis lconWorkshop see this topic to learn more 6 In groups
169. Select All or press Ctrl A An animated selection rectangle is now drawn around the image 5 Choose File Create Windows Icon From Selection or press I A large dialog box opens This dialog box will permit you to create all the image formats you want to include in your icon in one simple step inmane tom Standard image formats for Windows T224 RGIA Windows Weta orty 2N 256 4 16x16 256 Views 302 16 2024 16 Fiho e e Saen Other Formats 256x255 TS colors 256255 16 colors 128x128 P 996 P 72x72 P Cots P o J PNG compress 256x256 formats for Windows Vista anao x8 Mono 32x32 Mono An on Can corean severa Rendesing Options on Soom hoe pa mage rr ude the con You be able 1 add severs coher e hoghy Fier when Resing man Goes ate 256256 mages can be comoremed you plan te use T Aoply Oithering for 256 15 and Mono formats the con wader Windows Vata not KP compatitne eas m J 6 Type the Name of the new icon project The root of the image file is proposed by default 7 Select the images formats to include in the icon by clicking on the images To create a Windows Vista icon it is recommended that you follow the Windows Vista specifications as specified above Don t forget to add the 256x256 Windows Vista formats in RGB A Windows XP 256 and 16 color modes 8 To create a fully compliant Windows Vista icon you ll need to compress the 256x25
170. Standard Image Formats and Extra Image Formats choose the image formats you wish to add in the icons Batch Create Macizo D kena From Sekcion Mm Batch Create Macintosh Icons This feature wil perm you to geste severs Madntosh icons in one batch process from seiected sources indudig Kons mages cursors SN This is not a conversion but a creation of new icons containing severa predefined image formats see below Icora wil be automatically Created in the source fie folder Created flenames wil be the same as the source Se mith new extension BleFermat MacBinary ion m Standard image formats for Hacintosh OS Fin A Fana FIR RGDA NANSO Caples YAS AB 255 4 32x32 256 Oy wer Mat OS Xe 53 6 FIR 1 Other Formats 48x53 Mono F 32x32 Mono 16x16 Mono 16x12 2 Man 16x12 Mono 7 256x256 RGEAlpha OS 10 4 Tiger or more oniy 1512 AGEs 06 10 4 Leopard or more ordy Transparency Corwen the fallowing oi 9 Paraparert the image hat no Pareparency rforracon 6 In Image Adjustment group you can add a smooth or sharp filter to the image shrinking process You can also use or not a dithering method to render image using 256 or 16 colors In Transparency group an option permits to use opaque images i e without transparency and specify a color to make transparent 7 When done click OK All the Macintosh icons are created and added to the same folder Name
171. This information will be displayed in the Configure dialog box of the screen saver Add a description to a compiled file 1 Click on the NEXT button in the Compile an Installable Icon Library Step 1 of 6 dialog box 2 In the Filename area specify the final filename of the Icon Library The name of the ICL file created after the installation Now you can personalize your Icon Library below This information will be displayed in About and installation Screens Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 3 In the Title area specify the Title that will be displayed in large Font at the top of the Install window 4 Inthe Copyright area specify a Copyright that will be displayed in medium bold font under the title at the top of the install window 5 In the Author area specify the Author name Usually the person name who created icons 6 In the Web Site area specify the Web Address of your personal page or company site for example http www axialis com 7 In the About box Comment area specify a Comment associated with the icon library This comment will be displayed in the About box of the install procedure 1024 characters max Add an information text You can specify an Information text that will be displayed during the installation Using this text you can fully describe your icon library contents and or provide info about you or your organization Add an information text 1 Click on the NEXT button in the Compile an Installabl
172. This is just a proposal based on your Icon Library properties You can change it but we recommend you to keep it as is and to enter the same ID each time you compile THIS library Of course you will change this ID when you ll compile another Library 4 In the Company Author ID zone you see another large hexadecimal number This ID will identify yourself or your company used during activation code generation and verification This is just a proposal based on your Company Name properties You can change it the first time you compile a Library but we recommend you to keep it unchanged after 5 If you want to use the Activation Codes based on the username see the figure above for the differences check the option Code Based on User Name 6 When done click Next to proceed with the compilation 169 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Generate Codes based on the User Name 1 If you have chosen to use the system of activation codes based on the username during the compilation Choose Edit Generate Activation Codes or press Alt F6 A dialog box opens Generate Activation Codes Using this feature you can generate Activation Codes for previously compiled Icon Libraries To create serial codes you need the Company ID and Library ID you used during compilation You can generate two hinds of Activation Codes Based on User Name one code generated for each user or in Serial a ist of codes can be generated See Help for more
173. Tiger ce more ordy Write Options Zi Creste mage format not present in source icon C 2560256 torent is companible with Mac OS X veson ene o paa aa os ee a Erene rime Fasc panne icon under Windows Vara not XP compatible Coe ons For each icon the normalization rules are e The selected formats are created if not present in the icon In such a case the largest and most coloured image format is used as source for the creation This rule applies only if the option Create image format if not present in source icon is checked e The unselected formats are removed if present in the icon 361 Axia lis lconWorkshop 6 10 5 In Write Options group choose one of the following options e Overwrite source file The original icon file is replaced by the normalized icon e New filename The normalized icon is created using a new filename original filename plus an index number e Create new folder The filenames are identical but created in a new subfolder 6 When done click OK The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the creation When done the normalized icons are created Supported Media Types 362 All the media files supported by the application can be opened in a specific viewer document window You can open several types of media files including Icons Cursors and Images Each viewer type has its own features Here is the list of media files supp
174. acintosh Icon Ctrl Alt S and specify a new name or 2 Click the following button on the toolbar and choose a new name for this icon TEFOLLE Creating a Macintosh icon from a Windows icon This operation is not a conversion it s a creation of a new icon It will not preserve all the existing formats It will create a new icon based on the largest and most coloured image included in the original Windows icon usually 128x128 or 48x48 with alpha channel 1 Open the Windows icon Choose File Open 193 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 2 When the icon is opened select the largest and the most coloured image format in the list best with 128x128 or 48x48 with alpha channel 3 Right click on the selected image format in the list a menu opens Select New Macintosh Icon Project from this Image MySpherelcanJco loon Ubearian folder Icoes BES ww onaw v OS 5 8 O O a a A OO YQ oa a eee New Image Format t Cresta 48x40 16 Image Fornst MM M Aagi Sarre al Laga Formats from thes Image nas New Windows kon Propect rom thes Image onn N S e Creste Snapshot isie Export cs e Remove maga Panat a i es Soom mop Format ust Dow Lat On belt Drow Last On Ratt 2 2 Properties 4 A large dialog box opens In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension Create a New Icon for Apple Macintosh from an Image
175. acirtosh ens From Sekcion d gt ae Batch Create Macintosh Icons This feature mil permt you to geste several Macntnch icons in one batch process from selected sources induding icons mages cursors This is not a converson but a creation of new icons containing several predefined mage formats see below wil be oora dutomatcally Created n the source fie folder Created Slenames wil be te same as the source Se mith new extension BleFemat Mactinary icon OQ Standard image formats for Macintosh OS Fim Wn Dan RGA AAI omadans Djaga F326 ry de Ma OS 1 a 6 Fian Other Formats 58x43 Mono J 3232 Mone 16x16 Mono 1612 2 1612 36 16x12 Mono T 2561256 RGSApha OS 10 4 Tiger or mere oniy 512512 AGB Alpha 05 10 4 Leopard or more only Rendering Options Transparency Apply Finer when Resizing oe A pe mt L Convert 1o varsowent T Apply Diitening for 256 16 and Mons a C cea 301 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 6 In groups Standard Image Formats and Extra Image Formats choose the image formats you wish to add in the icons 6 In Image Adjustment group you can add a smooth or sharp filter to the image shrinking process You can also use or not a dithering method to render image using 256 or 16 colors In Transparency group an option permits to use opaque images i e without transparency and specify a color to make transparent 7 When done click O
176. age formats embedded This feature is useful if you plan to distribute your icons We ll perform this task using the built in IconWorkshop explorer Select the icons to normalize 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the icons using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the files appear with preview in the right pane Select the icons files you wish to normalize You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several files Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Normalize the icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Normalize Icon Formats in Icons or Ctrl Shift N 5 A dialog box opens In Windows Icons group select the formats you want to include in the Windows icons In Macintosh Icons group select the formats you want to include in the Macintosh icons 298 Working with Icons The normalizaton operation permits to create a set of icons with identical mage format specifications Select below the mages formats you mith to keep Inexdstant mage formats can be optionally created Uraeiected formats wil be removed Icons wil be read normalized and written again on dsk with same or different names or location Windows loons Mesem Y 48x93 256 T 433 26 ox 332 25 Y 32x32 16 palatine ned Maa 16 1 TRGA OP sx 256 7 sexs 36 7 256x24 RGB A m22 22 16 E 128x128 RG
177. age in the page using a temporary file E Using a temporary file you keep the transparent areas if present 3 Right click the desired image then choose Save Picture As Store the image on your hard disk using a new filename 4 Now create your icon as in topic Create an Icon from an Image File using the newly created file 115 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 How to Create an Icon from the Clipboard Creating an Icon from the Clipboard Contents is the quickest way to proceed It permits also to transfer images from external programs E If the external program from where you copied the image does not support 32Bpp images with transparent alpha channel the transparency will be lost Creating the Icon from the Clipboard Contents 1 Select New Icon Project From Clipboard or press Ctrl Q The dialog box New Icon Project opens Select the type of icon you wish to create Windows or Macintosh Microsoft operotng systems Icon specfcatons are diferent from one system to another As a read you must choose the desired operating system now gt New Icon Project for Microsoft Windows Choose Microsett Windows icon format if you with to create an icon for all versions of Windows up to Windows Vista See the product help to read more about image format compatibility with dHerent versions of Windows New Icon Project for Apple Macintosh Cheese Apple Macietoth icon format you with to create an icon
178. al other image formats bater Project Name MyFrsticon Image Cole Format XP wath Alpha Charmed RGBSA 32 bits D True Colors RGB Mbits E 295 indexed Colors 8 bits J 16 Colors 4 bita D Monedwome 3 bit We recommend i mat an con we te DODUN A ts bed eslns penele N PONNE Dee FEROS Nee Oy Daane The CoM rape hom Ps argar mage IP we Aha Oaai we Caples Comey A Windows BP or mere ory LIBII a ret a Wedows sardand format but the con mi be compatible with dekto evtercement and AROS anes tn be ener ven naa the cor under Widows Visca noc IP comperta 23 sodas 2 In the Project Name edit zone enter the icon project name Document Folder Do not specify any extension 3 In the Image Color Format group select XP with Alpha Channel RGB A 32 bits 4 In the Image Size group choose 256x256 Vista 5 Click OK the dialog box closes The new blank icon document is created the 256x256 RGB A image format is selected Adding the first object The folder background 6 To add an object you must be sure that the librarian is visible If the librarian window is not visible check the Librarian button in the main toolbar or press ESC 72 Getting Started Tutorial x aanas ma a Be et at DO Bis APIS HD ee i Aa AC Bserse Pounded fatten js sa ee _ ee ere 7 Select the folder Objects Samples Large in the Librarian tree The contents of th
179. al thanks to Jairo who made the IconWorkshop icon JairoBoudewyn com Marvilla Some images in dialog boxes Iconicat Translations Thanks to J rg Schmalenberger for the German translation Website Thanks to Yinchao Wang for the Simplified Chinese translation Website Thanks to Ivan Stambolic for the Serbian translation Website VisiBone Color Swatches Thanks to Bob Stein for his great Web Safe by VisiBone color swatch located in application data gt Color Swatches gt Web Safe by VisiBone axco Compression Support Thanks to Jean loup Gailly and Mark Adler for writing the fantastic and free ZLIB compression decompression library which is used in Axialis products Visit the official ZLIB Web page at http www gzip org zlib Introducing License PNG Support Thanks to the creators of the PNG graphic file format and its related source code Visit the official PNG Web page at http www libpng org pub png JPEG Support Thanks to Thomas G Lane and the Independent JPEG Group for the JPEG graphic file format and its source code Visit the official JPEG Web page at http www ijg org JPEG 2000 Support Thanks to the Joint Photographic Experts Group for defining the JPEG 2000 graphic standard Visit the official JPEG 2000 Web page at http www jpeg org jpeg2000 index htmI a Thanks to Michael D Adams creator of JASPER This JPEG 2000 C library is used in Axialis products Official JASPER
180. alla tiO Nisses ned ala oll 399 Windows format LIP GNA Gissi iiini a 405 Convert several Macintosh icons 277 304 356 Use Windows format c cccccccsscesseseseeseeseeseeees 181 182 272 Activate code mesen colada die E TE 327 Windows format ccccsecccssessssecssseeesssecessteessecesneeesssess 277 Photoshop PIUQmitr essssssssssssssssssesecsesssssssssssssnnnssseseesesseee 269 Windows format ccccsecccssessssecsssesesssecessteessecessecesssecs 304 O RE E EEE 269 Windows format esscsssssscsssseseeesnseseeenteesessneseesnneteeees 356 VSE neieiet iaaea 327 Windows icon Use ICOMWORSHOD siiieaisaiidcisaensiile 135 139 Batch Convert Several Macintosh ICOnS 151 Use Standard ooccccccceccccsscssssssesssessssestsststestststssssseeaees 263 GCONVEK os wees an Sanaa aan alae 145 194 275 Use Stufflt Expander Convert Several images ecesessssssssssssssecesceeccesessstnnnnnnnnnees 292 Read Macintosh ICONS scecssescsssecssseessneeessneecssneeesanes 140 Convert several PNG ICONS cessseesseeeseteesseesseeessneeees 283 Use Stuffit Expander o oo ecccccccceeccseeccseseeecssessssees 140 Useer license Agreement Add te Ena EE Milas salen Shale hee pale bi a ets 326 Wi Useer license AGre Ment sesccsecssecsessseessteeesnees 326 Wi 145 User Interface Wi Gl AT ole pean reverent ny ane mentee eee te nT Me eee res crane 156 Wi fel VL User Interface on eecsseescsssssescessnesessnnesessntee
181. ally created with the various image formats you ve selected How to Create a PNG BMP PSD or JPEG 2000 Image with Transparency If you work with external programs such as Macromedia Freehand Adobe Photoshop or Jasc Paint Shop Pro you may need to save an Icon Image to an external file Axialis lconWorkshop permits you to save an icon image to PSD PNG BMP or JPEG 2000 file formats preserving the transparency areas of the icon 160 How to Procedures Open the image file in Axialis lconWorkshop 1 Open your original icon file from the librarian or using File Open 2 The image file opens in a document window In the image format list select the image you wish to save to an external file Save the Image as an External Bitmap 3 Choose Draw Save Image as Bitmap A dialog box opens Choose to Preserve Transparency Information this will permit you to keep transparent areas in your image file When done click OK 4 A standard Save Image As dialog box opens In the Save as Type list select the format you wish to use to save the image Choose a destination folder and type a new filename When done click OK The file has been created 5 In your external program open the newly created file It opens containing the icon image with transparency Now you can retouch it or use it as necessary The JPEG 2000 options JPEG 2000 is the latest generation of compressed image format It permits to compress
182. ame NySpheretcor Standard image formats for Hacietosh OS V 128x128 RGB Alpho S2 bts 7 hes RGBA De as r l Mono y E 16x16 Mono El ygi2 25 E1612 16 E 16x12 Mono amp RGB Alpha 05 30 4 Tiger or more oriy 1522x522 RGB YAha 05 90 4 Tiger o more oriy Serocts TT apply Mter when Resizing IZ Apply Dihering for 2 U6 and Mono formats Zaai 69 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats to add in the icon Just click on the image preview to select We recommend you to add the following formats in a Macintosh icon 256x256 RGB A 128x128 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 32x32 RGB A 16x16 RGB A 48x48 256 colors 32x32 256 colors 16x16 256 colors 32x32 16 colors 16x16 16 colors 32x32 Mono You can also apply or not the dithering option to the 256 16 color images as well as add a filter effect to smooth sharpen the resulting images in RGB A mode try and see the results in the preview images 8 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve chosen You can click on the various image formats you ve created to see the results in the editor window R MySpherekon kee GR RRS casera Ud H s Bo e ets w 9 In the preview window you see the icon displayed at scale 1 1 on a gray background Click with the le
183. ame Location Last Modification File Size Format Size Colors Memory used 5 In EXTENDED INFORMATION tab you can enter the Name Author and Keywords in their areas 6 In DESCRIPTION tab you can enter the Description of the file in its area 7 In PREVIEW tab you can visualize an image preview These keywords Filename Author Keywords and Description will be used later to easily retrieve the item using the Find feature You can select several items open the Properties dialog box and specify the same keywords to all of them in one operation Please insert a comma between keywords If you select more items the ITEM PROPERTIES tab has been replaced by the SELECTION tab You can read the item total number and the total size of the selected files For Example Items 4 Items Total Size 121 44 Kb 124 353 bytes If you select folders the Librarian Properties command opens the standard Windows Properties dialog box Print the actual folder 1 Choose Librarian Print 2 In the group Selection you can select Print all items or Print Selected items in the librarian Explorer or search result window 3 In the group Items size choose the options e Very Small 0 8 in e Small 1 6 in e Medium 2 4 in e Large 3 2 in 4 In the group Header and Footer check the Print Header amp Footer Text box The Print Header and Footer text option allows to specify macros that will be automatically replaced
184. an XML file is a text file so it can be created and edited with any text editor including Windows Notepad However if you don t have an advanced text editor we recommend you to use Notepad which is a freeware text editor supporting XML syntax highlighting 227 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 228 Basically XML is a tag based text file This means that each element text numerical or structured must be enclosed between a root opening tab and a corresponding closing tag lt NAME gt This is the name lt NAME gt The root element can be preceded by an optionnal XML declaration We recommend to add the following declaration at the first line of the XML file lt P are Savon AMOURS You can add comments at any location in the file by using the following syntax one per line is recommended N Wins as el ECOnnene gt Each element can be a simple data element one per line is recommended lt WIDTH gt 256 lt WIDTH gt or a structured object element The FORMAT object below contains several data members the indentation is not necessary but recommended for an easier reading lt FORMAT gt lt WIDTH gt 256 lt WIDTH gt lt HEIGHT gt 256 lt HEIGHT gt lt BPP gt 32 lt BPP gt lt COMPRESSION gt JPEG2000 lt COMPRESSION gt lt X_POS gt 551 lt X_POS gt lt Y_POS gt 90 lt Y_POS gt lt FORMAT gt The TEMPLATE object This is the main object of the description file Add the opening tag of
185. an icon library Once a library is selected in the Librarian you can edit any icon included in it You can edit icons and add remove formats without restriction When done the icon will be updated in the library 341 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Open and edit the icon 1 First select the library Once the icon library contents is displayed double click on the icon you wish to modify or select it and hit Enter 2 A window opens with the selected icon ready for modification The title of the window is something similar to this lconName Icon embedded in LibraryName 3 You can edit the icon like any independent icon file See Editing Icons to learn more about icon edition Update icon in the library 4 Once the icon has been modified you need to save your work As the icon is not linked to an icon file you ll update it into the icon library Click on the floppy icon in the toolbar or select File Save The operation is done in memory and the file is updated in the library 5 You can close the icon edition window The work has been saved in the library but not on disk Now you need to save the Icon Library to make the changes permanent Save the library 6 Be sure to activate the icon library window Click on the floppy icon in the toolbar or select another library of folder you ll be prompted to save it Click YES 7 The library file is updated on disk Working with icons in a library Open an icon as a new icon
186. and the 9 others in Macintosh format Opening the folder containing the image in the Axialis Explorer Axialis lconWorkshop like all the Axialis products contains a built in file explorer that permits to do all kinds of operations on files associated with the application We use to call this file explorer Axialis Media File Explorer It looks like the Windows explorer has different views including a great thumbnail mode with fast preview and permits various operations on files like copy move rename All the batch functions are available from the Axialis Explorer window That s the reason why we ll start this lesson by opening the folder which contains the images in this explorer even if those files are located in the Librarian 1 First you must be sure the librarian is visible If the librarian window is not visible check the Librarian button in the main toolbar or press ESC 2 Select the Media Files Images Rounded Buttons folder In the thumbnail preview list below you see all the files included in the folder Getting Started Tutorial SL GDS Sven he Bao a a 3 Right click in the librarian tree a menu opens Choose the command Open Folder in Explorer A new Explorer window opens in the working area and the folder contents is automatically displayed You see all the images displayed in thumbnail mode with preview If this is not the case be sure to select in menu Explorer Display
187. andard icon image formats Jpeg2000 compresse Jpeg2000 compres Recommended Optional Not Available Some image formats are unavailable in Macintosh icon specifications Therefore IconWorkshop won t event permit you to create them If you try to save or convert a Windows icon to Macintosh some format will be removed Note that all image formats can be created in Windows icons even custom formats not listed above Image formats included in Macintosh icons Only a limited list of image formats are available in Macintosh icons no other or intermediate formats can be defined Macintosh OSX Recommended 128x128 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors mono 16x16 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors Minimum 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16x16 RGB A 256 colors Macintosh OSX 10 4 Tiger Recommended 256x256 RGB A 128x128 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors mono 16x16 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors Minimum 128x128 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16x16 RGB A 256 colors Macintosh OSX 10 5 Leopard Recommended 256x256 RGB A 128x128 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors mono 16x16 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors 43 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Minimum 128x128 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 25
188. another tool in the palette the active selection is discarded 239 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Creating a selection 1 Choose the selection tool 1 2 Using the mouse drag amp drop in the image to define a selection rectangle Press the SHIFT key to make a square selection Only simple rectangular selections are allowed Furthermore you cannot add a selection to an existing selection A new selection discards the previous one Selecting the whole image 1 Choose Edit Select All or press Ctrl A Discarding a selection 1 Select another tool or 1 Click anywhere in the drawing area without moving the mouse while the button is pressed Deleting the selected image 1 Choose Edit Erase or press Del Creating a floating selection A floating selection contains an image which can be moved over the existing one respecting transparency is any 1 Create a selection 2 Use the mouse or the arrow keys to move the selection The selected portion of the image is placed in the floating selection Press the Ctrl key while starting to move the selection to make a copy of the selected image 3 Discarding the floating selection applies the floating image into the background Choose Edit Erase or press Del to remove the floating selection 8 handles are located around the selection You can use them to resize the selection see this topic The result is a floating selection 240 Working with Icons Place selection in Back
189. ansparency PNG Portable Network Gragg presove Transparency 32 EFF Remove Trareparency 250 t shoo nopo cesson of B 3D BMP and 222 with Abha iv ere R bes Smooth Tramtowrerey 6 In the Image File Format group select the PNG file format 7 In the Transparency group choose if you wish to create transparent or opaque images If you choose to preserve transparency the images will be automatically converted to 32BPP with alpha channel even if the chosen icon format is 256 or less colors If you choose to remove transparency the images will be generated using 24BPP no alpha channel In such a case you must specify a background color to fill the transparent areas with this color We strongly recommend you to use RGB A alpha channel transparency for extraction 8 When done click OK The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the creation When done the new Images are added to the folder contents The created images have the same filename as the original document with PNG extension appended A smart system has been added to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting If this exact chosen format does not exists in an icon the nearest format is chosen for extraction Convert an image to a Windows icon An interesting feature of IconWorkshop is to convert an image into an icon Some image formats support 32 BPP alpha channel transpar
190. ansparent either it isn t e GIF Images cannot contain more than 256 colors e GIF Images support reduced palettes Limited number of colors will result in smaller file but will produce lower image quality Axialis lconWorkshop permits you to save an icon image to GIF file formats preserving the transparency areas of the icon Only one image will be extracted from the icon We recommend you to extract the 256 color image from the icon if available 359 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 The GIF option dialog box includes several options CompuServe GIF Optimizer ee a re hra aa browsers recognize it However this format has some limitatons see remarks and images need to be Sens sane ab i Reais colors and transparency Coles Traruparency Qpaque no tarnparency reserve t Traraparency O Q eee Adapt Ui pN 6 S 1 In Colors specify the number of colors you wish to use in the image palette Limited number of colors will result in smaller file but will produce lower image quality Choose Auto if you re not sure about desired the number of colors 2 In Palette choose the type of palette desired e Adaptive The palette will be calculated to get the best results possible recommended e Web Safe This is the default Netscape Web palette e Windows This is the default palette used under old Windows versions in 256 color screen mode e Macintosh OS This is the default pal
191. any of your Windows settings nor changing ce adding any Registy entries Only the files wil be copied to the target location Preview 00YO Contents 150 image Objects 1 55 Mb yy axialis Net gt Click Next to go the 2nd screen You must read carefully the license agreement and accept it before going further This is very important to understand the way you can use the objects Click Yes agree all the terms and click Next 8 The files are copied on your computer The target location is the Axialis Librarian Objects folder usually located in the My Documents folder This folder is easy accessible from all Axialis products in the built in Librarian window To get more information about the Librarian see this topic Working With The Axialis Librarian 9 When finished the associated Axialis application is launched or activated automatically here Axialis lconWorkshop and the built in Librarian is opened The new object pack folder is automatically selected You re done Now enjoy the new objects and be creative Download Object Packs from the Axialis Application This is a faster way to proceed The procedure is very similar but the website is access from within the application 1 Launch IconWorkshop or any compatible Axialis Application 2 Choose Librarian Download Object Packs Internet or click the associated button C The http www axialis com objects page opens in a document window inside the app
192. ap 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e PNG Portable Network Graphic 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e PSD Photoshop 32 BPP alpha channel transparency and layers supported e JP2 JPEG 2000 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e GIF Compuserve GIF Web optimized Select the Source Icons 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the Source Files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the Source Files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert to images You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Create the Images 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Images from Icons or Ctrl Shift V 5 The dialog box Batch Create Images From Icons opens see below In the Icon Format to Extract group choose the image format you wish to extract from the icons You can choose only one image format If this exact format does not exists in an icon the nearest format is chosen Batch Create Images thom Selected kons a Bho a a ua D Batch Create Images From Icons This feature wi permit you to create several Images PHG PSD BMP GIF or WEGION n One batch process foe a selector of source cord Macntodh o land Windows kore This is not a correr don but a creator of new images containin
193. are selected a folder browser standard dialog box opens Choose the destination folder Click Save button when done Several files are created Export icons as library file or DLL 1 Open the icon library containing the icons you wish to export 2 Once the library is opened in a window select the icons you wish to export you can use Shift key to select several icons 3 Choose Icon Library Export as ICL or DLL 4 A save as like standard dialog box opens Choose either ICL or DLL as file type Choose the destination folder and specify the filename Click Save button when done One file is created with all the icons embedded If you create a DLL using IconWorkshop the file will be a 16 bit executable As a result you won t be able to load it programmatically in an external 32 bit project An option to save as 32 bits DLL will be implemented very shortly in lconWorkshop Delete icons in a library Delete icons in a library 1 Open the icon library containing the icons you wish to delete 2 Once the library is opened in a window select the icons you wish to delete you can use Shift key to select several icons 3 Choose Icon Library Delete or press Del 4 A dialog box Delete Icons opens It asks you if you really want to permanently delete the selected icons from the current library This action can t be undone If you choose Yes the icons will be lost forever Choose No to stop and go back Axialis IconWorks
194. area just like the Clipboard paste operation 4 If you choose the first option Create a New Icon using this Image the following dialog box opens see below As Axialis lconWorkshop support creation of both Windows and Macintosh icons you re prompted to choose the format Select option for Windows or option for Macintosh 5 By choosing Windows the following dialog box opens a similar dialog opens if you choose Macintosh New Windows kon New Windows Icon from Image toon Provect Mame ThatcorPromctamel o F eP Extra Formats imine Aww 7202 Rum so p Bms La F iedt mmo Sman w ieph Fen when aearg FA Acoty Diber for 256 16 ad More Formats _ hes Image terest 6 In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic 8 You can also apply or not the dithering option to the 256 16 color images as well as add a filter effect to smooth sharpen the resulting images in RGB A mode try and see the results in the preview images 269 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 9 If you wish to start creating your icon with an unlisted format click the Other Image Format button 10 When done click OK Th
195. arison to learn more We ll start this tutorial by creating a Windows icon Select the Microsoft Windows Icon Project option click OK A second dialog box opens Create a New Icon Project for Windows New Icon Project for Microsoft Windows An icon con contain several image formats sire and colors In fws dalog you speofy the propertes of the first mage format you wash to indude in this icon You be abie to add several other mage formats later Project Name MyFirsticon Image Coke Format XP mih Alpha Charred RGBJA 32 bets 2 True Colors RG Mbits 255 indexed Colors 8 bita D 16 Colors 4 bits D Menecrome 2 bit Windows pretreat lange rape XP with Alpha Chancel images are Capinyed comecthy EROS Sne aoe A Wedowsd Po moe oy LILIE a het a Wedows surdind format bt the con wid be compatible with detto erhurcement and ccaeeon 29025 imagea cas be compremed you plan mw une compacta he com under Windows Vaag noe P M 0o net promot in the fusse Baas Glas Gow 2 In the Project Name edit zone enter the icon project name MyFirstlcon Do not specify any extension 52 Getting Started Tutorial 3 In the Colors group select XP with Alpha Channel RGB A 32 bits This format will be used only if the icon is displayed under Windows XP This format uses an additional Alpha Channel to create smooth shades and object borders see what is an icon to lear
196. ary ways of advertising the sale of goods or services This is true for computing when designing software icons or website interfaces The primary solution is to draw icons using either an image or vector editor Then when the image is done use Axialis IconWorkshop to convert this image to an icon Also if you don t want to use an external image editor Axialis lconWorkshop contains some drawing tools that permit you to draw your own icons But most of us are not graphic designers and we have a problem when it comes to create attractive icons or web graphics The question is How to create attractive custom icons without drawing skills Image Objects are the answer The solution is to use a set of image objects already done by a skilled computer graphic artist and assembling them together to create a final artwork that will match your needs Using a set of existing image objects the possibilities are almost infinite You can create many different icons or graphics simply by adjusting various parameters of each object like Hue teint Saturation Brightess Contrast Size Opacity and more For example using 6 image objects from our Glossy Buttons object pack you can easily create an attractive help icon _ pe Cirde Shadow Crde Blue Circle Gradient Color _ Circle Effect 5 Symbol Question Circe Effect 8 This association can be easily done with Axialis lconWorkshop using a few mouse clicks and drag and drops
197. as 32 bits with Alpha Channel a dialog box opens 6 This dialog permits you to specify the color you wish to use as background color 7 Click OK when done 8 The image is converted All the area containing transparency have been transformed to the specified color A color table has been associated to the image 369 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Undo the change 9 If you want to undo the crop operation select Edit Undo Ctrl Z 10 You can also redo the change by choosing Edit Redo Ctrl Y Save the modified image 11 As the document has been changed you ll be prompted to save it when you ll close the window You can only save the new image to a JPEG BMP PNG or PSD file Create a Windows icon from an image File An interesting feature of Axialis lconWorkshop is to create an icon from an existing file Some image formats support 32 BPP alpha channel transparency which is very interesting to create hi quality RGB A images in icons The following image formats are supported e BMP Windows bitmap 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e PNG Portable Network Graphic 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e PSD Photoshop 32 BPP alpha channel transparency and layers supported e JP2 JPEG 2000 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e JPG JPEG e TGA Targa e GIF Compuserve GIF e Others Various other formats supported TIFF PCD PhotoCD PIC Apple PICT PCX Zsoft WM
198. ase the search capabilities This feature adds a hidden information file associated with each item file with extension ii Options in the Images Tab 392 To access the Images Tab options choose View Preferences The Preferences dialog box opens click on the Images tab to get the related options Customizing the Application JPEG Writing options Image Quality Specify the JPEG compression level values from 1 to 99 A low compression level 1 to 10 produces small files but the image quality is very low A high compression level 80 to 99 produces very good quality images but larger files W MF Default Load Size Width and Height Specify the WMF default width and Height WMF is a vector format It means that it can be opened and displayed at any size without quality loss To display it the application needs to convert it to bitmap and need a default size to perform the conversion Kodak PhotoCD Default Load Size Specify the default Kodak PhotoCD PCD load size Kodak PhotoCD is a multi resolution format It means that each PCD file includes several resolutions of the same picture Small resolutions are fast to load but with poor quality High resolutions have good quality but are memory consuming Image Display mode e Various Click to set default image display to Various Scales It means that images will be initially displayed at scale 1 1 with possibility to change scale e Best Fit Click to set
199. associated XML file Do not modify or remove this barcode The template is divided in 3 groups one per color mode We ll draw image formats only for the RGB A color mode in sizes 48x48 32x32 and 16x16 We ll leave the other formats blank At the bottom of the template you ll find some instructions on how to use the template This part of the template is not used during the export into IconWorkshop and the icon creation If you want to save your icon project as a separate PSD file you can remove this part crop the image above the doted line Creating Icons using Photoshop Templates From here you can simply draw your icons in the associated format zones and go directly to step 7 If you don t want to draw and prefer to use read to use sample images follow steps 3 to 6 3 Open the file Axialis Librarian Objects Samples Medium Folder With Document png We mean by Axialis Librarian the folder where is stored the Axialis Librarian usually in the My Documents folder You can also do this directly from IconWorkshop in the Librarian open the folder Objects Samples Medium right click on the file Folder With Document png A menu opens choose Open With Adobe Photoshop The file is opened in a Photoshop document window 4 Copy Paste the image of the Folder with Document into the Template a new layer is created select it Choose Edit Transform Scale and adjust the image into the 48x48 RGB A square
200. at Create 1616 PGBA mage Format Asd Several Image Formats from thet image New Windows ken Prsject from tha Image New Uacenosn Keon Project tom ths jage Copy Creste Saapihot Add to the Liberian si mage Object bpon Remove mage Feest 2 The new format is automatically added to the icon Adding several images formats in one operation This method adds several image formats from an existing one in a single operation It is possible to create standard and extra formats using this method 1 Right click on the format in the list you wish to use as model on the left of the editor window a context menu opens select Add Several Image Formats from This Image 2 A new dialog box opens Select the formats you wish to add by clicking directly on the preview image You can just ignore select or not the image formats already present in the image You can also apply or not the dithering option to the 256 16 color images try and see the results in the preview images 3 When done click OK The formats are automatically created 189 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Save a Macintosh icon 190 Once an icon project has been created you need to save it in a file on disk Various file formats are available for saving Macintosh icons ICNS This is the standard Macintosh icon file format Only one icon with several formats can be saved in this format This format is the most commonly used RSC or RSRC This is the Mac
201. ate Macietosh kons From Selector M M g Batch Create Macintosh Icons This feature wal permt you to geste severs Macntosh icons in one batch process from selected sources nduding ions mages cursors This is not a converson but a creation of new icons containing severa oredefined mage formats see below core wil be autcenatcaly Created in the source fie folder Created finanses well be the tame as the source Se mith new extension Ble Format _Mactinery icon IN Standard image formats for Hacintosh OS Fia Z aaeea RGaA D RGDA 2 nomads Djs Y 3232 256 ery w w Mak OS X wa 4 32R Other formats 48x53 Hono A IDN Mone 16x16 Mono Mala 2 Ixi 3 16x1 Mono 256x256 RGS OS 10 4 Tiger or more ordy 512512 RGB Alphs 05 10 4 Leopard or more ordy Rendering Options Transparency e Corwen the blow 4 Apply Fiter when Resizing be raoa bas no Note Swrepewcy element pi Convert to transparent V Apply iherrg for 256 16 and Meno 2 C hca 6 In Image Adjustment group you can add a smooth or sharp filter to the image shrinking process You can also use or not a dithering method to render image using 256 or 16 colors In Transparency group an option permits to use opaque images i e without transparency and specify a color to make transparent 7 When done click OK All the Macintosh icons are created and added to the same folder Names are preserved only
202. ate the Earth image we now add the map object From the librarian select the file World Map png and add it to the project using the same method The resulting image looks like below 11 The result is good but we want to make it even better We can increase the realism by changing the color of the map to green To do so IconWorkshop has a feature to adjust the Hue Saturation Brightness of an image Choose Draw Adjustments Effects Hue Saturation or press U A dialog box opens 205 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Adjust Hue Saturation Brightness This wil adjust the Hue Satration Erightness of the actual H icon image or a portion of it if selected Pye Ne F Colorize i Preview 8 Vald vales are in range 160 So 100 for Hve and 100 to 100 for Savuracion Brightness 9 means ro change Ekim e 12 Set the Hue to 100 either using the slider or by typing the value It shifts the colors of the floating image in the spectrum As a result the map is now green Also we slightly increase the Brightness of the map by specifying 6 You can see the results in real time in the Preview 1 1 window When done click OK Now the map is green 13 Do you recall the name of the icon Yes Glossy Earth So let s add the glossy effects First using the same drag and drop method as above we add the object Circle Effect 3 png Then to increase the effect we add the object Circle Effect 6 png Now
203. be n eaen Premostoo ws Dass Pein Step HB Adobe Deresi Adobe Uluetrater See he nas 3 If you want to create a subfolder Axialis to install the plug in module recommended to organize your folder properly activate the option Install in a subfolder Axialis Note that creating a subfolder may fail with some compatible applications 4 Click OK When done a message informs you that the plug in has been installed 5 Now you can start your Photoshop application The plug in is visible in Filter Axialis Transfer To IconWorkshop and File Export Export to Axialis IconWorkshop menus Read this for more info on how to use the plug in filter Transferring an Image from Photoshop to IconWorkshop using the plug in 1 First of all launch Photoshop and open or create an image file You don t need to launch Axialis IconWorkshop before using the plug in It will be automatically launched by the plug in if necessary 2 Select the layer and the portion of the image you want to transfer to Axialis IconWorkshop If you don t create a selection area the whole layer image will be transferred Only rectangular selections are supported for transfer 134 How to Procedures 3a Export the image in the Current Layer only Use this command if you want to transfer the image in the current layer only The images in the other layers will be ignored If you want to export a flatten ima
204. be automatically checked before it is launched 6 If you want to launch the installation of the pack without saving the file on your disk click Run In such a case the file downloads and the installation starts automatically If you want to save a copy of the install pack to your disk click Save The file will be saved to a folder of your choice When finished you ll have to explore this folder later to launch the installation manually 7 The installation starts in a separate window similar to this Object Pack 1 Glossy Buttons Installation Object Pack 1 Glossy Buttons Copyright 2005 Axialis Software All rights reserved This program wil install the image objects on your computer These fles wall be copied in the Asas Licarian Objects subfolder usually located in My Documents folder This wil be done without modiying any of your Windows settings nor changing o adding any Registly entries Only the files wil be copied to the target location Preview OY Contents Snags OSM 3 Balls teas 347 348 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Click Next to go the 2nd screen You must read carefully the license agreement and accept it before going further This is very important to understand the way you can use the objects Click Yes agree all the terms and click Next 8 The files are copied on your computer The target location is the Axialis Librarian Objects folder usually located in the
205. bits Uses a customizable 256 color palette You will be able to modify this palette to produce smoother gradients or specific colors 16 colors 4bits Uses the system standard palette 16 static colors This is the native Windows mode True colors 16 8M 24 bits Uses true colors This format may be incompatible with some display drivers Monochrome 1 bit Uses only 2 colors black and white This is an obsolete color mode 5 In the Size in Pixels group choose 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 You can specify a custom icon size If you want the height equal to width choose Square aspect E If you create a rectangular icon width not equal to height Windows will automatically display it using the square aspect Except for 16x16 icons displayed in Explorer Task Windows cannot display various icon sizes All icons are displayed using the same size specified in Display Properties Creating Icons 6 If you want to use default settings for new icon with current dialog settings click Set As Default This is useful if you have chosen not to be prompted with this dialog box when creating a new Icon 7 You can ask Axialis IconWorkshop to bypass the new icon dialog box Choose Do not prompt in the Future or choose Edit Preferences and in General tab check Create a new icon project window option In this case the new icon will always have the default settings E We recommend y
206. brarian position on screen 1 Using the left mouse button click on the Librarian window title and keep the button pressed 2 Move the mouse over the right or bottom side of the application window and release the button 3 The Librarian window location has changed This new location will be saved even if you quit and restart the application Show and hide the Librarian Window The Librarian is a docked window integrated in the user interface It can be easily shown and hidden Show hide the Librarian 1 Select View Librarian or press ESC 2 By hiding the Librarian you gain some space in your application work area The opened windows are automatically rearranged 330 Working With The Axialis Librarian Change the Librarian position on screen The Librarian is a docked window integrated in the user interface Its location can be easily changed Change the Librarian position on screen 1 Using the left mouse button click on the Librarian window title and keep the button pressed 2 Move the mouse over the right or bottom side of the application window and release the button 3 The Librarian window location has changed This new location will be saved even if you quit and restart the application Change the Librarian folder location Files and folders included in the Librarian are located on your disk drive This location is set by default the first time you installed the application in your My Documents
207. button in the current toolbar you must select it and click on the Remove button 5 You can Move Up or Move Down the button in the Current Toolbar buttons list Select the button and click on Move Up Move Down You can also use the Drag and Drop to move the buttons Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 6 If you want to go back with the Default Main toolbar click on the Reset button Show hide the Recently Used Bar This bar permits to quick open a file in the application It contains along edit zone and is usually located under the main toolbar 1 Right click in the main toolbar or the top menu and choose Recently Used Bar to show hide the bar Empty the Recently Used List 1 Choose View Preferences The dialog box Preferences opens 2 Select the Toolbars tab 3 Click on the Empty Recently Used List button Click OK You can move toolbar buttons directly from the Toolbar by pressing ALT selecting the button and moving with the mouse You can move or resize the Recently Used bar using the mouse Place the mouse pointer on the left side of the Recently Used area When the cursor changes into a cross with 4 arrows move it using drag and drop Show hide the Toolbars The main toolbar is Internet Explorer like and you can fully customizing it You can add remove buttons or change the order they are displayed show hide labels and areas and more Show hide the Main Toolbar Document windows contain local toolbars To hide the
208. can customize a Windows shortcut by selecting a new icon in an ICL file If you manage a large number of icons we recommend you to store them in ICL files ICL file size is limited to 64MB Creation of Macintosh icon libraries is not yet supported by Axialis IconWorkshop However you can read RSRC files with several icons embedded as well as Icontainer libraries Additionally you can save Macintosh icons in ICL files A small overlay image permits to distinguish them in Axialis lconWorkshop However you won t be able to open those ICL files under Macintosh OS Future versions of Axialis lconWorkshop will support Macintosh icon library creation What s New with Windows Vista Icons Microsoft Windows Vista comes with a new format of icons supporting PNG compression and sizes up to 256x256 The standard Windows Vista icons now includes the following image formats grayed formats are optional 256x256 RGB A 64x64 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 32x32 RGB A 24x24 RGB A 16x16 RGB A 256x256 256c 64x64 256c 48x48 256c 32x32 256c 24x24 256c 16x16 256c 256x256 16c 64x64 16c 48x48 16c 32x32 16c 24x24 16c 16x16 16c The problem is if you simply make the icon and save it in standard Windows XP ICO format the resulting file will be 400Kb on disk The solution is to compress the images Only the 256x256 images are compressed The compression scheme used is PNG Portable Network Graphic beca
209. ce tab In the User Interface Type group select the Windows Standard User Interface option see the preview image 3 When done Click OK The interface switches back to Windows classic or the active XP theme To switch to Axialis Interface 1 Choose Edit Preferences or press F2 A dialog box opens 2 Select the User Interface tab In the User Interface Type group select the Axialis Software User Interface option see the preview image 3 When done Click OK The interface switches back to Axialis model To Change the Color of the Axialis Interface 1 Choose Edit Preferences or press F2 A dialog box opens 2 Select the User Interface tab In the User Interface Type group select the Axialis Software User Interface option see the preview image 3 In the Color list below select the desired color 4 When done Click OK The Axialis interface color changes How to Procedures To Change the Colors of the Full Screen and Documents Backgrounds 1 Choose Edit Preferences or press F2 A dialog box opens 2 Select the User Interface tab In the User Interface Type group select the Axialis Software User Interface option see the preview image 3 In the Background Colors group select the desired colors 4 When done Click OK To Customize the Main Toolbar Buttons 1 Right click the main toolbar and choose Customize Buttons or press Ctrl F9 A dialog box opens 2 You can remove add or move buttons using
210. ch permits to draw stronger darker lines at fixed intervals By default this interval is 8 3 When done click OK How to change the Scale 1 1 window size If you create Windows Vista or Macintosh OSX 10 4 Tiger icons you need to work with 256x256 images Also all the image objects provided by Axialis have a native 256x256 resolution In order to get the best results possible you must frequently preview the artwork at scale 1 1 in the associated window in Axialis lconWorkshop In previous versions of Axialis lconWorkshop the Scale 1 1 window was fixed to 128x128 for a better integration in the application interface Now the preview window can be resized to display 256x256 images at scale 1 1 Some features has been implemented to deal with this new size in order to have limited impact on the user experience By default the Scale 1 1 window s size is 128x128 Fle t t Orme Color Uteran Fawontes View Window Melp D id Cwe ca Felder gt Ootwmert 3 aona a Fi n Documare txo 2k Formata WOD IAI P PIAN 56 0 yj 38 49 i 156 How to Procedures In this topic we ll see how to switch the window size to 256x256 and vice versa Also we ll see how to change the ability of the window to be docked to the interface Switch the Preview 1 1 window to 256x256 1 If the Preview 1 1 window is not visible choose View Preview 1 1 or press Alt F10 2 Using the mouse right click in the Sca
211. choose Icons Export as Macintosh icons 5 Select the destination folder and click OK 6 The icons are extracted as ICO ICNS RSC or BIN as chosen Working with Icons Adding to the Librarian icons from a program file 1 Choose File Open and select a program file EXE DLL OCX You can also open an Explorer window Ctrl E and double click on a program file 2 The program opens in a document window displaying all the icons it contains 3 Select the icons you wish to add to the librarian Choose File Add to the Librarian or press F3 If the selected item in the librarian is a folder 4 A dialog box opens Choose either to extract them as separate icons ICO or to create an icon library ICL 5 Click OK The icons are extracted as requested If the selected item in the librarian is an icon library 4 The icons are immediately added to the selected library Work with colors Before using a drawing tool you need to select a drawing color You can define 2 colors e The Foreground Color This color will be assigned to the left mouse button while drawing e The Background Color This color will be assigned to the right mouse button while drawing You can define and assign colors using the color palette docking window Command Toolbar Context Menu Color Palette Opacity Adjustment Adjustment Values Color Adjustment Foreground Color HTML Color Support Background Color The Color Management Palette W
212. ciated option 9 You can also choose to apply the dithering option to the 256 16 color images as well as add a filter effect to smooth sharpen the resulting images in RGB A mode View the results in the preview images 10 When done click OK A new icon project is created in a document window Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 EJ Anes konWorkshop 6 20 Down Iron EJ fie Ede Oum Color Ubranien Favcntes View Window Heip N F 7 Drw d B bd O e a img OD a Qu O rene Recently Used Librarian USSAL sess we caw SAT Bi SIS DORA O Gao AG b 1B kons a Pock 3 Quick Toot D Poctt Web 20 kot D Saenptes J tea lge Q ji mar aon 11 The main window with the grid is the edition area where you can retouch the icon The gray chessboard like texture behind the icon is the transparent portion of the icon the alpha channel info has been preserved The scale 1 1 preview is displayed in the associated window 12 All the available formats are displayed in a list You can select them to edit or preview them See the application built in help press F1 to learn how to add remove formats or work with this icon project 13 The compressed format only the 256x256 formats can be compressed are marked with this overlay PNG compression image You can add remove this option by choosing Draw Compressed Image Format Windows Vista or by pressing K You can also use the local toolbar
213. ckground color by clicking the associated area see above The selected area is marked with a thicker and darker border 244 Working with Icons 2 Using the mouse adjust the color using the color adjustment sliders In RGB A mode adjusting the color using the above method doesn t change the color in the Color Palette In 256 color mode the color is changed accordingly Using RGB or HSB color modes 1 In the command toolbar click the command Sor in the Context Menu select RGB HSB sliders 2 The color mode and the sliders are changed accordingly RGB and HSB modes permit to specify colors using different methods e RGB Permits to specify colors using Red Green Blue components e HSB Permits to specify colors using Hue Saturation Brightness components Specifying a transparent color 1 Select foreground or background color by clicking the associated area see above The selected area is marked with a thicker and darker border 2 In RGB A mode Adjust the opacity slider to O or 2 In 256 16 or mono mode Click on the transparent button just below the color palette Swap Foreground and Background colors 1 Click the swap button Vin the color management window To Move Copy a part of a drawing Before proceeding with this topic you need know how to work with selections Copying part of a drawing in the same image 1 Select a region with the selection tool 2 Place the mouse pointer over the selected area
214. cking the associated area see above The selected area is marked with a thicker and darker border 2 In RGB A mode Adjust the opacity slider to O or 2 In 256 16 or mono mode Click on the transparent button just below the color palette 260 Working with Icons Swap Foreground and Background colors 1 Click the swap button tin the color management window Methods to define colors RGB HSB Axialis lconWorkshop uses two methods for defining color palettes or swatches e The RGB Red Green Blue e The HSB Hue Saturation Brightness RGB Method The RGB color model is the standard representation In this model each value represents the Red Green or Blue lights RGB colors are called Additive that is the values of each color component are combined to emit the final color This way as any RGB value is incremented the resulting color becomes lighter The white color for instance is given by the maximum value of each value Red 255 Green 255 Blue 255 and black is given by the absence of light in each value Red 0 Green 0 Blue 0 HSB Method The HSB color model is just a mathematical representation of color ina way more similar to our color perception For instance the HSB model breaks the color into three components The Hue which would be the pure color the percentage of Saturation how much color and the Brightness of the color also a percentage The Hue comes in the range of O to 360 This model
215. cle Introducing Windows Vista Icons 5 When done click OK A new icon project window is created with the 256x256 format created If the scale 1 1 preview window is not in 256x256 mode the preview image will be cropped It is recommended that you switch to 256x256 preview mode to work with 256x256 Windows Vista icons To switch to this mode right click in the preview window a menu opens Choose 256x256 Display The preview window is now in floating mode Use the same method to return to the previous state choose 128x128 Display remove the Floating Window option and use the mouse to dock the window Building the Icon Using Image Objects This is the most important part of the project The time has come to be creative No problem it s easy and fun with Axialis lconWorkshop Before we start don t forget that each step of the creation can be undone redone Ctrl Z Ctrl Y up to 16 steps back 7 In the Librarian window choose View Librarian if it is not visible select the Objects Pack 1 Glossy Buttons Circle folder A list of available object is displayed in the contents window below Find the Circle Blue png file and select it 79 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 E Fite Edt Craw Cotce 0x Dre D B bed sree n 36 0 OE l Q O mona S O Librarian X EOS RL asaw I A e KDOR AA A A 0 BRe 824 709008 eee ieee i maaan aSaasa EE O 8 When done use a mouse Drag a
216. color formats 256 16 colors Using the objects we ll make a Glossy Earth icon with bottom shadow The resulting icon will look like this How to Procedures 2561256 Py 1281128 e DR aA Irie Xp X xP XP xP XP A Windows icon created with IconWorkshop using Image Objects The largest image format is 256x256 XP ie RGB with alpha channel To get the best results we ll start the project with this new format and work with it to assemble the objects When finished we ll create all the other formats using this 256x256 format as template Let s create our new icon project 1 Launch Axialis lconWorkshop Choose File New Windows Icon Project or press Ctrl W A dialog box opens Create a New Icon Project for Windows New Icon Project for Microsoft Windows An icon can contain several image formats size and cokes In this dalog you specify the properties of the frst image format you with to indude in this kon Youll be able to add several other image formats later Image Color Format Image Size in pixels BP wih Aha Channa paa nig 256x256 Vista 128x128 True Colors RGB 24 bits 4x48 256 indexed Colors 8 bits 16 Colors 4 bits Monochrome 1 bit We recomenand to start an icon with the better ressis when you create the other image foernats froen this larger mage XP with Alpha Channel images are dsplayed comectiy in Wiedows XP or more only 126x328 is net a Windows mandar
217. commend you to select the portion of image you wish to use to create your icon If you leave too many transparent areas around your image the visible part of your icon will be too small 4 Select the portion of image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the portion of image you wish to use do not cut the shadow if there is one around the object When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created 5 When the selection is done choose Image Create Macintosh Icon from Selection or press M or click the first command button in the local toolbar 6 The dialog box New Macintosh Icon From Image opens see below In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 New Macintosh kon from Image Create a New Icon for Apple Macintosh from an Image ikon Project Name MySeherefeor Standard image formats for Haciatosh OS 7 128x128 RGB Akha 2 bits V 48x33 RGIA Other t X Fi Mono 32x32 Mono F 26x16 Mono E ykn 25 E 16x12 16 E 1x12 Mono 1256x255 RGB Alpha OS 20 4 Tiger or more ordy Compania mith Mac OS X ET 512x522 REB Alpha 05 39 4 Tiger or more orby Tipe does roc Saiey Oe eee See Rendering Options QO IZ apply Piter when Resizing IZ apply Difera for 2 16 and Mono formats Smocth Bp Axas 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the ic
218. converted in several formats that will be included in the icon The following image formats are supported BMP Windows bitmap 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported PNG Portable Network Graphic 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported PSD Photoshop 32 BPP alpha channel transparency and layers supported JP2 JPEG 2000 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported JPG JPEG TGA Targa GIF Compuserve GIF Others Various other formats supported TIFF PCD PhotoCD PIC Apple PICT PCX Zsoft WMF Windows MetaFile Open the PNG image file in Axialis lconWorkshop 2 1 Choose File Open browse your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the image file you wish to open then hit Enter The image file opens in a document window Create an icon from this PNG image 288 3 uo Before proceeding we recommend you to select the portion of image you wish to use to create your icon If you leave too many transparent areas around your image the visible part of your icon will be too small Select the portion of image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the port
219. d for better results in RGB A mode if the Smooth Edges option is activated see below The left mouse button uses the foreground color The right button uses the background color Gradients are used if selected Press Shift key to draw a circle Filled Ellipse tool Draws a filed ellipse The resulting drawing is smoothed for better results in RGB A mode if the Smooth Edges option is activated see below The left mouse button uses the foreground color The right button uses the background color Gradients are used if selected Press Shift key to draw a circle a 3D Rectangle tool Draws a rectangle with 3D edges The upper left part is drawn using the foreground color the lower right part using the background color Press Shift key to draw a square Show Hide the tool palette 1 Choose View Drawing tools or CTRL F10 Using the tools 1 Select one of the available tools and specify your foreground and background colors see Work with colors 2 Use left mouse button to draw using the foreground color 3 Use right mouse button to draw using the background color Applying gradients while drawing 1 Select one of the available tools 2 Select one gradient mode BOWHNO 3 Use left mouse button to draw gradients from foreground to background color 4 Use right mouse button to draw gradients from background to foreground color 243 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Using various brush shapes 1 Select on of the following t
220. d format but the icon wil be comparbdile with desktop enhancement and arpicators aaa 2542256 images can be compressed you plan to vse the icon under Windows Vista not XP compatible F Do not prompt in the future Edora Cx cone 2 Type the name of the project Glossy Earth 3 Now specify the format of the first image to add in the project In Colors choose Windows XP with Alpha Channel RGB A 32 bits In Size in Pixels choose and 256x256 Windows Vista Glossy Earth 4 As we want the 256x256 format to be used under Windows Vista we choose to compress it as PNG Click the option Compress 256x256 Windows Vista format To learn more about Windows Vista icons read this article Introducing Windows Vista Icons 5 When done click OK A new icon project window is created 119 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 F 00000 mee seers manos AGSGAAFM ECE 7 6 If the scale 1 1 preview window is not in 256x256 mode the preview image will be cropped It is recommended that you switch to 256x256 preview mode to work with 256x256 Windows Vista icons To switch to this mode right click in the preview window a menu opens Choose 256x256 Display The preview window now looks as shown above in floating mode Use the same method to return to the previous state choose 128x128 Display remove the Floating Window option and use the mouse to doc
221. dard or customized palette Click on the left or right mouse button for the color you want Position the cross inside an enclosed surface All the pixels of the enclosed region will be filled with the selected color Line tool Draws a strait line The line shape is based on the actual brush below in the tool palette The resulting drawing is smoothed for better results in RGB A mode if the Smooth Edges option is activated see below The left mouse button uses the foreground color The right button uses the background color Gradients are used if selected Rectangle tool Draws an empty rectangle The rectangle line is based on the actual brush below in the tool palette The resulting drawing is smoothed for better results in RGB A mode if the Smooth Edges option is activated see below The left mouse button uses the foreground color The right button uses Working with Icons the background color Gradients are used if selected Press Shift key to draw a square ia Filled Rectangle tool Draws a filed rectangle The resulting drawing is smoothed for better results in RGB A mode if the Smooth Edges option is activated see below The left mouse button uses the foreground color The right button uses the background color Gradients are used if selected Press Shift key to draw a square Oo Ellipse tool Draws an empty ellipse The ellipse line is based on the actual brush below in the tool palette The resulting drawing is smoothe
222. de the color palette window Assigning Foreground Background colors Adjusting Foreground Background colors Using RGB or HSB color modes Specifying a transparent color Swap Foreground and Background colors To Move Copy a part of a drawing Copying part of a drawing in the same image Moving part of a drawing in the same image Copying part of a drawing using the Clipboard Move part of a drawing using the Clipboard Transparency settings Clipboard options during a paste operation Resize Rotate image Resize part of the drawing using the mouse Resize part of the drawing using a dialog box Rotate part of the drawing Rotate part of the drawing to 90 angle Adjust Brightness Contrast Adjust brightness and contrast of a portion of image Table Of Contents 235 235 236 237 237 239 239 240 240 240 240 240 241 241 242 242 N NNNN NN N KN A KR HR KR HK A ann fk BHR KR RWW WwW KR BR LHR LHL N xi Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 xii Adjust Hue Saturation Brightness Adjust hue saturation and brightness of a portion of image Adjust Opacity Adjust Opacity Apply Filters Apply Filter Apply Filter to the RGB components colors only Apply Filter to the Alpha Channel opacity only Add a drop shadow Apply the drop shadow effect Add Text Adding text to an icon image Import an image into an icon project Using the image import function Using drag amp drop from the Librarian Copy Paste alp
223. default image display to Best Fit It means that images will be stretched to the maximum available size when displayed within document windows or full screen The image aspect ratio will always be kept e Full Window Click to set default image display to Full Window It means that images will be stretched to the maximum available size when displayed within document windows or full screen The image may be distorted when stretched Options in the Temporary Files Tab To access the Temporary files tab options choose View Preferences The Preferences dialog box opens click on the Temporary files to get the related options Store thumbnail previews on disk for fast browsing Pictures preview you see in the Explorer windows are stored in a special folder for quick viewing later This feature greatly improves preview speed when you browse your computer Using the slider below you can define the amount of disk use you can allocate to the cache folder We recommend you to allocate the maximum space possible 200 MB If the space used by cache files is greater than this allocated space the folder will be purged by 10 percents Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 If you click Delete Files all the files in the cache folder will be deleted You ll be prompted to confirm Exclude files from Removable amp CDROM drives If this option is checked the files located on removable and CD volumes won t be cached This option avoids cache overload
224. der in the tree and choose New Icon Library in the menu or press Ins A s 2 Librarian FE Icons Free ee 4 A new entry is inserted in the tree type the name of the new library then hit Enter 5 The new Icon Library is now created Its contents empty for now is displayed in the area below Now you can add icons to this library Delete an icon library 1 In the Librarian select the icon library you wish to delete in the tree 2 Choose Edit Delete 3 An information dialog box prompts you Click OK 339 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 The icon library is moved to the Deleted Items special folder You can restore it back to its original location at any time see Restore previously deleted items or you can also permanently deleted them see Empty the Deleted Items folder Add icons into an icon library In the Librarian you can add icons in an icon library using different methods Adding icons using the Import function 1 Select the icon library in which you want to add icons 2 Choose Librarian Import 3 Select the file type from the File Type Drop Down box e Icons files ICO ICNS RSC BIN e Icon Library files ICL e Images files BMP PNG JP2 JPEG PSD GIF e Cursor files CUR ANI ACL 4 Select the icon files you want to add in the icon library and click Open The icons have been imported to the Icon Library Although ICL is a Windows file format Axialis lconWorkshop
225. dialog box opens Read general info then click Register Now 3 A second Online Registration Using Internet dialog box opens 403 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 404 Your Personal Login Data To register you must specify yourself as a customer If this is the first time you register using this online system choose New Customer Otherwise specify your personal login data e Check the I m a New customer or don t have a Username option if you ve never registered an Axialis Product using this online registration system Choose this option only if you don t have an Axialis Customer username password logon data Otherwise choose the other option I Already Have a Username e Check the I already have a Username option if you ve already registered an Axialis Product using this online registration system Choose this option only if you have an Axialis Customer username password logon data Otherwise choose the other option I m a New Customer If you ve registered another Axialis program using this new registration system such as AX CDPlayer Screen Saver Producer you should already have an Axialis Username 4 If you re a New Customer A personal account will be created with your personal info name email address country username password hint question A New Customer dialog box opens e Name Specify your Name here This is not a username but your Real Name Ex John Smith e Email Specify here your personal e mai
226. document Open an icon library 314 1 Choose File Open a standard dialog box opens Browse your disks and select an ICL file Click Open 2 A document window opens containing the icon library The window title bar contains the name of the file bad Proce Tak 12 formats 13 formats al Previews Ul 13 formats 12 13 foemats Urotied Back 4 feemats 11 formats 11 formats All the icons contained in the library are displayed in the window list This list is organized vertically next icon is below 4 Although ICL is a Windows file format Axialis lconWorkshop has the ability to distinguish the original type of each icon embedded in the library If the icon file type was initially ICO no sign is added near the icon If the file was ICNS RSC or BIN a small Macintosh sign is added This ability to distinguish icons is useful for future extraction and edition of icons image and file formats are different Ww Some features permit to import export compile edit rename sort delete icons ui You can change the way icons are displayed using different options D Working With Icon Libraries Other ways to open an icon library 1 In the Recently Used edit zone below the main toolbar enter the full pathname of the ICL file then hit Enter or 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened browse to the
227. dow 1 Choose Window Automatic Reorganization Change Reorganisation mode 1 Choose Windows Full Window Reorganization if you want the application to display each document window using all the available space 2 Choose Windows Tile Reorganization if you want the application organize the windows using an ergonomic tile scheme 397 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 You can switch from one win to another using Ctrl F6 or Shift Ctrl F6 Acquire a new image from a Twain device If you have a Twain compatible scanner video capture card or numeric camera you can acquire and create a new image document from within the application Acquire an image from a Twain device 1 If you have several capture devices select the desired device using the File Select Source command then click OK 2 Choose File Acquire to open the Twain interface Each time you acquire an image a new document window is created Uninstall or repair the application Uninstall the application This procedure removes all the application files program samples temporary files and cleans the Windows registry 1 Open Start menu in the Windows task bar choose Control Panel Double click on the Add or Remove Programs icon In the list choose Axialis lconWorkshop and click Change Remove The Axialis Setup window opens or Setup window opens 1 Open Start menu in the Windows task bar choose All Programs gt Select Axialis Software In the sub me
228. dte your icons on the Web for example Speofy the name of the instal procedure executable fie usually __ Install ene Do not specify the EXE extension Filename Button Tons insta QD DE Speoty the location you want to create the instalaton pae peepee serine it val be created ZR In the Filename zone enter the name of the installation program file that will be generated For example type Button Icons Install In the Location zone specify the folder where you want to create the installation package you can change this folder manually or browse your disks by clicking the button We recommend to specify or use a well identified folder for example the My Documents folder recommended under Windows Vista If the folder does not exists you ll be prompted to create it 4 Click Next gt gt The second screen of the Compilation Wizard opens 105 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 106 Icon Library Information Please speoty the final Sename of the Icon L rary he name of the Q fle created after installason Pename Button Icons You can personaikne your Icon Library below ae be deplayed in About and Installation screens Tide Buttons Icon Ubrary Copyright 2007 Axisis Al Rights Reserved Your name i http fewer yourwebsite com Enter a comment here gt LL Axas xcPrewous nets 7 canes In the Filename zone enter the name of the ICL file that will be c
229. dure below A new export plug in will be installed in addition to the filter plug in The export plug in will be used with Photoshop Templates 1 Before installing the plug in you need to close the Photoshop application if it is opened in background Choose File Install Photoshop Plug in 2 The dialog box Install the Photoshop to IconWorkshop Transfer Plug in opens see below In the Location edit zone specify the Photoshop plug in folder If you don t know the exact folder path click the browse button to choose the folder in a list Install the Photoshop to loon Workshop Transfer Plug in Install the Photoshop Plug in Axialis IconWVorkshop indudes a powerful feature which yall permit you to transfer mages drectly from Adobe Photoshop through memory wehout using d temporary PSO fle See help for more info In order to activate tis feature you have to install an Axcals coriVorkshoo module in your Adobe Photoshop plugin directory QO iaito supgests you to instal e giai at the location speatied beow shop is instaled on your computer You can specify an akemate pd by typing it or browsing your disks Te F retal the pugin fle in a nb folder Acalis Ths plugin cas be used with vaos paire apclewtors These moyens mun be m eme eee Asche Blevercsd Adobe Mansor See hep Zp Axlaus SOFTWARE 3 If you want to create a subfolder Axialis to install the plug in mod
230. e 316 Working With Icon Libraries H Usstes Tend Gown Wi ios Phe Tak 4 formats are f 13 formats 13 formats Hep 2 j Mat Previews vl u e ened eG k 1 formats 13 formats 13 formats 13 ats a bi Uroties eG te top 3 Morey 13 formats 4 foemats 19 foemats t orans saa ate onns m n af Hormis Next 13 femas 2 Choose Icon Library Open As New Icon or press Ctrl Enter 3 A new window opens with the selected icon ready for modification The link between this icon and the library does not exist anymore Therefore if you select File Save you ll be prompted to choose a new name for the icon file It just work like a newly created icon Import icons into the library The fastest way to build an icon library is to import your icons directly in it Several features permits to do this Import icons in a library 1 Create a new icon library or open an existing one 2 Once the library is opened in a window choose Icon Library Import Icons or press Ins 3 A standard dialog box opens select the files you wish to import You can select several files The following file types are supported e Windows icons ICO e Macintosh icons ICNS RSC BIN e Icon libraries ICL e Windows executables EXE DLL OCX 4 When done click Open The icons are imported in the icon library If a file contains several icons all the icons included in the file are imported Whe
231. e Icon Library Step 2 of 6 dialog box 2 If you check Display an Information Text you ll display an Information Text in the install procedure This will be a kind of Read Me text that will be displayed in a window titled Important Information You can type the text in the area use copy paste from an external editor or use the Load button see below to read a text from an external file 3 If you click the Load button you can select an external text file to load using a standard Windows browse dialog box 4 If you click on the Save button you save the actual text to an external text file using a standard Windows browse dialog box Add a User License Agreement You can specify a User License Agreement text that will be displayed before the installation starts The use must agree with this agreement to proceed Add a User License Agreement 1 Click on the NEXT button in the Compile an Installable Icon Library Step 3 of 6 dialog box 2 If you check Add a User License Agreement you ll display a User Agreement Text in the install procedure The user will have to agree the terms of this user agreement before 324 Compiling and Distributing Icon Libraries proceeding with the install procedure You can type the text use copy paste from an external editor or use the Load button see below to read a text from an external file 4 If you click the Load button you can select an external text file to load using a standard W
232. e active mode Select Image Selection Mode Z if necessary 6 Select the portion of the image you wish to keep using the mouse A selection rectangle is displayed when done Crop the image 7 Select Image Crop Image C 8 The image is cropped Undo the change 9 If you want to undo the crop operation select Edit Undo Ctrl Z 10 You can also redo the change by choosing Edit Redo Ctrl Y Save the modified image 11 As the document has been changed you ll be prompted to save it when you ll close the window You can only save the new image to a JPEG BMP PNG JP2 GIF or PSD file Change the color depth of an image The image viewer includes a feature to change the color depth of an image This may be useful to reduce the file size of an image Three image color depth are supported by the application e True Colors with Alpha Channel 32 Bits Each pixel of the image is coded using 4 bytes It creates high quality image and supports alpha channel transparency The file size is very big 368 Working With The Axialis Media File Explorer e True Colors 32 Bits Each pixel of the image is coded using 3 bytes It creates high quality image but does NOT support alpha channel transparency The file size is big e Indexed colors 32 Bits Each pixel of the image is coded using 1 bytes It can only display 256 colors stored in a color table aka palette It creates low quality image and does NOT support alpha channel tran
233. e an icon image to GIF file formats preserving the transparency areas of the icon Only one image will be extracted from the icon We recommend you to extract the 256 color image from the icon if available 293 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Open the icon file in lconWorkshop 1 Open your original icon file from the librarian or using File Open 2 The image file opens in a document window In the image format list select the image you wish to use to create the GIF file We recommend you to extract the 256 color image from the icon if available otherwise use RGB A Save the image as a GIF file with Web optimization 3 Choose File Export CompuServe GIF Optimized for the Web or press Ctrl Shift G 4 A standard Save Image As dialog box opens In the Save as Type list select the desired image file format 5 Choose a destination folder and type a new filename When done click OK 6 A dialog box CompuServe GIF Optimizer opens a a CompuServe GIF Optimizer Coptes GF tee Sate eee Web pages because the majority of Web mages x browsers recognize it remap say thee eet need to be optimized to meet Web requirements lke size colors and transparency Colors Trareparency Oo Srenteceey O Q reece Threshold iO D ve wD Haas 7 In Colors specify the number of colors you wish to use in the image palette Limited number of colors will result in smaller file but will produce lower
234. e annoying side effect of docking a 256x256 window The side bars are so stretched that it creates a lot of wasted spaces in the interface For that reason we recommend you to keep the Scale 1 1 window in floating mode To revert this mode to docking mode see below Switch between docking and floating mode Switch the Preview 1 1 window to 128x128 1 If the Preview 1 1 window is not visible choose View Preview 1 1 or press Alt F10 2 Using the mouse right click in the Scale 1 1 window a local menu opens 3 Choose 128x128 Display The Scale 1 1 window is automatically resized to 128x128 Note that the window state does not switch back to docking mode If you want to dock the window you need to manually switch the mode See Switch between docking and floating mode Switch between docking and floating mode 1 Using the mouse right click in the Scale 1 1 window a local menu opens 2 Choose Floating Window no docking If the window was docked It is changed into a floating window a frame and a title bar appear It can placed anywhere over the user interface without docking If the window was floating Nothing is visually changed but if you move it over the right or left borders of the main window it will be docked when you ll release the mouse button Manage favorite documents If you have favorite documents media files or icon projects or folders you can add them to a Favorite List to retrieve them faster You can also easil
235. e archive files under Windows you need a specific tool Stufflt Expander for Windows Click to visit Stufflt website and download the software This how to procedure has been designed for version 9 0 of Stufflt Expander You can either purchase the full version which is required to compress files and create SIT archives or download the Stuffit Standard Free Trial They both contain the Stufflt Expander portion which is free and permit to extract files from SIT archives Installing and Configuring StuffIt Expander for Windows 1 Download the Stufflt Expander program from this page http www stuffit com win expander index html Click the Download NOW button Launch the installation program you ve downloaded Follow the procedure as usual 2 Once installed start the program Start Programs Stufflt Stufflt Tools Expander The Stufflt Expander main window opens 3 In the main menu choose Edit Application Options A dialog box opens select the Associations tab Select at least Stuffit Archives and BinHex Encoded Files If you don t want to associate the other archive types to Stufflt ZIP ARC ARJ RAR unselect them How to Procedures Stuffit Options Associations Geres Choose which file types you would ike to open wath Stuffit By delak Startup Corfigaaton Stuflt wil associate tset wih al the fles types knows how to open Expansion Conticts Viewable Aochrves Encoded Encrypted Aschives Add
236. e common Windows image formats 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 1616 RGB A e o o o o 256 Colors e e 16 Colors o o o o Mono l Windows standard icon image formats PNG compressed Windows Vista Recommended Optional Not Available 9 To get the best results possible you can also apply a filter when resizing RGB A images and a dithering option to the 256 16 color images try and see the results in the preview images 10 If you wish to start creating your icon with an unlisted format click the Other Image Format button 11 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected Batch create several Windows icons from images Using this feature you can Create Several Icons from images existing icons or cursors in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in Axialis IconWorkshop explorer Select the source images icons or cursors 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 184 Creating Icons 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the Source Files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the Source Files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters
237. e folder appears in the zone below Using the slider scroll the window contents until you see the file Folder Back png 8 Using drag amp drop place the file Folder Back png in the editor window The object is automatically added to the icon project as a floating selection below EJ Fite Edt Ovew Coke Librarian Favorites View Windew Help bouano nAn oolBslag 9 8 ELELEE sean enn j JA Hein mess Fi Adding the second object The document 9 We ll perform a similar operation to add the document object In the same folder select the object named Folder Document png Use mouse drag amp drop from this object to the icon project window 73 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 3x 7 ex re Een Draw Catari lbenton Foras View Window Hep T OOE i Qua Orme E O EEE e EENT Mrarr7a z 00000 L S pee arrene 4 H e GS E i EIT i aSoaza 10 The document object is added onto the back pane of the folder already present This is the way image objects work click here to learn more The transparency around the object is used to create a layer type effect You can add as many objects as you want on top of each other using this method Once an object is added you can also resize move it using the mouse or the arrow keys Adding the third object The folder front 11 We ll perform a similar operation to add the document object In
238. e following file types Icons ico icns bin rsc rsrc Icon Libraries icl icontainer Cursors read only cur ani Images bmp gif jp2 jpg jpeg png pict psd qti qtif tga tif tiff If you use Windows Vista Windows Vista includes a new centralized feature which permits to easily manage file associations and default programs Axialis IconWorkshop is fully compliant with this new Windows Vista feature Click on the button Set File Associations for IconWorkshop to access directly to this feature If you use a previous versions of Windows Media Types Details Group This list specifies the list of supported media files You can select one or more files to perform an action Change Editor for example To associate a media file type to Axialis Pro Screen Saver Producer just check the associated box within this list To restore the original media file association uncheck this box Click on the All button to select all the media file types in the list Click on the Associate Restore button to restore the original associations of the selected media file types Media Types Details Group You can change the icon to associate with a selected extension by clicking on the Change icon button 391 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Click to change the default Player Viewer for the selected media file types This application will be launched when you ll choose the Open c
239. e for the images to create 6 In the Transparency group choose if you wish to create transparent or opaque images If you choose to preserve transparency the images will be automatically converted to 32BPP with alpha channel even if the chosen icon format is 256 or less colors If you choose to remove transparency the images will be generated using 24BPP no alpha channel In such a case you must specify a background color to fill the transparent areas with this color 153 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 7 When done click OK The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the creation When done the new Images are added to the folder contents The created images have the same filename as the original document with PNG PSD ot BMP appended A smart system has been added to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting If this exact chosen format does not exists in an icon the nearest format is chosen for extraction How to Change the User Interface of IconWorkshop 154 All of our softwares have a specific Axialis interface Since the release of Microsoft Windows XP we decided to implement a feature that permits you to choose between Axialis and Microsoft Standard interface You can also change various settings to customize your interface To switch to Standard Windows Interface 1 Choose Edit Preferences or press F2 A dialog box opens 2 Select the User Interfa
240. e formats Usually you start to create the largest one then create the others from this one Choosing the icon project type 1 Choose File New Icon Project or press Ctrl N A new dialog box opens Create a New kon Project New Icon Project You can create kon projects for Morosolt Windons and Aogle Macintosh operating systems icon speofcatons are different from one systen to another As a readt you must choose the desired operating system now gt New icon Project for Microsoft Windows Choose Microsoft Windows icon format if you wish to create an icon for all versions of Windows up to Windows Vista See the product help to read more about image format compatiblity with d erent versions of Windows New Icon Project for Apple Macintosh Cheese Apple Macitouh ikon format f you wish to creste an Mf you wih wo cent icon for the Mac operating system only up to OS X Tiger and g an con for both Leopard Some restrictions apply on MacOS icon image formats see pyrame help to get more info on valid mage foemats Do not promot in the Suture _ SetOefoxtt Type 2 Axialis conWorkshop support both Windows and Macintosh icons see format comparison to learn more Select the Microsoft Windows 173 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 174 Defining the first image format If you have chosen to create a Windows icon project a second dialog box opens An icon can contain several
241. e hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the creation When done the normalized icons are created Batch Processing Icons To increase your productivity in working with icons some features are available in automatic processes It permits to process several icons in one operation This kind of operation is called a Batch Processing All the batch processing features are accessible from the Axialis Media File Explorer a file browser included in Axialis IconWorkshop 299 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Batch create several Windows icons from images Using this feature you can Create Several Icons from images existing icons or cursors in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in Axialis IconWorkshop explorer Select the source images icons or cursors 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the Source Files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the Source Files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch create Windows icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Windows Icons from Selection or Ctrl Shift C 5 A dialog box opens In Standard Image Formats and Extra Image Formats choose th
242. e icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected Convert a Macintosh icon to a Windows format What s the difference between Windows and Macintosh icons Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh icons are very similar They both have several image formats embedded in the same icon But the file format is totally different You cannot use Macintosh icons under Windows because the file format is not compatible You must convert them to Windows ICO file format with Axialis lconWorkshop of course All kinds of formats can be included in a Windows ICO file you can even create non square icons With Macintosh icon files this is not possible Only some strictly defined image formats can be included Axialis lconWorkshop supports the following Macintosh icon files ICNS RSC and BIN Icons from system 7 5 8 5 9 x and 10 X are supported You can easily open them into the Icon Editor and save them as Windows ICO format During this operation we recommend you to remove special Macintosh formats which are useless under Windows To learn more about Windows and Macintosh icon file formats read this topic Macintosh vs Windows icons Which image formats are included in Macintosh icons Here is the list of image formats you can find in Macintosh Icons Leopard 512x512 32 bits alpha channel Tiger 256x256 32 bits alpha channel Thumbnail 128x128 32 bits alp
243. e image formats you wish to add in the icons Batch Create Windows kons From Selection MH e iaaa Batch Create Windows Icons Natalee theta pars A process fom selected sources nduding kons mages CBOs pot SL bel predefined moge formats see below Leons wil be automa iaeeted n Ga snurce fe Wider Created Sienames wil reflash epee I AA CE Standard image formats for Windows f BS O A 32x32 P e aE Ji x16 O o Faxa 256 7 32x32 256 204 256 T 36x16 256 wW 3BG2 2224 16 76x16 36 Windows Vista formats 2560256 P 256x255 256 256x255 35 J Compress 256x255 formats for Windows View embedded PNG compression 95x96 P Ane GAA IP 48x48 Mono 32032 Mono 35x16 Mono Traasparency Conver the folowng color 19 rarspawt f he mage rar ro Tarega Mlormaton Convert to rensparent 6 In Image Adjustment group you can add a smooth or sharp filter to the image shrinking process You can also use or not a dithering method to render image using 256 or 16 colors In Transparency group an option permits to use opaque images i e without transparency and specify a color to make transparent 7 When done click OK The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the creation When done the new Windows icons are added to the folder contents 300 Working with Icons The created icons have the same filename as the original document with different exten
244. e resized using the handles placed around the selection Here is the list of operations you can perform on this object Now do the same to add other objects If you want to learn step by step how to create the above Document Folder read this part of the tutorial Lesson 7 Composing an icon from Move Copy Resize Rotate Adjust Brightness Contrast Adjust Hue Saturation Brightness Adjust Opacity Apply Filters Add a Drop Shadow several image objects Alpha channels are widely used in modern icon creation Windows supports icons with alpha channels since Windows XP and Macintosh since OS 10 0 The main advantage of alpha channels is that it permits to display a smooth transparency in icons The resulting image is displayed with smooth contours on all backgrounds It permits also to create dropped shadows behind icons Images with alpha channels are called RGB A or Windows XP in Axialis IconWorkshop This image format contains 16 8M colors coded in RGB plus an additional opacity channel This channel is called the Alpha Channel Each channel is coded using 8 bits per pixel As a result each pixel is coded in 32 bits 32 BPP Bits Per Pixel See the illustration below to understand how channels are organized in an RGB A image Working with Icons Resulting image RGB channels Alpha channel Structure of an image with Alpha Channel RGB A In IconWorkshop alpha channels can be applied ex
245. e the icons Batch Processing Icons Batch create several Windows icons from images Select the source images icons or cursors Batch create Windows icons Batch create several Macintosh icons from images Select the source images icons or cursors Batch create Macintosh icons Convert several Macintosh icons to Windows format Select the source icons Batch convert the icons Convert several Windows icons to Macintosh format Select the source icons Batch convert the icons Convert several Windows Macintosh icons to PNG batch process Select the Source Icons Create the PNG images Normalize several icons batch processing Select the icons to normalize Normalize the icons Create a new icon project from clipboard Creating the Icon from the Clipboard Contents Capture an icon Capture an icon Create an icon from this image Save an icon image as an external bitmap file Open the icon file in Axialis lconWorkshop Save the image as an image file The JPEG 2000 options Create an Icon Snapshot Picture Creating a Snapshot of an Opened Icon Creating a Detailed Snapshot of Several Icons Creating a Quick Thumbnail Snapshot of Several Icons WORKING WITH ICON LIBRARIES What is an Icon Library System Compatibility Table Of Contents 298 298 298 299 300 300 300 301 301 301 302 302 302 303 303 303 304 304 305 306 306 306 307 307 308 308 309 310 31
246. e user interface Its location can be easily changed Change the Librarian position on screen 1 Using the left mouse button click on the Librarian window title and keep the button pressed 381 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 2 Move the mouse over the right or bottom side of the application window and release the button 3 The Librarian window location has changed This new location will be saved even if you quit and restart the application Change the Librarian folder location Files and folders included in the Librarian are located on your disk drive This location is set by default the first time you installed the application in your My Documents folder A sub folder is created and is named Axialis Librarian You can change this folder and location see below Change the Librarian folder location 1 Select View Preferences or press F2 2 A dialog box opens Select the Librarian tab You can change the Librarian folder in the Path field You can also use the Browse button to choose a location using a browse dialog box 3 Click OK when done 4 Now quit the application and transfer your files from the old location to the new one the application does not perform this operation 5 Restart the application How to change the Scale 1 1 window size If you create Windows Vista or Macintosh OSX 10 4 Tiger icons you need to work with 256x256 images Also all the image objects provided by Axialis have a native
247. eID AAPEEE EEEE 319 D A E E errr raa EEEO 320 1b ps AEE 321 DAY tae cece reece eee eee eee 322 Ta gal A EA 323 IBAT ieee 343 LDA yisi 344 1b my jeeeeeeereeereceesseeeeret treet eressteeeseereseteesereresstrersteressrrerseresttee 346 Load SWat CNES eissis 267 01t 110 p PARRE eee E EEEREN EEEE EEEE 325 M Macintosh ICONS sssssssssssssssssisiissssssssssssssrrriirssssssssnnnnnnn 153 Macintosh sisisi 145 148 Macintosh format Convert several Windows iConS 278 305 357 Macintosh format 193 194 275 Macintosh etorma Beezzzzzzzzunnzza n Saale 278 Macintosh Orra seccccccscccecccecccoscccetcecsccesccencccesccesecdieetts 305 Macintosh format 357 Macintosh icon IGONVORE oya retiri AEN EERO ENERE 142 182 272 Convert Several iMages ssssssiissssseerssssserrrrsssseeerressseee 293 Convert several PNG ICONS ceccccscsseessesssesstessesstessesseessees 284 Macintosh vs Windows icons sssrin 44 Macromedia Freehand n se 139 main toolbar Customize Malin tool Bafi Manage favorite files ee eeecceescsssseeceesneseessteeeesnneeeeen 400 Managing FWOTE S ri E E E E EEE wieedy 388 413 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Managing eane 388 media file media file oe eeeeceeccescsesssessssessseesseessscssssssseesseesseesseesseesseees 368 M dia Types Ta Disscinisiniiinnimunu nk 395 MiSCEIANCOUS cecescessesssesseessesseessesseesesseestesseestesseeseessees 380 Mi
248. ecify here the HTTP Proxy address and port number usually 80 e Proxy authentication is required If this box is checked the application will send an authentication message to the proxy server when connecting to Internet Check this option only if your server requires authentication then fill the Login amp Password fields below 5 In the FTP Settings group specify e Firewall Type Specify here the FTP Firewall Authentication type you use We support the following types SITE hostname USER after logon Proxy OPEN Transparent USER with no logon USER FirelD Remotehost USER RemotelD remoteHost fire ID USER remotelD firelD remoteHost e Address amp Port Specify here the FTP Proxy address and port number usually 80 e Login amp Password Specify here the Proxy Authentication Login amp Password 6 Click the Update Now button The last dialog box opens showing the download progress If a new version is available a patch is downloaded and the application is restarted to be upgraded Online Customer Service on Internet The customer services are available to registered Axialis customers only Once you ve purchased an Axialis product we strongly recommend you to register online using either the feature included in the program or using the online form Accessing Customer Service from the Application 1 Launch the application 2 Select Help Customer Area 3 The built in Browser opens displaying
249. ect the portion of image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the portion of image you wish to use do not cut the shadow if there is one around the object When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created When the selection is done choose Image Create Windows Icon from Selection or press I or click the first command button in the local toolbar Sphere png 300x300 The dialog box New Windows Icon From Image opens see below In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 im a i ee eo ca Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image rear a O Standard image formats for Windows 14 256x255 RGBA Windows Vista only e Other formats for Windows Vista 236x29 256 colors 254x256 16 colore TI PNG comroress 2443256 formats for Windows vsta Rendering Options Smooth 5 Z aoghy Finer when Reszng Z aophy Otherng fo 2 16 ond Mono formats Se eee 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic 8 In the Extra Formats group select the optional image formats you wish to add in the icon The following table shows th
250. ed in the folder appear in the right pane 3 Select the file you wish to open 4 Double click on it or choose Explorer Open Item Enter or right click on it and choose Open in the menu Resize the image 5 Select Image Resize Image R a dialog box opens 6 Enter the new size in pixels by specifying Width and Height 7 Click OK when done The image is resized Undo the change 8 If you want to undo the resize operation select Edit Undo Ctrl Z 9 You can also redo the change by choosing Edit Redo Ctrl Y Save the modified image 10 As the document has been changed you ll be prompted to save it when you ll close the window You can only save the new image to a JPEG BMP PNG JP2 GIG or PSD file 367 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Crop an image Cropping an image means reducing its size be removing unwanted parts usually around the image or borders But this is done without resizing the image content This may be useful if interesting part of an image is not properly centered 1 Create a New Explorer window by choosing File New New Explorer Ctrl E 2 Browse your disks and select the appropriate folder in the left pane The media files included in the folder appear in the right pane 3 Select the file you wish to open 4 Double click on it or choose Explorer Open Item Enter or right click on it and choose Open in the menu Select the image portion to keep 5 First be sure the Selection Mode is th
251. ed in the librarian Search the Librarian for the folder Objects Pack 1 Glossy Buttons This pack is included in Axialis lconWorkshopa 6 0 or more If you can t find the folder download the Glossy Buttons pack from Internet Defining Creating the Icon Project Before using the image objects we need to create a new icon project An icon contains several image formats see What s an Icon so we need to define all these formats before going on We ll create an icon compatible with Windows Vista 256x256 64x64 formats Windows XP 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 formats and Dock Bar applications 128x128 format To simplify the project we won t add indexed color formats 256 16 colors Using the objects we ll make a Glossy Earth icon with bottom shadow The resulting icon will look like this 2561256 an era 16x16 xP A Windows icon created with lconWorkshop using Image Objects 78 Getting Started Tutorial The largest image format is 256x256 XP ie RGB with Alpha channel To get the best results we ll start the project with this new format and work with it to assemble the objects When finished we ll create all the other formats using this 256x256 format as template Let s create our new icon project 1 Launch IconWorkshop Choose File New Windows Icon Project or press Ctrl W A dialog box opens Create a New Icon Project for Windows New Icon Project for Microsoft Windows
252. edded formats on a decorated background Creating a Snapshot Picture of your icons may be useful to make a visual archive of your icons illustrate a website or just promote your work Three kinds of snapshots are available e Detailed snapshot of one icon The icon image formats are displayed in one raw e Detailed snapshot of several icons One icon per raw several images per icon e Quick Thumbnail snapshot of several icons Only one image per icon several icons per raw Creating a Snapshot of an Opened Icon When an icon is opened in an editor window you can create a snapshot of the work in progress 1 From the opened icon window Choose Edit Create Snapshot or Ctrl Shift P 2 A dialog box Create Icon Snapshot opens Adjust the various options then click OK 3 The Snapshot image see sample below is created in a new window Now you can save copy print this image as necessary 311 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Creating a Detailed Snapshot of Several Icons You can create a snapshot of several icons from within an opened Icon Library ICL Program File EXE DLL OCX a Search Result window or from the built in Explorer 1 Select several icons from a list only icons within libraries or Macintosh Windows files Choose Edit Create Snapshot or Ctrl Shift P 2 A dialog box opens select Detailed Snapshot then click OK 3 A dialog box Create Icon Snapshot opens Adjust the various options then click OK
253. een implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting If you create icons from Image Files the whole image is selected and resized keeping its aspect ratio If it contains transparency it is kept during the creation If you create icons from an Existing Icons or Cursors the largest image is used as source to create the icons Transparency is kept Convert several Macintosh icons to Windows format 354 Using this feature you convert a group of Macintosh Icons to Windows format in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in lconWorkshop explorer Select the source icons 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the source files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the source files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch convert the icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Convert Macintosh Icons To Windows ICO or Ctrl Shift W 5 A dialog box opens You can choose to convert all the formats or only a selection of formats When done click OK Working With The Axialis Media File Explorer Corver Macinosh iors to Wiedows M Ose Sdected Macros Kore wil be comverted to be
254. eessneseesnneseees 156 Wi 180 User Interface Options e ccecceeccseecssessseessessseesseeeseeete 393 Wi 184 User Licence Agreement Wi Axialis S ftwarenes sey easter acerca ancient 31 Wi User Licence AGree Ment se eessscesscnsecsssesnsecstecnseesnees 31 Wi USING a abt ye gy eigse en etree ester 411 Wi v Wi VESIN D2 Tiree aR 29 wi Wi w WINdOWS ICON eeesssescssseeesseeessnesessneessneeesneeersneeesneessnees 372 Web IMAGE sssini 116 Windows Macintosh icon Web optimized GIF image e REI E EA AEE E 163 Web optimized GIF image eeseecseesseeeeeeesneeeeees 163 Web optimized GIF image seeesessseessseeeseeeseeeeeees 295 416
255. elected image format The image will be resized and the colors will be adjusted if necessary If the box is not checked it will create a blank new image All image formats are displayed in the list 5 If you check the Apply Dithering option Axialis lconWorkshop will dither the resulting image in 256 or 26 color modes This option permits to use smoother gradients in icons Adding quickly a standard image format This method produces the same result as above using a faster procedure It is available for standard formats only 1 Right click on an image format in the list A menu opens and proposes you to create the next missing format based on the selected image For example right click on the 32x32Windows XP image format and choose Create 16x16 Windows XP Image Format in the menu see below 176 Creating Icons O Ferkon Je CRELLE T Create 1616 PGBA mage Format Aasa Several mage Fermats from this iruge Cerrgressed mape Fermat iotr E New indon E kon Project from tha mage New Macamoin kon Project hom Wis aage 2 The new format is automatically added to the icon Adding several images formats in one operation This method adds several image formats from an existing one in a single operation It is possible to create standard and extra formats using this method 1 Right click on the format in the list you wish to use as model on the left of the editor window a context men
256. en done click Next gt gt The last screen named Ready to Compile opens It proposes you to read a summary of the options you selected before proceeding with the compilation Always read in details this summary before validating When done click Next gt gt The compilation starts Testing the compiled installation package 9 When done a large button appears Test the Installation Package Now Click on it to test the compiled file It looks this Buttons Icon Library Q Copyright 2007 Axialis All Rights Reserved This program wil inetal the icons below on your computer These icons are grouped in a single fle Called an icen rary and using the faesous Windows compatiile ICL ferrsat This mil be done wthout modifying any of your Windows settings nor changing or adding any Registry entries Oriy the ibrary fide mi Be copied to the location of your chace tock to mp UGBuWUE kow 18 Sue 6106Kb Aot Cea crea Now follow the install procedure to see the result Of course the Button Icons Install exe file has been created in the destination folder you specified above This is a standalone EXE install file that can be copied and redistributed 107 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 A word to finish This tutorial is now finished Now that you ve seen the basic features of Axialis lconWorkshop and understood the philosophy of use we propose you to go further and explore the features by testing the numerous co
257. ency which is very interesting to create hi quality RGB A images in icons During the operation the image will be converted in several formats that will be included in the icon The following image formats are supported e BMP Windows bitmap 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e PNG Portable Network Graphic 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e PSD Photoshop 32 BPP alpha channel transparency and layers supported 285 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 JP2 JPEG 2000 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported JPG JPEG TGA Targa GIF Compuserve GIF Others Various other formats supported TIFF PCD PhotoCD PIC Apple PICT PCX Zsoft WMF Windows MetaFile Open the image file in lconWorkshop 1 Choose File Open browse your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the image file you wish to open then hit Enter 2 The image file opens in a document window Create an icon from this image 286 3 Before proceeding we recommend you to select the portion of image you wish to use to create your icon If you leave too many transparent areas around your image the visible part of your icon
258. end to make a copy of the original program file before modifying it using this feature Modifying an icon included in a program file 1 Choose File Open and select a program file EXE DLL OCX You can also open an Explorer window Ctrl E and double click on a program file 2 The program opens in a document window displaying all the icons it contains If not already set we recommend you to choose the display option All Formats In Raw In this mode one icon is displayed on each row with all the formats it contains 3 To modify an icon just double click on it or select it and press Enter 4 The icon opens in an editor window Just modify it as if it was a standard icon file don t forget the above limitations though 5 When done update it by choosing File Save or press Ctrl S Close the editor window 163 Axia lis lconWorkshop 6 10 6 The icon has been updated in the list if you modified the displayed format 7 Repeat steps 3 to 7 for other icons if necessary 8 Update the program file by choosing File Save Extracting icons from a program file 1 Choose File Open and select a program file EXE DLL OCX You can also open an Explorer window Ctrl E and double click on a program file 2 The program opens in a document window displaying all the icons it contains 3 Select the icons you wish to extract 4 Choose Icons Export as Windows icons choose Icons Export as Macintosh icons
259. ended for Windows Vista Save your icon without compressing your 256x256 formats approximately 400Kb icon file Once the icon is created work on your project as usual The compiler will handle correctly the image since it won t be a PNG image When your project is finished and before releasing the program file follow the procedure below 1 Open the EXE file containing the uncompressed icon in lconWorkshop 2 The file opens in a document window with all the embedded icons displayed Be sure to display all the formats in raw choose View Display Icons All Formats In Raw t Double click on the icon you want to compress It opens in another document window A In the list of available formats vertical list on left right click on the first 256x256 RGB A format a menu opens Choose PNG Compressed Image Format Windows Vista A small overlay icon indicating the compression is displayed 2 uo Repeat step 4 with the other 256x256 image formats if any o gt Save the icon File Save Close the icon window 7 Back in the EXE document window you see the compression overlay icon 2 displayed on all the 256x256 formats Repeat steps 3 to 6 for all the other icons containing 256x256 images if any 00 Save your EXE document close the window Xe You re done The EXE file size is smaller indicating that the compression is made Conclusion Windows Vista icons deliver a new framework of icon pre
260. er must assume the entire risk of using the Objects Disclaimer of Damages AXIALIS assumes no liability for damages direct or consequential which may result from the use of the Objects even if AXIALIS has been advised of the possibility of such damages Any liability of the seller will be limited to refund the purchase price if any Sample Icons Terms Of Use In version 6 10 and more the sample icons have been created by the Axialis Team As a result you can freely use and or redistribute them in any projects as long as you ve purchased Axialis IconWorkshop see User License Agreement If you use these images on a website please add the following HTML tag 31 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 lt a href http www axialis com icons gt Icons lt a gt by lt a href http www axialis com gt Axialis Software lt a gt IconBuffet copyrighted icons Icons in folder Librarian lcons Tutorials Redmond 2006 IconBuffet are copyrighted and cannot be used Please contact the authors at http www iconbuffet com Acknowledgments 32 Icons and Images used in the program Thanks to these great icon artists for giving us permission to include some of their icons and images in the program toolbar buttons icons dialog illustration Foood Some images in dialog boxes Iconaholic com IconBuffet Toolbar icons courtesy of IconBuffet part of Mahattan and Redmond icon set IconBuffer com s Jairo Boudewyn Speci
261. er of colors 2 In Palette choose the type of palette desired e Adaptive The palette will be calculated to get the best results possible recommended e Web Safe This is the default Netscape Web palette e Windows This is the default palette used under old Windows versions in 256 color screen mode e Macintosh OS This is the default palette used under old Macintosh OS versions in 256 color screen mode 297 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 3 In Dither choose Diffusion if you want IconWorkshop to simulate colors not present in the palette by pixel mixing using the error diffusion method Choose None to encode the image without dithering Diffusion produces the best results but usually creates slightly larger images 4 In Transparency specify if you want to preserve transparency or not Of you choose opaque the transparent areas of the icon will be converted to solid color the Matte color If you choose to preserve transparency and encodes your GIF file from a RGB A images you may need to adjust the Threshold value to produce better results on image edges 5 In Preview compare the original and the optimized images image quality and size to find the best adjustments possible Normalize several icons batch processing The normalization permits to format several icons in order to produce an uniform set As a result after normalization all the icons have the same im
262. er or have a purchase question please check our Customer FAQ before contacting us A AcknOwleQment 22 222e222eeeueenneeen nani 34 Acquire NEW IMAGES Hs ea Ss ee a UR Se nnn Gale 402 YN ea UT AEAEE eee eee 402 Activate code De eee a eee ere Marmont ey NT remove Teer 327 NA EELE eof eeperrereeeerteeree E 327 Activation COd S 000 eeseeecsssssssesesseeeeceesecsetensneeesneerenteess 170 actual folder Brit vays declares cueing ialndila tis inline A E 340 actual folder 340 Add CESCrIPLION anasa R a i SaaS 325 drop shadow erosi aE EERE 254 Favorite COn eN E E E 168 Information texts aE E E eens 326 Opened document ssenesisre i aa 347 Useer license Agreement ssssessssessesssrssrrsrrecerieriersersssss 326 Ad a n RR 168 Addii 254 TCG a lpeewenseeeepneeereenrsnesrever restrain oatros testis varrrserrsa nee Tne 325 AAG AAR 326 Addinainen 326 PAG iisi 347 Add icons into ICON IBTA Y esgere S EE EEA EO EG 342 AGGICOMS IMCO eiir 342 Add image formats scscssssssssessseeseeeeseeeenees 177 190 Add itE IIS eeso E 347 Add items using Import FUNCTION eee 348 F a a Ad KE A ENTE PE E PEPE erro ereet aepeeee rer EAE tre teeet ener SEE EEEEE Ener 255 Adding icons Icon Library Assets sect eahceciatake aad areal eee SR tte 100 AGING ICONS secere es 100 Adding new image formats ssccssescsseseseneeeesneee 60 Adjust Brightness Contrast 250 Adjust Hue Saturation Brightness 0 251 Index
263. er type has its own features Some of them are more common than others print display full screen Let s see one of the most useful Create a new Explorer window 1 Choose File New New Explorer or press CTRL E 2 Anew Explorer document window is created in the working area You can open several Explorer windows Fia LSe Cplorer L rmun Faoite View Wind Mep Sawgi Jo JA S ra ro tnin ires no m Poseda N a ma neig 29 3 The Explorer window is divided in two parts On the left pane you can see the Folder Tree On the right pane all the supported files present in the selected folder are listed in thumbnail view The separator between the 2 panes can be moved using the mouse 349 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 4 Many functions are available Most of them are accessible by clicking buttons in the local toolbar Search media files on the computer Choose Explorer Search N The dialog box Search on the Computer opens w In the Named area enter a search criterion for the item s filename blank no search on name Wildcards are needed to perform multi files search For example to get all the PNG files with B as the first letter enter b PNG iN In the Look In area enter a pathname blank no search on author uo If you check the option Include Subfolders o gt In the Type area enter a search criterion for the item s type blank no search
264. erate the Activation Codes Two IDs are used to generate the codes The Library ID which is different for each library you compiled and the Company ID which is constant but differs for another company Each digit in a hexadecimal number is coded from O to 9 and A to F A 10 F 15 This is a typical computer notation The number here is just a proposal based on several Icon Library properties You can freely modify and customize it If you customize this number do not enter a simplistic one Don t forget to place this number in a sure place You ll need it to generate the Activations Codes later using the built in feature after the compilation Alt F6 5 If you check Code based on User Name you wish the install procedure to require an Activation Code based on the User Name This option is more secure but forces you to generate one Code per user see below If you don t activate this option the install procedure will use a standard numerical Activation Code Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 More information on Activation Codes Two kinds of Activation Codes have been implemented in Axialis lconWorkshop e Based on the user name The user has to enter its name and the activation code using this format 1234 1234 1234 1234 4 groups of 4 digits e Pro The user have to provide his name if he wants to publish the code e Con The author has to manually generate a code for each user e NOT based on the user name The user just enter
265. ermit you to create 2 or 3 images of your icon depending on the template you choose Each image is designed to match the level of details required for large medium and small sizes During the export the formats are created according to the XML descrition file Usually image formats in project templates are created using the following guidelines 1st Image 256x256 gt Formats 256x256 128x128 to 72x72 Image in perspective with details light effects and shadows 2st Image 192x192 gt Formats 64x64 to 24x24 Image in perspective with a few details limited light effects and shadows A border is added to enhance visibility 3rd Image 128x128 gt Format 16x16 Flat image without details and large borders By default 10 templates are included in lconWorkshop 4 of them are project icon templates numbers 7 to 10 7 Windows Project 2 Sizes 9 Macintosh Project 2 Sizes 8 Windows Project 3 Sizes 10 Macintosh Project 3 Sizes 219 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Create a Vista icon using a 3 image Icon Project Template In this tutorial we ll create an icon using a professional method We ve seen in previous topic that basic icon templates require to draw all the formats of the icon to get the best results Using Icon Original Template Image Drawing Guidelines Created Icon Sizes 256x256 Image in perspective with 256x256 128x128 details light effects and shadows Ey Image in perspective
266. ernal use only on a single computer The Software is in use on a single computer when it has been loaded into temporary memory i e RAM or installed into permanent memory hard disk or other device of that computer If you have purchased a Multiple User License you specified several copies of the software when you purchased it the Software may be installed and used for internal purposes only on the number of computers authorized at the time of purchase You MAY a redistribute compiled Icon Libraries for commercial purpose b make a copy of the software for archival purpose only c install the Software on another computer only if you change of workstation In such a case you must uninstall the software from the previous workstation 29 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Restrictions You MAY NOT a copy and distribute the Software or any portion of it b sublicense lease rent or transfer this Software to another c cause or permit reverse engineering disassembly decompilation or alteration of this Software d remove any product identification copyright notices or other notices or proprietary restrictions from this Software e copy the documentation accompanying the software Term This License is effective until terminated You may terminate it at any time by destroying the Software together with all copies thereof This License will also terminate if you fail to comply with any term or condition of this Agreement U
267. es appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert to images You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Create the Images 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Images from Icons or Ctrl Shift V 5 The dialog box Batch Create Images From Icons opens see below In the Icon Format to Extract group choose the image format you wish to extract from the icons You can choose only one image format If this exact format does not exists in an icon the nearest format is chosen Batch Create Images trom Selected kons ie Me a a a oa Batch Create Images From Icons This fearre vil permit you to create several images PNG PSD EMP OF or Semel one batch process from a selevton of source cora Macntudh or and Witedaws Kora This a not a conversion but a creaton of new mages containing a selected format pan Select the image format you want to extract from the kons some icons A not contan P thes format he nearest format mi be extracted Coke ve in Poels rdom Ache 32 ts D 2m Troe Colors 26 66 24 bits 256 jrdexed Colors 3 bits 36 Colors 4 bets Monochrome 15 n Image e Format PNG Portable Network Grated Reserve Troraparency 2 EPP ee shee navn cence A SO BMP and 222 with Ashe Snai ba Suess Troano 5 In the Image File Format group select the file format you wish to us
268. etimes it s useful to apply a filter to the opacity of an icon but not to its image colors For example adding a smooth filter to the edges of an image without changing the sharpness of the image inside the object 1 Select a region with the selection tool or paste a floating selection If no selection is active the adjustments will apply to the whole image 2 Press the Ctrl key keep pressed and choose Draw Filters or click f and select the desired filter in the sub menu 3 The filter is applied to the colors of the entire icon or floating selection Add a drop shadow Before proceeding with this topic you need know how to work with selections The Drop Shadow effect permits to simulate a shadow behind an icon to produce a false 3D effect Adding this shadow is important to make Windows XP compliant icons It is part of the Windows XP icon specifications as published by Microsoft One Drop Two Drop Shadow applied Shadow applied Q The Drop Shadow Effect Original Icon This feature works only with RGB A Windows XP image formats Apply the drop shadow effect 1 Select a region with the selection tool or use a floating selection If no selection is active the adjustments will apply to the whole image 2 Choose Draw Adjustments Effects Drop Shadow or press D 3 The drop shadow is applied immediately Repeat the operation to create a stronger shadow 252 Working with Icons Add Text This
269. ette used under old Macintosh OS versions in 256 color screen mode 3 In Dither choose Diffusion if you want IconWorkshop to simulate colors not present in the palette by pixel mixing using the error diffusion method Choose None to encode the image without dithering Diffusion produces the best results but usually creates slightly larger images 4 In Transparency specify if you want to preserve transparency or not Of you choose opaque the transparent areas of the icon will be converted to solid color the Matte color If you choose to preserve transparency and encodes your GIF file from a RGB A images you may need to adjust the Threshold value to produce better results on image edges 5 In Preview compare the original and the optimized images image quality and size to find the best adjustments possible 360 Working With The Axialis Media File Explorer Normalize several icons batch processing The normalization permits to format several icons in order to produce an uniform set As a result after normalization all the icons have the same image formats embedded This feature is useful if you plan to distribute your icons We ll perform this task using the built in IconWorkshop explorer Select the icons to normalize 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the icons using the tree in the lef
270. etween Macintosh and Windows Select the icons you wish to convert Convert the icons From Macintosh to Windows Convert the icons From Windows to Macintosh How to Batch Create Icons From Images Cursors Select the source images icons or cursors Batch create Windows icons Batch create Macintosh icons How to Batch Create PNG images with Transparency from Icons Select the Source Icons Create the Images How to Change the User Interface of IconWorkshop To switch to Standard Windows Interface To switch to Axialis Interface To Change the Color of the Axialis Interface To Change the Colors of the Full Screen and Documents Backgrounds Table Of Contents 137 137 137 137 138 138 138 139 140 151 151 151 152 152 153 153 154 154 154 154 155 vii Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 viii To Customize the Main Toolbar Buttons To Customize the Main Toolbar Aspect How to Change the Editor Drawing Area Aspect To Change the Chessboard Texture of the Transparent Areas To Change the Grid Aspect How to change the Scale 1 1 window size Switch the Preview 1 1 window to 256x256 Switch the Preview 1 1 window to 128x128 Switch between docking and floating mode How to Search the Icons I have on My Computer Searching for files on your computer Grab the Icons add them into a library How to Create Different Color Versions of an Icon Opening the existing icon m
271. fault Windows icon associated with the selected item 3 If you click the Restore Default button you can revert to the default Windows icon for all items in the list Some of them may not be available or inoperative on your Windows version Customizing the Application Customize the main toolbar The main toolbar is Internet Explorer like and you can fully customizing it You can add remove buttons or change the order they are displayed show hide labels and areas and more Show hide the Main Toolbar 1 Right click on the main toolbar or the top menu and choose Standard Buttons in the menu or press F9 Change Main Toolbar text style 1 Right click in the main toolbar or the top menu and choose No Text Labels to remove all the texts 2 Right click in the main toolbar or the top menu and choose All Text Labels to display texts under each button 3 Right click in the main toolbar or the top menu and choose Selective Text Labels to display texts on right of important buttons only Add remove move buttons in the Main Toolbar 1 Choose View Customize Main Toolbar in the menu or right click in the main toolbar and choose Customize Buttons command or double click the main toolbar 2 The dialog box Customize Toolbar Opens 3 An available toolbar buttons list displays You can add these buttons in the Current toolbar buttons list by selecting one button and clicking on the Add Button 4 If you want to delete a
272. feature permits to add a text in an icon image You can choose the font size and color of the text The text is added as an image placed in a floating selection It permits you to easily adjust it and apply filters and effects drop shadow opacity Using this feature with RGB A images will create the best results texts with smooth edges Adding text to an icon image 1 Select the color you wish to use for the text The foreground color will be used to draw it See Work with colors 2 Choose Draw Add Text or press Ctrl T A dialog box opens 25 AXIALIS SOFTWARE 3 Enter the text to add 4 In the Font Attributes group select the Font and the Size You see a preview at the bottom of the dialog box 5 Click OK when done The text is now added as a floating selection You can apply various effects or adjustments to it e Move Copy e Resize Rotate e Adjust Brightness Contrast e Adjust Hue Saturation Brightness e Adjust Opacity e Apply Filters e Adda Drop Shadow Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Import an image into an icon project 254 To increase your productivity in creating icons you may need to import images in your project Several methods are available lconWorkshop to perform this operation Some image formats support 32 BPP alpha channel transparency which is very interesting to create hi quality RGB A images in icons The following image formats are supported
273. find images Here is how to proceed to create icons using these images Get the Image from the Web 1 Launch your Internet browser and surf to the desired page or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full Internet address of the desired page hit Enter 2 The page opens in a document window Create an icon from an image in the page using the Clipboard E Using the clipboard you loose the transparent areas if present 3 Right click the desired image then choose Copy The image is copied into the clipboard 5 If you want to create an icon using the whole image Select New Icon Project From Clipboard or press Ctrl Q The dialog box New Icon Project opens Select the type of icon you wish to create Windows or Macintosh Create a New kon Project New Icon Project gt New Icon Project for Microsoft Windows Choose Microsott Windows icon format if you wish to create an o ion for all versions of Windows up to Windows Vista See the product help to read more about nage format compatibility with dHerent versions of Windows New Icon Project for Apple Macintosh e Apple Macietoth icon format you wish to create an Cheese petal cols SA Leopard Some tions apply on MacOS icon image formats see Reborn bea codices hana If you choose Windows the procedure is similar for a Macintosh icon a second dialog box opens How to Procedures inne i _ l
274. folder A sub folder is created and is named Axialis Librarian You can change this folder and location see below Change the Librarian folder location 1 Select View Preferences or press F2 2 A dialog box opens Select the Librarian tab You can change the Librarian folder in the Path field You can also use the Browse button to choose a location using a browse dialog box 3 Click OK when done 4 Now quit the application and transfer your files from the old location to the new one the application does not perform this operation 5 Restart the application Open an item in the librarian 1 Go to the librarian 2 Select the folder or item 3 Choose Librarian Open item 331 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 If you have chosen a folder its contents are displayed If you have chosen a media file Animation Image Sound Video or a Screen Saver projects SSP the file will be displayed in a document window Open an item full screen Open an item full screen 1 Go to the librarian 2 Select the icon image 3 Choose Librarian Open item Full screen The icon project files ICO ICNS RSC BIN ICL cannot be displayed full screen Toggle the auto full screen option 1 Activate the command Librarian Auto Full Screen When you open an item it will be automatically displayed in full screen window Edit an image with an external editor program 1 Select an item 2 Choose Librarian Open Item With 3 A
275. folder containing the ICL file 3 Select the file then hit Enter or double click on it or 1 In the Librarian select an icon library in the tree then hit Enter or double click on it Change the icon display Icons contain different image formats size and color Therefore a system has been implemented to let you display icons in different formats 1 To display different image sizes select Icon Library Display icons 16x16 32x32 or 48x48 These commands are also available in the toolbar see above The list updates displaying different formats If a format is not present in an icon the nearest format is displayed 2 If you want to display all the formats included in each icon choose Icon Library Display icons All Formats In Raw 3 To display different image color formats select Icon Library Display icons Mono 16 colors 256 colors or True Color These commands are also available in the toolbar see above 4 You can also choose to display or not information below the icons Icon Library Display icons Icon Information Edit an icon in a library Once a library is opened in a document window you can edit any icon included in it You can edit icons and add remove formats without restriction When done the icon will be updated in the library Open and edit the icon 1 First open the icon library Once the icon library is opened in a document window double click on the icon you wish to modify or hit Enter
276. from the one you ve drawn using the template For example let s add the 256 color formats from the RGB A images we ve already drawn 8 Go back to Photoshop and select the document containing the template Select the layer Layer O the one containing the template image 9 Select the Paint Bucket tool amp and using the color you want we used pure green RGB 0 255 0 fill the 3 squares 48x48 32x32 and 16x16 in the group 256 colors Axialis conVorkshop Template 003 Copyright 2007 Axinis Software Ad Rights Reserved 2 Colors I bits indexed t stee E ates 10 Choose File Export Export to Axialis IconWorkshop A new icon document is created with the 256 color formats added The formats has been automatically created from the largest and most coloured image in our case 48x48 RGB A The problem is that the 16x16 format has also been created from this detailed image not from the 16x16 image we ve already created Icon Project Templates will solve this problem 11 Once you have finished to work on an icon template we recommend you to save the document using the PSD format This will permit to work again later on the project preserving all your layers and effects you may have added 218 Creating Icons using Photoshop Templates Use an Icon Project Template to create an icon Before reading this topic we recommend to learn how the Photoshop templates work The Icon Project Templates numbers 7 to 10 p
277. ft button of your mouse in this window to change the background lightness cycle from white to black 10 Save it in the librarian in the Icons folder as specified in Lesson 5 name it MySpherelcon and choose the ICNS file format To learn more about Macintosh file formats see Macintosh vs Windows icons 70 Getting Started Tutorial A quick look at the icons stored in the Librarian The two icons are now stored in the Librarian The folder Icons should be selected and the 2 newly created icons displayed as shown below 8 Formats 13 Formats 10 Formats D oS 8 23Kb 108 41 kb ES MyFirstlcon MySpherelcon MySpherelcon ico Jicns ico Note that Macintosh icons are displayed with a small overlay symbol which permits to easily distinguish their type The Windows icons do not have any overlay symbol Lesson 7 Composing an icon from several image objects Lesson 7 Composing an icon from several image objects In this lesson we ll create a new icon from several images we also call these images Objects by assembling them in order to create a composite icon The most famous example of composite icon is the document folder icon A i i e T Using the three objects above we ll make this icon in minutes using exclusively features included in Axialis IconWorkshop The icon will include formats from 256x256 to 16x16 in RGB A 256 and 16 colors based on the recommended formats specified in What i
278. g a selected format of each won ased on the nn seed images nd be atorecaly coated n the source fle filenames Afferent extersora Select the image format you mart to extract from the kers f some cora d not contan thes format the nearest format mi be extracted Cole in Piwels Wrdows 32 bts We gbt True Colors 16 8 Mbits 120123 256 Jrdewnd Colors 2 bits 36 Colors 4 bets Monochrome 1t wn Image file Format Transparency PNG Portable hemort Grao Preserve Traraparency 32 8PP Remove apaa H shoo nooo cener of P 2 BMP and OT with Aa err R bts Smooth Tremapererey Working With The Axialis Media File Explorer 5 In the Image File Format group select the file format you wish to use for the images to create 6 In the Transparency group choose if you wish to create transparent or opaque images If you choose to preserve transparency the images will be automatically converted to 32BPP with alpha channel even if the chosen icon format is 256 or less colors If you choose to remove transparency the images will be generated using 24BPP no alpha channel In such a case you must specify a background color to fill the transparent areas with this color 7 When done click OK If you have chosen to create JPEG 2000 or GIF images an option dialog box opens see below about the options The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the crea
279. g box New Icon From Image opens see below In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image Toon Project Name MySpherelcon oOo Standard image formats for Windows 2 256x256 RGBA Windows View oniy x48 16 VIDN 16 Other formats TAIZ TH colors 256x256 16 colore 3381123 OP PNG compress 24x2 formats Se Windows Vista Other formats for Windows Vista Rates 9P an Heat e Dao P xB Mons TIER Mono Wixi Mono Rendering Options 5 J Apply Finer when Resizing T apoy Otherng Se 2 16 and Mono formats An On C8 oorte severe smooth Se 0 a5 Gasan bare a erage in tha ioon Foul be sbie to add several other apie kas 254256 mapas can be compressed yov gian m we the con wider Rindows Vine rot ID competbia ote image Format ox caret 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic 8 If you wish to start creating your icon with an unlisted format click the Other Image Format button 9 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected 113 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 How to Create an Icon from a Web Image The Web is a great place to
280. ge choose the command in step 3b Choose the Filter Axialis Transfer to Axialis lconWorkshop command in the Photoshop menu 3a Export the flatten image all layers merged Use this command if you want to transfer the image as displayed The images in all layers will be merged during the export the layers will be kept in Photoshop Choose the File Export Export to Axialis lconWorkshop command in the Photoshop menu 4 Axialis lconWorkshop is automatically launched or activated if running in background and the dialog box Install the Photoshop to IconWorkshop Transfer Plug in opens see below _ Image Transfer From Adobe Photoshop Options 20 e You are about to transfer an imaga from Adobe Photoshop or a compatible application to Aodals IcoriWorkshop VYeuas How do you want to use this image 1 Create a New Icon using this mags A new kon wll be created from th nage seweral image formats well be inchaded in the kon E Create a new Image Document A new document containing this image will be created Paste the image in the current Icon document The image wil be parted in the curert Lcon Editor window just ike using the Clipboard E Oo not prompt in the Future First option by defaul w alal Cad a 3 The image is about to be transferred in Axialis IconWorkshop You can choose one of the following operations Create a New Icon using this Image You create
281. ges as well as add a filter effect to smooth sharpen the resulting images in RGB A mode View the results in the preview images 20 When done click OK The new formats are automatically created and added to the project O 124 How to Procedures DDD F A h 708008 jays eae 6 ee rn aaa5D P8S ALB JM Peck 3 Quick T gt rl 8 Ogi BBaE 21 Take a moment to admire your work Click on the various formats and see the resulting icon at scale 1 1 in the preview window You can change the background lightness of the Scale 1 1 window simply by clicking in it using the left button of the mouse It will permit you to see how the icon is displayed on different backgrounds with different lightness 22 Save your icon Choose File Save or press Ctrl S It will be saved as Windows ICO format Congratulations You ve created your first icon from Image Objects There is no limit to your creativity using these objects You can resize them changing their color their opacity and more You can even create your own objects by combining existing ones Creating a Macintosh version of the icon You can also save your Windows icon as Macintosh format When the icon is finished step 22 above choose File Save as Macintosh lcon or press Ctrl Alt S By doing this some icon formats which are not available for Macintosh icons will be removed In the example above format 24x24 will
282. ght click on the selected image format in the list a menu opens Select New Macintosh Icon Project from this Image Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 SSSI STS SIGS FES Create 40x40 16 kage Format Q Ai Several Image Pormaks from thes Image Rex 4 A large dialog box opens In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension Create a New Icon for Apple Macintosh from an Image ikon Project Name MySphereteor Standard image formats for Hacietesh OS 7 128x128 RGB Akho 32bit V thes RGA 6 Mono ae 16x16 Mono iyha2 256 Ph set2 16 6x12 Mono 156x255 RGB Aipha OS 90 4 Tiger or more ordy E 512x522 RGBYAlhs OS 90 4 Tiger oe more ony Smooth FZ apply Mer when Resizing IZ Apply Dithering for 254 16 and Mono formats Zanat 5 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon 60 6 You can also add other formats 256x256 to be used in Tiger When done click OK The new Icon Project document window is created with all formats embedded 7 Save your icon to Macintosh format choose File Save and choose a new name for this icon 274 Working with Icons Convert several Macintosh icons to Windows format Using this feature you convert a group of Macintosh Icons to Windows format in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in lco
283. ground Foreground In some cases it is useful to place the floating selection in background For example you ve added a custom shadow or halo object and you want to place it behind the current icon image Before proceeding with this topic you need know how to work with selections Place the floating selection in background A floating selection is a selected image which is floating over the actual image Floating selections are automatically created when you add an image object paste an image or copy move a selection 1 Once the floating selection is active it is placed in foreground of the existing icon In the example below the shadow is visible over the earth icon 2 Choose Draw Set Floating Selection To Background or press End The floating selection is placed under the actual icon image as shown below Note that the selection is still active so you can work with it move resize copy To apply the selection just click once anywhere in the image 241 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Place the floating selection in foreground A floating selection is a selected image which is floating over the actual image Floating selections are automatically created when you add an image object paste an image or copy move a selection 1 The selection must be active and placed in background 2 Choose Draw Set Floating Selection To Background or press Home The floating selection is placed over the actual icon image To apply
284. group select the PNG file format 7 In the Transparency group choose if you wish to create transparent or opaque images If you choose to preserve transparency the images will be automatically converted to 32BPP with alpha channel even if the chosen icon format is 256 or less colors If you choose to remove transparency the images will be generated using 24BPP no alpha channel In such a case you must specify a background color to fill the transparent areas with this color We strongly recommend you to use RGB A alpha channel transparency for extraction 8 When done click OK The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the creation When done the new Images are added to the folder contents The created images have the same filename as the original document with PNG extension appended A smart system has been added to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting If this exact chosen format does not exists in an icon the nearest format is chosen for extraction 357 Axia lis lconWorkshop 6 10 Convert several icons to images batch processing 358 Creating images from icons can be very useful You can either create one image from one icon see topic Convert an icon to an image or several images from icons in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure The following image format creation is supported by IlconWorkshop e BMP Windows bitm
285. h Icons This feature si pert you to geate several Macntosh kare in one both process froen selected sour mages cursors not a conversion but a reston of new icons containing severa predefined mage Foma ee ben Teora wil be automaticaly veated in the source fie folder Crested Sioremen wd be Oa one ao the onret We th new exten Biefemat Hactary ion OD 30 i Standard image formats for Macintosh OS Virzmrm Roaa Fan ixn A vexe RGaA 2 nomadas Daas Ys 255 nen 256 ey ode Mac OS X E FIn 1 F x6 16 Other Formats 1x16 Mono 1612 6 16x12 Mono W 256x256 RGS Alpha OS 10 4 Tiger or mere oniy 512x512 AGB Alpha 05 19 4 Leopard or nore oniy Rendenng Options J topt Fier when Resizing Srosth None te Comert to transparent J Aophy Diter for 256 16 and Mono a Cos beac 353 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 6 In Image Adjustment group you can add a smooth or sharp filter to the image shrinking process You can also use or not a dithering method to render image using 256 or 16 colors In Transparency group an option permits to use opaque images i e without transparency and specify a color to make transparent 7 When done click OK All the Macintosh icons are created and added to the same folder Names are preserved only the extension is changed Remarks The created icons have the same filename as the original document with different extension depending on the icon types A system has b
286. h an unlisted format click the Other Image Format button 9 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected 110 How to Procedures How to Create an Icon from a Cursor File Axialis lconWorkshop permits you to create icons from Static CUR or Animated Cursors ANI 1 Open the cursor file in Axialis lconWorkshop Choose File Open browse your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the cursor file you wish to open then hit Enter 2 The cursor file opens in a document window 2 Create an icon from this cursor 3 If the file is a Static Cursor CUR it may contain several image formats see list Click on the desired format It appears in the editor window or If the file is an Animated Cursor ANI it contains several frames see list Click on the desired frame It appears in the editor window 4 Select the portion of image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the portion of image you wish to use When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created 5 When the selection is done choose Image Create New
287. h convert the icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Convert Windows Icons To Macintosh ICNS RSC BIN or Ctrl Shift M 5 A dialog box opens First select the Macintosh file format you wish to create 3 formats are available for Macintosh icons see this topic to learn more about the file formats 355 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Comen Windows kons to Macimosh n w i So mka Windows Selected Windows D cons wil be comwerted to be used on Naonteg computers Pease 1 select the desired fie format see help for more informaton on Mac Se formats as wel as the ages you wah to convert tomat Macteary icon BN z o Mac So Convert al compatible image formats 9 Convert onty the folowing formats V 12228 AGE Tas Fet 7 x Moro A es RGA 32002 2 TOR DR Mong Z ON RBA y uas 2 16x35 b5 35x16 Mono J 16x35 RGBA J iwi 256 12 6 26x12 Mono T IISG RGN 20 4 Toe or more oriy Image Soman whe we mot comewnie at Mae p ney reseed breg sorreran 7 256256 format a Compania ith Mac OS E version 104 a more Tipa Di dias nit aplay OF semam i pror OF resons nea as a ca 6 You can choose to convert all the formats or only a selection of formats When done click OK 7 The batch operation starts The hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the conversion When done the Windows icons are added to the folder contents The created icons have the same filename as the original
288. h the mouse using drag and drops To learn how to create icons from object we recommend to read this tutorial Creating Icons from Image Objects To follow this tutorial you need to install Axialis lconWorkshop 6 0 Tryout or Corporate version or more The Glossy Buttons pack is already included in Axialis IconWorkshop You ll learn how to create the following icon containing several formats in minutes Goo 256256 128128 O G A Ge x 4 b xp XP xp xP A Windows icon created with IconWorkshop using Image Objects 201 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 H 202 ow to use Image Objects to Create Icons Using image objects in Axialis lconWorkshop is a child s play Objects are present in the Axialis Librarian folder and appear in the associated integrated window present in all Axialis products Additional object packs can be downloaded from our website Dealing with objects is fun and intuitive It can be done exclusively with the mouse using drag and drops Before reading this tutorial we recommend you to visit this page to learn more about Image Objects What is an Image Object Downloading and Installing Object Packs Axialis lconWorkshop already includes some objects packs However on a regular basis new object packs will be available for download on our website Packs are free but some of them are reserved to registered customers Additionally third party authors may propose their own object packs additional fees
289. h to add in the icon to 6 You can also add extra formats 128x128 or 256x256 When done click OK The new Icon Project document window is created with all formats embedded 7 Save your icon to Windows format choose File Save and choose a new name ICO for this icon 272 Working with Icons Convert a Windows icon to Macintosh format Convert the icon to Macintosh keeping all Macintosh compatible image formats This is the simplest way to proceed However some Windows specific image formats may not be converted 1 Open the Windows icon Choose File Open The icon is opened in a document window 2 Choose File Save As select Macintosh ICNS RSC or BIN as file type and specify a new name or 2 Choose File Save As Macintosh Icon Ctrl Alt S and specify a new name or 2 Click the following button on the toolbar and choose a new name for this icon BOS m amp amp Creating a Macintosh icon from a Windows icon This operation is not a conversion it s a creation of a new icon It will not preserve all the existing formats It will create a new icon based on the largest and most coloured image included in the original Windows icon usually 128x128 or 48x48 with alpha channel 1 Open the Windows icon Choose File Open 2 When the icon is opened select the largest and the most coloured image format in the list best with 128x128 or 48x48 with alpha channel 3 Ri
290. ha Channel images are dsplayed corecdy VIPNG Compress 256x256 format in Wiedows XP or more ony 228 is net a Windows mandad formar bat sha cn be comparibie with deskiop enhancement and a 2562256 images can be compressed you plan to wre the icon under Windows Vista not XP compasbie F Do not promptin the future Re doe E 2 Type the name of the project Glossy Earth 3 Now specify the format of the first image to add in the project In Colors choose XP with Alpha Channel RGB A 32 bits In Size in Pixels choose and 256x256 Windows Vista Glossy Earth 4 As we want the 256x256 format to be used under Windows Vista we choose to compress it as PNG Click the option Compress 256x256 Windows Vista format To learn more about Windows Vista icons read this article Introducing Windows Vista Icons 5 When done click OK A new icon project window is created O 203 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Dre 2 B td OQ me Ga a Librarian x FE EAEE o nenas JEEE ee T T GE 6 If the scale 1 1 preview window is not in 256x256 mode the preview image will be cropped It is recommended that you switch to 256x256 preview mode to work with 256x256 Windows Vista icons To switch to this mode right click in the preview window a menu opens Choose 256x256 Display The preview window now looks as shown above in floating mode Use the same method to
291. ha channel Huge 48x48 32 bits alpha channel 256 colors 16 colors mono Large 32x32 32 bits alpha channel 256 colors 16 colors mono Small 16x16 32 bits alpha channel 256 colors 16 colors mono Mini 16x12 256 colors 16 colors mono The new OS X icons can contain very large image formats 256x256 512x512 32 bits Those formats are also supported It s a good idea to start from hi res sizes to create a new Windows icon Here is a summary of image formats you can find in Macintosh Icons 270 Working with Icons 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A o e ia is e o 256 Colors e o r 16 Colors l l o l e ___Mono kd Macintosh OS standard icon image formats Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 4 Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 5 Recommended Optional Not Available Convert the icon to Windows keeping all Macintosh image formats This is the simplest way to proceed However some Macintosh specific image formats may be useless 1 Open the Macintosh icon Choose File Open The icon is opened in a document window 2 Choose File Save As select Windows ICO as file type and specify a new name or 2 Choose File Save As Windows Icon Ctrl Alt S and specify a new name or 2 Click the following button on the toolbar and choose a new name for this icon WS amp w amp Creating a Windows icon from a Macintosh ic
292. ha channels Extract an alpha channel Copy Apply an alpha channel Paste Modify Extract icons in program files EXE DLL Modifying an icon included in a program file Extracting icons from a program file Adding to the Librarian icons from a program file Work with colors Show Hide the color palette window Assigning Foreground Background colors Adjusting Foreground Background colors Using RGB or HSB color modes Specifying a transparent color Swap Foreground and Background colors Methods to define colors RGB HSB RGB Method HSB Method Customized palette To modify a color in a customized palette Copy Color as HTML Load color palette 256 color table Load a color palette Save a color palette Save a 256 color palette 249 249 250 250 250 251 251 252 252 252 253 253 254 254 254 256 257 257 257 258 258 259 259 260 260 260 260 260 261 261 261 261 261 262 262 262 262 262 263 Create a gradient Create a gradient in a 256 color palette Create New Swatch Create a new swatch Customized Swatch Modify a color swatch Rename a color swatch Delete a color swatch Load Swatches Load swatches Save Swatches in a file Save swatches in a file Create a gradient of swatches Create a gradient of swatches Working with the Photoshop plug in Why a Photoshop plug in for Axialis IconWorkshop Install the Photoshop Plug in Instal
293. has the ability to distinguish the original type of each icon embedded in the library If the icon file type was initially ICO no sign is added near the icon If the file was ICNS RSC or BIN a small Macintosh sign is added This ability to distinguish icons is useful for future extraction and edition of icons image and file formats are different Adding icons using Drag amp Drop from within the Librarian 1 Be sure the librarian is visible Also be sure the target icon library is visible in the tree Make it visible if necessary 2 Select a folder that contains icons and select the icons you want to add into the library 3 Now using the mouse Drag amp Drop the icons to the icon library in the tree above Release the mouse The icons have been imported to the Icon Library Adding an icon from an opened document 1 Open an icon document from any source or just create a new one 2 In the Librarian select the icon library in which you want to add the icon 3 In the icon document select File Add to the Librarian or press F3 340 Working With The Axialis Librarian 4 A dialog box opens enter the name for the icon in the icon library and click OK The icon has been added to the Icon Library Adding icons from the Axialis Explorer Open an Axialis Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E NO When the window is opened select the folder which contains the icon files using the tree in
294. he icons from this one This is done in one step with Axialis lconWorkshop Corporate Edition Using the Personal Edition you need to create each format manually see product help for more info 17 Choose Draw Add Several Image Formats from This Image or press V A dialog box opens Standard image formats for Windows 17 256x256 RGBA Windows Vista ony ere uo Maiss 256 V3ad2 25 224 25 D ie 2 Da P P w Other formats for Windows Vista O gperromats ee E 256x256 255 colors 256x256 16 colors aao Fse xP Ban Ti Gats P 16x16 Mono O Z PNG compress 256x256 formats for Windows Vista Ena xP 48x48 Mono Ex Mono E An Rendering Options Scoth None so Sant Soa tas Seine Sree Dray seve face To acd real ote Z aply Fiter nhen Resizing g Ingemar Wi apely Orthering for 256 16 ard Meno formats ee ee 18 Select the images formats to include in the icon by clicking on the associated check boxes Follow the specifications as we defined them above 19 You can also choose to apply the dithering option to the 256 16 color images as well as add a filter effect to smooth sharpen the resulting images in RGB A mode View the results in the preview images 20 When done click OK The new formats are automatically created and added to the project E Fite Edt Craw Color Librarian Favorites View Window Heip Om D B H Deve ea oa Tee 2s ny E ar LEETE EAI 6B GD
295. he 256 16 color images try and see the results in the preview images 10 If you wish to start creating your icon with an unlisted format click the Other Image Format button 11 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected 12 Now you can save your icon in a file 278 Working with Icons Convert a PNG icon to a Macintosh icon An interesting feature of IconWorkshop is the ability to create an icon from a PNG icon PNG is an image file format not really an icon format Icons usually contain several formats PNG images contain only one image used as icon This image is usually a large one 128x128 or 256x256 with alpha channel RGB A 32 BPP This format is used by numerous GUI and applications Linux KDE dock bars This format is very interesting to create hi quality RGB A images in icons Open the PNG image file in lconWorkshop 1 Choose File Open browse your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the image file you wish to open then hit Enter 2 The image file opens in a document window Create an icon from this PNG image 3 Before proceeding we re
296. he Contents List box and click on the Open button The imported files will be automatically placed in the librarian Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Export files 1 Select one or several items to export 2 Choose Librarian Export The dialog box Browse folder opens 3 Choose the destination folder for the selected item Select items Select all items in the folder 1 Select the Folder in the librarian 2 Choose Librarian Select Files 3 You can choose one of these options e Select Num You can add file type to the selection The dialog box Expand Selection opens Specify file type to add to the selection For example JPG If you select the Replace the current selection check box the application unselects all files already selected and select files with the current selection Unselect Num You can remove file type from the selection The dialog box Shrink Selection opens Specify file type to remove from the current selection For example JPEG The application unselects all files already selected Select all Ctrl Num You select all the items in the selected folder Unselect all Ctrl Num You clear all the items in the selected folder Invert selection Num You invert the selection in the selected folder Select all items in the folder 1 Choose Librarian Select all items Rename one or more items Select one or more items Choose Librarian Rename 1 2 3 If you have selected one item
297. he clipboard in the selection area with stretching If the image is bigger than the selection area it will be reduced if it is smaller it will be enlarged If you check the option Do not prompt in the future always best choice the application will not prompt you again and the best choice will be automatically chosen If no area is selected in the editor Automatically pastes the contents of the clipboard in the upper left corner of the editor area at scale 1 1 no stretching If the image is bigger than the editor area it will be cropped If a selection area exists Automatically pastes the contents of the clipboard in the selection area with stretching If the image is bigger than the selection area it will be reduced if it is smaller it will be enlarged Resize Rotate image Resize part of the drawing using the mouse 1 Select a region with the selection tool The selection border contains 8 handles which permits you to resize the image Handles located in the corners permits to resize the image in two dimensions The other ones located in the middle of the borders permit to resize the image in one dimension 247 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 2 Place the mouse pointer over one of the handles It changes to this a double arrow indicating the way you ll be able to resize the image 3 Use drag amp drop to resize the selected image If you resize in 2 dimensions corner handles you can keep and original aspect ratio
298. he end of the list last position orking with the Photoshop plug in A plug in is a program extension module In fact this is a small a program which is plugged added into another application to enhance it or add a new feature to it The plug in must be compatible with the parent application specifications Adobe created a powerful plug in interface for Photoshop This plug in model is now a widely used standard in the graphical industry As a result a Photoshop compatible plug in can also be used with various other graphical applications Illustrator Paint Shop Pro Why a Photoshop plug in for Axialis lconWorkshop We created such a plug in to permit you to transfer an image or a drawing directly from Photoshop or any plug in compatible application to Axialis lconWorkshop through the memory This is much more fast and secure No more temporary PSD or PNG file to transfer your image into Axialis lconWorkshop No more risk to loose your file while transferring it Before using this plug in you have to install it in the Photoshop plug ins directory Please read this for more info Install the Photoshop Plug in 266 Using the Photoshop to IconWorkshop plug in you ll be able to transfer an image or a drawing directly from Photoshop or any plug in compatible application to lconWorkshop through the memory Read this topic for more info about the plug in If you ve already installed
299. he related topics if necessary A word on Activation Codes Two kinds of Activation Codes have been implemented in Axialis lconWorkshop Based on the user name The user has to enter its name and the activation code using this format 1234 1234 1234 1234 4 groups of 4 digits e Pro The user has to provide his name if he wants to publish the code e Con The author has to manually generate a code for each user Based on a Serial Number The user just enters a longer activation code using this format 123456 1234 1234 1234 1234 e Pro The author can automatically generate a list of codes e Con The user can anonymously publish his code How to Procedures Code Based on User Name Code Based on Serial Number 1 code generated for each user possibility to generate a list of codes d 4 IconWorkshop Activation Code Generation System Compile an Icon Library with Activation Code 1 When preparing to compile an Icon Library using the Compilation Wizard you see the following screen Step 5 of 6 Compile an Installable Icon ibeary Step Activation Code youll be able to force the user to enter an Lavary The Codes wil murbers 2 Click to check the option Use an Activation Code The whole dialog box enables 3 In the Icon Library ID zone you see a large hexadecimal number This ID will identify your Icon Library used during activation code generation and verification
300. hop 6 10 Rename icons in alibrary Rename icons in a library 1 Open the icon library containing the icons you wish to rename 2 Once the library is opened in a window select the icons you wish to rename you can use Shift key to select several icons 3 Choose Icon Library Rename or press F6 4 A dialog box Rename icons opens Enter a New Name for the selected icons If you rename more icons they are automatically indexed For example computer will be indexed by computer 1 computer 2 computer n 5 If the option Add zero characters in indexes 001 002 is checked zero characters will be added in the names For example 27 items with new name Image will be renamed Image01 Image02 Image27 Sort item by name Sort icons by name in a library 1 Open the icon library containing the icons you wish to sort 2 Once the library is opened in a window select the icons you wish to sort you can use Shift key to select several icons If you want to sort all the icons select them all or just select one icon 3 Choose Icon Library Sort by name 4 The icons are sorted using their names in the selection only If you select only one icon in the library Axialis lconWorkshop warns you that there is only one icon selected and propose you to sort all the icons Change icon order using drag a drop 1 Once the icons are selected use mouse drag amp drop to move them within the library If you press
301. hout details and 16x16 a large border This is an advanced method for creating icons but this is the one which produces the most professional results The final icon contains hi res images for operating systems which support them such as Windows Vista or MacOS 10 4 10 5 It contains also smaller images which are easily identifiable by the user in all resolutions Note that the small sizes are generated from larger original images For exemple the 16x16 size is created from a 128x128 image ratio 8 1 This permits an easier drawing experience and produce better results In the procedure below we ll create a fully featured Windows Vista icon of the image Folder With Document that we ve already used above 1 First be sure the Photoshop plug in has been installed see topic above Choose File New Icon Project from Photoshop Template Windows Project 3 Sizes 2 Adobe Photoshop opens and a new document is created Its name is W Template 008 copy 95 96 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Ri piste 008 copy 100 Layer 0 ROB EN TION EEREN LE TO EER E TERON E PATEN EEA L PEON AEREN si AON i EER EREN i A EA N R of Edit rport To Axiain conWorkshop The figure above shows the document window as it has been created in Photoshop It contains 3 drawing areas where you ll draw the 3 images of your icon the large size 256x256 the medium size 192x192 and the small size 128x128 From here you ca
302. ialog box Change icon Specify the File Name of your Library All icons are displayed in list Choose your icon and click OK 2 If you click the Restore Default button you can revert to the default Windows icon associated with the selected item 3 If you click the Restore Default button you can revert to the default Windows icon for all items in the list Some of them may not be available or inoperative on your Windows version 377 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 M 378 iscellaneous IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR WINDOWS VISTA USER The feature Customize Windows Icons including in the application has known compatibility issues with Windows Vista We don t recommend to use it with this operating system Axialis Software will soon release a free separate utility that will permit to customize icons in all versions of Windows Stay tuned Axialis lconWorkshop displays the list of available Windows items to customize Each item entry includes a description and small symbols on right showing its status Custom icon Windows standard icon or Modified changed must be applied Miscellaneous 1 If you click the Change icon button you can change the icon associated with the selected item Axialis lconWorkshop opens a dialog box Change icon Specify the File Name of your Library All icons are displayed in list Choose Your icon and click OK 2 If you click the Restore Default button you can revert to the de
303. ication The drawback is the icon file size 400Kb for an icon Using Axialis IconWorkshop you can easily remove the PNG compression option Create a Windows Vista Compressed Icon with Axialis IconWorkshop Here is a step by step tutorial on how to create a Windows Vista compressed icon using Axialis IconWorkshop 1 Create a 256x256 version of your icon image using any image vector editor Save your artwork with smooth transparency 32 BPP alpha channel using a file format that is compatible with Axialis IconWorkshop BMP PNG JP2000 PSD You can also transfer your work from Adobe Photoshop using the Axialis transfer plug in see this tutorial or you can create an icon by assembling several image objects see this tutorial In this procedure we ll use this file down png we recommend you to download it and save it on your disk use right click and choose Save Target As You can also find the file in the Librarian folder Objects Pack 2 Realistic Buttons If this object pack is not present in the folder you can download it from here 2 Launch Axialis lconWorkshop and open the image file It is loaded in an image document window not an icon editor window as shown below Getting Started Tutorial ne Shea taeda orada Mi Mado D e 2 B H Dime ca 4 Eee Recently Used Z C Users Marc EMRE Decuments Asals Liberian Otyects Pack 2 Resiste Buttons Down pag rer fis D Ji Packt Glowr
304. icons Convert several Windows icons Macintosh format 278 305 357 Convert several WiNdOWS ICONS cceeescesesssesseesteeses 278 Convert several WindOWS ICONS ccccsscessesstesseesteeses 305 Convert several WiNdOWS ICONS w ceccescesseessesseesteenes 357 Convert several Windows Macintosh icons PNGivn ceanscte adie yeatyesi lacie ER EG 286 306 358 Convert several Windows Macintosh icons 286 Convert several Windows Macintosh icons 306 Convert several Windows Macintosh icons 358 Copy mediafiler aaa a a nia 368 COPY sei icici eee EENE 368 Create GRAIG ts scent E hes aidan dinates RAR 265 WEST aen coh cernadawer once cenccningelss 111 113 114 118 ICOM FORM S255 ceases EEEE EEA 116 ICON SnapShot Picturesin eos 313 352 Macintosh iCON eecscsesccsesceseseseeseseesssessesesetsesesseeees 197 374 new Explorer WINGOW cecsescseessecsseessseeeseeeseecsneeeseeenneeete 351 MEW TOIGER 25 ists bythe keels its she MEW ICON auc NERENN new icon library NeEWiCOmPrOj eC tysnenieia e e e i Enn 309 MEW IMAGE fo Mat ea e a E EEE 237 new Macintosh icon project 188 new Windows iCON project s ssssssiiiisssseriirseseeeeiresesee 175 PNG See iii ia E E EE E EE Snapshop Picture ssc cecet Metin Aes ERE SMAPSHOL Pl CLUNG ao ces foes seas secsscveeece E ONE E Web optimized GIF image WiROWS ICOM Mis tisearslaisieiateatsecnsnsetaseeseieenss Create iie a n R ONE Create
305. ight pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch convert the icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Convert Windows Icons To Macintosh ICNS RSC BIN or Ctrl Shift M 5 A dialog box opens First select the Macintosh file format you wish to create 3 formats are available for Macintosh icons see this topic to learn more about the file formats 303 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Convert Windows icons to Macintosh boes Wi D Kons wi be converted to be used on Maontod ys computers indows seeto select De Geared ke format Gee heb fer aere hAemsste an ac fsa bola Ie ages you wah to convert Format MacBiewry icon E bd 4 Mac en 2 Convert al companbie mage formats Corrvert only the following formats Fi 128x125 RCSA Jaw e F Moo De RGDA 22 27 7I DN Mong T ION RBA Y Wnt 256 16x35 6 35xl6 Mono J 16x35 RGB A Y Mini 256 12 6 35x12 Moro T IIH RG m4 ea rope treme whe lt n ieee revered O05 9 sacs tomes anona nah Mac CSX Se ows nar inp SA Fyre pier OF rewers weenie eae ie 6 You can choose to convert all the formats or only a selection of formats When done click OK 7 The batch operation starts The hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the conversion When done the Windows icons are added to the folder contents
306. ile s folder from the Color Swatches In Drop Down box 3 Click on the file type from the File Type Drop Dow box e AXCO PAL Axialis Color Swatches 4 Click on the color swatches file that you want to select in the Contents List box Axialis lconWorkshop displays a message It asks you if you want to replace the actual swatches with this file content This action can t be undone If you choose Yes you ll loose the changes you made to the actual swatches If you choose Append you add the leaded swatches to the actual list or choose Cancel to stop and go back Save Swatches in a file Save swatches in a file 1 Choose Color Save Swatches Palette 2 Select the file s folder from the Color Swatches In Drop Down box 3 Enter the filename Axialis lconWorkshop adds automatically AXCO Axialis Color Swatches Create a gradient of swatches This feature permits to add a gradient of swatches to the list Several swatches will be added in one operation Create a gradient of swatches 1 Choose Color Create Gradient 265 Axia W lis lconWorkshop 6 10 2 The dialog box Add color Gradient opens It will create and add a new set of Gradient color Swatches to the actual list 3 In the area Create specify the number of color swatches you wish to create 4 Choose the first color and the last color of gradient 5 Specify where you wish to add the new set of color swatches Inserted at the current location or appended at t
307. image formats size and colors In this dialog you specify the properties of the first image format you wish to include in this icon You ll be able to add several other image formats later See Creating a new image format in an icon 3 In Project Name type the name of the project without extension Create New Icon Project for Windows New Icon Project for Microsoft Windows An icon can contain several image formats sine and colors In tvs dalog you spei the properses of the frst mage format you wich to indude in this icon Tout be able to add several other mage formats later Project Name MyFrsticon Image Cole Format XP nit Alpha Charred RGB A 32 bts True Colors RGB Mbits 256 indexed Colors 3 bits 16 Colors 4 bets Monedrome 2 bit Windows amp er nae seg va cn us Spence pew ness waun yos Oua the Ow mage Ta ww apes woes te Ora na rote oe A Widows IP or mare ory mae ot Widow undid format bv te ien eee wth deho ederent ond EEEE be compressed you plan use Se coe unde Wedoon a Wieea not XP compacta 4 In the Colors group choose XP Alpha Channel RGB A 32 bits Uses true colors to get the best results This format will be used only if the icon is displayed under Windows XP Also it uses an additional Alpha Channel to create smooth shades and object borders We strongly recommend you to start creating an icon with this color mode 256 Indexed colors 8
308. image formats should include in my icons What is the RGB icon format with Alpha Channel Can we save an icon to a file Can we save several icons into one file What s New with Windows Vista Icons How to create an icon Macintosh vs Windows icons What are the differences between Windows and Macintosh icons Image formats included in Macintosh icons Various Macintosh file types Information about the new 256x256 format for Tiger OS X 10 4 Information about the future 512x512 icon format for Leopard OS X 10 5 Introducing Windows Vista Icons Windows Vista A Resolution Independent User Interface Windows Vista 256x256 PNG Compressed Icons Compatibility with Windows XP Create a Windows Vista Compressed Icon with Axialis IconWorkshop Use of Windows Vista Compressed Icons in Software Projects Conclusion Lesson 1 Creating a new icon from scratch Start the new icon project A Quick Tour of the Editor Window Lesson 2 Drawing an icon using the built in tools Selecting a tool a color and drawing Drawing a letter in the circle Lesson 3 Adjusting the icon image Changing the brightness and contrast of our icon Moving the image Creating a shadow behind the icon Windows XP style Lesson 4 Adding new image formats Adding a new icon format based on the current image A Faster way to create a new format Adding several formats in one operation Lesson 5 Saving the icon storing it
309. image to learn more about the options 7 The image file has been created The JPEG 2000 options JPEG 2000 is the latest generation of compressed image format It permits to compress images with low quality loss Additionally it permits to encode images with alpha channel When you save an image in JPEG 2000 format you need to specify the type of compression you want for this image e Lossless compression This will result in perfect image quality but larger file size about 30 50 of original image e Lossy compression This can be adjusted to create smaller files high compression means low quality see preview If you use lossy compression we recommend you to adjust the compression level using the slider and compare the difference between the original and the resulting image in the preview window Convert an icon to a Web optimized GIF image CompuServe GIF image format is widely used in Web pages because the majority of Web browsers recognize it However this format has some limitations and images need to be optimized to meet Web requirements like size colors and transparency e GIF Images don t support partial transparency alpha channel It means that either a pixel is transparent either it isn t e GIF Images cannot contain more than 256 colors e GIF Images support reduced palettes Limited number of colors will result in smaller file but will produce lower image quality Axialis lconWorkshop permits you to sav
310. images with low quality loss Additionally it permits to encode images with alpha channel When you save an image in JPEG 2000 format you need to specify the type of compression you want for this image e Lossless compression This will result in perfect image quality but larger file size about 30 50 of original image e Lossy compression This can be adjusted to create smaller files high compression means low quality see preview If you use lossy compression we recommend you to adjust the compression level using the slider and compare the difference between the original and the resulting image in the preview window How to create a Web optimized GIF image from an icon CompuServe GIF image format is widely used in Web pages because the majority of Web browsers recognize it However this format has some limitations and images need to be optimized to meet Web requirements like size colors and transparency e GIF Images don t support partial transparency alpha channel It means that either a pixel is transparent either it isn t e GIF Images cannot contain more than 256 colors e GIF Images support reduced palettes Limited number of colors will result in smaller file but will produce lower image quality Axialis lconWorkshop permits you to save an icon image to GIF file formats preserving the transparency areas of the icon Only one image will be extracted from the icon We recommend you to extract the 256 color image fr
311. in all versions of Windows Stay tuned Customize System Settings Icon sizes Specify the default Windows icon display size Normal 32x32 If you use a large screen resolution we recommend you to switch to large icon size Large 48x48 Icon Spacing Specifies the distance between icons in pixels Horizontal and Vertical Icon Display If the option Display icons using 256 colors or True colors is checked Axialis lconWorkshop Displays desktop icons using all the colors supported by your current display and your color palette settings To display icons using 256 or 16 8 million colors you must change your display settings to Hi Color 65536 colors or True Colors 16 8 M colors If the option Display an arrow in shortcuts is checked a small arrow is displayed on Shortcut icons bottom left corner If it is not checked the arrow is hidden 375 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 You can customize the arrow appearance by changing the associated overlay icon See Miscellaneous tab Windows Icon Cache Rebuild cache Windows has an internal cache to manage images of all the icons it displays Sometimes this internal icon cache is corrupted and icons displays incorrectly By clicking on this button Rebuild you force Windows to rebuild its internal icon cache and solve the problem Repair Damaged cache Window s has an internal cache to manage images of all the icons it displays Sometimes this internal icon
312. indow Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 The Color Palette contents changes depending on the color mode of the actual icon image format RGB A 256 16 Mono Show Hide the color palette window 1 Choose View Colors or CTRL F11 Assigning Foreground Background colors 1 Select foreground or background color by clicking the associated area see above The selected area is marked with a thicker and darker border 2 Using the mouse click in the color palette The associated color is assigned 3 If you re in RGB A mode you can adjust the opacity Adjusting Foreground Background colors 1 Select foreground or background color by clicking the associated area see above The selected area is marked with a thicker and darker border 2 Using the mouse adjust the color using the color adjustment sliders In RGB A mode adjusting the color using the above method doesn t change the color in the Color Palette In 256 color mode the color is changed accordingly Using RGB or HSB color modes 1 In the command toolbar click the command Sor in the Context Menu select RGB HSB sliders 2 The color mode and the sliders are changed accordingly RGB and HSB modes permit to specify colors using different methods e RGB Permits to specify colors using Red Green Blue components e HSB Permits to specify colors using Hue Saturation Brightness components Specifying a transparent color 1 Select foreground or background color by cli
313. indows browse dialog box 5 If you click on the Save button you save the actual text to an external text file using a standard Windows browse dialog box 6 If you click on Load Default button it will reset the User Agreement to a standard text proposed by default by Axialis lconWorkshop Use an Activation Code Using this feature you ll be able to force the user to enter an Activation Code to Install the Icon library The Codes will be generated using the two following ID numbers Use an Activation Code Click on the NEXT button in the Compile an Installable Icon Library Step 4 of 6 dialog box N If you check Use an Activation Code you ll force the user to enter an Activation Code during the install procedure If you do so the user will have to enter a valid Activation Code provided by you and that you can generate with this program to proceed with the installation You ll be able to Generate Activation Codes using a built in feature after the compilation Alt F6 w In the Icon Library ID area specify the Library ID an 8 digit hexadecimal number 32 bits that will be used to generate the Activation Codes Two IDs are used to generate the codes The Library ID which is different for each library you compiled and the Company ID which is constant but differs for another company 4 In the Company Author ID area specify the Company ID an 8 digit hexadecimal number 32 bits that will be used to gen
314. ine crop options when pasting V Proet ter palemre oprog when pasting T Wam inetlicsene video colors to odt iage E mage order comoutile wth Windoves Explorer x Cee First you can modify the size of the Transparency chessboard squares Then to change the colors of the texture you can either select a predefined scheme or choose custom colors You can see the changes in the preview area Changing the Grid aspect may also be interesting To finish you can activate or deactivate a feature which permits to draw stronger darker lines at fixed intervals By default this interval is 8 When done click OK 54 Getting Started Tutorial Lesson 2 Drawing an icon using the built in tools In this lesson we ll start drawing a basic information image a blue filled circle with a i letter drawn inside using some of the available tools Selecting a tool a color and drawing 1 Click the Filled Ellipse drawing tool or Draw Drawing Tools Filled Ellipse Drawing Tools Color Palette u29I2 Bazo sooo T ondanta K ee seers gauun AS ALA Preview 1 1 N Left click the Blue Color 3F6FFF we ll use to draw the circle in the color swatches Check that the drawing Opacity is 255 WwW Using the Left Mouse Button start drawing your circle from coordinates 3 3 to 44 44 Press SHIFT key while drawing to create a circle width height rather than
315. ing Exclude files from Network drives If this option is checked the files located on network volumes won t be cached This option avoids cache overloading 394 Miscellaneous Features Tips Uninstall Quick open a file using the Recently Used Bar This bar permits to quick open a file in the application It contains a long edit zone and is usually located under the main toolbar Quick open a media file or project 1 In the Recently Used edit zone enter the full pathname of a file and press Enter The application automatically opens the requested file Quick open a recently opened media file or project 1 In the Recently Used edit zone click on the down arrow button located on the right side of the bar A large drop list opens select the file in the list Quick create a new project 1 In the Recently Used area enter the full pathname of a file that does not exist and press Enter 2 As the file does not exists the File not Found dialog box opens It asks you if you want to create anew document using this filename Click on YES A new project is created If you specify a filename without a folder location the application automatically searches or creates if you specify a project the file in the default Open folder this is the location you specify the last time you used the Open dialog box 395 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Manage favorite files If you have favorite documents media files or projects
316. ing one pixel non exhaustive list of course Macintosh vs Windows icons 42 What are the differences between Windows and Macintosh icons Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh icons are very similar They both have several image formats embedded in the same icon But the file format is totally different You cannot use Macintosh icons as is under Windows The file format is not compatible You must convert them to Windows ICO file format with Axialis lconWorkshop of course This is the same under Macintosh OS which cannot read Windows icon files Axialis lconWorkshop supports the following Macintosh icon files ICNS RSC and BIN You can easily open them into the Icon Editor and save them as Windows ICO format During this operation we recommend Getting Started Tutorial you to remove special Macintosh formats which are useless under Windows You can also read a Windows icon and save it as Macintosh format Recommended image formats embedded in icons are slightly different in Windows and Macintosh See the comparison tables below 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A e e 5 oO o 256 Colors fe e is 16 Colors oO o is d Mono Windows standard icon image formats PNG compressed Windows Vista 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A o oO o Oo d 256 Colors Oo e e 16 Colors a o Mono s Macintosh OS st
317. intosh resource file format It is used mainly by developers This format can contain several icons lconWorkshop support reading of RSC files with several icons but can write only RSC files with one icon BIN MacBinary format This format permits to easily transfer files between Macintosh and Windows For more information on this format visit this website http en wikipedia org wiki MacBinary We strongly recommend to use this file format to transfer your icons to Macintosh because it is compatible with Macintosh file system which separate each file in two parts called forks The data fork and the resource fork The data fork contains the data included in the file a text file for example The resource fork contains the image or icon which permits to display it on screen See below for more information on transfer from Windows to Macintosh Saving the project in a file 1 Choose File Save 2 Select or create the file s folder from the Save In Drop Down box 3 Enter the filename for the new icon in the File Name Text box 4 Choose the file format you wish to use see above Axialis lconWorkshop will add the file extension ICO automatically 5 Click on the Save button If the filename is already in use Axialis lconWorkshop will present a prompt Click on the Yes button to overwrite the existing file Saving the project by adding it in the Librarian 1 Choose File Add to the Librarian F3 2 Enter
318. ion see below Adding several formats in one operation 6 Right click on the 48x48 Windows XP format in the list of available icon formats on the left of the editor window a context menu opens select Add Several Image Formats from This Image see below H Myfisticos kon CECCO EA op fa New Image Format Creste 4288 256 Image Format Ez Add Several lage Foonats from thes Image Compressed lmage Format vinta ft New Windows kon Project thors thes Image Copy Crente Srapshot Add to the Litrarun at irrage Object 7 Anew dialog box opens This will permit you to add several formats in one step based on the image you ve selected in step 6 in our case 48x48 RGB A 62 Getting Started Tutorial Remark As you can see the format 256x256 is also proposed but the image has poor quality This is because it has been created from a smaller original image 48x48 RGB A This operation is called upscaling It always produce bad results and is not recommended Add Several Image Feemats Add Several Image Formats 3 Standard image formats for Windows 294x256 RGBA Windows Vata only 8 a a fo Other formats for Windows Vista Other Formats 1256x256 2S6cstes 7 256K256 15 coors 1238x128 XP Bano PNG compress 256x255 formats for Windows Vista 30x80 3P tas Hw 32x32 Meno F apoy Fiter when R i ETS Vaata ie o saar eda 7 T Apply Dtherng for 256 16 and Mono fo
319. ion built in help press F1 to learn how to add remove formats or work with this icon project 13 The compressed format only the 256x256 formats can be compressed are marked with this overlay PNG compression image You can add remove this option by choosing Draw Compressed Image Format Windows Vista or by pressing K You can also use the local toolbar or a right click menu 14 When done save the icon by choosing Edit Save or pressing Ctrl S Use of Windows Vista Compressed Icons in Software Projects Windows Vista PNG compressed 256x256 icons will be supported in Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 codename ORCAS We ve tested PNG compressed icons on Visual C 6 0 and Visual NET 2003 2005 and they all reject the icon during the resource compilation Getting Started Tutorial Error RC2176 old DIB in res app ico pass it through SDKPAINT This is unsurprising to us since this new ICO file format introduces a new header which points to raw PNG data Of course the compiler returns a false error message The DIB header is not old it is PNG Passing it through SDKPAINT does not help Windows Vista compressed icons have also been reported as not functioning in the Delphi programming environment New components will no doubt be developed in the future that identify these shortfalls Compiling a Program with a 256x256 PNG icon using Visual C 6 0 and NET 2003 2005 Create a 256x256 icon with all formats embedded as recomm
320. ion of image you wish to use do not cut the shadow if there is one around the object When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created When the selection is done choose Image Create Macintosh Icon from Selection or press M or click the first command button in the local toolbar Working with Icons 6 The dialog box New Macintosh Icon From Image opens see below In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension Create a New Icon for Apple Macintosh from an Image kon Project Name MySpherefeor Standard image formats for Hacietosh OS Z 128x128 RGB Alpa SI bits 7 es RGIA Other X 5 Mone Y 32x32 Mono E 16x16 Mono Piyha2 256 Eiaa 16 46x12 Mono 772561255 RGB Aipha 05 29 4 Tiger or more ordy tonpitdis mth Mac OS X EJ 5121512 RGR Alpha 05 19 4 Tiger or more oriy Ea e doms ex asiny ya amiar dga Rendering Options versions recalled on 6 Z Apply Mter when Resizing EZ Apply Dithering for 25 16 and Mono formats Smosh Eare 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon to and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect 8 In the Other group select the optional image formats you wish to add in the icon Note that the 32x32 mono is recommended if you want the icon to be compatible with older systems The new format 256x256 works only under Macinto
321. ions of it in your icon Capture an icon 1 Choose Draw Capture icon 2 The screen snapshot has been opened in a document window You can adjust the image settings 3 Select the area you want to import in your icon The selected area can have any size It will be enlarged reduced as necessary 4 Use Copy Paste to import the image in your icon The image colors will be automatically adjusted to match the icon format specifications automatic conversion to 32bpp Alpha Channel 308 Working with Icons Create an icon from this image You can also create a new icon from the selected portion of the image The procedure below explains how to create a Windows icon but the same feature exists for Macintosh icons 5 Before proceeding we recommend you to select the portion of image you wish to use to create your icon If you leave too many transparent areas around your image the visible part of your icon will be too small 6 Select the portion of image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the portion of image you wish to use do not cut the shadow if there is one around the object When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created 7 When the selection is done choose Image Create Windows Icon from Selection or press I or click the first command button in the local toolbar 8 The dialog box New Windows Icon From Image opens see below In the Name group 0 enter
322. is format is used by numerous GUI and applications Linux KDE dock bars This format is very interesting to create hi quality RGB A images in icons Using this feature you can Create Several Windows Icons from PNG files in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in lconWorkshop explorer Select the source PNG images 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the PNG images using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the PNG files appear with preview in the right pane Select the files you wish to convert to icons You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several files Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch create the Windows icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Windows Icons from Selection or Ctrl Shift C 5 A dialog box opens In Standard Image Formats and Extra Image Formats choose the image formats you wish to add in the icons Batch Create Windows kons From Selecon MN Batch Create Windows Icons EN A aaa EN process fom selected sources inducing kons images oxters This ig not a conversion but a geston of new icons containing several predefined mage formats see below Leons wil be automa DEOS PNA AGS S fe Wider Crested Senames wil be the same as the source fie mith 100 extension Standard image formats
323. is image as necessary Rounded Buttons Favorte Cancel Back Forward Rss Sound OO 0 S G 351 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Batch create several Windows icons from images Using this feature you can Create Several Icons from images existing icons or cursors in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in Axialis IconWorkshop explorer Select the source images icons or cursors 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the Source Files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the Source Files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch create Windows icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Windows Icons from Selection or Ctrl Shift C 5 A dialog box opens In Standard Image Formats and Extra Image Formats choose the image formats you wish to add in the icons Batch Create Windows kons From Selection Batch Create Windows Icons This feature wil permit you to create several Windows icons in one batch process fom selected sources nduding kons mages arsos This not a converson but a creation of new icons containing several predefined image formats see below Icons wil be automatica
324. is now drawn around the image 5 Choose File Create Windows Icon From Selection or press I A large dialog box opens This dialog box will permit you to create all the image formats you want to include in your icon in one simple step Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image Icon Project Name Down 1 Standard image formats for Windows A 29629 AGBA Windows Veta oy a we GRCI ELA 7 2N 255 J 16x15 255 Q e 20u ihe 9 x sigs TO a 2560256 16 colors x128 tate Qe 1 Pa sonores 2561255 formats for Windows vista x 55x35 Mono Rendering Opt An co can corean severa mage formers 88 anc D cron Sos toe ta mage rrari yos wo w chute n the com You be sbie m s d sewers oter e Aoh Finer shen Resimng Tege Gomer nw 2 3 256254 magas can be comoremad you plan w ase T Fooly Oithering for 256 15 and Mono formats Laree at cas WBE fed Ca Cos 6 Type the Name of the new icon project The root of the image file is proposed by default 7 Select the images formats to include in the icon by clicking on the images To create a Windows Vista icon it is recommended that you follow the Windows Vista specifications as specified above Don t forget to add the 256x256 vista formats in RGB A Windows XP 256 and 16 color modes 8 To create a fully compliant Windows Vista icon you ll need to compress the 256x256 formats in PNG Select the asso
325. isplay it on screen See below for more information on transfer from Windows to Macintosh Transfer an icon between Windows OS and Macintosh OS using MacBinary To transfer and icon between Windows and Macintosh the easiest method is to use the MacBinary format This format permits to generate an icon compatible with the Macintosh OS forks Once transferred the icon will be automatically displayed in the Macintosh Finder and on the Desktop The MacBinary format permits to merge the 2 forks in one file handy for transfer mail attachment or Web publishing When IconWorkshop saves an icon in MacBinary format it writes the icon in the resource fork The data fork is left empty As a result as soon as you receive or see the file in Macintosh the icon appears automatically Then you can handle it using the standard Finder MacOS user interface Edition in MacBinary file IconWorkshop A Windows Mac OS ICO file format ICNS RSC and MacBinary file formats Use of MacBinary format to transfer an icon between Macintosh OS and Windows OS In the following procedures we ll use the MacBinary format to transfer an icon from Windows to Macintosh 147 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Transfer an icon to Macintosh OS using a LAN Before proceeding be sure the Macintosh and the Windows computer are properly connected to the same LAN The procedure below was done on Macintosh OS 10 4 Tiger On the
326. ition Conflicts O Zo achive 20 Bates AIME fios B64 min Teme Folder o 2 Srafit 3 archives st Cross Pistiom E Satit archives s Expansion Compression O Le anchives tax tgz the2 tz Compressed Archives Cave archives Lac C Ai archives ari O Bap archives b22 C Cab mchives cab C Lha archives Pra ih C gt wchives L ga OBa wchives rar C Upi Compress archives Z ee ra T SEEREN OOo AO Orpea C C cea C oenas CO e _ Lwe recommend you to remove the association with MacBinary BIN files because IconWorkshop supports this type directly 4 When done select the Cross Platform tab Stuffit Options Cross Platform Resource Fork Outpt When expanding Stull X or Stl archives that contain Macintosh fies with resource forks what acton should Stufiit take O Dincard the Macintosh resource fork Encode the data and resource Toth of each tie together SS 1 MacBinay tomat Expansion Compression O Encode each resource tork into AppleDoutie tomat Expansion Caapiaian Encode each resource iek into a NTFS ike steam NTFS Onby Destinations Veus Checking Components BecheveView Drag and Diop Areas Contest Menu PecheveSeach Catalog Interret 5 Select the option Encode the data and resource forks of each file together into MacBinary format It means that the files will be extracted as MacBinary which is a format fully supported by IconWorkshop For more information on
327. ize 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the icons using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the files appear with preview in the right pane Select the icons files you wish to normalize You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several files Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Normalize the icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Normalize Icon Formats in Icons or Ctrl Shift N 5 A dialog box opens In Windows Icons group select the formats you want to include in the Windows icons In Macintosh Icons group select the formats you want to include in the Macintosh icons The normalization operation permits to create a set of icons with identical mage format Select below the images formats you with to keep Innestant mage formats can be optionally created Uraelected formats wil be removed Icons wil be read normalized and written again on dak with same or different names or location Windows Icons JESE Y 48x43 295 F 48x58 26 T 48x48 Moro 2x32 RGB A OP 4 32x32 24 32x32 16 eee wee 2024 16 o TROBA OP 7 26x15 256 F sects 16 F 256x25 RGBA 4 2x26 256 T 2x26 16 128x128 RGB A 196x96 RGB A BIBI RGEYA 72x72 RGB LA 64x64 RGB A J Compress 256x255 formats for Windows Vista embedded PNG compression 28x 123 RGS A S43 256 Ye 36 T 48043 Mone
328. just double click on it The file opens in a document window The image Sphere png is a Transparent PNG file It means that it includes transparent areas in the image This is where you see the chessboard texture Note that the drawing tools are grayed because Axialis lconWorkshop does not currently support edition drawing of images Drawing is supported in icons only It is highly recommended to create icons from transparent images Axialis lconWorkshop will convert images to 32 BPP with transparency when possible The following image formats can include transparency Photoshop PSD PNG RGB GIF JPEG 2000 and WMF 65 66 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Creating a Windows icon from this image 3 Before proceeding we recommend you to select the portion of image you wish to use to create your icon If you leave too many transparent area around your image this is the case in this image the visible part of your icon will be too small 4 Select the portion of image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select a 256x256 portion of the image do not cut the shadow below the sphere This will produce the best results when creating the 256x256 formats of the icon To track the size of the selection on the fly see the selection indicator in the status bar lower right corner of the main window iif 256x256 When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created See the result below
329. just the Hue Saturaton Erightness of the actual 5 icon image or a portion of it if selected atj ka oN fi 0 r Om a EJ Colorize Vi Preview Vald valves are in range LUO so 100 for Hue and 100 to 100 for Saruracion Brigheness 9 means ro change Ekaa CK ce 12 Set the Hue to 100 either using the slider or by typing the value It shifts the colors of the floating image in the spectrum As a result the map is now green Also we slightly increase the Brightness of the map by specifying 6 You can see the results in real time in the Preview 1 1 window When done click OK Now the map is green 81 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 13 Do you recall the name of the icon Yes Glossy Earth So let s add the glossy effects First using the same drag and drop method as above we add the object Circle Effect 3 png Then to increase the effect we add the object Circle Effect 6 png Now it looks like this 14 Now the final touch the shadow We want to add a shadow at the bottom and under the earth This will produce an interesting effect just like if the globe was laid on a white horizontal plan First we need to move the whole Earth 10 pixels up just to leave more space for shadow at the bottom of the image Important To do so we must select the whole image Actually only the last object we ve added is selected Choose Edit Select All or press Ctrl A There is no visual change b
330. k the window Building the Icon Using Image Objects This is the most important part of the project The time has come to be creative No problem it s easy and fun with lconWorkshop Before we start don t forget that each step of the creation can be undone redone Ctrl Z Ctrl Y up to 16 steps back 7 In the Librarian window choose View Librarian if it is not visible select the Objects Pack 1 Glossy Buttons Circle folder A list of available object is displayed in the contents window below Find the Circle Blue png file and select it Gi Fite Edt Craw Color ibearan Favorites View Window Help 8x Dre D E bed Cerere A A g 3 Qa Oroa E O Librarian x DESEO D un Xoo Ril EA y A 120 How to Procedures 8 When done use a mouse Drag and Drop to add it into the project as shown above The object is added to the project as a floating selection Take a look at the quality of the artwork in the Scale 1 1 window Congratulation you ve just added your first image object to your project As you can see it s very easy and intuitive Now let s continue and add other objects to build the icon IMPORTANT To follow the next steps the Preserve Transparency option must be set press T or select Draw Preserve Transparency If this option is not set the transparency will not be kept each time you add a new image object and the objects already added will be fully replaced 9 From
331. l address This address is important It will be used to send you information about new products offers Confirm this address in the Confirm field e Address Specify here your personal address street city state zip This field is facultative e Country Specify here your country e Language Specify here your preferred language This field is facultative e Username Specify here your desired Username As a new customer you must specify a new username If the username you specified already exists you will be asked to choose a different one This field is not case sensitive and must contain at least 6 characters This field is very important it must be easy to remember but not too easy It s not recommended to specify spaces in your username e Password Specify here your Password As anew customer you must specify a new password This field is not case sensitive and must contain at least 6 characters This field is very important it must be easy to remember but not too easy It s not recommended to specify spaces in your password Confirm this password in the Confirm field This confirmation is useful to avoid errors e Question Specify here your password Hint Question If you have lost your password you ll be able to retrieve it using this question In such a case your personal hint question will be asked to you If your answer is correct if it matches your hint answer then your password will be given to
332. l icons from within an opened Icon Library ICL Program File EXE DLL OCX a Search Result window or from the built in Explorer 1 Select several icons from a list only icons within libraries or Macintosh Windows files Choose Edit Create Snapshot or Ctrl Shift P 2 A dialog box opens select Quick Thumbnail Snapshot then click OK 3 A dialog box Create Icon Snapshot opens Adjust the various options then click OK 4 The Snapshot image see sample below is created in a new window Now you can save copy print this image as necessary Rounded Buttons 0 6 G id Y k 96 B O w a ogi atu Construction Help Back To Top How to Add a Favorite Icon to my Web Site If you own a website it s interesting to associate an icon to it This is what is called a shortcut icon In fact this icon will be displayed on the visitor s computer if he chooses to bookmark your site It will be displayed in the Favorites menu as well as in the Address bar see below if the user comes back to your site Shortcut icons work with Microsoft Internet Explorer v5 0 or later They have no special Web server requirements and are a great way to add brand recognition without requiring the user to download a custom version of Internet Explorer Axialis Software Icons Create Vista Icons Ma x gt a HE http www axialis com 166 How to Procedures Create the Correct Icon Formats First you must create your icon You ca
333. l icons per raw How to Procedures Creating a Snapshot of an Opened Icon When an icon is opened in an editor window you can create a snapshot of the work in progress 1 From the opened icon window Choose Edit Create Snapshot or Ctrl Shift P 2 A dialog box Create Icon Snapshot opens Adjust the various options then click OK 3 The Snapshot image see sample below is created in a new window Now you can save copy print this image as necessary Phone Button 3232 16x16 4D 3232 16x16 256 256 256 128128 RGB A RGB A RGBA RGE A Creating a Detailed Snapshot of Several Icons You can create a snapshot of several icons from within an opened Icon Library ICL Program File EXE DLL OCX a Search Result window or from the built in Explorer 1 Select several icons from a list only icons within libraries or Macintosh Windows files Choose Edit Create Snapshot or Ctrl Shift P 2 A dialog box opens select Detailed Snapshot then click OK 3 A dialog box Create Icon Snapshot opens Adjust the various options then click OK 4 The Snapshot image see sample below is created in a new window Now you can save copy print this image as necessary Rounded Buttons 8210 tC 10 xO Ax Hx ax Lx if Ji 1x O O lo stgo o 5 v Ble O 165 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Creating a Quick Thumbnail Snapshot of Several Icons You can create a snapshot of severa
334. l the Photoshop plug in Use the Photoshop Plug in Use the Photoshop plug in Convert a Macintosh icon to a Windows format What s the difference between Windows and Macintosh icons Which image formats are included in Macintosh icons Convert the icon to Windows keeping all Macintosh image formats Creating a Windows icon from a Macintosh icon Convert a Windows icon to Macintosh format Convert the icon to Macintosh keeping all Macintosh compatible image formats Creating a Macintosh icon from a Windows icon Convert several Macintosh icons to Windows format Select the source icons Batch convert the icons Convert several Windows icons to Macintosh format Select the source icons Batch convert the icons Convert a PNG icon to a Windows icon Open the PNG image file in IconWorkshop Create an icon from this PNG image Table Of Contents 263 263 263 263 264 264 264 264 265 265 265 265 265 265 266 266 266 267 267 268 270 270 270 271 271 273 273 273 275 275 275 276 276 276 277 277 277 xiii Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Convert a PNG icon to a Macintosh icon Open the PNG image file in IconWorkshop Create an icon from this PNG image Convert several PNG icons to Windows icons Select the source PNG images Batch create the Windows icons Convert several PNG icons to Macintosh icons Select the source PNG image
335. le 1 1 window a local menu opens 3 Choose 256x256 Display The Scale 1 1 window is automatically resized to 256x256 and becomes a floating window i Qara Orea E O z E EAEE Dolj 00008 Z sise Don Bice kon fU cea gt UoSRA murra Ole Saale 4 meee When the window is in floating mode it can placed anywhere over the user interface without docking It is set in this mode to avoid the annoying side effect of docking a 256x256 window The side bars are so stretched that it creates a lot of wasted spaces in the interface For that reason we recommend you to keep the Scale 1 1 window in floating mode To revert this mode to docking mode see below Switch between docking and floating mode Switch the Preview 1 1 window to 128x128 1 If the Preview 1 1 window is not visible choose View Preview 1 1 or press Alt F10 2 Using the mouse right click in the Scale 1 1 window a local menu opens 3 Choose 128x128 Display The Scale 1 1 window is automatically resized to 128x128 Note that the window state does not switch back to docking mode If you want to dock the window you need to manually switch the mode See Switch between docking and floating mode Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Switch between docking and floating mode 1 Using the mouse right click in the Scale 1 1 window a local menu opens 2 Choose Floating Window no docking If the window was docked It is changed into a floating window
336. lication Just follow the procedure as specified above 3 The new objects are installed and the folder is automatically selected 211 Creating Icons using Photoshop Templates How do the Photoshop Templates work Templates permit you to use the powerful tools of Adobe Photoshop to draw your icon in different formats then transfer the work to IconWorkshop Axialis lconWorkshop creates the icon automatically in one step A template is a ready to use image which contains empty transparent square areas where you can draw your icons in different formats This image is designed to be placed in background of your drawing project You make your artwork in layers that you add on top of this background template You can add as many layers as you want and you can save your project as individual files for future use or modifications Once your work is done just export it into lconWorkshop the image will be temporary flatten and the icon created In order to transfer the images from Photoshop to IconWorkshop you need to install the Axialis transfer plug in This is a small software component which permits you to export the images directly in memory without saving them to a file How do the Photoshop templates work Select new icon project from template in IconWorkshop Choose one template 10 templates are provided see below Adobe Photoshop is launched and a new image document is created with the template image in
337. lick on the button placed on right to create a list of codes and save it in a text file 2 Click on the Generate file button it will generate a list of codes and save it in a text file Don t forget to specify the generation range fields on left before proceeding More information on Activation Codes Two kinds of Activation Codes have been implemented in Aixialis lconWorkshop e Based on the user name The user has to enter its name and the activation code using this format 1234 1234 1234 1234 4 groups of 4 digits e Pro The user have to provide his name if he wants to publish the code e Con The author has to manually generate a code for each user e NOT based on the user name The user just enters a longer activation code using this format 123456 1234 1234 1234 1234 e Pro The author can automatically generate a list of codes e Con The user can anonymously publish his code 328 4 O Working With the Axialis Librarian What is the Librarian The application contains a powerful built in Librarian that permits you to efficiently manage your icon libraries as well as your icon project files The Librarian is a docked window integrated in the user interface In the figure below the librarian is located on the left side of the application Using the upper part of the librarian window you can browse the folders included in it The files included in this folder are displayed below Using this Librarian you can o
338. lis IconWorkshop 6 10 Macintosh icon format is not open You cannot add image formats which are not defined in Macintosh icon specifications See above some image formats are not available IMPORTANT All the commands in the procedure specified below are related to Windows icons Working with Macintosh icons is very similar and many commands also exist for Macintosh icons the following image informs you about this In such a case dialog boxes contents may differ slightly Adding a new image format 1 Choose Draw New image Format or press Ins image formats are different for Macintosh icons Add New Image Fi Add a New Windows Image Format Image Color Format Image Sre im pixels D P nth Alpha Carne ROSA bs 256x256 Vista True Colors G8 M bits 256 Indexed Colors 8 bits 1 16 Colors 4 bits Monochrome 11 XP wA Agha Channel mager ae dapiayed correctly INS RIRA N bax Creston bared on the foloming mage Y Apply hering for 256 16 and Mono formats ordy Ca 2 In the Colors group choose the color mode of the new image format e Windows XP colors With Alpha Channel 16 8M 32 bits Uses true colors to get the best results This format will be used only if the icon is displayed under Windows XP Also it uses an additional Alpha Channel to create smooth shades and object borders e 256 Indexed colors 8 bits Uses a customizable 256 color palette You will be able to
339. lly created in the source fie folder Created Blenames mil be the same as the source file ith ICO extension Standard image formats for Windows Yi 48x88 0 Y 32x32 9 Vide 9 F 6x16 0 o Tas 73532 256 Deco 255 7 35x16 256 4553 16 F 3232 6 2824 16 AT Windows Vista Formats 72525 P 256x255 256 25625 35 Yi Compress 256x256 formats for Windows Veta embedded PNG compression Other Formats 96x96 P n e LEA IP 48x48 Mono 32x32 Meno 36x16 Mono Transparency Corren the following color 19 Taraparert he mage bar no vareparercy aimara Convert to Sansparent Coa Ecos 6 In Image Adjustment group you can add a smooth or sharp filter to the image shrinking process You can also use or not a dithering method to render image using 256 or 16 colors In Transparency group an option permits to use opaque images i e without transparency and specify a color to make transparent 7 When done click OK The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the creation When done the new Windows icons are added to the folder contents 352 Working With The Axialis Media File Explorer The created icons have the same filename as the original document with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting If you create icons from Image Files the whole image is selected and resized
340. local toolbar of a document window select it and follow this procedure 1 Right click on the main toolbar or the top menu and choose Standard Buttons in the menu or press F9 Show hide the Recently Used Bar This bar permits to quick open a file in the application It contains a long edit zone and is usually located under the main toolbar 1 Right click in the main toolbar or the top menu and choose Recently Used Bar to show hide the bar 380 Customizing the Application Show hide a Local Toolbar Document windows contain local toolbars To hide the local toolbar of a document window select it and follow this procedure 1 Choose View Local Toolbar or press Alt F9 Show hide the Status Bar 1 Choose View Status Bar or press Alt F8 Show hide the Librarian 1 Choose View Librarian or press Esc When the command has a check mark next to it it means that the toolbar is displayed When you point to a menu command the status bar at the bottom of the window displays a description of the command Show and hide the Librarian Window The Librarian is a docked window integrated in the user interface It can be easily shown and hidden Show hide the Librarian 1 Select View Librarian or press ESC 2 By hiding the Librarian you gain some space in your application work area The opened windows are automatically rearranged Change the Librarian position on screen The Librarian is a docked window integrated in th
341. log box opens In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension 145 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 New Macintosh kon from Image 3 A bis jaian Create a New Icon for Apple Macintosh from an Image nme eheto Standard image formats for Hacietosh OS y 7 128x128 RGB Alpha 32 bits J l Mone i J 16x16 Mono Sree veh Phyhi2 256 E1612 16 1 16x12 Mono li pete ee ace FP 256x256 RGB Aipha OS 30 4 Tiger or more only ther 512x532 RGB Albhsa OS 99 4 Tiger o more only Rendering Options 5 6 T Apply Mer when Resano Z Apply Ditrering for 2 16 and Mono formats 5 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon 60 6 You can also add other formats 256x256 to be used in Tiger When done click OK The new Icon Project document window is created with all formats embedded 7 Save your icon to Macintosh format choose File Save and choose a new name for this icon How to transfer an icon to a Macintosh computer With Axialis lconWorkshop you re able to create Macintosh icons To use them under Macintosh OS you need to transfer the files using a LAN local area network What file format should use to transfer an icon Under Macintosh files are stored in 2 parts called Forks A fork can be empty but at least one must contain data The two forks cannot be empty e The Data Fork This is the file itself it
342. lug in can be easily installed from within Axialis lconWorkshop in one fast and simple operation 1 Before installing the plug in you need to close the Photoshop application if it is opened in background Choose File Install Photoshop Plug in 2 The dialog box Install the Photoshop to IconWorkshop Transfer Plug in opens see below In the Location edit zone specify the Photoshop plug in folder If you don t know the exact folder path click the browse button to choose the folder in a list Install the Photoshop to IconWorkshop Transfer Plug in Install the Photoshop Plug in Axialis IconiWorkshop indudes a powerd feature which val permit you to transfer mages drectly from Adobe Photoshop through memory wihout using d temporary PSO fle See help for more info In order to activate tis feabze you have to install an Ascalls coniVorkihop medie in your Adobe Photoshop plugin directory p ea au Yon ROL Oe se ak Ot eens eesoes eer o am Fies Adobe dobe Photoshop C 2 Piua 1 a E ag F tretal the plug n fie in a sub folder Adais Ths pupa cas be used with vaos paint anicar These ropes mus be a oa ar ea Asche Berercsd Adobe UhustrastorD See help es 3 If you want to create a subfolder Axialis to install the plug in module recommended to organize your folder properly activate the option Install in a subfolder Axialis Note that creating a subfolder may fail with some compatible
343. mall resolution objects you can use to create sizes 16x16 Exercises Using the following objects Objects Samples Large Document png Objects Samples Large Document Text png Objects Samples Large Pen png create this icon 2 Using the following objects Objects Samples Large Document png Objects Samples Large File Types PSD png Objects Samples Large Document Picture png create this icon 3 Using the following objects Objects Samples Large Screen jp2 Objects Samples Large Overlays Forbidden jp2 resize this object in the lower right corner create this icon 77 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Lesson 8 Using an object pack to create an icon This lesson it similar to previous one but will permit you to go further Create hi quality and attractive icons using basic image objects Object Packs are libraries containing a large number of image objects made by a professional designer We regularly publish new objects packs that you can download on Internet To create your icons you just have to assemble basic objects together This assemblage is easily done with Axialis lconWorkshop using a few mouse clicks and drag and drops Creating different versions of an icon is very easy with an object pack See below some examples of the help icon made in a few minutes simply using the mouse and without drawing one pixel non exhaustive list ee50 To follow this tutorial you need to have the Glossy Buttons object pack install
344. matkaly created in the source file folder Created Slenames wil be the same as the source Se mith new extension Ele Format Kanario O58 10 Standard image formats for Macintosh OS 1280128 RGU A 4 SOD RGDYA 4 IAN RGDA J 6x06 RGA i oma dds 7 Aea 255 4 32x32 256 ery wider MOS X eB 6 HIIR 1 Other Formats Sie Hono 4 32x32 Mone 16X16 Mone Meld 2 wan Mix Mono J 256x1256 RGB Japa 06 10 4 Tiger or mere erty 51512 RGEAlphe 05 10 4 Leopard or more oniy Rendering Options Transparency iar Conver the bolomig color 1 Yi Aeohy naeg perepeere s image has no F Feeweey ematen J Convert to traneparent 4 Footy herro for 256 16 and Mono Coe coe 6 In Image Adjustment group you can add a smooth or sharp filter to the image shrinking process You can also use or not a dithering method to render image using 256 or 16 colors In Transparency group an option permits to use opaque images i e without transparency and specify a color to make transparent 7 When done click OK All the Macintosh icons are created and added to the same folder Names are preserved only the extension is changed The created icons have the same filename as the original image files with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting When you create icons from Image Files the whole image is selected and resized
345. mble several icons into one file What about the new Windows XP icon format What are the differences between an image and an icon A computer image is a bitmap composed of pixels or vector composed of drawing paths picture which can be saved using various formats BMP PSD GIF JPEG WMF All these formats have several different properties bitmaps vectors compressed layered animated and can be used to store pictures at any sizes and resolution Icons are different from standard images They are have standard sizes usually small 16x16 32x32 48x48 One icon is composed of several images Each of them with a different size and number of colors mono 16 colors 256 colors 16 8M And the most important property of an icon is the ability to include transparent areas This allows seeing the screen background behind the icon within its square image see illustration below IconWorkshop editor Windows desktop Ea Media Files Transparent Area 35 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 36 What is the structure of an icon An icon is a group of images of various formats size and colors Furthermore each image can include transparent area That s why you ll find a transparent color in the drawing palette for 16 or 256 color images and a variable opacity parameter using an alpha channel for the new RGB A image format opacity O means transparent You need to include several images in an icon to permit Windows
346. mmands available in menus and toolbars When you need an answer about a feature check this help in the reference section about the related command You can also check the How To section if you wish to execute a particular task 108 3 How to Procedures How to Create an Icon from an Image File 1 Open the image file in Axialis IconWorkshop 1 Choose File Open browse your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the image file you wish to open then hit Enter 2 The image file opens in a document window Axialis lconWorkshop will convert images to 32 bpp with transparency when possible This is much more convenient to create icons The following image formats can include transparency Photoshop PSD PNG RGB GIF JPEG 2000 and WMF 2 Create an icon from this image 3 Before proceeding we recommend you to select the portion of image you wish to use to create your icon If you leave too many transparent areas around your image the visible part of your icon will be too small 4 Select the portion of image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the portion of image you wish to use do
347. modify this palette to produce smoother gradients or specific colors e 16 colors 4bits Uses the system standard palette 16 static colors This is the native Windows mode e True colors 16 8M 24 bits Rarely used this format may be incompatible with some display drivers e Monochrome 1 bit Uses only 2 colors black and white This is an obsolete color mode 3 In the Size in Pixels group choose the size of the new image format e Standard sizes 256x256 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 e Extra sizes 128x128 72x72 80x80 96x96 236 Working with Icons e Custom size You can specify any size including non square size If you want the height equal to width click Square aspect 4 If you check the Create a new image based on the following image option Axialis IconWorkshop will create a new image based on a copy of the selected image format The image will be resized and the colors will be adjusted if necessary If the box is not checked it will create a blank new image All image formats are displayed in the list 5 If you check the Apply Dithering option Axialis lconWorkshop will dither the resulting image in 256 or 26 color modes This option permits to use smoother gradients in icons Adding quickly a standard image format This method produces the same result as above using a faster procedure It is available for standard formats only 1 Right click on an image format in the list A menu opens and pr
348. more information on Windows Vista Icons we recommend you to read this topic Introducing Windows Vista Icons 1 In this procedure we ll use the following image file to create the Windows Vista icon Down png located in Librarian Objects Pack 2 Realistic Buttons If you can t find the file download the Realistic Buttons pack from Internet To get the best results possible the source image must be 256x256 RGB A 2 Open the Librarian window go to the folder Objects Pack 2 Realistic Buttons and open the file Down png It is loaded in an image document window not an icon editor window as shown below EJ Anais korWorshop 19 Oownpag Fite Edt image Liscaran Favontes View Window Heip Ore B bd Dhow Recently Used Z C Users Marc IUEN Documents How to Procedures 3 If the scale 1 1 preview window is not in 256x256 mode the preview image will be cropped It is recommended that you switch to 256x256 preview mode if you want to work with 256x256 Windows Vista icons To switch to this mode right click in the preview window a menu opens Choose 256x256 Display The preview window now looks as shown above in floating mode Use the same method to return to the previous state choose 128x128 Display remove the Floating Window option and use the mouse to dock the window 4 Select the whole image Choose Edit Select All or press Ctrl A An animated selection rectangle
349. n 256 color formats for example and the new Windows XP smooth transparency 256 Colors Windows XP Standard Transparency Smooth Transparency Standard vs Windows XP Smooth transparency Windows and Macintosh icons support RGB A images These icons can be displayed in Windows XxP Windows Vista and in Macintosh OS 10 or more Older systems does not support RGB A icons That s the reason why you need to include other standard formats in your icons 39 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 40 Can we save an icon to a file Yes the extension for a Windows icon file is ICO The extensions for Macintosh icons are ICNS RSC RSRC and BIN Only one icon can be saved in an icon file If you want to group several icons in a file you must create a library see below Axialis lconWorkshop fully support Windows and Macintosh icon files You can create read and save icons using those file formats The MacBinary format BIN is used to transfer icons between Windows and Macintosh preserving Macintosh resource forks see Macintosh vs Windows icons topic to read more Can we save several icons into one file Yes you can assemble several icons in one file called an Icon Library The extension for a standard Icon Library is ICL Axialis lconWorkshop fully supports ICL files It can create read and save ICL library files Furthermore ICL is fully supported by all versions of Windows For example you
350. n either start from scratch or create an icon from an existing image your company s logo for example We recommend you to include these image formats in order to be compatible with all visitor configurations 16x16 256 colors 16x16 16 colors You can optionally add 16x16 Windows XP Make sure to create an icon that is 16x16 pixels Otherwise the icon will be ignored by Internet Explorer Saving Your Icon To your Local Hard Disk When you ve finished creating your icon choose File Save or Ctrl S N oa The standard Windows save dialog box opens select a specific location then specify favicon ico as your icon filename This is important to name it favicon ico If you use a different filename it will not be considered as a Shortcut Icon Uploading it to your Web Site w Launch your FTP client or any program you use to upload update your files to your web site Connect it to your website 4 When you re connected upload your file to the root folder of your HTML pages where is located your home page html file You must keep the favicon ico filename unchanged during the upload Associate the Icon with a Web Page You can also associate the icon with a Web page by saving the icon with a file name other than favicon ico and adding a line of HTML code in the head section of your Web document The line of code includes a link tag that specifies the location and name of the file You can include this link tag on a per
351. n finished all the new icons are added and selected in the library Although ICL is a Windows file format Axialils lconWorkshop has the ability to distinguish the original type of each icon embedded in the library If the icon file type was initially ICO no sign is added near the icon If the file was ICNS RSC or BIN a small Macintosh sign is added This ability to distinguish icons is useful for future extraction and edition of icons image and file formats are different 317 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Import icons from the Axialis Explorer window Create a new icon library or open an existing one 2 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer When the window is opened select the folder which contains the icon files using the tree in the left pane The same file types as above are supported 3 Arrange the windows to get them visible side by side in the application 4 Using a mouse drag amp drop copy the icon files from the Axialis Explorer window to the icon library window ul The icons are imported in the icon library If a file contains several icons all the icons included in the file are imported When finished all the new icons are added and selected in the library Import a selection of icons from another icon library 1 Create a new icon library or open an existing one 1st icon library 2 Open another icon library containing the icons you want to import 2nd icon library
352. n in the resource fork The data fork is left empty As a result as soon as you receive or see the file in Macintosh the icon appears automatically Then you can handle it using the standard Finder MacOS user interface IconWorkshop A i Windows Mac OS ICO file format ICNS RSC and MacBinary file formats Edition in MacBinary file Use of MacBinary format to transfer an icon between Macintosh OS and Windows OS 44 Getting Started Tutorial Information about the new 256x256 format for Tiger OS X 10 4 The new Macintosh OS version 10 4 Tiger introduces a new icon format which permits to create 256x256 icons In the upcoming months a new generation of flat LCD displays will have much higher resolutions The screens won t be larger but the number of pixels per inch DPI will increase This will result in smaller items on screen including icons To compensate this effect Apple has planned to create a new resolution independent user interface and the ability to display icons with higher definition in Tiger This format is highly compressed and permits to create large 256x256 icons using less than 100 KB The compression is based on JPEG 2000 This format is similar to JPEG but can include a transparency channel Alpha Channel However JPEG 2000 has an additional option which permits to compress the image without quality loss unlike JPEG which destructs the original image to increase the compression ratio In
353. n more we strongly recommend you to always start creating your icons with this color mode Yes even if you don t have Windows XP this is easier to start working in this mode then create the other image formats from this one Also if you upgrade to Windows XP in the future all your icons will display using this smooth mode Of course if you plan to redistribute your icons this color mode is highly recommended 4 In the Size in Pixels group choose 48x48 In this tutorial we start using this size since this is the largest size supported by default in Windows XP on the Desktop we strongly recommend you to start an icon project using the largest size you plan to include in your icon This is easier to draw a large image then create the other image formats from this one Additionally the smaller formats will be created with better results shrinking an image always produces better results See what is an icon to learn more about icon formats 5 Click OK the dialog box closes A Quick Tour of the Editor Window 6 This new Editor Window opens Gd Myton kon Q lt 6 Era BSGRES murran Q meo a 72 A 7 The Drawing Area permits you do draw your icon image This area use the 2 mouse buttons to draw Left button for the Foreground Color Right button for the Background Color As a result you cannot right click in the drawing area to open a local context menu To open a local menu right click around the
354. n place it using the mouse or using the arrow keys Transparency settings When you paste an image in an icon it creates a floating selection By default this floating object is applied respecting its transparency if any It means that you see the background image through the floating object This option can be changed The other applying method don t keep the background image it erases it even if the floating object contains transparency To toggle this option follow this procedure 1 Select Draw Preserve Transparency or press T 2 The option toggles from active to inactive Working with Icons Clipboard options during a paste operation When you paste an image in an icon you re prompted to choose a method Paste at scale 1 1 in the editor area Pastes the contents of the clipboard in the upper left corner of the editor area at scale 1 1 no stretching If the image is bigger than the editor area it will be cropped Resize image to fit the editor area Pastes the contents of the clipboard in the whole editor area with stretching If the image is bigger than the editor area it will be reduced if it is smaller it will be enlarged Paste at scale 1 1 in the selection area Pastes the contents of the clipboard in the upper left corner of the selection area at scale 1 1 no stretching If the image is bigger than the selection area it will be cropped Resize image to fit the selection area Pastes the contents of t
355. n simply draw your 3 images in the associated zones and go directly to step 7 If you don t want to draw and prefer to use read to use sample images follow steps 3 to 6 3 Open the file Axialis Librarian Objects Samples Large Folder With Document png We mean by Axialis Librarian the folder where is stored the Axialis Librarian usually in the My Documents folder You can also do this directly from IconWorkshop in the Librarian open the folder Objects Samples Large right click on the file Folder With Document png A menu opens choose Open With Adobe Photoshop The file is opened in a Photoshop document window 4 Copy Paste the image of the Folder with Document into the Template a new layer is created select it Move the image in the 256x256 drawing area The resulting image should be perfectly adjusted inside the transparent square not over the borders which will not be exported The resulting image should look like this Getting Started Tutorial PFE ZELDA PL EZ PFEFOR PATON P a TOO Windows Icon Project 3 Sizes 5 Repeat the procedure for the file Axialis Librarian Objects Samples Medium Folder With Document png Move it into the drawing area 192x192 6 Repeat the procedure for the file Axialis Librarian Objects Samples Small Folder With Document png Move it into the drawing area 128x128 See below the resulting document window 7 Now let s create the icon In
356. nWorkshop explorer Select the source icons 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the source files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the source files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch convert the icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Convert Macintosh Icons To Windows ICO or Ctrl Shift W 5 A dialog box opens You can choose to convert all the formats or only a selection of formats When done click OK Convert Macinnosh kors toWedows M OS Sdected Mocrnoth Kors wil Be converted to be used on Windows computers Messe ac Select the desired image formats you wish to keep during Me comverson o Convert al mages formots O Correr ordy the following formats J 1280128 P RGR Ff intB 256 Y Bets 6 J 42x48 Moro Windows A See OP RCA as 2 ey IRR Mero T Te P RGIA WN16 Mono 16x12 35 7 4 Sae an S IT e r Vi x12 Moro g ea O Pree 6 The batch operation starts The hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the conversion When done the Windows icons are added to the folder contents The created icons have the same filename as the original document with different extension depending on
357. ncy Now you can retouch it or use it as necessary How to use IconWorkshop with Freehand If you use Macromedia Freehand to create your images here is how to proceed to work with Axialis IconWorkshop Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Transferring an Image from Freehand to IconWorkshop to Create an Icon 1 Axialis lconWorkshop supports the PNG Portable Network Graphic image format with Transparency In Freehand save your image to a PNG file 2 In lconWorkshop choose File Open browse your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the image file you wish to open then hit Enter w The image file opens in a document window Its contents appears automatically in the main area If the image contains transparency it has been kept see the checkboard texture Now you can create an icon from this image see Step 2 of topic Create an Icon from an Image File How to use StuffIt Expander to read Macintosh Icons 138 Most of the websites which propose Macintosh icons to download provide them in archives using SIT HQX packed file format This file format is widely used by Macintosh users To uncompress thes
358. nd Drop to add it into the project as shown above The object is added to the project as a floating selection Take a look at the quality of the artwork in the Scale 1 1 window Congratulation you ve just added your first image object to your project As you can see it s very easy and intuitive Now let s continue and add other objects to build the icon IMPORTANT To follow the next steps the Preserve Transparency option must be set press T or select Draw Preserve Transparency If this option is not set the transparency will not be kept each time you add a new image object and the objects already added will be fully replaced 9 From the Librarian select the file Circle Inner Light png and add it to the project using the same method The resulting image now includes a cyan light effect as shown below AOOO COOCOO CROCE REA PEL COCOCOE ECE CELIEECCE LECCE OAT 10 To create the Earth image we now add the map object From the librarian select the file World Map png and add it to the project using the same method The resulting image looks like below 80 Getting Started Tutorial 11 The result is good but we want to make it even better We can increase the realism by changing the color of the map to green To do so Axialis lconWorkshop has a feature to adjust the Hue Saturation Brightness of an image Choose Draw Adjustments Effects Hue Saturation or press U A dialog box opens r This will ad
359. ndary objects at an angle unless it makes more sense due to readability and integrity that they are rendered straight on Consider also how your icons may be viewed as a set to help determine how to group objects Drop Shadow Windows XP icons use a drop shadow to provide definition and added dimension gs gt The Drop Shadow Effect Adding a drop shadow effect is very simple using lconWorkshop Once the object is created choose Draw Adjustments Effects Drop Shadow Don t forget to leave 2 or 3 free pixels in the right and bottom side of the object before applying the shadow Outlines When illustrating Windows XP style icons add an outline to the image to provide definition and ensure that the image works well on different background colors Transferring the Image to IconWorkshop to Create an Icon 1 Axialis lconWorkshop supports the native Photoshop PSD image format with Layers and PNG with transparency If you use Photoshop save your image to a PSD file If you use Paint Shop Pro Freehand or Corel Draw save it to PNG with transparency 2 In Axialis conWorkshop choose File Open browse your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolba
360. ned document to the librarian Add items using the import function Downloading Object Packs from Internet Download Object Packs from your Web Browser Download Object Packs from the Axialis Application WORKING WITH THE AXIALIS MEDIA FILE EXPLORER Create a new Explorer window Search media files on the computer Create an Icon Snapshot Picture Creating a Snapshot of an Opened Icon Creating a Detailed Snapshot of Several Icons Creating a Quick Thumbnail Snapshot of Several Icons Batch create several Windows icons from images Select the source images icons or cursors Batch create Windows icons Batch create several Macintosh icons from images Select the source images icons or cursors Batch create Macintosh icons Convert several Macintosh icons to Windows format Select the source icons Batch convert the icons Convert several Windows icons to Macintosh format Select the source icons Batch convert the icons Convert several Windows Macintosh icons to PNG batch process Select the Source Icons Create the PNG images Convert several icons to images batch processing Select the Source Icons Create the Images The JPEG 2000 options The GIF options Normalize several icons batch processing Select the icons to normalize Table Of Contents 344 345 345 345 346 346 346 348 349 349 350 350 350 351 351 352 352 352 353 353 353 354 354 354 355 355 355
361. net If you re connected to Internet without a Firewall click Register Now If you use a Firewall check the Connected to Internet using a Proxy Firewall box and fill the following fields 405 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 e Address amp Port Specify here the HTTP Proxy address and port number usually 80 e Proxy authentication is required If this box is checked the application will send an authentication message to the proxy server when connecting to Internet Check this option only if your server requires authentication then fill the following fields e Login amp Password Specify here the Proxy Authentication Login amp Password 8 Click the Register Now button The last dialog box opens showing the registration progress 9 Congratulations You re registered To Access your Customer Account We recommend you to log into your customer account here to check that your registration has been successfully completed You need your username and password to access your account Upgrade the application using Internet This is an update system which is reserved to registered users only It is part of Axialis Lifetime License It works through Internet to automatically upgrade your application to the latest release It s FREE and for LIFE Pay once and get all new versions for using Online Update Upgrade your Application Online Using Internet 1 Choose the command Free Online Update 2 A Online Update dialog box o
362. netecsetersnseenees 269 PNG Convert several Windows Macintosh icons 286 306 358 Create tet eenei bali dasa tive ioanied 162 PNG EES 162 PIN Goes AE 285 PNGA eiii A 286 PNG edia 306 PNG xtc ranraae 1037200129020 1200 222 aot eetse ee cseecr asec cme 358 PNG icon Convert PNG COM eieiei esses ses csseseesedcesecsessessess PNGHGON siteeraten eiA EA EAA ia Preview ETN EO EEEO RETOS 338 PROVIEW onnan AEEA 338 Print actual folder nesmen an n t 340 media NE an A A 366 P INT 340 Prii tieisiai iii 366 program files oes ceeeesseeecseeeecsetecceseecsetersneeesneeenees 165 259 PSD UMA Os 2022463 73 80 162 Q Quick open PUGLUSING ETA EA ET 399 Quick openi 399 R Read Macintosh Icons Us Stufflt Expander naseiani 140 Read Macintosh ICONS cceccessesssecsessseeseesseeseesseeseessees 140 Recently Used Bar Ssss iessiissssssssSSS sssi iaasa 399 REMME a 322 336 Resize IMAGE ssiassiscttessiiet teres NSTI 369 RESIZE rraecseccnsccrtseccesseceateercnteenca 369 RESIZE ROL ALC a OO eave cc ocenenrevoconoreneeseeseseeats 249 Restore previously deleted iteMS cceecesee 338 S Sample Icons Terms Of USC ccccecccessstecceseseeeeneeees 33 Save color palette Index Search All CONS e oieee Aie 160 SEak RAI sezezzzzzzuzuzuzzezzzznuaasn dln 160 Sear CHITE NS eesesccescscccecceccevececccscccccecceceeccceeeseetestuecnestbesnes 337 Search media files COMDUTEE dr aE A EENE 352 Search media files
363. new object pack folder is automatically selected You re done Now enjoy the new objects and be creative Download Object Packs from the Axialis Application This is a faster way to proceed The procedure is very similar but the website is access from within the application 1 Launch IconWorkshop or any compatible Axialis Application 2 Choose Librarian Download Object Packs Internet or click the associated button S amp S The http www axialis com objects page opens in a document window inside the application Just follow the procedure as specified above 3 The new objects are installed and the folder is automatically selected Online Registration using Internet Why Register Join the family of registered Axialis Software customers by registering your program The online registration is NOT a purchase procedure Registration can be completed in just a few seconds using Internet Your personal information be kept strictly confidential and not given or sold to anyone If you register you ll get the following benefits e LIFETIME FREE UPGRADES for the REST OF YOUR LIFE Incredible but TRUE Never pay again for future versions for registered customers and using Internet online update only e Receive up to the minute notices about new products and offers from Axialis Software e Free technical support using Internet email only To Register Online Using Internet 1 Choose the command Online Registration 2 A
364. ng 256x256 icons An additional option will permit you to display icons at smaller sizes more attune to medium res screens say 120 DPI screens In such cases Aero uses the 256x256 image and shrinks it the desired size without any quality loss The result looks really slick with real time zoom Windows Vista 256x256 PNG Compressed Icons Microsoft Windows Vista comes with a new format of icons supporting PNG compression and sizes up to 256x256 The standard Windows Vista icons now includes the following image formats grayed formats are optional 256x256 RGB A 64x64 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 32x32 RGB A 24x24 RGB A 16x16 RGB A 256x256 256c 64x64 256c 48x48 256c 32x32 256c 24x24 256c 16x16 256c 256x256 16c 64x64 16c 48x48 16c 32x32 16c 24x24 16c 16x16 16c The problem is if you simply make the icon and save it in standard Windows XP ICO format the resulting file will be 400Kb on disk The solution is to compress the images Only the 256x256 images are compressed The compression scheme used is PNG Portable Network Graphic because it has a good lossless ratio and supports alpha channel The compressed icon sizes are 100Kb to 150Kb See below the different formats included in our sample icon down ico the 16 color formats are not displayed but are present in the icon amp 8 8 32x32 W 256 Q o 2561255 1611
365. nization Reorganize Desktop at any Time Toggle Automatic Desktop Reorganization Change Reorganisation mode Table Of Contents 389 390 390 390 390 390 390 390 391 391 391 391 392 392 393 393 393 393 393 393 394 394 395 395 395 395 395 396 396 396 396 396 396 397 397 397 397 397 xxiii Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Acquire a new image from a Twain device Acquire an image from a Twain device Uninstall or repair the application Uninstall the application Repair the application files REGISTERING UPGRADING ONLINE FEATURES Downloading Object Packs from Internet Download Object Packs from your Web Browser Download Object Packs from the Axialis Application Online Registration using Internet Why Register To Register Online Using Internet To Access your Customer Account Upgrade the application using Internet Upgrade your Application Online Using Internet Online Customer Service on Internet Accessing Customer Service from the Application Accessing Customer Service from an Internet Browser Contact Axialis Software Team Contacting us using an Internet Browser INDEX XXIV 398 398 398 398 399 401 401 401 403 403 403 403 406 406 406 407 407 408 408 408 409 Introducing License What is Axialis lconWorkshop Axialis IconWorkshop is a powerful tool designed to work with Windows and Macintosh icons It has a f
366. nsecntecssensees 160 hide Librarian WNdOW Sansenoi 332 384 FIGS hidis 332 OAT 384 I icon Capture ganra E E E E em Lees 310 Create eeisiseseireiesiisrisrirrresiesirerreee 111 113 114 118 OPEM a e NEA ANE 318 ANSTO dibr a ea ae 148 icon image AdUStN Gean EER ANTRE 59 COMMI G Eeg N 59 Icon Library Addii CONS Inton rE EE acca nea eies 342 ACGINGUGONS er e a TEE 100 CO a E hs E EAn at 103 OP OM VAR A IEE OR EEN A E E ES T 346 IEO lb cs ch a112 reese rece seer repeereee reese 100 leom Milo g gt kzssansssinns a ee eee ene 103 ICON LIDIA cessisse 315 ICOM LIDIA ocean aiee cena 342 con LIDIA ossis 346 Icon Snapshot Picture EE E AE EAE E 313 352 Icon Snapshot PiCtUrEs eecseecsseeesecsseeesteesteeseesneees 313 ICON Snapshot PICCUCE ccccccccccsecconecseeceseccneessnecstceeseseeeses 352 icon using Drawn aea a E evs E EERE 57 NCOM USING scecsceeiseesceteeeieiiiniuAiidittig 57 Icons Create Different Color Versions ceescecseecstesseeeseesees 161 SAVINGS sets cvece tensed eater cua giearanlacis ANE EA 65 412 SearchiAll sacs sitesvcataddvcdsrideaiadincnioa staves 160 ICONS seecseccsscccccccccccccaccoccaccscedcesccsccsecsesnedsesscsscscisciucsccsecnsssekeesss 37 EON Si ieena 65 CON Siisera 111 ICONS issena ea eae 113 liao p EAS AA PEE EE E E T 114 Ke p lE EEEE EEE E 154 ICON Sa AER 160 TOOTS EPERE EPPEPEE OOP OPEET E ENS TEENI EEES EEEE EEEE AE 161 IGOMS ete MAW essre A 323 ICONS nR 344 Icon Works
367. nstalled the Photoshop plug in with a version of IconWorkshopatr prior to 6 10 you must install it again by following the procedure below A new export plug in will be installed in addition to the filter plug in The export plug in will be used with Photoshop Templates 1 Before installing the plug in we recommend you to close the Photoshop application if it is actually opened in background Choose File Install Photoshop Plug in 2 The dialog box Install the Photoshop to IconWorkshop Transfer Plug in opens see below In the Location edit zone specify the Photoshop plug in folder If you don t know the exact folder path click the browse button to choose the folder in a list Install the Photoshop to IconWorkshop Transfer Plug in Install the Photoshop Plug in Aadalis IconiWorkshop indudes a powerfid feature which vail permit you to transfer images drectly from Adobe Photoshop through memory wihout using d temporary PSD fie See help for more info In order to activate ths feature you have to install an Assails coriiorkahop module in your Adobe Photoshop plugin deectory eito sopes you to rata the piapa at the keaton specified below Amaieraren ehna can specify an ahemate pfs nstaled on OR Dy typing it or browsing your rogram Pies Adobe Adobe Photoshor 2 Pup ins eo F tretall the pug fle in a nb folder Axis This plugin can be used with vetous paint appleatons These propana trust
368. nt to create icons Axialis lconWorkshop permits you to create icons from Static or Animated GIF files 1 Open the GIF file in Axialis lconWorkshop 1 Choose File Open browse your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the cursor file you wish to open then hit Enter 2 The GIF file opens in a document window How to Procedures 2 Create an icon from this GIF image 3 If the file is a Static GIF it appears in the editor window or If the file is an Animated GIF it contains several frames see list Click on the desired frame It appears in the editor window 4 If the GIF image contains transparent areas they are kept you see the Chessboard texture Select the portion of image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the portion of image you wish to use When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created 5 When the selection is done choose Image Create New Icon from Selection or press I or click the first command button in the local toolbar E To create a Macintosh icon the procedure is similar just click the Apple button in right or press M 6 The dialo
369. nt window 396 Miscellaneous Features Tips Uninstall Paste an image as a new document 1 Select an image item in the application Librarian Explorer opened image document with or without selection and choose Edit Copy 2 You can also copy an image from an external application 3 Choose Edit Paste as a new image 4 Anew document is created The image is displayed in a new ImageN window 5 Choose File Save As from the edit window or File Add to librarian You can save the image as a JPEG PNG BMP or PSD format or add it to the Librarian F3 This command will permit you to easily add new image files to the application Each time you select this command you create a new document window Desktop Reorganization The application features a dynamic system to ergonomically reorganize the application Desktop area With this system document windows are tiled and grouped by type Desktop is divided in 2 parts Explorer and Search Result windows in one part Media Document windows in the other part It can be automatic or manual Reorganize Desktop at any Time 1 Choose Windows Reorganize Desktop or press F12 2 You can also click on the Display button on the main toolbar This feature is useful only if you don t choose an automatic reorganisation option see below Toggle Automatic Desktop Reorganization If this option is enabled a Desktop Reorganization is performed each time you open close reduce or restore a win
370. ntosh New Windows Icon from Image Toon Prapect Mame ThetconPropecttiamsel 1 e F lee ase Bima Aww Bran a ow Baes a we Fit mon 1 Foch Fee stan Ssaarg FA teol Derg ter 256 16 and More formats Ze walls Ger image format ait Cancel 6 In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic 8 You can also apply or not the dithering option to the 256 16 color images as well as add a filter effect to smooth sharpen the resulting images in RGB A mode try and see the results in the preview images 9 If you wish to start creating your icon with an unlisted format click the Other Image Format button 10 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected How to Procedures How to Use IconWorkshop with Paint Shop Pro If you use Corel Paint Shop Pro to create and retouching your images here is how to proceed to work with Axialis lconWorkshop Transferring an Image from Paint Shop Pro to IconWorkshop to Create an Icon 1 Axialis lconWorkshop supports the PNG image format with Transparency In Paint Shop Pro save your image to
371. nu choose Uninstall or repair Axialis lconWorkshop The Axialis 2 Select Uninstall Application then click Next Follow the instructions If you have added new files in the librarian Uninstall DOES NOT remove them Please delete them manually 398 Miscellaneous Features Tips Uninstall Repair the application files If you experience technical issues with the application some files may be corrupted In such a case try to repair the installed files This procedure keeps your settings It just restores the program and the help files To perform this operation the original setup file must be present on your hard disk 1 Open Start menu in the Windows task bar choose Control Panel Double click on the Add or Remove Programs icon In the list choose Axialis lconWorkshop and click Change Remove The Axialis Setup window opens or 1 Open Start menu in the Windows task bar choose All Programs gt Select Axialis Software In the sub menu choose Uninstall or repair Axialis lconWorkshop The Axialis Setup window opens 2 Select Repair Installation then click Next Setup will try to launch the installation file at the original location If the program is not present or elsewhere please specify the right location using the opened dialog box 3 The repair procedure starts When completed a final message is displayed Click Finish If you upgraded online since your original installation you need to upgrade
372. ny 8 Save your EXE document close the window 9 You re done The EXE file size is smaller indicating that the compression is made Lesson 10 Creating Icons Using Photoshop Templates In this lesson we ll create 2 icons using Photoshop templates Templates permit you to use the powerful tools of Photoshop to draw your icon in different formats then transfer the work to IconWorkshop Axialis IconWorkshop creates the icon automatically in one step A template is a ready to use image which contains enpty transparent square areas where you can draw your icons in different formats This image is designed to be placed in background of your drawing project You make your artwork in layers that you add on top of this backround template You can add as many layers as you want and you can save your project as individual files for future use or modifications Once your work is done just export it into lconWorkshop the image will be temporary flatten and the icon created If you do not work with Photoshop go directly to lesson 11 89 90 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 How do the Photoshop templates work Select new icon project from template in IconWorkshop Choose one template 10 templates are provided see below Adobe Photoshop is launched and a new image document is created with the template image in background Draw your images creating layers as necessary You can save the work as a PSD file for later use Choose Ex
373. o Macintosh format What s the difference between Windows and Macintosh icons Table Of Contents 173 173 173 174 175 175 176 177 178 179 179 179 179 180 180 180 181 181 182 183 183 184 184 185 186 186 186 188 188 189 189 190 190 190 191 191 191 192 192 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Which image formats are included in macintosh icons Convert the icon to Macintosh keeping all Macintosh compatible image formats Creating a Macintosh icon from a Windows icon Create a Macintosh icon from an image File Open the image file in Axialis conWorkshop Create an icon from this image Batch create several Macintosh icons from images Select the source images icons or cursors Batch create Macintosh icons CREATING ICONS FROM IMAGE OBJECTS What is an Image Object Why Image Objects Specifications of an Image Object Different Types of Image Objects Using Image Objects with Axialis Products How to use Image Objects to Create Icons Downloading and Installing Object Packs Defining Creating the Icon Project Building the Icon Using Image Objects Finalizing the Icon by Creating All the Formats Creating a Macintosh Icon Downloading Object Packs from Internet Download Object Packs from your Web Browser Download Object Packs from the Axialis Application CREATING ICONS USING PHOTOSHOP TEMPLATES How do the Photoshop Templates work
374. o registered customers only Other enhancements and bug fixes Features included since version 6 0 This version includes several major improvements Full Windows Vista icon support with PNG compression Axialis lconWorkshop now loads creates edits saves Windows Vista icons Windows Vista the next version of Windows to arrive includes a new PNG compressed icon format It permits to create icons up to 256x256 with alpha channel with smaller file size Axialis lconWorkshop now fully supports this new format in all features edition automatic format creation batch creation batch conversion format normalization Don t wait and create today your icons for Windows Vista Object Pack for Icons Glossy Buttons The first Axialis Object Pack for icons has been included in Axialis lconWorkshop It is a library of 150 image objects which will permit you to create an unlimited number of icons with various glossy effects and shapes simply using drag amp drop The images come in 256x256 high quality PNG format It permits to create icons containing various sizes up to 256x256 for Windows XP Windows Vista and Macintosh OS Introducing License e Illustrator to Axialis conWorkshop transfer plug in Now you can import vector images with transparency directly from Illustrator into Axialis lconWorkshop through memory You don t need to create a temporary file anymore Read More e Full tutorial on how to
375. o the image being pasted Using drag amp drop from the Librarian The most productive way to create an icon is to use drag amp drop from the librarian to add objects images ready to add in an icon in your icon project Using this method you can create a composite icon in a few minutes The most famous example of composite icon is the document folder icon Working with Icons Using the three objects above we ll make this icon in minutes using exclusively features included in Axialis lconWorkshop The icon will include formats from 256x256 to 16x16 in RGB A 256 and 16 colors based on the recommended formats specified in What is an icon topic This folder image has been created by Axialis Team It s free of charge so you can use them in your own icons see Sample Icons Terms Of Use The procedure below starts from a new project but it works also with an existing project We recommend you to start with the largest icon image that you plan to add in your icon here 256x256 RGB A Then you ll be able to add the other formats easily using this first one as model 1 Choose File New Icon Project or press Ctrl N A new dialog box opens 2 Select the Windows or Macintosh click OK A second dialog box opens In the Project Name edit zone enter the icon project name Document Folder Do not specify any extension 3 In the Colors group select Windows XP with Alpha Channel RGB A 32 bits 4 In the Size in Pi
376. ocal toolbar 6 The dialog box New Windows Icon From Image opens see below In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension a a a ee oe iai Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image rr Icon Project Names MySgherelean Oo Standard image formats for Windows 4 256x256 RGBA Windows Views ordy FBS P u a Fx Vian sx Fian Other formats for Windows Vista Other Formats 296x254 2 colors WI 16 colors 138x1233 0P D595 P 72x72 T it VIPNG corgress 246x256 formats for Windows Vista 3h00 P Fas Mono 132x32 Moro 36x36 Mono Rendering Options smooth sap Aa jad g mam mle renn m F Fher g rele Ba eon Yav ap pe THD Z Apy Orthering for 2 16 and Mono formats ee ee ee Zy AXIALIS D Ser rman 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic 8 In the Extra Formats group select the optional image formats you wish to add in the icon The following table shows the common Windows image formats 371 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A o o 256 Colors e s o d 16 Colors oo o d o Mono Windows standard icon image formats PNG compressed Wind
377. odifying the image HUE overall color Creating a new icon from this image How to Create a PNG BMP PSD or JPEG 2000 Image with Transparency Open the image file in Axialis IconWorkshop Save the Image as an External Bitmap The JPEG 2000 options How to create a Web optimized GIF image from an icon Open the icon file in IconWorkshop Save the image as a GIF file with Web optimization How to modify or extract icons included in program files Modifying an icon included in a program file Extracting icons from a program file Adding to the Librarian icons from a program file How to Create a Snapshot Picture of My Icons Creating a Snapshot of an Opened Icon Creating a Detailed Snapshot of Several Icons Creating a Quick Thumbnail Snapshot of Several Icons How to Add a Favorite Icon to my Web Site Create the Correct Icon Formats Saving Your Icon To your Local Hard Disk Associate the Icon with a Web Page My Icon is ignored Why How to Compile Icon Libraries with Activation Codes A word on Activation Codes Compile an Icon Library with Activation Code Generate Codes based on the User Name Generate Codes based on Serial Numbers 155 155 155 155 156 156 157 157 158 158 158 159 159 159 160 160 161 161 161 161 162 162 163 163 164 164 164 165 165 166 166 167 167 167 167 168 168 169 170 170 CREATING ICONS Create a new Windows icon project Choosing the icon project ty
378. of the highlights and shadows and the overall light and intensity of the image e Contour The Contour filter lets you get contours of objects in an image e Emboss This effect converts the image into a bas relief It highlights the areas of contrast with black or white pixels and colors the low contrast areas a medium grey Colors appear when there is a large difference in the contrast Filters work only with RGB A Windows XP image formats Apply Filter 1 Select a region with the selection tool or paste a floating selection If no selection is active the adjustments will apply to the whole image 2 Choose Draw Filters or click f and select the desired filter in the sub menu 3 The filter is applied to the entire icon or floating selection Apply Filter to the RGB components colors only Sometimes it s useful to apply a filter to the colors of an icon but not to its alpha channel transparency For example adding a smooth filter to an image without changing the sharpness of its edges 1 Select a region with the selection tool or paste a floating selection If no selection is active the adjustments will apply to the whole image 2 Press the Shift key keep pressed and choose Draw Filters or click f and select the desired filter in the sub menu 3 The filter is applied to the colors of the entire icon or floating selection 251 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Apply Filter to the Alpha Channel opacity only Som
379. of the image file is proposed by default 49 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 50 7 Select the images formats to include in the icon by clicking on the images To create a Windows Vista icon it is recommended that you follow the Windows Vista specifications as specified above Don t forget to add the 256x256 Windows Vista formats in RGB A Windows XP 256 and 16 color modes 8 To create a fully compliant Windows Vista icon you ll need to compress the 256x256 formats in PNG Select the associated option 9 You can also choose to apply the dithering option to the 256 16 color images as well as add a filter effect to smooth sharpen the resulting images in RGB A mode View the results in the preview images 10 When done click OK A new icon project is created in a document window Ox oR 5 Be Qu Orea Bi O BORA s ra GH He ale DDOIRH WZI A Di Pack 1 Cosy Bus J Pack 2 Realetic But fb Pack 3 Quick Toot i fh Packt Web 2 0 koi Samples ta Lage J Lage 11 The main window with the grid is the edition area where you can retouch the icon The gray chessboard like texture behind the icon is the transparent portion of the icon the alpha channel info has been preserved The scale 1 1 preview is displayed in the associated window 12 All the available formats are displayed in a list You can select them to edit or preview them See the applicat
380. olors 16 colors mono Small 16x16 32 bits alpha channel 256 colors 16 colors mono Creating Icons Mini 12x16 256 colors 16 colors The new Macintosh OS X icons can contain very large image formats 128x128 256x256 32 bits Those formats are also supported Although those image sizes are not actually used in Windows it s a good idea to start from hi res sizes to create a new Windows icon Here is a summary of image formats you can find in Macintosh Icons 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A o o o o o o 256 Colors e 16 Colors o e o Mono d Macintosh OS standard icon image formats En a compressed OSX 10 4 Recommended Optional Not Available E Some image formats are unavailable in Macintosh icon specifications Therefore IconWorkshop won t event permit you to create them If you try to save or convert a Windows icon to Macintosh some format will be removed Note that all image formats can be created in Windows icons even custom formats not listed above Convert the icon to Macintosh keeping all Macintosh compatible image formats This is the simplest way to proceed However some Windows specific image formats may not be converted 1 Open the Windows icon Choose File Open The icon is opened in a document window 2 Choose File Save As select Macintosh ICNS RSC or BIN as file type and specify a new name or 2 Choose File Save As M
381. om the icon if available 161 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Open the icon file in IconWorkshop 1 Open your original icon file from the librarian or using File Open 2 The image file opens in a document window In the image format list select the image you wish to use to create the GIF file We recommend you to extract the 256 color image from the icon if available otherwise use RGB A Save the image as a GIF file with Web optimization 3 Choose File Export CompuServe GIF Optimized for the Web or press Ctrl Shift G 4 A standard Save Image As dialog box opens In the Save as Type list select the format 5 Choose a destination folder and type a new filename When done click OK 6 A dialog box CompuServe GIF Optimizer opens canton OR CompuServe GIF Optimizer CompuServe GIF image format 6 widely used in Web pages because the majority of Web Q browsers recognize it However this format has some imitatons see remarks and images jazi need to be optimized to meet Web requirements lke size colors and transparency Colors Transparency oO acne O Q rere a y nO O m a 7 In Colors specify the number of colors you wish to use in the image palette Limited number of colors will result in smaller file but will produce lower image quality Choose Auto if you re not sure about desired the number of colors 8 In Palette choose the type of palette desired e Adaptive The
382. ommand in Windows explorer Click to change the default Editor application for the selected media file types This external application will be launched when you ll choose the Edit command in Windows or Axialis Pro Screen Saver Producer explorers Options in the Librarian Tab To access the Librarian Tab options choose View Preferences The Preferences dialog box opens click on the Librarian tab to get the related options You can change the location of the librarian on your hard disk by specifying a new path to the directory structure containing your Icon Projects Libraries and Media files 1 Specify a Path for the librarian or click on the Browse button If you specify the new location for the librarian the change will occur the next time you launch Axialis lconWorkshop 2 If you check Confirm before saving libraries in librarian the application prompts you to confirm if you want save libraries in the librarian 3 If you check Show Information Window when deleting items in the librarian the application displays information to tell you that the selected items have been moved in the Folder Deleted items You will be able to restore them back to their original locations at any time and also permanently delete them 4 If you check Enable Librarian Item Extended Information the application permits to add extended information to each file in the Librarian Author keywords comment This information is useful to incre
383. on This operation is not a conversion it s a creation of a new icon It will not preserve all the existing formats It will create a new icon based on the largest and most coloured image included in the original Macintosh icon usually 256x256 or 48x48 with alpha channel 1 Open the Macintosh icon Choose File Open 2 When the icon is opened select the largest and the most coloured image format in the list best with 256x256 or 48x48 with alpha channel 3 Right click on the selected image format in the list a menu opens Select New Windows Icon Project from this Image 271 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Add Several nage Formats from thes Image o aa New Macintosh kon Project from this Image Copy Create Snapehet Expert D O Dees Image Format Let Som Let On Ltt Pom Ut On Rage 4 A large dialog box opens In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension te ele Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image icon Project Names MySpherelcen 1 Standard image formats for Windows 7 256x255 RGBA Windows Viata ony 2602 2H colos 125x29 16 colors Dimas Dwe rer APNG compress 246x256 formats for Windows ista Bons Eas Elx Moo x men Rendering Options smooth IZ anghy Finer when Reszing Wtoply Otherng fr 2 16 and Mono formats ears 5 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wis
384. on to and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect 8 In the Other group select the optional image formats you wish to add in the icon Note that the 32x32 mono is recommended if you want the icon to be compatible with older systems The format 256x256 works only under Macintosh OSX 10 4 Tiger or more The format 512x512 works only under Macintosh OSX 10 5 Leopard or more The following table shows the common Macintosh image formats 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 i 24x24 16x16 i RAO et e n o l e i oni on y 256 Colors E e o o nl oa i ave ae ak Oe a Macintosh OS standard icon image formats 71 2pe02000 compressed 05x 10 4 Recommended Optional Not Available 373 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 8 To get the best results possible you can also apply a filter when resizing RGB A images and a dithering option to the 256 16 color images try and see the results in the preview images 9 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected 374 Customizing Windows Icons IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR WINDOWS VISTA USER The feature Customize Windows Icons including in the application has known compatibility issues with Windows Vista We don t recommend to use it with this operating system Axialis Software will soon release a free separate utility that will permit to customize icons
385. on to and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect 8 In the Other group select the optional image formats you wish to add in the icon Note that the 32x32 mono is recommended if you want the icon to be compatible with older systems The new format 256x256 works only under OSX 10 4 Tiger or more The following table shows the common Macintosh image formats 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 ma ae 4 so 4 es ae 256 Colors e o o 16 Colors SE To o e o Macintosh OS standard icon image formats 3peg2000 compressed OSX 10 4 Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 5 Recommended Optional Not Available 8 To get the best results possible you can also apply a filter when resizing RGB A images and a dithering option to the 256 16 color images try and see the results in the preview images 9 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected 10 Now you can save your icon in a file 280 Working with Icons Convert several PNG icons to Windows icons An interesting feature of IconWorkshop is the ability to create Windows icons from PNG icons PNG is an image file format not really an icon format Icons usually contain several formats PNG images contain only one image used as icon This image is usually a large one 128x128 or 256x256 with alpha channel RGB A 32 BPP Th
386. on formats We won t add the 256x256 Alpha format which is not supported by Windows XP we recommend it for Windows Vista So we ll add the following images 48x48 Windows XP Alpha already done 32x32 Windows XP Alpha 16x16 Windows XP Alpha 48x48 256 colors 32x32 256 colors 16x16 256 colors 32x32 16 colors 16x16 16 colors Adding a new icon format based on the current image 1 Select Draw New Image Format or press Ins You can also click on the button in the local toolbar or right click in the Image Format List then choose New Image Format 59 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 60 ta O Add a New Windows Image Format Image Color Format Image Sre in pecels D P with Alpha Crore ROSA 32 True Colors RCB M bits ee 255 Indexed Colors 8 bits o 16 Colors 4 bits a Monechrome 157 nls Cantor pre AP we Agra Quarrel magat ae Sepayet 32 comecty in Windows YP or ew ordy PORA RN den IZ Creston based on the fgigamng mage Y Apply Diherning for 256 16 and Mono ornats ordy 2 Axtauls 3 In the Colors and Size groups Axialis IconWorkshop propose you to create the next missing image format based on the recommended Windows image formats see the above table Leave the actual selection as is XP Alpha Channel and 32x32 4 You can choose to create this new format based on an existing image format By default Axialis IconWorksho
387. ons Choose Draw Adjustments Effects Brightness Contrast or press B 3 The dialog box Adjust Brightness Contrast opens ui o gt N To get a better idea of the adjustments you re doing we recommend you to activate the Preview option It permits you to see the changes in background editor and preview windows Specifies the Brightness value you wish to add to the current image The value you specify is added or subtracted if this is a negative value to the current image brightness Valid values are in range 100 dark to 100 very light Specifies the Contrast value you wish to add to the current image The value you specify is added or subtracted if this is a negative value to the current image contrast Valid values are in range 100 low contrast to 100 high contrast When done click OK Adjust Hue Saturation Brightness Before proceeding with this topic you need know how to work with selections This feature works only with RGB A Windows XP image formats Adjust hue saturation and brightness of a portion of image 1 N Select a region with the selection tool If no selection is active the adjustments will apply to the whole image Choose Draw Adjustments Effects Hue Saturation Brightness or press U 3 The dialog box Adjust Hue Saturation Brightness opens ul o gt N To get a better idea of the adjustments you re doing we recommend you to activate the
388. ons are created and added to the same folder Names are preserved only the extension is changed The created icons have the same filename as the original PNG files with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting When you create icons from PNG Image Files the whole image is selected and resized keeping its aspect ratio If it contains transparency it is kept during the creation Convert a Windows Macintosh icon to PNG PNG is an image file format not really an icon format Icons usually contain several formats PNG images contain only one image used as icon This image is usually a large one 128x128 or 256x256 with alpha channel RGB A 32 BPP This format is used by numerous GUI and applications Linux KDE dock bars Using this feature you can extract an image from an icon and convert it to a PNG icon Only one image will be extracted from the icon We recommend you to extract the largest RGB A image from the icon since IconWorkshop supports creation of PNG images with alpha channel Open the icon file in lconWorkshop 1 Open your original icon file from the librarian or using File Open 283 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 2 The image file opens in a document window In the image format list select the image you wish to use to create the PNG file We recommend you to extract the largest RGB A image from the icon since lconWork
389. ools Brush Line Rectangle Ellipse 3D 2 Select one of the following brushes E e 4 N 3 Just draw using the mouse Produce smooth edges while drawing 1 Select on of the tools supporting smooth edges see above 2 Be sure the Draw Smooth Edges E option is enabled 3 Just draw using the mouse The image is smoothed when you release the mouse button to produce better results The smooth edges option is available for images using RGB A Windows XP color format only Work with colors Before using a drawing tool you need to select a drawing color You can define 2 colors e The Foreground Color This color will be assigned to the left mouse button while drawing e The Background Color This color will be assigned to the right mouse button while drawing You can define and assign colors using the color palette docking window The Color Palette contents changes depending on the color mode of the actual icon image format RGB A 256 16 Mono Show Hide the color palette window 1 Choose View Colors or CTRL F11 Assigning Foreground Background colors 1 Select foreground or background color by clicking the associated area see above The selected area is marked with a thicker and darker border 2 Using the mouse click in the color palette The associated color is assigned 3 If you re in RGB A mode you can adjust the opacity Adjusting Foreground Background colors 1 Select foreground or ba
390. op It is a library of 150 graphical objects which will permit you to create an unlimited number of icons with various glossy effects and shapes simply using drag amp drop The images come in 256x256 high quality PNG format It permits to create icons containing various sizes up to 256x256 for Windows XP Windows Vista and MacOS To read more about this exclusive feature read this topic Creating Icons from Image Objects Introducing License Convert icons between Macintosh and Windows formats Macintosh designers are prolific especially when it comes to icon creation Use Axialis IconWorkshop to read Macintosh icons and convert them to Windows It reads all kind of Macintosh icons up to OS X You can also convert your Windows icons for the Macintosh If you re a software developer you ll enjoy the ability to create applications for both Windows and Macintosh platforms by converting your icons If you re simply a Windows user you ll be able to use your icons on both systems Automatically create icons from images Axialis lconWorkshop features a powerful editor But sometimes it s easier to create an icon from an existing image Basically you can import all kind of existing images PSD PNG BMP JPEG GIF JPEG 2000 An exclusive feature permits to create an icon with its several image formats in just one operation All is done automatically Alpha channel is preserved palettes are calculated for 25
391. opens Enter a New Name for the selected icons If you rename more icons they are automatically indexed For example computer will be indexed by computer 1 computer 2 computer n 5 If the option Add zero characters in indexes 001 002 is checked zero characters will be added in the names For example 27 items with new name Image will be renamed Image01 ImageO2 Image27 Sort icons by name in a library 1 First select the icon library which contain the icons to sort 2 Once the library contents is displayed select the icons you wish to sort you can use Shift key to select several icons If you want to sort all the icons select them all or just select one icon 3 Choose Icon Library Sort by name 4 The icons are sorted using their names in the selection only If you select only one icon in the library Axialis lconWorkshop warns you that there is only one icon selected and propose you to sort all the icons Change icon order using drag a drop 1 Once the icons are selected use mouse drag amp drop to move them within the library If you press the Ctrl key while using drag amp drop the icons are duplicated 343 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Export icons from an icon library Once a library has been built in the Librarian you ll probably need to export icons embedded in it to create individual icon files or partial libraries Several methods are available to perform exports Export
392. oposes you to create the next missing format based on the selected image For example right click on the 32x32 XP image format and choose Create 16x16 Win XP Image Format in the menu see below Ed Menten kon eee CEELEN Sela Conse 1616 RGBA Image Foret Asd Several Image Formats from this Drage cited meze Format voted Hew Windows kon Poaject from tha mage New Macenosh boon Project tom ths jage Copy Creste Saapehet Add to the Lidtarian in lmage Object bpon Rerneve image Format proposed image formats are different for Macintosh icons 2 The new format is automatically added to the icon Adding several images formats in one operation This method adds several image formats from an existing one in a single operation It is possible to create standard and extra formats using this method 1 Right click on the format in the list you wish to use as model on the left of the editor window a context menu opens select Add Several Image Formats from This Image see below 237 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Create 42088 155 Image Format Add Several lage Formnats from this image Compressed Image Format vinta New Windows hoon Project fom thes mage New Mocietosh kon Project hem thas mege CE Add Several Image Formats Saad mmo on er nalna 7 26x25 RGBA Windows Vista ordy y Other formats for Windows Vista E 256x256 256 cetors 1256x255
393. or just select another folder and you ll be prompted to save the library The library is saved into an ICL file named Buttons icl located in the Icons folder Lesson 14 Compiling the Icon Library In this lesson we ll compile the Buttons library we ve created in previous lessons This will produce an EXE installable package one compressed file ready for distribution Selecting the Library starting the compilation wizard 1 First we re going to select the library which is located in the Librarian You must be sure the librarian is visible If the librarian window is not visible check the Librarian button in the main toolbar or press ESC 104 Getting Started Tutorial Ted Anais icoeWoashop 62 file dt Ubraran Favoetes View Window Heip Om D B d D ca alee 2 Select the library Buttons in the librarian tree the icons included in the library appear in the list below Select all the icons in the library or press Ctrl A Right click in this list and choose Compile as EXE Installable Package or click the associated button A dialog box opens Specifying the compilation options using the wizard 3 The first screen of the Compilation Wizard opens Installation Package You are about to create an installable icon library td convenient and user friendly way to dstre your JEEE ee Oey VS be pana Ca Paean minai progam wil be smaler than the original IQ This is perfect to dist
394. ork contains the image or icon which permits to display it on screen See below for more information on transfer from Windows to Macintosh Saving a Windows icon using a Macintosh format 1 Open a Macintosh icon Choose File Save As 2 Choose File Save As select Macintosh ICNS RSC or BIN as file type and specify a new name or 2 Choose File Save As Macintosh Icon Ctrl Alt S select the Macintosh file format see above and specify a new name or 2 Click the following button on the toolbar select the Macintosh file format see above and specify a new name for this icon i Co B Rs s 3 Click on the Save button Remark about the Macintosh icon format The following table shows the common Macintosh image formats Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A e o o o o 256 Colors e is e 16 Colors o oO o Mono s Macintosh OS standard icon image formats E en Osx 10 4 Recommended Optional Not Available Macintosh icon format is not open You cannot add image formats which are not defined in Macintosh icon specifications Some image formats are not available During the save operation you may be prompted to confirm loss of Windows specific image formats not available in Macintosh icons Convert a Windows icon to Macintosh format 192 What s the difference between Windows and Macintosh icons Mic
395. orkshop with Paint Shop Pro Transferring an Image from Paint Shop Pro to IconWorkshop to Create an Icon Transferring an Icon Image from IconWorkshop to Paint Shop Pro How to use IconWorkshop with Freehand Transferring an Image from Freehand to IconWorkshop to Create an Icon How to use StuffIt Expander to read Macintosh Icons Installing and Configuring Stufflt Expander for Windows Uncompressing a SIT HQX Archive File Uncompressing Macintosh icons packed in a ZIP file How to Convert a Macintosh Icon to Windows What s the difference between Windows and Macintosh icons Which image formats are included in Macintosh icons Convert the icon to Windows keeping all Macintosh formats Creating a Windows icon from a Macintosh icon Where to find Macintosh icons How to unpack Macintosh icon archives How to convert a Windows Icon to Macintosh What s the difference between Windows and Macintosh icons Which image formats are included in Macintosh icons Convert the icon to Macintosh keeping all Macintosh compatible image formats Creating a Macintosh icon from a Windows icon How to transfer an icon to a Macintosh computer What file format should use to transfer an icon Transfer an icon between Windows OS and Macintosh OS using MacBinary Transfer an icon to Macintosh OS using a LAN How to batch convert icons b
396. ormats and Extra Image Formats choose the image formats you wish to add in the icons Working with Icons Batch Create Macietosh koea From Sekcion ME M Batch Create Macintosh Icons from selected sour ee eee ee ee resa redefined mage formats see below Score mil be autzeancally Created in the source file folder Creare fienames well be the sane as the source Se mith new extension This feature wil permit you to geste several Macintosh icons in one batch process lt i oes ncuding KONS mages cursors Ble Fermat Macinary ion PIN Standard image formats for Macintosh OS Fin Gjana IR RGA 2 nomads Glas Y 3232 286 oyode Mae OS X oS AIR Other Formats s Mono T 32x32 Mono 1x16 Mono 16112 2 1n 36 16x12 Mono 7 256x255 ROSAS OS 10 4 Tiger o mere oriy Cena son ionann ve 1512 AGBApha 05 10 4 Leopard or more oriy Rendering Options Transparency Cor vet the blow Py F Fooly Finer when Resizing ia hepatona Smooth None Soo ee I Convert to traneparent 7 Aoply Dittering for 256 16 and Meno a C ceat 6 In Image Adjustment group you can add a smooth or sharp filter to the image shrinking process You can also use or not a dithering method to render image using 256 or 16 colors In Transparency group an option permits to use opaque images i e without transparency and specify a color to make transparent 7 When done click OK All the Macintosh ic
397. ormats size and colors In this dialog you specify the properties of the first image format you wish to include in this icon You ll be able to add several other image formats later See Creating a new image format in an icon 6 If you want to use default settings for new icon with current dialog settings click Set As Default This is useful if you have chosen not to be prompted with this dialog box when creating a new icon 7 You can ask Axialis lconWorkshop to bypass the new icon dialog box Choose Do not prompt in the Future or choose Edit Preferences and in General tab check Create a new icon project window option In this case the new icon will always have the default settings 2 We recommend you to start with the largest and most coloured image you plan to include in the icon For example 48x48 RGB A 187 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Add image formats in a Macintosh icon This is very important to create several image formats in an icon especially if you wish to redistribute it in order to be compatible with all screen configurations The following table shows the common Macintosh image formats 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 3232 24x24 16x16 Rca oe oF o o i 256 Colors o o 16 Colors o o o Mono o Macintosh OS standard icon image formats Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 4 Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 5 Recommended Optional Not Available IMPORTANT
398. orted by the application Icon Files e Windows Icons ICO e Macintosh Icons ICNS RSC e MacBinary files containing Macintosh Icons BIN e Windows Icon Libraries ICL e Macintosh Icontainer Libraries ICONTAINER e Windows Executable Files EXE DLL OCX CPL Cursors e Static Windows Cursors CUR e Animated Windows Cursors ANI Images e Windows Images BMP DIB WMF e Portable Network Graphic Images PNG e Photoshop Images PSD e JPEG 2000 Images JP2 e JPEG JPG JPEG e CompuServe GIF GIF e Animated GIF GIF e Macintosh Images PICT PIC PCT QTI e Targa Images TGA e TIFF TIF TIFF Working With The Axialis Media File Explorer e Kodak FlashPix Image FXP e Kodak PhotoCD Images PCD e Amiga Images IFF LBM e ZSoft Paintbrush Images PCX Open a media file Using the explorer you can easily open a media file 1 Create a New Explorer window by choosing File New New Explorer Ctrl E 2 Browse your disks and select the appropriate folder in the left pane The media files included in the folder appear in the right pane Open a media file 3 Select the file you wish to open 4 Double click on it or choose Explorer Open Item Enter or right click on it and choose Open in the menu Open a media full screen 3 Select the file you wish to open fullscreen 4 Choose Explorer Open Item Full Screen F11 or right click on it and choose Open
399. ose New Icon Library in the menu or press Ins gt Librarian a Icons toe 3 Anew entry is inserted in the tree type the name of the new library Enter Spheres then hit Enter 4 The new Icon Library is now created Its contents empty for now is displayed in the area below Now you can add icons to this library This is what we ll do in next lesson Lesson 13 Adding icons to the Icon Library Now that we ve created a new icon library named Spheres we ll add to it the 2 icons we ve previously created Adding an icon to the Icon Library from the Librarian 1 Be sure the librarian is visible and select the Icons folder Also if necessary click on the plus icon located on left of the folder to expand the tree branch and show the sub libraries including our newly created Spheres library 2 In the list below select MySpherelcon ico 3 Now using the mouse Drag amp Drop the icon to the Icon library in the tree above Release the mouse The file has been copied to the Icon Library If you want you can delete it from the folder 4 Now verify by selecting the Spheres library in the tree The icon appears in the list below Note that the aspect of the items in the list below has changed It has been optimized to display icons only check options in the local toolbar to display icons in this list 102 Getting Started Tutorial Adding an icon to the Icon Library from an opened icon documen
400. ou to start with the largest and most coloured image you plan to include in the icon For example 48x48 Windows XP RGB A Add image formats in a Windows icon This is very important to create several image formats in an icon especially if you wish to redistribute it in order to be compatible with all screen configurations see What is an Icon for more info The following table shows the common Windows image formats 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A d o e e 256 Colors e o o 16 Colors O o d o Mono Windows standard icon image formats PNG compressed Windows Vista Recommended Optional Not Available IMPORTANT If you add 24x24 image formats in your icon it won t be compatible with Windows 98 and Windows 2000 If you use these Windows versions the icon will display correctly in Axialis IconWorkshop but will be considered as invalid by Windows Adding a new image format 1 Choose Draw New image Format or press Ins Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Add New Image Format Add a New Windows Image Format Image Color Format Image Sire in pixels DP with Alpha Carmel ROSA S25 256x256 Vata True Colors GB M bits x8 255 Indexed Coors 8 bas 1 3232 2 16 Colors 4 bits 24 Monochrome 157 1x6 Cuntors size IP with Alpha Channel images are Saplayed O Sones ntinconnd WP tree ony Tave Colors RGA M Dick is nox a mandant icon format see hei
401. ound color to fill the transparent areas with this color 7 When done click OK If you have chosen to create JPEG 2000 or GIF images an option dialog box opens see below about the options The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the creation When done the new Images are added to the folder contents The created images have the same filename as the original document with PNG PSD BMP GIG or JP2 appended A smart system has been added to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting If this exact chosen format does not exists in an icon the nearest format is chosen for extraction The JPEG 2000 options JPEG 2000 is the latest generation of compressed image format It permits to compress images with low quality loss Additionally it permits to encode images with alpha channel When you save an image in JPEG 2000 format you need to specify the type of compression you want for this image e Lossless compression This will result in perfect image quality but larger file size about 30 50 of original image e Lossy compression This can be adjusted to create smaller files high compression means low quality see preview If you use lossy compression we recommend you to adjust the compression level using the slider and compare the difference between the original and the resulting image in the preview window Working with Icons The GIF options CompuServe GIF image forma
402. our work from Adobe Photoshop using the Axialis transfer plug in see this tutorial or you can create an icon by assembling several image objects see this tutorial In this procedure we ll use this file down png we recommend you to download it and save it on your disk use right click and choose Save Target As You can also find the file in the Librarian folder Objects Pack 2 Realistic Buttons 2 Launch Axialis lconWorkshop and open the image file It is loaded in an image document window not an icon editor window as shown below tf Anaka kenWorkshop 6 19 Down png Fide Edt Image Libranen Favostes View Window Heip Dre D B bd C svee ca awe oO Recently Uied Z C Usery Marc DRN Decuments Aube bean Object Pach 2 Reabatc Librarian x 494 0044 30a D Bb Pack 3 Quick Toomer E p Bh Parka Web 20 koms If the scale 1 1 preview window is not in 256x256 mode the preview image will be cropped It is recommended that you switch to 256x256 preview mode if you want to work with 256x256 Windows Vista icons To switch to this mode right click in the preview window a menu opens Choose 256x256 Display The preview window now looks as shown above in floating mode Ww 86 Getting Started Tutorial Use the same method to return to the previous state choose 128x128 Display remove the Floating Window option and use the mouse to dock the window 4 Select the whole image Choose Edit
403. ows MetaFile Open the image file in Axialis lconWorkshop 2 1 Choose File Open browse your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the image file you wish to open then hit Enter The image file opens in a document window Axialis lconWorkshop will convert images to 32 bpp with transparency when possible This is much more convenient to create icons The following image formats can include transparency Photoshop PSD PNG RGB GIF JPEG 2000 and WMF Create an icon from this image 3 ul Before proceeding we recommend you to select the portion of image you wish to use to create your icon If you leave too many transparent areas around your image the visible part of your icon will be too small Select the portion of image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the portion of image you wish to use do not cut the shadow if there is one around the object When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created When the selection is done choose Image Create Macintosh Icon from Selection or press M or click the first command button in the local toolbar Axialis lconWorksho
404. ows Vista Recommended Optional Not Available 9 To get the best results possible you can also apply a filter when resizing RGB A images and a dithering option to the 256 16 color images try and see the results in the preview images 10 If you wish to start creating your icon with an unlisted format click the Other Image Format button 11 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected Create a Macintosh icon from an image File An interesting feature of Axialis lconWorkshop is to create an icon from an existing file Some image formats support 32 BPP alpha channel transparency which is very interesting to create hi quality RGB A images in icons Open the image file in Axialis lconWorkshop 1 Choose File Open browse your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the image file you wish to open then hit Enter 2 The image file opens in a document window Axialis lconWorkshop will convert images to 32 bpp with transparency when possible This is much more convenient to create icons The following image formats can include transparency Photoshop PSD PNG RGB GIF JP
405. p choose the best existing image format to create the new one You can change this proposal and choose your own selection this is not recommended Be sure the option Creation based on the following image is selected 5 When done Click OK The new image format is created and the previous image format has been automatically resized The new format is selected in the list see below and is displayed in the drawing area Getting Started Tutorial A Faster way to create a new format 4 If you want to create quickly a new standard image format just right click on an image format in the list A menu opens and proposes you to create the next missing format based on the selected image For example right click on the 32x32 Windows XP image format and choose Create 16x16 Windows XP Image Format in the menu see below ES SG pave JAA Conregeeised Iepe Forrnat Wot E New Windows kon Poaject from thia Image New Macenosh E hoon Project thorn ts pragt Copy Creste Snapthet Addtothe Lidenrian ai bmage Object bpon Remove moge Format 61 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 5 The new image format is automatically created and selected H Mifare kon r aonne merran 9 aA 21D Dl Of course you can repeat the same operation to create the other formats However we prefer to learn you a faster method to create all the other formats on one operat
406. p 6 10 6 The dialog box New Macintosh Icon From Image opens see below In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension Create a New Icon for Apple Macintosh from an Image kon Project Name MySoheretcon Standard image formats for Hacintosh OS 128x228 RGB Alpha 32 bits V i083 RGA B ykn 25 Fima 16 E 16x12 M000 56x255 RGB Apha OS 29 4 Tiger or mare oniy 15121512 RGB Alpha OS 29 4 Tiger or more oniy Tew gow ret 20 Rendering Options vertors reales in e TZ apply Piter when Reszng TZ Apply Dethering for 2 16 and Mono formats Smooth Baat 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon to and unselect the unwanted images Just click on the image preview to select unselect 8 In the Other group select the optional image formats you wish to add in the icon Note that the 32x32 mono is recommended if you want the icon to be compatible with older systems The format 256x256 works only under Macintosh OSX 10 4 Tiger or more The format 512x512 works only under Macintosh OSX 10 5 Leopard or more The following table shows the common Macintosh image formats 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RBA CO o o e o o 256 Colors o e o e ETa a E TANAN oe Mono o T o o Macintosh OS standard icon image formats _ 2 3peg2000 compressed O
407. p for more io To passa RGR kors we OMENS you O Oa EP A AGa Oael RGAVA 22 a0 Z Creston based on the folguang mage ccs Roa T Apply Ovthering for 256 16 and Memo formats oriy Cox 2 In the Colors group choose the color mode of the new image format e Windows XP colors With Alpha Channel 16 8M 32 bits Uses true colors to get the best results This format will be used only if the icon is displayed under Windows XP Also it uses an additional Alpha Channel to create smooth shades and object borders e 256 Indexed colors 8 bits Uses a customizable 256 color palette You will be able to modify this palette to produce smoother gradients or specific colors e 16 colors 4bits Uses the system standard palette 16 static colors This is the native Windows mode e True colors 16 8M 24 bits Rarely used this format may be incompatible with some display drivers e Monochrome 1 bit Uses only 2 colors black and white This is an obsolete color mode 3 In the Size in Pixels group choose the size of the new image format e Standard sizes 256x256 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 e Extra sizes 128x128 72x72 80x80 96x96 256x256 e Custom size You can specify any size including non square size If you want the height equal to width click Square aspect 4 If you check the Create a new image based on the following image option Axialis IconWorkshop will create a new image based on a copy of the s
408. page basis lt HEAD gt lt LINK REL SHORTCUT ICON HREF http www domain com iconname ico gt lt TITLE gt Page Title lt TITLE gt lt HEAD gt My Icon is ignored Why First check that it meets the IE requirements see above If this is the case keep in mind that the only way a shortcut icon appears on a user s Favorites menu and Address bar is if the user chooses to add your page as a favorite You can add a button or link on your page that prompts the user to add your page Use the following code to test with this feature 167 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 H 168 lt SCRIPT gt lt if navigator appVersion indexOf MSIE gt 0 amp amp parseInt navigator appVersion gt 4 var sText lt U gt lt SPAN STYLE color blue cursor hand sText onclick window external AddFavorite location href sText document title gt Add this page to your favorites lt SPAN gt lt U gt document write sText gt lt SCRIPT gt ow to Compile Icon Libraries with Activation Codes This new version of Axialis lconWorkshop includes a feature to compile Icon Libraries as install package ready for distribution Additionally a feature has been added to force the user to enter an activation code to proceed with installation optional feature Important Before reading with this topic you need to know how to compile an Icon Library Click here to read t
409. palette will be calculated to get the best results possible recommended e Web Safe This is the default Netscape Web palette e Windows This is the default palette used under old Windows versions in 256 color screen mode e Macintosh OS This is the default palette used under old Macintosh OS versions in 256 color screen mode 9 In Dither choose Diffusion if you want IconWorkshop to simulate colors not present in the palette by pixel mixing using the error diffusion method Choose None to encode the image without dithering Diffusion produces the best results but usually creates slightly larger images 162 How to Procedures 10 In Transparency specify if you want to preserve transparency or not Of you choose opaque the transparent areas of the icon will be converted to solid color the Matte color If you choose to preserve transparency and encodes your GIF file from a RGB A images you may need to adjust the Threshold value to produce better results on image edges 11 In Preview compare the original and the optimized images image quality and size to find the best adjustments possible 12 When done click OK The image file has been created How to modify or extract icons included in program files Axialis lconWorkshop permits to modify icons directly in program files like EXE DLL OCX This feature is handy to customize existing applications We strongly recomm
410. pe Defining the first image format Add image formats in a Windows icon Adding a new image format Adding quickly a standard image format Adding several images formats in one operation Save a Windows icon Saving the project in a file Saving the project by adding it in the Librarian Save a Macintosh icon as Windows format Saving a Macintosh icon using a Windows format Convert a Macintosh icon to a Windows format What s the difference between Windows and Macintosh icons Which image formats are included in Macintosh icons Convert the icon to Windows keeping all Macintosh image formats Creating a Windows icon from a Macintosh icon Create a Windows icon from an image File Open the image file in lconWorkshop Create an icon from this image Batch create several Windows icons from images Select the source images icons or cursors Batch create Windows icons Create a new Macintosh icon project Choosing the icon project type Defining the first image format Add image formats in a Macintosh icon Adding a new image format Adding quickly a standard image format Adding several images formats in one operation Save a Macintosh icon Saving the project in a file Saving the project by adding it in the Librarian Save a Windows icon as Macintosh format Saving a Windows icon using a Macintosh format Remark about the Macintosh icon format Convert a Windows icon t
411. pens Axialis Online Update will check our server for a new version and download a patch if necessary To upgrade your application online you must be a registered user of this application customer Username and Password e It requires authentication then specify your Axialis Customer Username and Password If you re already an Axialis customer if you already have registered a program using this new online registration system not the old one you should have a personal Username and Password Username and Password are NOT case sensitive e If you have lost your password click the Oops I ve lost my password button A Web page will open and your personal hint question will be asked to you If your answer is correct your password is displayed You specify the hint question and answer when you create your customer account new customer e To Continue click Next We strongly recommend you to save and close all the opened screen saver project Windows before proceeding at the end of the download procedure the application will be restarted 3 A Ready to Register dialog box opens If you using a modem check that you re connected to Internet If you re connected to Internet without a Firewall click Update Now If you use 406 Registering Upgrading Online features a Firewall check the Connected to Internet using a Proxy Firewall box and fill the following fields 4 Inthe HTTP Settings group specify e Address amp Port Sp
412. peration in an icon image If this option is not checked a default resize option will be used Prompt for palette options when pasting If this box is checked a dialog box lets you choose for color options you each time you perform a paste operation which requires an icon palette modification This event occurs only for 256 color image formats If this option is not checked a default option will be used Customizing the Application Warn if insufficient video colors to edit image If this box is checked Axialis lconWorkshop displays a warning message each time you edit an image format which exceeds your display capabilities Image order compatible with Windows Explorer If this option is checked the order in which image formats are saved in ICO files permits to better display them in Windows Explorer If this option is not checked the icons may be displayed as 16x16 in Windows Explorer If you re a developer and work with Visual Basic you may encounter issues if you check this option Icons may be considered as invalid User Interface options To access the User Interface Tab options choose View Preferences The Preferences dialog box opens click on the User Interface tab to get the related options User Interface Style Windows Standard User Interface Allows to use Windows interface style If you want to use the new Windows Vista AERO interface feature you must choose this option User Interface Style
413. perfectly adjusted inside the square 256 Color Do 7 Now let s create the icon In Photoshop choose File Export Export to Axialis IconWorkshop The template is automatically recognized by IconWorkshop and the icon is created with the 3 formats we ve drawn iL a 93 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Only the squares with images generated the associated formats Now if you want to create other formats you can follow the same procedure as in Lesson 4 Adding other formats using the template You can also add new formats from the one you ve drawn using the template For example let s add the 256 color formats from the RGB A images we ve already drawn 8 Go back to Photoshop and select the document containing the template Select the layer Layer O the one containing the template image 9 Select the Paint Bucket tool amp and using the color you want we used pure green RGB 0 255 0 fill the 3 squares 48x48 32x32 and 16x16 in the group 256 colors Axialis iconVorkshop Template 003 Copyright 2007 Ariaks Software Al Rights Reserved INSTRUCTIONS A NO NEKO TO SANE AGE BELOW THES LINE 1 Cn dred Image form mages ay ort To Axiaks ToconWork shop 10 Choose File Export Export to Axialis lconWorkshop A new icon document is created with the 256 color formats added The formats has been automatically created from the largest and most coloured image in our case 48x48 RGB A The
414. plementary information to the image usually actions or types Overlay objects can be created from basic objects and added to your existing object collection See below examples of overlay objects from Axialis IconWorkshop standard objects Creating Icons from Image Objects tet tXv A ok Complex Objects These objects are detailed ones which can be used alone However they re usually used with overlays images applied to them See below examples of complex objects few of them with overlays OcOEIFIFY yy od od_waming doc doc_add doc_remove Using Image Objects with Axialis Products Actually Axialis lconWorkshop is the only product to support image objects In the near future Professional Screensaver Producer and CursorWorkshop will support image objects On a regular basis new image object packs will be available for download on our website Packs are free but some of them are reserved to registered customers Additionally third party authors may propose their own object packs additional fees may be required Links to selected object packs will also be added to our website object page Using image objects in Axialis products is a child s play The installation is easy and fully automated Objects are added in the Axialis Librarian folder and appear in the associated integrated window present in all Axialis products Once the pack is installed dealing with objects is fun and intuitive It can be done exclusively wit
415. ply with Axialis requirements image objects must match the following specifications Objects can be vector or raster images Objects file format must be compatible with Axialis Software products PNG JPEG2000 BMP PSD ICO ICNS more formats to be supported in the future Raster objects must contain RGB images and include alpha channel transparency RGB A 32 bits per pixel format Indexed images with color palette are not accepted Raster objects size must be 256x256 Overlay objects object can be 128x128 Complex multi resolution objects can include several versions on the same image at different sizes useful for small icons Objects can contain layers Different Types of Image Objects All objects are simply images However we can separate them in three types Basic Objects These objects are the most simple possible For instance the Glossy Buttons pack contains only basic objects Basic objects cannot be used alone They are designed to be added as layers to other basic or simple objects Typical basic objects are geometric shapes reflect effects lightning effects shadows and more See below examples of basic objects from Glossy Buttons pack 0009000 Crde iue Orde Geen Pa Gre Outer Gow Gay _ ee ota lensed Crde Shadow Cre Effect Crde Effect 2 Overlay Objects These objects can be used alone but are generally added to already done images The aim of overlay objects is to add a sup
416. pon such termination you agree to destroy the Software together with all copies thereof Copyright Ownership This Software and its source code are proprietary products of AXIALIS and are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws The Software is licensed and not sold You acquire only the right to use the Software and do not acquire any rights express or implied in the Software other than those specified in this License Disclaimer of Warranties The Software is supplied AS IS AXIALIS disclaims all warranties expressed or implied including without limitation the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose The user must assume the entire risk of using the Software Disclaimer of Damages AXIALIS assumes no liability for damages direct or consequential which may result from the use of the Software even if AXIALIS has been advised of the possibility of such damages Any liability of the seller will be limited to refund the purchase price Object Packs Terms Of Use 30 This is a legal agreement between you the User and Axialis Software Corporation Axialis This agreement refers to the image objects the Objects included in the product or packs downloaded from our website http www axialis com objects By using the objects the user agrees to the following terms IMPORTANT This agreement does not refer to the sample icons provided in the product To get more information on the
417. port to lconWorkshop The Axialis plugin is launched a XML description file is read you can create your own see in help and the icon is created in lconWorkshop Just retouch it if you want and save it 2 Draw the different images of your icon in Adobe Photoshop 1 Choose New Project from Template coe MEN SoS rerepa reson in Axialis IconWorkshop SS OEE EETA gt Anew document is created in Photoshop with the template in background w gt x 3 Export to lconWorkshop al i A XML description file is read S a aa by the plugin to create the icon XML EXPORT PLUGIN 5 WAe WQen a So o Ex as as P Es Photoshop Tcomiorksbop gt 3 J TO ate beporipti OCR on 4 The icon is created IconWorkshop Be gt in IconWorkshop as How many templates are included in lconWorkshop 10 templates are included in lconWorkshop Each template is composed of 2 files a PNG file with transparency which is the image file on which you ll draw the different sizes of your icon a XML file describing the template this is a text file with the same filename extension XML You can create your own new templates Files are located in Application Data Axialis IconWorkshop Templates The 10 templates are 1 Windows Icon All Formats 6 Macintosh OSX Leopard Icon 512x512 2 Windows Vista Icon 256x256 7 Windows Project 2 Sizes 3 Windows XP Icon 48x48 8 Windows Projec
418. pports creation of PNG images with alpha channel Save the image as an image file 3 Choose File Export Image or press Ctrl Shift E 4 A standard Save Image As dialog box opens In the Save as Type list select the desired image file format 5 Choose a destination folder and type a new filename When done click OK 6 If you ve chosen JPEG 2000 an option dialog box with preview opens see below If you ve chosen GIF read Convert an icon to a Web optimized GIF image to learn more about the options 310 Working with Icons 7 The image file has been created The JPEG 2000 options JPEG 2000 is the latest generation of compressed image format It permits to compress images with low quality loss Additionally it permits to encode images with alpha channel When you save an image in JPEG 2000 format you need to specify the type of compression you want for this image e Lossless compression This will result in perfect image quality but larger file size about 30 50 of original image e Lossy compression This can be adjusted to create smaller files high compression means low quality see preview If you use lossy compression we recommend you to adjust the compression level using the slider and compare the difference between the original and the resulting image in the preview window Create an Icon Snapshot Picture A Snapshot is an image created automatically by lconWorkshop to show one or several icons with emb
419. problem is that the 16x16 format has also been created from this detailed image not from the 16x16 image we ve already created Using Icon Project Templates see below will solve this problem 11 Once you have finished to work on an icon template we recommend you to save the document using the PSD format This will permit to work again later on the project preserving all your layers and effects you may have added Create a Windows Vista icon using a 3 image Project Template This second part will permit you to go further by creating an icon using a more professional method We ve seen in previous topic that basic icon templates require to draw all the formats of the icon to get the best results Using Icon Project Templates you draw 2 or 3 versions of your icon depending on the template you use and IconWorkshop automatically creates the icon formats using pre defined rules For exemple the template Windows Project 3 Sizes lets you draw 3 images Use the recommended guidelines below to draw the images Then IconWorkshop creates each format of the icon accordingly Original Template Image Drawing Guidelines Created Icon Sizes 256x256 Image in perspective with 256x256 128x128 details light effects and shadows 94 Getting Started Tutorial 192x192 Image in perspective with a 64x64 48x48 m lt few details limited light 32x32 24x24 effects and shadows Add larger borders to enhance visibility Flat image wit
420. r is launched and the icon file is automatically created as resource fork on the Desktop Now you can use freely as a standard Macintosh icon How to batch convert icons between Macintosh and Windows Using IconWorkshop you can Convert Several Icon from Macintosh to Windows and vice versa in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in IconWorkshop explorer To get more info about Macintosh to Windows icon conversion see How to Convert a Macintosh Icon to a Windows Icon topic In this topic we ll focus on how to convert several icons in one operation Select the icons you wish to convert 1 Open a new Axialis Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 149 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the Macintosh icons using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the Macintosh icons appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Convert the icons From Macintosh to Windows 4 Choose Explorer Batch Convert Macintosh Icons To Windows ICO or Ctrl Shift W 5 A dialog box opens You can choose to convert all the formats or only a selection of them When done click OK 6 The batch operation starts The hourglass mouse pointer
421. r type the full pathname of the image file you wish to open then hit Enter Ww The image file opens in a document window If the image contains layers you see them on the left side of the document window You can select one layer by clicking on it Its contents appears automatically in the main area Now you can create an icon from this image see Step 2 of topic How to Create an Icon from an Image File How to Procedures How to Use IconWorkshop with Adobe Photoshop If you use Adobe Photoshop to create and retouching your images here is how to proceed to work with Axialis lconWorkshop Transferring an Image from Photoshop to Axialis IconWorkshop to Create an Icon 1 Axialis lconWorkshop supports the native Photoshop PSD image format with Layers In Photoshop save your image to a PSD file 2 In IconWorkshop choose File Open browse your folders and select your file w Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the image file you wish to open then hit Enter The image file opens in a document window If the image contains layers you see them on the left side of the document window You can select one layer by clicking on it Its
422. r and Click the Generate button 1 In the User Name area specify the name of the user for who you want to generate an Activation Code This name must have at least 6 letters The activation code will be displayed in the edit zone on right and copied in the clipboard as in this example Your User Name John Smith Your Activation Code 1527 9872 0984 6717 2 Click the Generate Button It will generate an Activation Code based on the User Name you specified on left The activation code will be displayed in the edit zone on right and copied in the clipboard 3 In the Code area displays the resulting Activation Code based on the user name specified on left You don t need to copy this code in the clipboard A special string has already been created and copied in the clipboard when you clicked on the Generate button Generate a List of Activation Codes in Serial If you don t choose a Username based Activation Code you can specify a range of code generation then click generate to save result in a text file Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 1 In the From Number and To Number areas specify the range of Activation Codes you wish to generate Using this feature you can automatically generate a list of activation codes These codes will not be based on the Username They will be indexed using a 6 digit number thus codes can be generated from 000001 to 999999 In these 2 fields you can specify the lower and the upper bounds When done c
423. r have an older version The application includes a special feature that permits you to use a built in Internet Explorer like toolbar These components must be installed in order to use this very useful toolbar You can install this component directly from this warning window Show Splash Screen when application starts When you launch the application a logo of Axialis IconWorkshop displays Application language Select the language you want for the application Default language is English Additional languages may be available on our website If you choose lt automatic gt the language will be set by the application according your Windows language Icon overlay image type in explorer In explorer lists if you choose the large display thumbnail overlay icons are added to distinguish Windows and Macintosh files You can choose to display Large or Small icons None is chosen if you don t want overlay icons Use External Internet Browser If this option is checked you can use another External Internet Browser Customizing the Application Choose Windows or Macintosh when creating an icon If this box is checked the application prompts you to choose Windows or Macintosh type when you launch the New Icon Project Ctrl N command If it is unchecked it automatically selects Windows or Macintosh based on your default settings Set as default button in the New Icon Project dialog box You can uncheck this op
424. r icons and images using a built in explorer with preview Customize your Windows icons Compile icon libraries and distribute them 25 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 26 What formats are compatible with Axialis lconWorkshop Axialis IconWorkshop is the only icon tool to support creation reading and writing of Windows XP Windows Vista ICO ICL and Macintosh ICNS RSC BIN icons Axialis lconWorkshop supports Windows XP Icons with alpha channel images smooth transparency and Macintosh icons up to Macintosh OSX v10 4 Tiger and 10 5 Leopard This new version supports creation of Windows Vista icons with PNG compression and image sizes up to 256x256 Why choose Axialis lconWorkshop Because Axialis IconWorkshop is the most complete icon tool available on the market It has powerful features and is easy to use Create quality Windows XP and Macintosh icons Windows XP and Macintosh OSX come with a new generation of icons using variable transparency This feature permits to create beautiful icons with smooth borders and shadows You need a professional tool to create such icons Axialis lconWorkshop has been designed with one goal in mind Icon Quality Enjoy the powerful editor which permits to create the various image formats of an icon from an original drawing without quality loss Axialis IconWorkshop is the only icon editor to create icons for both Windows and Macintosh system
425. r in this page for the descriptions of the FORMAT object See below an example of a TEMPLATE object lt TEMP LATE gt lt REF gt 006 lt REF gt lt NAME gt Macintosh OSX Leopard Icon 512x512 lt NAME gt lt TYPE gt ICON lt TYPE gt lt TARGET_OS gt MACINTOSH lt TARGET_OS gt lt FORMAT gt lt FORMAT gt lt FORMAT gt lt FORMAT gt lt TEMPLATE gt The FORMAT object This object is intended to be used as a member of the TEMPLATE object A list of several FORMAT objects can be added in the TEMPLATE object The data members present in the FORMAT object change depending on template type Some members are used only in Simple Icon templates others are used only in Icon Project templates The FORMAT object contains the following data members 229 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 WIDTH numerical This member specifies the width in pixels of the icon format to create HEIGHT numerical This member specifies the height in pixels of the icon format to create BPP numerical This member specifies the bits per pixels of the icon format to create 32 The image is RGB A with alpha channel 24 The image is RGB obsolete format RGB A is recommended 8 The image is 256 colors 4 The image is 16 colors 1 The image is monochrome COMPRESSION fixed data This member specifies the type of the image compression If you don t want to compress the image don t add
426. reate an icon from an image in the page using a temporary file How to Create an Icon from the Clipboard Creating the Icon from the Clipboard Contents How to create attractive icons using image objects Defining Creating the Icon Project Building the Icon Using Image Objects Finalizing the Icon by Creating All the Formats Creating a Macintosh version of the icon How to create Windows Vista compliant icons Creating the Windows Vista Icon from an existing image How to Create Windows XP Compliant Icons Introduction What about the new Windows XP icon format Windows XP Icon Style Characteristics Windows XP Icon Color Depth and Size Color Palette used in Windows XP Icons Perspective and Grouping Objects in Icons Drop Shadow Outlines ransferring the Image to IconWorkshop to Create an Icon How to Use IconWorkshop with Adobe Photoshop ransferring an Image from Photoshop to Axialis IlconWorkshop to Create an Icon Creating Icons using Photoshop Templates ransferring an Icon Image from IconWorkshop to Photoshop Install the Photoshop to lconWorkshop transfer plug in ransferring an Image from Photoshop to IconWorkshop using the plug in 109 109 109 109 111 111 111 112 112 113 114 114 114 115 116 117 118 120 124 125 126 126 128 128 129 129 130 130 131 132 132 132 133 133 133 133 134 134 How to Use IconW
427. reated by the installation on the end user computer We recommend you to always keep the ICL name proposed by Axialis IconWorkshop In the Title zone specify the title that will be displayed using large font in the install procedure window In the Copyright zone specify your copyright property notice it will be displayed in bold font under the title In the other zones specify your name website link and a comment This information will be added in the install procedure About Box 5 When done click Next gt gt The 3rd screen opens Information Text You can specify an information text that vall be displayed during the instalation ay ene ett anea Icon ibrary Haree ra re a about you or your organisation DET o BANOS extern Gieta Gc This screen permits you to specify an information text that will be displayed in the installation procedure This is very useful to inform the user about the icon library your business If you want to specify a text click Display an Information Text box The zone below activates You can type the text in this box You can also load or save text files using the related buttons For this tutorial we don t use this feature 7 When done click Next gt gt The 4th screen opens Getting Started Tutorial Compile an Installable kon Libr Ste User License Agreement You can speafy a User License Agreement text that mil be splayed before the ins
428. reation When done the new Windows icons are added to the folder contents The created icons have the same filename as the original document with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting If you create icons from Image Files the whole image is selected and resized keeping its aspect ratio If it contains transparency it is kept during the creation If you create icons from an Existing Icons or Cursors the largest image is used as source to create the icons Transparency is kept 185 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Create anew Macintosh icon project When you create a new icon project you first select the type of the icon which is either Windows or Macintosh The second step is to choose the first image format you wish to include in the icon An icon contains several image formats Usually you start to create the largest one then create the others from this one Choosing the icon project type 1 Choose File New Icon Project or press Ctrl N A new dialog box opens New Icon Project You can meate kon projects for Mcrosolt Windows and Aople Macintosh operating systems Icon speckcatens are different from one system to another As a rest you must choose the desired operating system now gt New Icon Project for Microsoft Windows Choose Microsoft Windows icon format if you wish to create an icontorativersons cf Windows
429. rface compatible with the new Aero visuals e Make program files containing Windows Vista compressed icon Microsoft Visual Studio versions 6 to NET 2005 do not support creation of executables with PNG Compressed 256x256 icons for Windows Vista Axialis lconWorkshop permits to compress icons directly in EXE DLL files and use Windows Vista icons in your software projects 27 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 28 Create icons the professional way using ready to use Photoshop templates 10 ready to use Adobe Photoshop Templates are provided with Axialis lconWorkshop Load templates in Photoshop directly from IconWorkshop draw your icons in several formats and transfer the whole work in IconWorkshop Your icon is created in one step You can even create your own template using an easy to use XML description file Support for 512x512 Macintosh icons for OSX 10 5 Leopard Create extra large 512x512 icons for the new MacOS 10 5 Axialis lconWorkshop now fully support this size New Object Pack 2 for Icons Realistic Buttons This pack is composed of 500 hi res image objects which have been designed to create icons in the style of Windows Vista Using this pack you can easily create beautiful sets of buttons to be used in your projects websites application GUI toolbars dialog boxes With 156 symbols included and many shape effects circle rounded square octagon triangle you can create a large variety of icons The full
430. rganize your files like a file explorer However the librarian shows only media and working files images icons libraries One of the most useful feature is the ability to use mouse Drag amp Drops to add files to your projects For example in the figure below we add the Ok jp2 image from the Librarian to the opened project using drag amp drop Dre B td Dover EA tin g O Librarian Ubraran Toui 7 hens 202 88 1D Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Files and folders included in the Librarian are located on your disk drive This location is set by default the first time you installed the application in your My Documents folder A sub folder is created and is named Axialis Librarian You can change this folder and location see below Change the Librarian folder location 1 Select View Preferences or press F2 2 A dialog box opens Select the Librarian tab You can change the Librarian folder in the Path field You can also use the Browse button to choose a location using a browse dialog box 3 Click OK when done 4 Now quit the application and transfer your files from the old location to the new one the application does not perform this operation 5 Restart the application Show hide the Librarian 1 Select View Librarian or press ESC 2 By hiding the Librarian you gain some space in your application work area The opened windows are automatically rearranged Change the Li
431. rkshop 6 10 Rename one or more items 334 Search items 335 Delete items 335 Restore previously deleted items in the Librarian 336 Empty the Deleted Items folder 336 Preview items in the librarian explorer 336 Send media items via email 336 Change the item display 337 Change display 337 Display a grid in the detailed list 337 Show info tooltips 337 Show folders 337 Display the item properties 338 Display item properties 338 Print the actual folder 338 Create a new icon library 339 Create a new icon library in the librarian 339 Delete an icon library 339 Add icons into an icon library 340 Adding icons using the Import function 340 Adding icons using Drag amp Drop from within the Librarian 340 Adding an icon from an opened document 340 Adding icons from the Axialis Explorer 341 Import a selection of icons from another icon library 341 Edit an icon in an icon library 341 Open and edit the icon 342 Update icon in the library 342 Save the library 342 Working with icons in a library 342 Open an icon as a new icon from the library 342 Delete icons in a library 342 Rename icons in a library 343 Sort icons by name in a library 343 Change icon order using drag a drop 343 Export icons from an icon library 344 Export icons as individual icon files ICO ICNS 344 Export icons as library file or DLL 344 xviii Open an icon library as a document Open an icon library Add items to the librarian from the Explorer Document To add an ope
432. rmat in Axialis IconWorkshop This image format contains a 24 bit image providing 16 8 million colors to the image plus an additional 8 bit image called the opacity image a k a Alpha Channel As a result the image color depth is 32 bits i e you need 32 bits to define one pixel The main advantage of this image format is that it permits to display a smooth transparency in icons The resulting image is displayed with smooth contours on all backgrounds It permits also to create dropped shadows behind icons This interesting effect which is recommended by Microsoft is usually used in Windows XP icons The following illustration shows the difference between a standard image format transparency in 256 color formats for example and the new Windows XP smooth transparency 256 Colors Windows XP Standard Transparency Smooth Transparency Standard vs Windows XP Smooth transparency Windows XP Icon Style Characteristics To create a Windows XP compliant icon try to respect the following characteristics 129 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 130 Color is rich and complementary to the Windows XP look Angle and perspective provide a dynamic energy to the images Edges and corners of elements are soft and slightly rounded A WU N gt Light source is coming from the upper left hand corner with additional ambient light illuminating other parts of the icon The use of gradients provides dimension and gives the
433. rmat zones and go directly to step 7 If you don t want to draw and prefer to use read to use sample images follow steps 3 to 6 Open the file Axialis Librarian Objects Samples Medium Folder With Document png We mean by Axialis Librarian the folder where is stored the Axialis Librarian usually in the My Documents folder You can also do this directly from IconWorkshop in the Librarian open the folder Objects Samples Medium right click on the file Folder With Document png A menu opens choose Open With Adobe Photoshop The file is opened in a Photoshop document window Copy Paste the image of the Folder with Document into the Template a new layer is created select it Choose Edit Transform Scale and adjust the image into the 48x48 RGB A square The resulting image should be perfectly adjusted inside the transparent square not over the borders which will not be exported Getting Started Tutorial Redo the same operation for the 32x32 RGB A format In you re an advanced Photoshop user you can retouch the images to enhance the final result 5 Now let s create the 16x16 format We ll use another image which will produce better results in very small sizes located in subfolder Small Open the file Axialis Librarian Objects Samples Small Folder With Document png 6 Redo the operation similar to step 4 and adjust the image into the 16x16 RGB A square The result must be
434. rmats TISE rages can be compressed you les to vee Be cot wider Hindews Wor Act 1 compendia Qaxtaus E AOT a caper 8 Select the following formats click directly on the preview image 48x48 256 Colors 32x32 256 Colors 16x16 256 Colors 32x32 16 Colors 16x16 16 Colors We don t select any format larger than 48x48 You can just ignore select or not the image formats already present in the image You can also apply or not the dithering option to the 256 16 color images try and see the results in the preview images 7 When done click OK The formats are automatically created Lesson 5 Saving the icon storing it in the Librarian In this lesson we ll save the icon we ve created in the Librarian Actually the icon is loaded in memory but not saved If the computer is turned off now your work will be lost For the moment we ll save it as an ICO file see What is an Icon for more info regarding icon files 63 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Adding the icon to the librarian 1 To save this icon to the librarian you must be sure that the librarian is visible If the librarian window is not visible check the Librarian button in the main toolbar or press ESC E Anais keno shop 619 My Fees i Fia C r Cur Coker Larsin Seveines View Window res Mr Os sd 00000 2 Select the folder Icons in the Librarian tree This is
435. roject 188 new Windows icon project CALC oss cise Ei sces RE EE EE new Windows icon project Normalize several iCONS eee 0 Online Customer Service on Internet 412 Online features ssssssssssssssseesrsssssssesrrssssssserrressssssteerressss Online Registration using Internet Open IGOM OF e E EEEO 318 ICON MDLAY shine hee eae ieee er 346 iternm full Sree Gee sce eaaa eae es 334 TESTI E E sas sniasoouessonnccotedeteliea 333 lB AVe peter sey ect ermerr en nen errr metry arene 316 Media Tiles Ae Ah AA LALO tas lie ek ee ae 365 OpeR se TR R itn 316 OPEN 318 OPED eee eaaa 333 OPEN cxecsscssecsecaseesecasecsesascesecoscessecsccscessecsesssecsesssecuecsssenectesees 334 C Jor alicpeeceeeereeeeees teeters a EER 346 OPN i 365 Open color Palette eeceecceecceeecsesssessseesstesseesseesseeenees 264 opened document Pd la KE ASAA Mel Lite aI eid Pal A 347 opened COCUMENK eeseeeseeecseesseesssesssesssteesteecneesteseneeesees 347 QPEONS i innan 389 394 395 396 397 398 P part Move Copy ninan ei iaa a eaa nn 247 DAVE eecccccscccsccscecsesvesceccuecseecuecsuececsuecsecieesdedssesccsssescc ssececiseess 247 Paste IMAGES i a eE E E EE sebatis vrata etna tg 401 Pastei duaren 401 Photoshop plug in stalli areren E E OE OE ante 268 Use 1 269 Photoshop pluQ in ecsscccscscccsesecssesecsesecsseecesuecteneseseecceees 268 Photoshop PlUQ in seescssessssseeseseesecseeeec
436. rompt Click on the Yes button to overwrite the existing file 179 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Convert a Macintosh icon to a Windows format What s the difference between Windows and Macintosh icons Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh icons are very similar They both have several image formats embedded in the same icon But the file format is totally different You cannot use Macintosh icons under Windows because the file format is not compatible You must convert them to Windows ICO file format with Axialis lconWorkshop of course All kinds of formats can be included in a Windows ICO file you can even create non square icons With Macintosh icon files this is not possible Only some strictly defined image formats can be included Axialis lconWorkshop supports the following Macintosh icon files ICNS RSC and BIN Icons from system 7 5 8 5 9 x and 10 X are supported You can easily open them into the Icon Editor and save them as Windows ICO format During this operation we recommend you to remove special Macintosh formats which are useless under Windows To learn more about Windows and Macintosh icon file formats read this topic Macintosh vs Windows icons Which image formats are included in Macintosh icons Here is the list of image formats you can find in Macintosh Icons Leopard 512x512 32 bits alpha channel Tiger 256x256 32 bits alpha channel Thumbnail 128x
437. rosoft Windows and Apple Macintosh icons are very similar They both have several image formats embedded in the same icon But the file format is totally different You cannot use Windows icons under Macintosh because the file format is not compatible You must convert them to Macintosh ICO file format with Axialis lconWorkshop of course All kinds of formats can be included in a Windows ICO file you can even create non square icons With Macintosh icon files this is not possible Only some strictly defined image formats can be included As a result some image formats cannot be converted to Macintosh icon Axialis lconWorkshop supports the following Macintosh icon files creation ICNS RSC and BIN Icons from system 7 5 8 5 9 x and 10 X are supported You can easily open Windows icons into the Icon Editor and save them as Macintosh format During the conversion formats which are not supported under Macintosh will be removed To learn more about Windows and Macintosh icon file formats read this topic Macintosh vs Windows icons Which image formats are included in macintosh icons Here is the list of image formats you can find in Macintosh Icons Leopard 512x512 32 bits alpha channel Tiger 256x256 32 bits alpha channel Thumbnail 128x128 32 bits alpha channel Huge 48x48 32 bits alpha channel 256 colors 16 colors mono Large 32x32 32 bits alpha channel 256 c
438. rs 8 bits Uses a fixed 256 color palette e 16 colors 4bits Uses the system standard palette 16 static colors e Monochrome 1 bit Uses only 2 colors black and white 3 In the Size in Pixels group choose the size of the new image format e Standard sizes 128x128 48x48 32x32 16x16 16x12 188 Creating Icons e Extra sizes 256x256 which is compatible with Macintosh OSX 10 4 or more only Tiger 512x512 which is compatible with Macintosh OSX 10 5 or more only Leopard 4 If you check the Create a new image based on the following image option Axialis IconWorkshop will create a new image based on a copy of the selected image format The image will be resized and the colors will be adjusted if necessary If the box is not checked it will create a blank new image All image formats are displayed in the list 5 If you check the Apply Dithering option Axialis lconWorkshop will dither the resulting image in 256 or 26 color modes This option permits to use smoother gradients in icons Adding quickly a standard image format This method produces the same result as above using a faster procedure It is available for standard formats only 1 Right click on an image format in the list A menu opens and proposes you to create the next missing format based on the selected image For example right click on a 128x128 image format and choose Create 48x48 RGB A Image Format in the menu see below Q New Image form
439. rs o e d Mono PNG compressed Windows Vista Windows standard icon image formats Recommended Optional Not Available 11 To get the best results possible you can also apply a filter when resizing RGB A images and a dithering option to the 256 16 color images try and see the results in the preview images 12 If you wish to start creating your icon with an unlisted format click the Other Image Format button 13 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected Save an icon image as an external bitmap file If you work with external programs such as Macromedia Freehand Adobe Photoshop or Jasc Paint Shop Pro you may need to save an icon image to an external file Axialis lconWorkshop permits you to save an icon image to PSD PNG BMP GIF or JPEG 2000 file formats preserving the transparency areas of the icon Only one image will be extracted from the icon We recommend you to extract the largest RGB A image from the icon since Axialis IconWorkshop supports creation of PNG images with alpha channel Open the icon file in Axialis IconWorkshop 1 Open your original icon file from the librarian or using File Open 2 The image file opens in a document window In the image format list select the image you wish to use to create the PNG file We recommend you to extract the largest RGB A image from the icon since Axialis lconWorkshop su
440. rst look at Aero the codename for the Windows Vista user experience reveals a slicker interface with sharper graphics But the changes are not only visual Aero has been designed to comply with computer technology that will be delivered over the next decade Many new features have been implemented in Aero to support the hardware changes to come Windows Vista A Resolution Independent User Interface One of the most important enhancements of Aero is its ability to deal with the high resolution displays of the future and that feature a resolution independent UI At present monitors generally have a resolution of 96 DPI dots pixels per inch Simply put 48x48 icons are displayed on screen in a half inch square Future LCD screens however will support resolutions up to 192 DPI Therefore to be displayed at the same size without quality loss icons must include much larger images That s the reason why Windows Vista introduces a new standard for Windows icon size 256x256 pixels The screenshot below shows the Windows Vista File Explorer displaying icons using the maximum resolution available 256x256 Of course the result seems a bit large on a 96 DPI screen but keep in mind that this technology has been designed for future screens The icon files have been created with Axialis IconWorkshop Getting Started Tutorial q 7 ce i rr y lu fed SANW 1N PM ue coasted WILT LST AM LOEN Windows Vista displayi
441. s 140 How to Procedures 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A e o o e 256 Colors o e ee 16 Colors o o o o Mono l B l l Windows standard icon image formats l l PNG compressed Windows Vista 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGA i o o 256 Colors o o o 16 Colors l l l l l o l l o _ Mono oO o o Macintosh OS standard icon image formats Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 4 Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 5 Recommended Optional Not Available Convert the icon to Windows keeping all Macintosh formats This is the simplest way to proceed However some Macintosh specific image formats may be useless 1 Open the Macintosh icon Choose File Open The icon is opened in a document window 2 Choose File Save As select Windows ICO as file type and specify a new name or 2 Choose File Save As Windows Icon Ctrl Alt S and specify a new name or 2 Click the following button on the toolbar and choose a new name for this icon TECOE Creating a Windows icon from a Macintosh icon This operation is not a conversion it s a creation of a new icon It will not preserve all the existing formats It will create a new icon based on the largest and most coloured image included in the original Macintosh icon usually 128x128 or 48x48 with alpha channel 1 Open the Macintosh icon Choose
442. s Create icons for Windows Vista Windows Vista the next version of Windows to arrive includes a new PNG compressed icon format It permits to create icons up to 256x256 with alpha channel with smaller file size Axialis IconWorkshop now fully supports this new format in all features edition automatic format creation batch creation batch conversion format normalization Don t wait and create today your icons for Windows Vista To get more information about Windows Vista icons read this topic Introducing Windows Vista Icons Make program files containing Windows Vista compressed icons Microsoft Visual Studio versions 6 to NET 2005 do not support creation of executables with PNG Compressed 256x256 icons for Windows Vista Axialis lconWorkshop permits to compress icons directly in EXE DLL files Create icons the professional way using ready to use Photoshop templates Create icons the professional way using ready to use Photoshop templates 10 ready to use Photoshop templates are provided with Axialis lconWorkshop Load templates in Photoshop directly from IconWorkshop draw your icons in several formats and transfer the whole work in IconWorkshop Your icon is created in one step You can even create your own template using an easy to use XML descriptive format Create attractive icons from Image Objects in seconds The first Axialis Object pack for icons has been included in Axialis lconWorksh
443. s Batch create the Macintosh icons Convert a Windows Macintosh icon to PNG Open the icon file in lconWorkshop Save the image as a PNG file Convert several Windows Macintosh icons to PNG batch process Select the Source Icons Create the PNG images Convert an image to a Windows icon Open the image file in lconWorkshop Create an icon from this image Convert an image to a Macintosh icon Open the PNG image file in Axialis lconWorkshop Create an icon from this PNG image Convert several images to Windows icons batch processing Select the source images Batch create the Windows icons Convert several images to Macintosh icons batch processing Select the source images Batch create the Windows icons Convert an icon to an image Open the icon file in lconWorkshop Save the image as an image file The JPEG 2000 options Convert an icon to a Web optimized GIF image Open the icon file in lconWorkshop Save the image as a GIF file with Web optimization Convert several icons to images batch processing Select the Source Icons Create the Images The JPEG 2000 options The GIF options XIV 279 279 279 281 281 281 282 282 282 283 283 284 284 284 284 285 286 286 288 288 288 290 290 290 291 291 291 292 292 293 293 293 294 294 295 295 295 296 297 Normalize several icons batch processing Select the icons to normalize Normaliz
444. s Many websites offer various Macintosh icons package for download Try to search using Google or Yahoo for the following terms e Mac icons 142 How to Procedures Macintosh icons How to unpack Macintosh icon archives Most of these websites propose to download icons in archives using SIT HQX packed file format This file format is widely used by Macintosh users To unpack these archive files under Windows you need a specific tool Stufflt Expander for Windows Click here to visit StuffIt website To know how to use Stufflt Expander to unpack Macintosh icons under Windows see the following topic How to Use Stufflt Expander to Read Macintosh Icons IMPORTANT NOTICE Converting a Macintosh icon to Windows format does NOT change Copyright or Intellectual Property of an icon The image icon is property of its author and still property of this author after a conversion As aresult do NOT redistribute converted icons without permission of the author Also some Macintosh authors do not wish that you convert use their icons under Windows In such a case please respect author wish and do not convert its icons even for your personal use How to convert a Windows Icon to Macintosh In this topic we ll see how to create Macintosh Icons from Windows Icons What s the difference between Windows and Macintosh icons Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh icons are very similar
445. s new image object packs will be available for download on our website Packs are free but some of them are reserved to registered customers Additionally third party authors may propose their own object packs additional fees may be required Links to selected object packs will also be added to our download page 209 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Download Object Packs from your Web Browser This is a standard way to proceed The procedure may differ slightly depending on your web browser type and version The procedure below is based on Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 0 1 Launch Internet Explorer In the Address bar type the following address http www axialis com objects 2 The web page opens Download Image Object Packs We recommend you to read the License Agreement before downloading packs oe p pos tee ow Qm LAG tron zy axialis Produits Cewmbeads Wf Asteia Stare support Tatarale Company Download Image Object Packs 909 908 22s Ore Ove tree 3 When you re interested by an object pack read the quick description Take a look at the popularity and user rating Once downloaded and tested you ll be also able to vote for it just by clicking on the Rating Stars To get more information about the pack click Read More button 4 Click the Download Now button If the file is in FREE ACCESS the download process starts immediately Otherwise the file is marked REGISTERE
446. s Project 3 Sizes 2 Adobe Photoshop opens and a new document is created Its name is W Template 008 copy Axialis konWorkshop Template 008 Copyright 2007 Axiaks Software AN Rights Reserved nell site see Guidelines L oWorkshep frem the 2 imag tere wt na Editi xpert To Arain ToonWork shop The figure above shows the document window as it has been created in Photoshop It contains 3 drawing areas where you ll draw the 3 images of your icon the large size 256x256 the medium size 192x192 and the small size 128x128 From here you can simply draw your 3 images in the associated zones and go directly to step 7 If you don t want to draw and prefer to use read to use sample images follow steps 3 to 6 w Open the file Axialis Librarian Objects Samples Large Folder With Document png We mean by Axialis Librarian the folder where is stored the Axialis Librarian usually in the My Documents folder You can also do this directly from IconWorkshop in the Librarian open the folder Objects Samples Large right click on the file Folder With Document png A menu opens choose Open With Adobe Photoshop The file is opened in a Photoshop document window 4 Copy Paste the image of the Folder with Document into the Template a new layer is created select it Move the image in the 256x256 drawing area The resulting image should be perfectly adjusted inside the transparent square
447. s Sronth None sw D sos Som tee a mam t ss vov ah b dens Fou Were nennen g image forrats bow er Z asgy Othering for 2 16 and Mono formats En aga ma be omap gl f sas paaa ane E othe image Font ox i Bos 5 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon to 6 You can also add extra formats 128x128 or 256x256 When done click OK The new Icon Project document window is created with all formats embedded 7 Save your icon to Windows format choose File Save and choose a new name ICO for this icon IMPORTANT NOTICE Converting a Macintosh icon to Windows format does NOT change Copyright or Intellectual Property of an icon The image icon is property of its author and still property of this author after a conversion As a result do NOT redistribute converted icons without permission of the author Also some Macintosh authors do not wish that you convert use their icons under Windows In such a case please respect author wish and do not convert its icons even for your personal use Create a Windows icon from an image File 182 An interesting feature of Axialis IconWorkshop is to create an icon from an existing file Some image formats support 32 BPP alpha channel transparency which is very interesting to create hi quality RGB A images in icons The following image formats are supported e BMP Windows bitmap 32 BPP alpha channel tran
448. s Vista we recommend you to compress the 256x256 formats Check the option PNG Compress 256x256 Formats for Windows Vista 19 To get the best results possible we recommend you to apply a sharp filter while creating the small images Select the Apply Filter when Resizing option and adjust the slider as shown in the above image 20 When done click OK The formats are automatically created t Project kon L a felder BOGE S as wna e IGG B D wa x it SEE i 76 Getting Started Tutorial You re done Congratulations Now save add the icon in the librarian in the Icons folder follow the same procedure as lesson 6 If you want to compare the icon you ve done with ours you can open this file lcons Tutorials Folder Document ico we also added 24x24 formats Going further When you make an icon by creating small sizes automatically sometimes details are lost especially while converting the large 256x256 image into small sizes 32x32 to 16x16 You may need to retouch or simply redo these images Check the icon we ve done and saved as Icons Tutorials Folder Document 2 ico It contains different versions for sizes 64x64 to 24x24 and 16x16 You can easily do this using the same method based on objects 1 Browse the folder Objects Samples Medium You ll find medium resolution objects you can use to create sizes 64x64 to 24x24 2 Browse the folder Objects Samples Small You ll find s
449. s a longer activation code using this format 123456 1234 1234 1234 1234 e Pro The author can automatically generate a list of codes e Con The user can anonymously publish his code You ll be able to Generate Activation Codes using a built in feature after the compilation AIt F6 Compile You are about to compile your icon library file Compile 1 Click on the NEXT button in the Compile an Installable Icon Library Step 5 of 6 dialog box 2 The application displays the Compilation Summary 3 Click on the More Info About Copyright button and read this text carefully 4 Click on the Go and Compile button Axialis lconWorkshop is compiling your Icon Library Creating Icon Library Compressing Data Creating EXE Installation Package and Verifying Package files 5 The application displays Compilation Successfully Completed if no error occurred during compilation Otherwise errors can be displayed in the dialog box 6 You can Test the Installation Package Now if you click on it Generate Activation Codes 326 With this feature you can generate Activation Codes for previously compiled Icon Libraries To create serial codes you need the Company ID and Library ID you used during the compilation You can generate tow kinds of Activation Codes Based on User Name one code generated for each user or in serial a list of codes ban be generated Compiling and Distributing Icon Libraries Company and Library IDs 1 In
450. s an icon topic This folder image has been created by Axialis Team It s free of charge so you can use them in your own icons see Sample Icons Terms Of Use Create the new icon First we re going to create the new icon When creating a new icon we choose the first image format to insert in it usually the largest one The largest one will be 256x256 RGB A so we ll start with this format 1 Choose File New Icon Project or press Ctrl N A new dialog box opens 71 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 New Icon Project aaa ia ken ped hirer ons ee Lepe D Macintosh atng systems Icon specficatons are dfferent from one system to another ppg erari pea i gt New Icon Project for Microsoft Windows Choose Microsoft Windows icon format if you wish to create an on for all versions of Windows up to Windows Vista See the product help to read more about image format compatibility with dHerent versions of Windows gt New Icon Project for Apple Macintosh Maxietovh icon format you with to create an Cheese Apple icon for the Mac operating system only up to OS X Tiger and Leopard Some restrictions apply on MacOS icon image formats see help to get more info on vakd image foemats Elbo net promot in the future New Icon Project for Microsoft Windows An icon can contain several rage formats sine and oors In tis dalog you speofy the penal ot Sis LEA wih to indude in this icon Youll be able to add sever
451. s are preserved only the extension is changed 197 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 198 The created icons have the same filename as the original document with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting If you create icons from Image Files the whole image is selected and resized keeping its aspect ratio If it contains transparency it is kept during the creation If you create icons from an Existing Icons or Cursors the largest image is used as source to create the icons Transparency is kept 5 Creating Icons from Image Objects What is an Image Object Image objects are simple basic graphical elements which are assembled together to create more complex artworks like icons buttons sprites and more Image objects permit you to be creative without drawing one pixel just by using mouse drag amp drop and applying effects In the near future all Axialis products will support Image Objects Why Image Objects Graphics are among the primary ways of advertising the sale of goods or services This is true for computing when designing software or website interfaces The primary solution is to draw icons using either an image or vector editor Then when the image is done use Axialis lconWorkshop to convert this image to an icon Also if you don t want to use an external image editor Axialis IconWorkshop contains some drawing tools that permit yo
452. s contents For example in a text document this the text e The Resource Fork This is the part that is used by Macintosh OS to display the file in the Finder or the Desktop Usually the resource fork contains an icon L When you simply transfer a file between Windows and Macintosh the resource fork is lost To transfer the 2 forks you need to use the MacBinary format To transfer an icon to Macintosh you can either convert it to ICNS RSC or MacBinary 146 How to Procedures e ICNS This is the standard Macintosh icon file format Only one icon with several formats can be saved in this format This format is the most commonly used e RSC or RSRC This is the Macintosh resource file format It is used mainly by developers This format can contain several icons IconWorkshop support reading of RSC files with several icons but can write only RSC files with one icon e MacBinary This format permits to easily transfer files between Macintosh and Windows For more information on this format visit this website http en wikipedia org wiki MacBinary We strongly recommend to use this file format to transfer your icons to Macintosh because it is compatible with Macintosh file system which separate each file in two parts called forks The data fork and the resource fork The data fork contains the data included in the file a text file for example The resource fork contains the image or icon which permits to d
453. s up to 512x512 Axialis IconWorkshop fully supports creation and edition of OSX icons up to 256x256 and 512x512 Windows XP does not display 128x128 icon formats in normal mode By default icon display in Windows versions prior to Microsoft Vista is limited to 48x48 icons Microsoft Windows Vista supports icon formats up to 256x256 with compression Axialis lconWorkshop fully supports creation and edition of Windows Vista icons To know more read this topic Introducing Windows Vista Icons Getting Started Tutorial Which image formats should include in my icons To be compatible with all display cases and screen configurations you must consider creating icons containing various image formats See below the minimum and recommended formats for different OS versions Windows 95 Windows 98 Windows ME Windows 2000 Recommended 48x48 256 colors 16 colors 32x32 256 colors 16 colors 16x16 256 colors 16 colors Minimum 32x32 256 colors 16 colors 16x16 256 colors 16 colors Windows XP Recommended 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors 24x24 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors 16x16 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors Minimum 32x32 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors 16x16 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors Optional 128x128 RGB A Windows Vista Recommended 256x256 RGB A 64x64 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 256 colors 16 colors 32x32 RGB A
454. sample icons terms of use read this page Sample Icons Terms of Use Introducing License License Grant Axialis grants the User a non exclusive non transferable royalty free license to use these objects as indicated herein The objects which cannot be used as is The Objects must be assembled together to create icons the Icons You MAY a assemble the Objects to create Icons using an Axialis product only b use the Icons in personal or commercial projects c use the Icons in softwares documentations or websites d redistribute loan rent sell the Icons created using the Objects as long as they have been created with an Axialis product Restrictions You MAY NOT a use the Object as is without assembling them using an Axialis product b redistribute loan rent sell the Objects as is c use the Icons to create pornographic immoral illegal or defamatory material Copyright Ownership The Objects are proprietary products of AXIALIS and are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws The Objects are licensed and not sold You acquire only the right to use the Objects and do not acquire any rights express or implied in the Software other than those specified in this License Disclaimer of Warranties The Objects is supplied as is AXIALIS disclaims all warranties expressed or implied including without limitation the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose The us
455. scellaneous Features ou 399 Modify ICONS aaa 259 Modify Swatch Color cecssscsssssessssessssnneessennmessesnnees 266 TIVO ICONS mae aA 321 322 More items aos i E 336 Move Copy PAte a RE E E E E ERNS Move Copy My Icons my Web Site N MANE sescascecesscesessezscssescesseseesecsessessessessossessedsededcescesseseeneessass 322 ME WO cUMEN Eaa eesnetieeneanenaameen 401 new Explorer window Create e tessnsdi ECEN 351 new Explorer WINdOW cecsceecseesssessseesseessseeeseeeseeeseeeete 351 new folder Greater ieuane nn oN PERE Peo 335 Hew folders nenun an 335 new icon eieae PAE TA RENTENE T 54 67 73 80 NEW GO p E aE EEES 54 MEWS C OM e a E A E aat 67 MEW 1GOMeeszzszzzzzzzzzz2z22zeazcazeazeaceaceazeazaazaazaaseazaazaaearsaneaseanente nes 73 MEW COM ccccsccccascascaccsscsecscesceseesessessessesscssessessessessesecsessedaccsoess 80 MEW COIN oree EE 318 new icon library CROACC a nee E EATA EEEREN E EN 91 341 HEW ICON lDLATY eer 91 NEW COM IDE ARY oers nk 341 new icon project CROAT C Sacre ecsrcced eed access casa E 309 NEW ICON PrOje Cts sis sscs csisse eens 309 new image ACQUIRE sieci astclaaiiteaitdadianitedicldacdadaladaats 402 NEW IMAGE sieves tiene eee een 402 new image format Greate a onde n OE A T EN 237 NEW IMAGE fOrmat ssssseessiesssssseeerresssseeerressssssteerreesssssee 237 414 new Macintosh icon project Createn munanin een a an Stas qubddendheressseecde 188 new Macintosh icon p
456. sent a prompt Click on the Yes button to overwrite the existing file Create a gradient This feature permits to create a gradient of colors in a 256 color palette Create a gradient in a 256 color palette 1 Create an icon with 256 colors indexed 2 Select a color with the left mouse button 3 Select another color with the right mouse button 4 Choose Color Create a Palette Color Gradient 5 This operation will create custom color gradient into the actual image palette from Foreground to Background color Choose the First and the Last color of the gradient 6 Click OK The gradient is automatically displayed in the palette Create New Swatch The latest Microsoft Windows platform Windows XP introduces a new style in icon design The Windows XP icon is all about fun color and energy It uses true colors to get the best results Also it uses an additional Alpha Channel to create smooth shades and object borders We strongly recommend you to start creating an icon with this color mode Windows XP images are not tied to a color palette The palette Windows can contain 16 256 or more colors Create anew swatch 1 Choose Draw New Swatch 2 The dialog box Add Swatch opens You can add a new color Swatch to the Actual List 263 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 3 In the Color area click to change the color swatch 4 Inthe Name area specify the Color Swatch Name as it will appear in a tool tip when you ll pass the mo
457. sentation for high definition monitors and operating systems while remaining compatible with Windows XP and lower definition screens The larger 256x256 icon format provides additional opportunities for icon designers to explore more subtle and detailed development in their aim to create visual symbols that aid the user in their use of the computer environment 51 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Lesson 1 Creating a new icon from scratch In this lesson we ll create a new blank icon and take a look at the Icon Editor window Start the new icon project 1 Choose File New Icon Project or press Ctrl N A new dialog box opens New Icon Project eoan osai kon aged r lamo A DAES and Apple Macintesh atng systers koon speokcatons are eae Kon oe ee Sa pappe gamae hoes Ga Hemeatnermingpenton gt New icon Project for Microsoft Windows Choose Miceosctt Windows icon format if you wish to creste an icon for all versions cf Windows up to Windows Vista See the product help to read more about image format compatibility with dierent versions of Windows New Icon Project for Apple Macintosh Cheese Apple Macietovh icon format you wish to create an icon for the Mac operating system only up to OS X Tiger and Leopard Some restrictions apply on MacOS icon image formats see help to get more info on walid image foemats 2 aus 2 Axialis IconWorkshop support both Windows and Macintosh icons see format comp
458. set of objects is available for download on our web site to registered customers only New Object Pack 3 for Icons Quick Toolbars A collection of 256 image objects which permits to quickly create program toolbars Using drag amp drop you can create in seconds icons and buttons for your toolbars by associating basic objects and overlays symbols The objects do not contain details and have thick borders to allow the creation of small icons suitable for toolbars 32x32 24x24 16x16 The objects which are provided in 256x256 format with alpha channel permit to easily create icons containing various sizes for Windows XP Windows Vista amp MacOS The full set of objects is available for download on our web site to registered customers only New Object Pack 4 for Icons Web 2 0 Icons This pack is composed of 601 image objects which permits to quickly create icons in the style of Web 2 0 Using drag amp drop you can create in seconds icons and buttons for your websites and applications by associating background shapes glossy effects shadows and various ready to use texts and symbols The icons can also be saved as optimized GIF JPEG or PNG images for inclusion in your websites To permit you to work faster more than 500 ready to use derived symbols and texts have been added to the pack including effects like outer light glow soft shadow emboss and 15 rotation The full set of objects is available for download on our web site t
459. sh OSX 10 4 Tiger or more The following table shows the common Macintosh image formats 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 mig a gc ane e aa aes O moa oa oa a ae Bar I Mono e e o e o Macintosh OS standard icon image formats 3peg2000 compressed OSX 10 4 Jpeg2000 compressed OSX 10 5 Recommended Optional Not Available 8 To get the best results possible you can also apply a filter when resizing RGB A images and a dithering option to the 256 16 color images try and see the results in the preview images 9 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected 10 Now you can save your icon in a file 289 Axia lis lconWorkshop 6 10 Convert several images to Windows icons batch pr 290 ocessing An interesting feature of IconWorkshop is to convert an image into an icon Some image formats support 32 BPP alpha channel transparency which is very interesting to create hi quality RGB A images in icons During the operation the image will be converted in several formats that will be included in the icon Using this feature you can Create Several Windows Icons from image files in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in lconWorkshop explorer Select the source images 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File
460. shop supports creation of PNG images with alpha channel Save the image as a PNG file 3 Choose File Export Save as PNG with Transparency or press Ctrl Shift T 4 A standard Save Image As dialog box opens In the Save as Type list appears only the PNG format 5 Choose a destination folder and type a new filename When done click OK 6 The PNG file has been created Convert several Windows Macintosh icons to PNG batch process PNG is an image file format not really an icon format Icons usually contain several formats PNG images contain only one image used as icon This image is usually a large one 128x128 or 256x256 with alpha channel RGB A 32 BPP This format is used by numerous GUI and applications Linux KDE dock bars Using this feature you can Create Several PNG Images from Windows or Macintosh icon files in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in IconWorkshop explorer Only one image will be extracted from each icon and each time one PNG file will be created We recommend you to extract the largest RGB A image from the icon since IconWorkshop supports creation of PNG images with alpha channel Select the Source Icons 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the source icon files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the source icons appears with
461. shop 6 10 296 Batch Create Images trom Selected Icon i Mo a Ja a Batch Create Images From Icons This feanre wil permit you to create several Images PNG PSO EMP CIF or PEGION in Jh gt one batch process foe a selector of source core Macrtodh or and Wiexdows icons j Tha a not a conversion but a creaton of new mages contanng a selected format of each icon hased on the selector belom images nd be automaticaly coated n the source fle folder samme flenames different extensions Select the mage format you want to extract from the icons f some cora 4 not contan thes format the nearest format nil be extacted Coke in Piwels gt yirdos Nghe 32 bts r Troe Coors 16 68M 24 bits taaa 256 freed Colors 3 bts 35 Colors 4 bits arao Merochrome 158 an Image file format Transparency PNG Portable Network Graph reserve Transparency 32 6 F on sera o Bud od Da See ke revel I bts Smooth Treapererey 5 In the Image File Format group select the file format you wish to use for the images to create 6 In the Transparency group choose if you wish to create transparent or opaque images If you choose to preserve transparency the images will be automatically converted to 32BPP with alpha channel even if the chosen icon format is 256 or less colors If you choose to remove transparency the images will be generated using 24BPP no alpha channel In such a case you must specify a backgr
462. sion depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting If you create icons from Image Files the whole image is selected and resized keeping its aspect ratio If it contains transparency it is kept during the creation If you create icons from an Existing Icons or Cursors the largest image is used as source to create the icons Transparency is kept Batch create several Macintosh icons from images Using this feature you can Create Several Icons from images existing icons or cursors in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in Axialis IconWorkshop explorer Select the source images icons or cursors 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the Source Files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the Source Files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch create Macintosh icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Macintosh Icons from Selection or Ctrl Shift D 5 A dialog box opens First we need to choose the Macintosh file format we wish to use there are 3 formats supported by Axialis lconWorkshop see this topic to learn more Batch Create M
463. size 382 Switch the Preview 1 1 window to 256x256 383 Switch the Preview 1 1 window to 128x128 384 Switch between docking and floating mode 384 Manage favorite documents 384 Add a Document to the Favorite List 384 Add a Folder to the Favorite List 384 Open an Item from the Favorite List 385 Modify the Favorite List 385 Options in the General Tab 385 Create a new Icon Project window 385 Create a new Explorer window 385 Warn if insufficient video colors 385 Display Welcome and tips windows 386 Warn if Icon files are not associated with Axialis lconWorkshop 386 Warn if Windows components are missing Internet Explorer Quick time 386 Show Splash Screen when application starts 386 Application language 386 Icon overlay image type in explorer 386 Use External Internet Browser 386 Choose Windows or Macintosh when creating an icon 387 Choose format when creating a new Windows icon 387 Choose format when creating a new Macintosh icon 387 Show information message when opening EXE file 387 Remember folder during Save As operation 387 Maximize document windows at opening 387 Prompt for options when transferring from Photoshop 387 Editor options 387 Transparency Style 388 Transparency Color Scheme 388 Transparency Custom colors 388 Grid Style 388 Grid Color 388 Grid Draw stronger lines at fixed intervals 388 Prompt for resize crop options when pasting 388 Prompt for palette options when pasting 388 Warn if insufficien
464. sparency The file size is small 1 Create a New Explorer window by choosing File New New Explorer Ctrl E 2 Browse your disks and select the appropriate folder in the left pane The media files included in the folder appear in the right pane 3 Select the file you wish to open 4 Double click on it or choose Explorer Open Item Enter or right click on it and choose Open in the menu Change to True Colors with Alpha Channel 5 Select Image Convert to True Color with Alpha A dialog box opens 6 This dialog permits you to create a transparent area in your image This feature is useful to create a sprite ready image with transparent background To do this you must click the Convert The Following Color To Transparent option In the field below select the color that you want to transform to transparent in the image This is usually the background color of your image 7 Click OK when done 8 The image is converted All the area containing the color specified have been transformed to transparent Change to True Colors 5 Select Image Convert to True Color If the image was 32 bits with Alpha Channel a dialog box opens 6 This dialog permits you to specify the color you wish to use as background color 7 Click OK when done 8 The image is converted All the area containing transparency have been transformed to the specified color Change to Indexed Colors 5 Select Image Convert to True Color If the image w
465. sparency supported e PNG Portable Network Graphic 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e PSD Photoshop 32 BPP alpha channel transparency and layers supported Creating Icons e JP2 JPEG 2000 32 BPP alpha channel transparency supported e JPG JPEG e TGA Targa e GIF Compuserve GIF e Others Various other formats supported TIFF PCD PhotoCD PIC Apple PICT PCX Zsoft WMF Windows MetaFile Open the image file in lconWorkshop 1 2 Choose File Open browse your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the image file you wish to open then hit Enter The image file opens in a document window Axialis lconWorkshop will convert images to 32 bpp with transparency when possible This is much more convenient to create icons The following image formats can include transparency Photoshop PSD PNG RGB GIF JPEG 2000 and WMF Create an icon from this image 3 ul Oo Before proceeding we recommend you to select the portion of image you wish to use to create your icon If you leave too many transparent areas around your image the visible part of your icon will be too small Sel
466. specifying filters 356 Working With The Axialis Media File Explorer Create the PNG images 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Images from Icons or Ctrl Shift V 5 The dialog box Batch Create Images From Icons opens see below In the Icon Format to Extract group choose the image format you wish to extract from the icons You can choose only one image format If this exact format does not exists in an icon the nearest format is chosen Batch Create Images trom Selected Icons ie a dida Batch Create Images From Icons This festre vil permit you to create several Images PNG PSO EMP GIF or WECINN in one batch process fom a selection of source ord Macrtedh o land Windows Kore Tha a not a correr gon but a creaton of new mages contaning a selected format of each gon hased on the selector belos images nil be avtomescaly coated n the source Se folder same flenames dfferent extensora Select the erage format you mant to extract fors the Kons f some cora not contan thes format the nearest format mil be extracted Color in Powel gt Wrdows Agha 32 bts Wu gett Troe Colors 26 80 24 bits 120123 Se 256 rdened Colors bets Ped Iaa 35 Colors 4 bits arao ana Morecrome 15t n 2i Image file format Transparency PNG Portable hemat Graph Preserve Transparency 32 EPP ener en gt a 4 shop nopo A By 30 BMP and 282 with Aihe ere R bts Saoud Trespeerey 6 In the Image File Format
467. ssing Ctrl S Using a Windows Vista Compressed Icon in a Software Project Windows Vista PNG compressed 256x256 icons will be supported in Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 codename ORCAS We ve tested PNG compressed icons on Visual C 6 0 and Visual NET 2003 2005 and they all reject the icon during the resource compilation Error RC2176 old DIB in res app ico pass it through SDKPAINT This is unsurprising to us since this new ICO file format introduces a new header which points to raw PNG data Of course the compiler returns a false error message The DIB header is not old it is PNG Passing it through SDKPAINT does not help Windows Vista compressed icons have also been reported as not functioning in the Delphi programming environment New components will no doubt be developed in the future that identify these shortfalls Getting Started Tutorial Creating a project using a 256x256 PNG icon with Visual C 6 0 and NET 2003 2005 Create a 256x256 icon with all formats embedded as recommended for Windows Vista Save your icon without compressing your 256x256 formats If your icon already contains PNG compression like the one we ve created in the procedure above follow this procedure 1 Open the icon file containing the PNG compressed formats icon in lconWorkshop 2 On the left side of the document window you see all the formats available Locate the 256x256 formats which are compressed A small overlay icon indicating
468. sssssserrrsrssssseeerersssssee 368 DEE seei RRs 259 documen eR 346 Draw using 110 EAI TETEE SA TSN 244 PIEKNA S 244 Drawing COMUS AE A eal E O N 57 BDiaWwingezereseen a S 57 drop shadow PG is e iaaea EE E AVAR 254 ACOP SHACOW vsccscccccsscsssccsscccnsccssccssccescccssesssccesccessecsscssucseuds 254 E Editor Drawing Area Aspect STNG Oi eo e ces necessnczoncdaniar OE 157 Editor Drawing Area ASP Ct eeceecsseseeeseeseeeeees 157 Editor OPTION Seaia 392 Empty Deleted Items folder sssssiiissssssiirsrsssstrrrsssserrrsssserrrrsssss 338 E mD CVE ees322233232233252 e aaa 338 EXE iieiea 259 existing image XISTING sess Esa Explorer DOCUMENE E 347 EXPOrE TES aina te 336 EXDOTICOMS atst LL S aaas Sa AN eaia sasa 320 346 external editor program 334 extract icons INCIUG M es eeeseecssesesseeeseeeesneeeeneeeesnees 165 F Favorite Icon Pao cases acai ease th EENE 168 Favoritele 168 Favorites Mana JINO 2s feds ost t EE EEE EE A 388 411 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 FAVORITOS areca p25 2asn22222s22s2enias N 388 file using QUICK ODEM 2 nen E ei ie eke 399 FIG AUSIING sccccsessccscesscceccesscccseessccccessecescedasecsbanscaceavusescsstectseed 399 filename SPECI yee sce tcie nate ha falter eas AON oh dal Stalls 325 fil name seus ee eee 325 G G neral tab siisii 389 Generate Activation Codes ss 328 gradient ChEAb Cs e aa N NAE 265 giad EN nner 265 H Have on My Computer escsccssecssscsssec
469. st contain full transparency We recommend to draw an outline border which must not be included in the drawing area Each drawing zone must be at scale 1 1 You must create one drawing zone for each format to create in the icon We recommend to group the image formats per color types Remark Even if the template is RGB A the icon images with lower color depth 256 26 will be created by IconWorkshop based on the specifications in the XML file Icon Project Template The drawing zones must contain full transparency We recommend to draw an outline border which must not be included in the drawing area Each drawing zone is used to draw a different image with specific guidelines Usually you create one zone for a group of sizes Q For each zone we recommend to specify drawing guidelines 4 When the image template is done first save it as PSD for future use then save it as PNG with RGB A transparency 32 bits Use a filename as specified above For example if the template is number 21 save it as IW Template 021 png in IconWorkshop template folder Create the XML description file The description file permits to specify the necessary information associated to the template This will permit IconWorkshop to create the icon The file is in text format using XML syntax We have choosen this format because the XML syntax provides an excellent way to describe object oriented data Additionally
470. standard icon image formats PNG compressed Windows Vista 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 16x16 RGB A Seada e 0 ia e o 256 Colors oO is e 16 Colors is is o Mono is Macintosh OS standard icon image formats Jpeg2000 compressed OS xXx Jpeg2000 compressed OS Recommended Optional Not Available What is the RGB icon format with Alpha Channel Also called RGB A this image format contains 16 8M colors coded in RGB plus an additional opacity channel This channel is called the Alpha Channel Each channel is coded using 8 bits per pixel As a result each pixel is coded in 32 bits 32 BPP Bits Per Pixel See the illustration below to understand how channels are organized in an RGB A image 38 Getting Started Tutorial Resulting image RGB channels Alpha channel Structure of an image with Alpha Channel RGB A This is a new image format that you can find in new generation of icons This image format is called Windows XP RGB A by Axialis lconWorkshop The main advantage of this image format is that it permits to display a smooth transparency in icons The resulting image is displayed with smooth contours on all backgrounds It permits also to create dropped shadows behind icons This interesting effect which is recommended by Microsoft is usually used in Windows XP icons The following illustration shows the difference between a standard image format transparency i
471. swer is correct your password is displayed You specify the hint question and answer when you create your customer account new customer 6 When done click on the Next button A fourth Online Registration Using Internet dialog box opens e Inthe The Product You purchased area provide information about the product your purchased e Inthe Product Key area specify the Product Key you received after your purchase The product key has been sent to you when you purchased the product or received an upgrade It has the following format 12345678 12345 12345 12345 12345 In this edit zone you find a copy of the key you specified when you installed the program We recommend you to leave it as is e In the Where did you purchase Axialis lconWorkshop enter the name of the reseller or Web site where you purchased the program Please specify also the date and the order number if possible A correct information is required to register If you don t specify this info your registration will be rejected 7 When done click on the Next button A five Online Registration Using Internet dialog box opens Ready to Register You are about to send your registration information You must be connected to Internet before proceeding If you are not connected to Internet please connect now If you re connected to Internet through a proxy firewall server fill the proxy related fields If you using a modem check that you re connected to Inter
472. t 5 Be sure the librarian is visible and select the Icons folder 6 In the list below select MySpherelcon icns Hit Enter or double click on it It opens in a document window 7 Now select the Spheres library in the tree if necessary click on the plus icon located on left of the folder to expand the tree branch 8 Return to the document window and choose File Add to the Librarian or press F3 or click on the associated button in the local toolbar see below Librarian Icons MySpherelcon icns BOR er a 9 A dialog box Add Icon to the Librarian opens Keep the proposed name click OK The icon is no added to the icon library Sphere The icon has been saved and inserted in the library Now close the document As you can see the Apple Macintosh icons can also be added into ICL files To identify them a small apple overlay is displayed Adding icons to the Icon Library from the Axialis Explorer 10 Select the folder Icons folder and create a new Icon Library Buttons use the same methode as lesson 12 step 2 select Librarian New Icon Library or right click on the current folder in the tree and choose New Icon Library in the menu or press Ins 11 Let s add the icons we ve created from the button images in lesson 11 Select the Media Files Images Rounded Buttons folder In the thumbnail preview list below you see all the files included in the folder Dre D Bid oe ta a oos s
473. t i ws Some aian Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image rane r OD Standard image formats for Windows J 256x256 RGBA Windows View only i Other formats for Windows Vista Other Formats J292 256 colors 1294x254 16 colors ma Eas mn Meat VIPNG compress 254x256 formats for Windows ista dhao x83 Mono 3AN Moro 1x36 Mono An eon Can conten several Rendering Opbons smooth sw Oars Neen conn ores Ss x Faide in Sa tow Youd be sla 1o Bod maver 5 Z apply Firer when Resizing Q Snape komata ka mages Un be comoressed yov DAA w T aopiy Otherng for 246 16 and Mano formats Hapine a eg adai Aa HE f Ea In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic If you wish to start creating your icon with an unlisted format click the Other Image Format button When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected or 5 If you want to create an icon using a portion of the image Select Edit Paste as New Image or press Ctrl I A new document is created containing the desired image Now follow Step 2 procedure as in topic Create an Icon from an Image File Create an icon from an im
474. t 3 Sizes 4 Macintosh OSX Icon 128x1 28 9 Macintosh Project 2 Sizes 5 Macintosh OSX Tiger Icon 256x256 10 Macintosh Project 3 Sizes What is the difference between Simple Icon and Icon Project templates The simple icon templates numbers 1 to 6 have been designed to permit you to draw all the formats of the icon including RGB A 256 and 16 colors If a format is left blank it will not be added to the icon The icon project templates numbers 7 to 10 permit you to create 2 or 3 versions of your icon based on the template you choose Then during the export the formats are created according to the XML descrition file Usually image formats in project templates are created using the following guidelines 512x512 256x256 128x128 to 72x72 Image in perspective with details light effects and shadows Getting Started Tutorial 64x64 to 24x24 Image in perspective with a few details limited light effects and shadows A border is added to enhance visibility 16x16 Flat image without details and large borders Install the Photoshop to IconWorkshop transfer plug in Before using the as detailed in next topic you need to install it on your computer The plug in can be easily installed from within Axialis lconWorkshop in one fast and simple operation If you ve already installed the Photoshop plug in with a version of IconWorkshopatr prior to 6 10 you must install it again by following the proce
475. t group select the PNG file format 7 In the Transparency group choose if you wish to create transparent or opaque images If you choose to preserve transparency the images will be automatically converted to 32BPP with alpha channel even if the chosen icon format is 256 or less colors If you choose to remove transparency the images will be generated using 24BPP no alpha channel In such a case you must specify a background color to fill the transparent areas with this color We strongly recommend you to use RGB A alpha channel transparency for extraction 8 When done click OK The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the creation When done the new Images are added to the folder contents The created images have the same filename as the original document with PNG extension appended A smart system has been added to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting If this exact chosen format does not exists in an icon the nearest format is chosen for extraction 305 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Normalize several icons batch processing The normalization permits to format several icons in order to produce an uniform set As a result after normalization all the icons have the same image formats embedded This feature is useful if you plan to distribute your icons We ll perform this task using the built in IconWorkshop explorer Select the icons to normal
476. t is widely used in Web pages because the majority of Web browsers recognize it However this format has some limitations and images need to be optimized to meet Web requirements like size colors and transparency e GIF Images don t support partial transparency alpha channel It means that either a pixel is transparent either it isn t e GIF Images cannot contain more than 256 colors e GIF Images support reduced palettes Limited number of colors will result in smaller file but will produce lower image quality Axialis lconWorkshop permits you to save an icon image to GIF file formats preserving the transparency areas of the icon Only one image will be extracted from the icon We recommend you to extract the 256 color image from the icon if available The GIF option dialog box includes several options CompuServe GIF Optimizer CompuServe GIF image format is widely used in Web pages because the majority of Web browsers recognize it However this format has some imitations see remarks and images need to be optenized to meet Web requirements ike size colors and transparency Colors Traruparency Qm oran meosee O 2 Palette Adaptve Offusen X 73 AX AL S SOFTWARE 1 In Colors specify the number of colors you wish to use in the image palette Limited number of colors will result in smaller file but will produce lower image quality Choose Auto if you re not sure about desired the numb
477. t pane 3 When done the files appear with preview in the right pane Select the icons files you wish to normalize You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several files Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Normalize the icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Normalize Icon Formats in Icons or Ctrl Shift N 5 A dialog box opens In Windows Icons group select the formats you want to include in the Windows icons In Macintosh Icons group select the formats you want to include in the Macintosh icons The normalization operation permits to create a set of icons with identical image format spedficatons Select below the mages formats you mish to keep Inessstant mage formats can be optionally created Urselincted formats wil be removed Icons wil be read normalized and written again on disk with same or different names or location Windows Icons Veis RCRA OP 2 448 256 T 48x43 36 T 48x48 Moro x32 RGIA OP 3232 25 7332 16 T 32x32 Moro eae te 12024 16 24x24 Mono o RGA OP 7 1x15 256 F sts 16 15x25 Mono F 256x256 RGBA Di 266x26 2 725x256 16 128x128 RGB A E 95x95 RGBA Esna ras 72x72 RGBSA 64x64 RGB A 7 Compress 256x256 formats for Windows Vista embedded PNG compression Macintosh Icons gpt 28x 123 RGS YA Yi 4x83 256 43043 36 2 FRIESE TRGEIA E x16 256 Yi nexts 16 F 16x16 RGBA Mel2 255 16x12 16 1256x256 RGS Aiha 05 10 4
478. t video colors to edit image 389 Image order compatible with Windows Explorer 389 User Interface options 389 User Interface Style Windows Standard User Interface 389 User Interface Style Axialis Software User Interface 389 xxii Background colors Full Screen Mode Background colors Document windows Background colors Scale 1 1 preview Options in the Toolbars Tab Local Toolbar Display within document windows Display standard buttons Display Recently Used Bar Empty Recently Used List Text options No Text label Show Text labels Selective Text Label on Right Options in the File Associations Tab If you use Windows Vista If you use a previous versions of Windows Options in the Librarian Tab Options in the Images Tab JPEG Writing options WMF Default Load Size Kodak PhotoCD Image Display mode Options in the Temporary Files Tab Store thumbnail previews on disk for fast browsing Exclude files from Removable amp CDROM drives Exclude files from Network drives MISCELLANEOUS FEATURES TIPS UNINSTALL Quick open a file using the Recently Used Bar Quick open a media file or project Quick open a recently opened media file or project Quick create a new project Manage favorite files Add a Document to the Favorite List Add a Folder to the Favorite List Open an Item from the Favorite List Modify the Favorite List Paste an image as a new document Paste an image as a new document Desktop Reorga
479. tallation starts The user must agree with His agreement to proceed WiAdd a User License Agreement o aif GUSH END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT This document is a legal Agree between you the keensee and the Author Please read Set seement carefully before installing the icon ibrary By installing the ion ibrary you accept the terms of this Agreement If you do nat agree to the teres of this Agreement quit tis installation procedure and promptly delete the fies iad Esme Ciod oett j AA Be ee This screen permits you to specify an License Agreement text that will be proposed to the user during the installation procedure The user will be asked to accept all the terms of this agreement before proceeding with the installation If you want to specify a text click Add a User License Agreement box The zone below activates You can type the text in this box You can also load or save text files using the related buttons For this tutorial we propose you to keep this standard License When done click Next gt gt The 5th screen opens It permits you to implement an Activation feature in your distribution package If you choose to use this feature the user who will install the icon library will be prompted to enter a personal Activation Code to proceed with the installation To read more about this advanced feature see Use an Activation Code topic For this tutorial we won t use this feature Wh
480. te 16x16 8 1 Colors RGB A 32 dits 258 Cokes 8 bas 4 Cokes 4bts Guidelines Su i vethout deta 1 Draw the 3 versions of your icon in the empty squares with transparency chessboard texture 2 Export this Template to IconWorkshop 3 The icon is automatically created with all its Image formats embedded 41 Axia lis lconWorkshop 6 10 Using Image Objects Most of us are not graphic designers and we have a problem when it comes to create attractive icons or web graphics The question is How to create attractive custom icons without drawing skills Image Objects are the answer The solution is to use a set of image objects already done by a skilled computer graphic artist and assembling them together to create a final artwork that will match your needs Using a set of existing image objects the possibilities are almost infinite You can create many different icons or graphics simply by adjusting various parameters of each object like Hue tint Saturation Brightness Contrast Size Opacity and more Circle Shadow Circle Blue Circle Gradient Color lt Circle Effect 5 Symbol Question Cide Effect 8 This association can be easily done with Axialis lconWorkshop using a few mouse clicks and drag and drops Creating different versions of an icon is very easy with an object pack See below some examples of the help icon made in a few minutes simply using the mouse and without draw
481. ted options 387 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 388 Transparency Style Specifies how Axialis lconWorkshop displays the pattern representing transparent backgrounds transparent areas of icons Select None to choose a solid background or Small to Large to select the size of the check board style background You can adjust the background colors or choosing a defined scheme below Transparency Color Scheme Specifies a transparent background predefined color scheme Choose Custom to manually choose the colors Transparency Custom colors Click to specify the color of the background area or the first color of the check board style background pattern and click to specify the second color of the check board style background pattern Grid Style Specifies how the Grid appears in the drawing area e Lines To draw the grid using solid lines strong display e Dashed Lines To display the grid using very small dashed lines light display e Dashed Lines Each pixel is represented by a small dot in the upper left corner of the pixel square very light display Grid Color Specifies the color of the color grid Grid Draw stronger lines at fixed intervals If this option is checked a stronger grid line a line with a darker color is drawn at fixed intervals Prompt for resize crop options when pasting If this box is checked a dialog box lets you choose for resize crop options each time you perform a paste o
482. terion for the item s description blank no search on description Do not use wildcards For example to find the files that contain the word rock in the description just enter rock The Name is the name of file Author Keyword and Description are fields that you can enter in the dialog box Librarian Properties Description You can specify only one criteria per field Blank fields will be ignored Search is not case sensitive 8 Each time you launch the Search command the application will create a Found Media Files document window 9 You can work in each Found Media Files document window Delete items 1 Select items from the librarian 2 Choose Edit Delete 3 An information dialog box prompts you Click OK The selected files or folders are moved to the Deleted Items special folder You can restore them back to their original locations at any time see Restore previously deleted items or you can also permanently deleted them see Empty the Deleted Items folder 335 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Restore previously deleted items in the Librarian 1 Go to the folder Deleted items from the librarian 2 Select one or more items 3 Right click and choose Restore or Double click or Return on the item s 4 The dialog box Restore deleted items opens You can restore the selected items back to their original locations Click YES Empty the Deleted Items folder 1 Right click and choose Empty Folder 2
483. that will be automatically be replaced by its related variable text at printing A macro must be specified between brackets 364 Working With The Axialis Media File Explorer e DATE Actual print date e TIME Actual print time e FILENAME Filename of the file to print no path e PATHNAME Filename and full path of the file to print e PAGE Page number You can also specify a separator to split the text in two parts The first part will be printed on the left side and the second part on the right side of the page If no separator is specified the text is centered 9 When done click OK and continue the print procedure Print as preview 5 You can print in a preview window It may be useful to see the result before printing Choose the File Print Preview An option dialog box opens Follow the above procedures Change display mode 1 Create a New Explorer window by choosing File New New Explorer Ctrl E 2 Browse your disks and select the appropriate folder in the left pane The media files included in the folder appear in the right pane 3 Select the file you wish to open 4 Double click on it or choose Explorer Open Item Enter or right click on it and choose Open in the menu Change display mode image 5 Choose the View Normal display if you want to see the image or video at fixed scales In this mode you can use the zoom commands Zoom In Zoom Out scale 1 1 Space 6 Choose
484. the Clipboard Contents is the quickest way to proceed It permits also to transfer images from external programs If the external program from where you copied the image does not support 32Bpp images with transparent alpha channel the transparency will be lost Creating the Icon from the Clipboard Contents 1 Select New Icon Project From Clipboard or press Ctrl Q The dialog box New Icon Project opens Select the type of icon you wish to create Windows or Macintosh New Icon Project You can ceste kon projects for Mcrosolt Windows and ope Maontosh operating systems Icon specfcatons are afferent from one rysten to another As a reat you must choose the desred operating system now gt New Icon Project for Microsoft Windows Choose Microsett Windows icon format if you with to create an o ion for all versions cf Windows up to Windows Vista See the product help to read more about image format compatituty with SHerent versions of Windows New Icon Project for Apple Macintosh Choose Apple Macietoth icon format you wish to create an icon for the Mac operating system only up to OS X Tiger and Leopard Some restrictions apply on MacOS icon image formats see help to get more info on valld image foemats 2 If you choose Windows the procedure is similar for a Macintosh icon a second dialog box opens 307 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 nn ee ao Pm Create a New
485. the compression is displayed D For each of them do the following step 3 Right click on the format in the list if available formats not in the editor area A menu opens choose PNG Compressed Image Format Windows Vista to remove the compression 4 Save the icon Redo the same procedure for all the 256x256 icons of the project Once the icon is saved without compression work on your project as usual The compiler will handle the icon images correctly since they are not PNG When your project is finished and before releasing the program file follow the procedure below 1 Open the EXE file containing the uncompressed icon in IconWorkshop 2 The file opens in a document window with all the embedded icons displayed Be sure to display all the formats in raw choose View Display Icons All Formats In Raw 3 Double click on the icon you want to compress It opens in another document window 4 In the list of available formats vertical list on left right click on the first 256x256 RGB A format a menu opens Choose PNG Compressed Image Format Windows Vista A small overlay icon indicating the compression is displayed B 5 Repeat step 4 with the other 256x256 image formats if any 6 Save the icon File Save Close the icon window 7 Back in the EXE document window you see the compression overlay icon D displayed on all the 256x256 formats Repeat steps 3 to 6 for all the other icons containing 256x256 images if a
486. the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting 275 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Convert several Windows icons to Macintosh format Using this feature you convert a group of Macintosh Icons to Windows format in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in lconWorkshop explorer Select the source icons 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the source files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the source files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch convert the icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Convert Windows Icons To Macintosh ICNS RSC BIN or Ctrl Shift M 5 A dialog box opens First select the Macintosh file format you wish to create 3 formats are available for Macintosh icons see this topic to learn more about the file formats Coren Windows icons to Madmosh WR Wi i o Sdected Windows icons nil be converted to be used on Naonteg computers l sch pe arc e farma Gee Peb hr mere Damato on Mac Be famat a wat a Me you wa o convert yy Format Mactenary eon EMO z 1 Mac OS Convert al comoeble image formats
487. the name of the icon file to create do not specify the extension Click OK 3 The file is automatically added to the librarian An ICNS RSC or BIN file is created if the selected Librarian item is a folder If an icon library is selected the icon is added to this library Creating Icons Save a Windows icon as Macintosh format It could be useful to save an opened Windows icon to Macintosh This is an handy way to convert and icon from one system to another Various file formats are available for saving Macintosh icons ICNS This is the standard Macintosh icon file format Only one icon with several formats can be saved in this format This format is the most commonly used RSC or RSRC This is the Macintosh resource file format It is used mainly by developers This format can contain several icons IconWorkshop support reading of RSC files with several icons but can write only RSC files with one icon BIN MacBinary format This format permits to easily transfer files between Macintosh and Windows For more information on this format visit this website http en wikipedia org wiki MacBinary We strongly recommend to use this file format to transfer your icons to Macintosh because it is compatible with Macintosh file system which separate each file in two parts called forks The data fork and the resource fork The data fork contains the data included in the file a text file for example The resource f
488. the same as the source fie mith 300 extension Standard mage formats for Windows Ta KP 7 32x32 P Trame F 26016 P o 1 He 26 7 32x32 256 2M 26 J 6x16 256 4BxS 16 4 3Bd2 16 224 16 Fivexi6 26 Windows Vista Formats 1 25612 P 256x255 256 256x255 35 J Compress 256x256 formats for Windows Veta embedded PNG compression Other Formats Teea 2 128x128 P 96195 P Rne Tenane sasoe Macresth core he 4 4 fs S Hono 32x32 Nono 35x16 Mono Transparency 6 In Image Adjustment group you can add a smooth or sharp filter to the image shrinking process You can also use or not a dithering method to render image using 256 or 16 colors In Transparency group an option permits to use opaque images i e without transparency and specify a color to make transparent 7 When done click OK The batch operation starts immediately the hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the creation When done the new Windows icons are added to the folder contents Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Batch create Macintosh icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Macintosh Icons from Selection or Ctrl Shift D 5 A dialog box opens First we need to choose the Macintosh file format we wish to use there are 3 formats supported by IconWorkshop see this topic to learn more 6 In groups Standard Image Formats and Extra Image Formats choose the image formats you wish to add in the icons Barch Cre
489. this standard Windows dialog box 3 When done Click OK To Customize the Main Toolbar Aspect 1 Choose Edit Preferences or press F2 A dialog box opens 2 Select the Toolbars tab In the Main Toolbar group you can change various settings 3 When done Click OK How to Change the Editor Drawing Area Aspect To Change the Chessboard Texture of the Transparent Areas 1 Choose Edit Preferences or press F2 A dialog box opens choose the Editor tab General Ector User terface Teobers Fle Associations Liratan images Temporary Fes Transparency Gid w m O ve o o Color Scheme DnA X Color 0 g F7 Draw stronger ines at iwed intervals Custom Colors Evey amp w O o V Prompt for resirevcrop options when parting ga Z Promes tee palette options when pasting l T Wam ratiicent video colors to odt nage E rage order comoatiilo with Windows Explorer Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 2 You can modify the size of the Transparency chessboard squares Then to change the colors of the texture you can either select a predefined scheme or choose custom colors You can see the changes in the preview area 3 When done click OK To Change the Grid Aspect 1 Choose Edit Preferences or press F2 A dialog box opens choose the Editor tab see above picture 2 Change the Grid aspect in the related group To finish you can activate or deactivate a feature whi
490. tion When done the new Images are added to the folder contents The created images have the same filename as the original document with PNG PSD BMP GIG or JP2 appended A smart system has been added to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting If this exact chosen format does not exists in an icon the nearest format is chosen for extraction The JPEG 2000 options JPEG 2000 is the latest generation of compressed image format It permits to compress images with low quality loss Additionally it permits to encode images with alpha channel When you save an image in JPEG 2000 format you need to specify the type of compression you want for this image e Lossless compression This will result in perfect image quality but larger file size about 30 50 of original image e Lossy compression This can be adjusted to create smaller files high compression means low quality see preview If you use lossy compression we recommend you to adjust the compression level using the slider and compare the difference between the original and the resulting image in the preview window The GIF options CompuServe GIF image format is widely used in Web pages because the majority of Web browsers recognize it However this format has some limitations and images need to be optimized to meet Web requirements like size colors and transparency e GIF Images don t support partial transparency alpha channel It means that either a pixel is tr
491. tion if you always create icons for the same OS Choose format when creating a new Windows icon If this box is checked the application prompts you to choose the first image format you wish to include in a new Windows icon project If it is unchecked the default format Set as default button in the New Windows Icon Project dialog box is automatically created Choose format when creating a new Macintosh icon If this box is checked the application prompts you to choose the first image format you wish to include in a new Macintosh icon project If it is unchecked the default format Set as default button in the New Macintosh Icon Project dialog box is automatically created Show information message when opening EXE file If this box is checked the application automatically shows information associated to the EXE file Remember folder during Save As operation If this box is checked the application automatically saves the current folder Maximize document windows at opening If this box is checked the application automatically maximizes document windows at opening Prompt for options when transferring from Photoshop If this box is checked the application will prompt you when the Photoshop is in action Otherwise the first option will be chosen automatically Editor options To access the Editor Tab options choose View Preferences The Preferences dialog box opens click on the Editor tab to get the rela
492. totally transparent In such a case you simply see the background If the opacity is set to 128 50 you see the pixel and the background 50 50 Opacity is set pixel by pixel in an RGB A image It permits to create very nice effects light shadows halos semi transparencies smooth edges The opacity adjustment feature included in Axialis IconWorkshop permit to change the opacity of a selection of pixels Adjustment is made in percents from 100 more transparent to 100 more opaque This feature is very interesting for floating selections It permits to add semi transparent overlay objects to existing icons This feature works only with RGB A Windows XP image formats Adjust Opacity 1 Select a region with the selection tool or paste a floating selection If no selection is active the adjustments will apply to the whole image N Choose Draw Adjustments Effects Opacity or press O w The dialog box Adjust Opacity opens 4 To get a better idea of the adjustments you re doing we recommend you to activate the Preview option It permits you to see the changes in background editor and preview windows uI Specifies the Opacity value you wish to add to the current image The value you specify is added or subtracted if this is a negative value to the current image opacity Valid values are in range 100 more transparent to 100 more opaque When done click OK o gt Apply Filters 250
493. tr prior to 6 10 you must install it again by following this procedure A new export plug in will be installed in addition to the filter plug in The export plug in will be used with Photoshop Templates Use the Photoshop plug in 1 First of all launch Photoshop and open or create an image file You don t need to launch Axialis lconWorkshop before using the plug in It will be automatically launched by the plug in if necessary 2 Select the layer and the portion of the image you want to transfer to Axialis IconWorkshop If you don t create a selection area the whole layer image will be transferred Only rectangular selections are supported for transfer cs farihond 100 Laver 1 Rea Fe 3a Export the image in the Current Layer only Use this command if you want to transfer the image in the current layer only The images in the other layers will be ignored If you want to export a flatten image choose the command in step 3b Choose the Filter Axialis Transfer to Axialis lconWorkshop command in the Photoshop menu 3a Export the flatten image all layers merged Use this command if you want to transfer the image as displayed The images in all layers will be merged during the export the layers will be kept in Photoshop Choose the File Export Export to Axialis lconWorkshop command in the Photoshop menu 4 Axialis Axialis lconWorkshop is automatically launched or activated if running in
494. tracted from RGB A image formats Images applied or extracted will be treated as masks A mask is a grayscale image which is associated to an RGB image to simulate transparency In a mask a white pixel makes the associated RGB pixel fully visible 100 opacity A black pixel produces a transparent pixel 0 opacity Grey pixels produce partially visible pixels from the RGB image depending on the value from 1 to 99 Extract an alpha channel Copy 1 Select a RGB A image format in an icon 2 Choose either a selection or the whole image Choose Edit Copy Alpha Channel as Mask The grayscale image is now placed in the Windows Clipboard Apply an alpha channel Paste 1 Place the grayscale mask image in the Windows Clipboard from any source external program Axialis lconWorkshop 2 Select the target RGB A image format in an icon Choose Edit Copy Alpha Channel as Mask The new alpha channel is now applied Modify Extract icons in program files EXE DLL Axialis lconWorkshop permits to modify icons directly in program files like EXE DLL OCX This feature is handy to customize existing applications However some limitations apply to this feature You CAN e Visualize Modify Export Copy in Clipboard and Add to the Librarian any icon included in a program file e Save your changes in the same file or export it to icon files or ICL You CANNOT e Add or delete icons e Add or delete image formats in icons 25
495. u can also apply or not the dithering option to the 256 16 color images as well as add a filter effect to smooth sharpen the resulting images in RGB A mode try and see the results in the preview images 8 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve chosen You can click on the various image formats you ve created to see the results in the editor window 67 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 9 In the preview window you see the icon displayed at scale 1 1 or 1 2 for the 256x256 format ona gray background It is recommended that you switch to 256x256 preview mode if you want to work with 256x256 Windows Vista icons To switch to this mode right click in the preview window a menu opens Choose 256x256 Display The preview window now operates in floating mode Use the same method to return to the previous state choose 128x128 Display remove the Floating Window option and use the mouse to dock the window 10 As it could be useful to see how the icon is displayed on several type of background lightness an easy way to change the preview background has been implemented Just click with the left button of your mouse in the preview window and the background lightness will change cycle from white to black By changing the background lightness of the preview window left click in it you can appreciate how Axialis lconWorkshop has resized the image and created
496. u opens select Add Several Image Formats from This Image see below H M con kon BRAR arean IR op New benage Format f Create Atd 155 Image Formus C Add Several lenage Foonats from this Image Comprensed bmage format Vintef New Windows E kon Project tor thes Image 177 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 2 A new dialog box opens Other formats for Windows Vista E 256x256 256 ceters 256x256 16 colors Banoe Bersa oP ETING qompress 256x256 formats for Windows ista Rendering Options E apoy Fiter when Resizing 7 BZ apoy Dihering for 256 16 and Mano formats An WA ca coneain several formats pae ard Crepes oo yey wD Jn Bs cor You be hla to add several oher mage formats latar 2nIS6 mages cos be comarensed H you pan WO vse De con unter Hendon Ver AID comoda Other mage Format oe caret 3 Select the formats you wish to add by clicking directly on the preview image You can just ignore select or not the image formats already present in the image You can also apply or not the dithering option to the 256 16 color images try and see the results in the preview images 4 When done click OK The formats are automatically created kon LERELLICETONO EEE Save a Windows icon Once an icon project has been created you need to save it in a file on disk The only file format for Windows icons is ICO 178
497. u to draw your own icons But most of us are not graphic designers and we have a problem when it comes to create attractive icons or web graphics The question is How to create attractive custom icons without drawing skills Image Objects are the answer The solution is to use a set of image objects already done by a skilled computer graphic artist and assembling them together to create a final artwork that will match your needs Using a set of existing image objects the possibilities are almost infinite You can create many different icons or graphics simply by adjusting various parameters of each object like Hue teint Saturation Brightess Contrast Size Opacity and more For example using 6 image objects from our Glossy Buttons object pack you can easily create an attractive help icon Cire Shadow Cirde Blue Circe Gradient Color am Circle Effect 5 Symbol Question Cirde Effect 8 199 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 200 This association can be easily done with Axialis lconWorkshop using a few mouse clicks and drag and drops Creating different versions of an icon is very easy with this pack See below some examples of the help icon made in a few minutes simply using the mouse and without drawing one pixel non exhaustive list of course Specifications of an Image Object An image object is a simple raster or vector image which can be saved as standard or proprietary file format However to com
498. ule recommended to organize your folder properly activate the option Install in a subfolder Axialis Note that creating a subfolder may fail with some compatible applications 4 Click OK When done a message informs you that the plug in has been installed 5 Now you can start your Photoshop application The plug in is visible in Filter Axialis Transfer To IconWorkshop and File Export Export to Axialis lconWorkshop menus Read this for more info on how to use the plug in filter Create a Windows XP icon In this first part we ll create a simple icon for Windows XP To do this we ll use an Icon Template This kind of template see above permits you to create each format of the icon separatly A typical Windows 91 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 92 WwW iN XP icon contains 9 or 12 formats sizes 48x48 32x32 16x16 optional 24x24 each one in colors RGB A 256 and 16 As a result the templates contains 12 areas where you can draw the different formats of the icon If a drawing area is left blank the associated format is not created In the procedure below we ll create 3 RGB A formats 48x48 32x32 and 16x16 1 First be sure the Photoshop plug in has been installed see previous topic Choose File New Icon Project from Photoshop Template Windows XP Icon 48x48 2 Adobe Photoshop opens and a new document is created Its name is I W Template 003 copy The term copy means that this is a ne
499. ully integrated workspace which permits you to work efficiently and create professional icons in minutes What can I do with IconWorkshop Create read and save Windows Vista icons up to 256x256 with alpha channel and PNG compression Create read and save Windows XP icons up to 256x256 with alpha channel Create read and save Macintosh icons up to OSX 10 4 and 10 5 including the latest 256x256 Tiger format and 512x512 Leopard Format Modify add remove icons in EXE and DLL files This is very useful to compress 256x256 icons for Windows Vista in programs MS VS 2005 does not support compilation of compressed icons in resources Creating attractive icons in seconds using ready to use Image Object Packs Composing icons in seconds using mouse drag amp drop and a powerful built in image editor Create icons with several built in formats from images BMP PNG JPEG 2000 PSD in one operation Convert icons from Windows to Macintosh and vice versa Apply automated operations to several icons at once batch procedures Conversion Win lt gt Macintosh Icon creation from images Image creation from icons Icon format normalizing Work easily with Adobe Photoshop using a transfer plugin With ready to use Photoshop templates create icons in one step with several formats Work easily with Adobe Illustrator using a transfer plugin Manage your icons using a built in Librarian Browse your computer fo
500. ure you can Create Several Macintosh Icons from image files in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in IconWorkshop explorer Select the source images 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the images using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the files appear with preview in the right pane Select the image files you wish to convert to icons You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several files Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batch create the Windows icons 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Macintosh Icons from Selection or Ctrl Shift D 5 A dialog box opens First we need to choose the Macintosh file format we wish to use there are 3 formats supported by IconWorkshop see this topic to learn more 6 In groups Standard Image Formats and Extra Image Formats choose the image formats you wish to add in the icons 291 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Batch Create Macietosh Icons From Sekcion d M Ee x r Batch Create Macintosh Icons This feature wil permt you to geste several Macntosh icons in one batch process lt i from selected sources nduding icons images cursors This i not a conversion but a creation of new icons containing severs predefined mage formans see below core wil be suto
501. use it has a good lossless ratio and supports alpha channel The compressed icon sizes are 100Kb to 150Kb Axialis IconWorkshop permits to create Windows Vista icons To read more about Windows Vista icons and how to create them using Axialis IconWorkshop read this article Introducing Windows Vista Icons How to create an icon Graphics are among the primary ways of advertising the sale of goods or services This is true for computing when designing software or website interfaces The primary solution is to draw icons using either an image Getting Started Tutorial or vector editor Then when the image is done use Axialis lconWorkshop to convert this image to an icon If you don t use an external image editor Axialis lconWorkshop contains some drawing tools that permit you to draw your own icons Axialis conWorkshop offers alternate solutions for Adobe Photoshop users and programmers who don t have drawing skills Using Project Templates for Photoshop If you work with Adobe Photoshop a new feature has been added which permits you to draw your icon at different sizes and automatically export it into IconWorkshop The resulting icon is automatically created with all its formats Several ready to use templates have been added for Windows and Macintosh icon creation See below how the templates work Sizes to Create TnS ti 3 1 128x128 24 1 6 1 Colors RGBA R bits Sizes to Crea
502. use pointer over it If the name is empty blank field the program will display the Html color string in the tool tip 5 If the options Insert at the current location or Append at the end of the list are checked you can specify where you wish to add the new color swatch Inserted at the current location or appended at the end of the list last position Customized Swatch Modify a color swatch 1 Select the color 2 Double click on this color or choose Color Modify Swatch color The standard Windows Color box opens 3 Modify your color using the scroll box or in the color box 4 If you want add the customized color 5 Click on the lt Add color gt button and the color will be automatically placed in your customized color palette replacing the color selected in the standard palette You can change the Hue and Saturation of the color and then move the slider in the color gradient to change the luminescence Lum Rename a color swatch 1 Select the color 2 Choose Color Rename Swatch color Enter the name of the selected color When you move ona color you can see its name Delete a color swatch 1 Select the color 2 Choose Color Delete Swatch color 264 Working with Icons Load Swatches Axialis lconWorkshop allows you to load color swatches from a file and apply it to the image You can create your own customized color swatches Load swatches 1 Choose Color Load Swatches 2 Select the f
503. use to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Create the PNG images 4 Choose Explorer Batch Create Images from Icons or Ctrl Shift V 5 The dialog box Batch Create Images From Icons opens see below In the Icon Format to Extract group choose the image format you wish to extract from the icons You can choose only one image format If this exact format does not exists in an icon the nearest format is chosen Batch Create Images thom Selected kons a es Batch Create Images From Icons This fearre wi permit you to create several images PHG PSD EMP GF or WECION n one batch process foe a selecton of source ors Macntodh o land Windows Kore Tha a not a conversion but a creaton of new mages containing a selected Sarmat of each con hased on the selector belom images wil be automaticaly coated n the source Se folder sare flenares Afferent extensors Select the mage format you mant to extract from the icons f some cora 4 not contan thes format the nearest format nil be ext acted Coke in Piwels 9 Wirdons J2 bts O r True Coers 16 68M Mbits 256 Ipdened Colors 3 bita ex 35 Colors 4 bits apao Morodrome 158 Pn ixi Image Fie format Transparency PNG Portatic Network Gag v Preserve Treraparency 32 FP Rerove arimia n t shoo napora cesson of By 3D BMD and 292 with Aie ove R bts Smoot Trempererey 6 In the Image File Forma
504. used on Windows computers Messe ac select the desired image formats you wish to keep during Pe converson o Comwert al images formats Covert ordy the following formats I J 1280128 P RGBA JAG 256 Js JG Moro Bes OP ROSJA E Sp Re TR Mero 32x32 P RGA Wnl6 Moro ae oe M m V Compress 242 formats for Windows Vista y oedded PNG compression 6 The batch operation starts The hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the conversion When done the Windows icons are added to the folder contents The created icons have the same filename as the original document with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting Convert several Windows icons to Macintosh format Using this feature you convert a group of Macintosh Icons to Windows format in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in lconWorkshop explorer Select the source icons 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the source files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the source files appears with preview in the right pane Select the icons you wish to convert You can use Shift Ctrl Mouse to select several icons Use Ctrl A to select all Use to select unselect by specifying filters Batc
505. ust click on the image preview to select unselect To know more about the desired Windows standard image format see What is an Icon topic 8 In the Extra Formats group select the optional image formats you wish to add in the icon The new formats 128x128 and 256x256 are expected to work with next version of Windows codename Longhorn The following table shows the common Windows image formats i 512x512 256x256 128x128 64x64 48x48 32x32 24x24 i 1616 RGB A e i o eo oe e _ 256 Colors e o e 16 Colors e e i e e Windows standard icon image formats PNG compressed Windows Vista Recommended Optional Not Available 9 To get the best results possible you can also apply a filter when resizing RGB A images and a dithering option to the 256 16 color images try and see the results in the preview images 10 If you wish to start creating your icon with an unlisted format click the Other Image Format button 11 When done click OK The icon is automatically created with the various image formats you ve selected 12 Now you can save your icon in a file 287 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Convert an image to a Macintosh icon An interesting feature of IconWorkshop is to convert an image into an icon Some image formats support 32 BPP alpha channel transparency which is very interesting to create hi quality RGB A images in icons During the operation the image will be
506. ut now you re ready to move the whole image To move the image you can use the mouse with a drag and drop or use the arrow keys of the keyboard To move the image 10 pixels up hit UpArrow 10 times or press Shift UpArrow The resulting selection rectangle is now 10 pixels outside the top of the editor area 15 We can now add the shadow Select the object Circle Shadow png in the librarian and add it to the project The resulting image looks like this 82 Getting Started Tutorial 16 Obviously there is a problem The shadow is in front of the Earth Globe The solution is as easy as a keystroke Press the End key or choose Edit Set Floating Selection to Background You re done The resulting image should look like this JIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIIS JIIIIDD Finalizing the Icon by Creating All the Formats Now that the largest image is done 256x256 RGB A we ll create all the other formats of the icons from this one This is done in one step with Axialis lconWorkshop Corporate Edition Using the Personal Edition you need to create each format manually see product help for more info 17 Choose Draw Add Several Image Formats from This Image or press V A dialog box opens 83 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Standard image formats for Windows 17 256x256 RGBA Windows Vista ordy Bew Baa Eea o Other formats for Windows Vista Q grer roras 3 E 256x255 256 colors T 256x255
507. w document based on the file W Template 003 but not linked to it As a result you won t overwrite the original template image by saving your over it by error simply by pressing Ctrl S for instance It s like a new document containing an image at startup 4 Windows XP Icon su 24 16m ie MO AED TO SANE IMAGE BELOW THES Utali in desred dramang areas Levers are su ppor mony ka elai Mats mil de gored Image formats mhae well be Amaca rested Oy I D trom other images 2 When the mages are created save your work deselect all 66 SORAA TE Anus ToaWerkshop The figure above shows the document window as it has been created in Photoshop In the upper left corner there is a barcode to let IconWorkshop identify the number of the template this permits lconWorkshop to associate the template image with the associated XML file Do not modify or remove this barcode The template is divided in 3 groups one per color mode We ll draw image formats only for the RGB A color mode in sizes 48x48 32x32 and 16x16 We ll leave the other formats blank At the bottom of the template you ll find some instructions on how to use the template This part of the template is not used during the export into IconWorkshop and the icon creation If you want to save your icon project as a separate PSD file you can remove this part crop the image above the doted line From here you can simply draw your icons in the associated fo
508. will be too small 4 Select the portion of image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the portion of image you wish to use do not cut the shadow if there is one around the object When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created 5 When the selection is done choose Image Create Windows Icon from Selection or press I or click the first command button in the local toolbar 6 The dialog box New Windows Icon From Image opens see below In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension Working with Icons i ee fC ee oe a Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image ry Icon Project Name MySpherelcon o Standard image formats for Windows 1 256x255 RGBA Windows Views only Wese Yl li V 4ax48 255 Mian Eass Vo JON 16 Other formats for Windows Vista Other Formats Faz 254 colos 294x296 16 colors Das Pease 7N P Vitesse oe JANG compress 2446x256 formats Se Windows Vista Dende 9 tet Mone D33 Mono D xis Mono An con caa eanta several image Forms rion pad Rendering Options Smooth so i Goons Neu ba ae Loma you mah 1s aT F Fines when g iea nee o ale so add savarsi othar mego Z Aoply Otherng for 295 16 and Mono formats epera eona t bade a Beas a 7 In the Image Formats group select the image formats you wish to add in the icon and unselect the unwanted images J
509. ws Vista comes with a new format of icons supporting PNG compression and sizes up to 256x256 The standard Windows Vista icons now includes the following image formats grayed formats are optional 85 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 256x256 RGB A 64x64 RGB A 48x48 RGB A 32x32 RGB A 24x24 RGB A 16x16 RGB A 256x256 256c 64x64 256c 48x48 256c 32x32 256c 24x24 256c 16x16 256c 256x256 16c 64x64 16c 48x48 16c 32x32 16c 24x24 16c 16x16 16c The problem is if you simply make the icon and save it in standard Windows XP ICO format the resulting file will be 400Kb on disk The solution is to compress the images Only the 256x256 images are compressed The compression scheme used is PNG Portable Network Graphic because it has a good lossless ratio and supports alpha channel The compressed icon sizes are 100Kb to 150Kb To get more information on Windows Vista Icons we recommend you to read this topic Introducing Windows Vista Icons Creating the Windows Vista Icon from an existing image Here is a step by step tutorial on how to create a Windows Vista compressed icon using Axialis IconWorkshop 1 Create a 256x256 version of your icon image using any image vector editor Save your artwork with smooth transparency 32 BPP alpha channel using a file format that is compatible with Axialis IconWorkshop BMP PNG JP2000 PSD You can also transfer y
510. ws you to open an icon library embedded in the librarian in a separate document window This operation is very useful when moving or copying icons from one library to another to keep them visible on screen You can also import into and export from a document 344 Working With The Axialis Librarian Open an icon library 1 Select an icon library in the Librarian folder tree Double click on it or hit Enter 2 A document window opens containing the icon library The window title bar contains the name of the file TIIR mo ace 1 foomats 8 torkas pde 12 tonan 93 Heme Hep Warring Step yi atomas a format eG b atone 13 eG bi O 9 Home Morey 4 feemais 19 feemans 11 13 toeenais eGOeea Favorme alora feemats 11 ps 11 toemats 3 All the icons contained in the library are displayed in the window list You can now freely work with the library When you open an icon library as a document it is grayed in the Librarian window to avoid errors Add items to the librarian from the Explorer Document 1 Select a folder in the librarian where you want to add items 2 Select one or more items in the Explorer Document 3 Right click and choose Add to the librarian To add an opened document to the librarian 1 Select a folder in the librarian where you want to add Media Files 2 Open a Document or activate an existing document window 3 Right click and choose Add to the librarian 345
511. x opens You can choose to convert all the formats or only a selection of formats When done click OK 302 Working with Icons Convert Macinnosh kors toWedows M Os Selected Mocrnosh kone nil Be converted 19 be used on Windows computers Messe ac Sele the desired image formats you wish to keep during Me comverson 1 Convert al mages formats Correr ordy the following formats J 1280128 MP RGBA Te a Ja Windows T heed P ROA Hia Fix Vi II P RGIA 6 9 7 7 ce Yate AG T 2525 a eee 7 E TREA twoedded PNG compression 6 The batch operation starts The hourglass mouse pointer is displayed during the conversion When done the Windows icons are added to the folder contents The created icons have the same filename as the original document with different extension depending on the icon types A system has been implemented to index the files if necessary to avoid overwriting Convert several Windows icons to Macintosh format Using this feature you convert a group of Macintosh Icons to Windows format in one operation This is what we call a batch procedure We ll perform this task using the built in IconWorkshop explorer Select the source icons 1 Open a new Explorer window Choose File New File Explorer 2 When the window is opened select the folder which contains the source files using the tree in the left pane 3 When done the source files appears with preview in the r
512. x24 and 16x16 formats and Dock Bar applications 128x128 format To simplify the project we won t add indexed color formats 256 16 colors Using the objects we ll make a Glossy Earth icon with bottom shadow The resulting icon will look like this Creating Icons from Image Objects i Goe 2561256 e g 1281128 A ey ee XP P x XP A Windows icon created with IconWorkshop using Image Objects The largest image format is 256x256 Windows XP ie RGB with alpha channel To get the best results we ll start the project with this new format and work with it to assemble the objects When finished we ll create all the other formats using this 256x256 format as template Let s create our new icon project 1 Launch IconWorkshop Choose File New Windows Icon Project or press Ctrl W A dialog box opens New Icon Project for Microsoft Windows An icon can contain several image formats size and cokes In this dialog you specify the properties of the frst image format you with to indude in this icon Youll be able to add several other image formats later ProjectName GossvExth Image Color Format image size in pixels Nie ws acer gosn 32 bits soe 128x128 D True Colors RGB 24 bits 256 indexed Colors 8 bits 16 Colors 4 bits Monodrome 1 bit We recommend with the Windows legen mage sae d cora po it producer nsaan the other image p ee larger image XP with Alp
513. xels group choose 256x256 5 Click OK the dialog box closes The new blank icon document is created the 256x256 RGB A image format is selected Oo To add an object you must be sure that the librarian is visible If the librarian window is not visible check the Librarian button in the main toolbar or press ESC We recommend you to create a collection of objects in the librarian that you ll use in your future projects Some sample objects copyright free are included in the Objects sub folder of the Librarian We ll use them in this topic i Fee Ese Crew Coke Lauran Freeites View Window Help 1 Dre gt 2 B bd C rio a i O 0E S Qs Oto Librarian BOGSA lwcs veaw Q GP aa DORR Ifermatie IND Bez P ROA OD ta 144214 7 Select the folder Objects Samples Large in the Librarian tree The contents of the folder appears in the zone below Select an object in the folder contents For example using the slider scroll the window contents until you see the file Folder Back png 255 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Copy Paste alpha channels 256 FEEL Fae Eon Crow Coke aren Fovostes Vaw Windom Help Om D B td Deen tw e 4 0 S Librarian 8x EGBA meran Yo B2lGg o 8 198 0 DDIR 22A A nno GB suo j Miro nei press Fs Note that this floating selection can be moved by using drag amp drop from the inner zone It can also b
514. y Buttons i D Pak Realisti Butto D Paky Quick Tooter WD Paka Web 20 kom 3 If the scale 1 1 preview window is not in 256x256 mode the preview image will be cropped It is recommended that you switch to 256x256 preview mode if you want to work with 256x256 Windows Vista icons To switch to this mode right click in the preview window a menu opens Choose 256x256 Display The preview window now looks as shown above in floating mode Use the same method to return to the previous state choose 128x128 Display remove the Floating Window option and use the mouse to dock the window 4 Select the whole image Choose Edit Select All or press Ctrl A An animated selection rectangle is now drawn around the image 5 Choose File Create Windows Icon From Selection or press I A large dialog box opens This dialog box will permit you to create all the image formats you want to include in your icon in one simple step Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image leon Project Name Down o Standard image formats for Windows R2 ABA windows Weta orby Germaen vote Other Formats F 2561255 256 colors O F 256256 16 colors 128x128 3P a Pran Pe e Hame Mar DiDa Moo D isis Mono Rendering Options i An con can corean severa mage formas soe and 5 Apply Pizer when Resiing TZ apiy Otthering for 254 26 and Mono formats 6 Type the Name of the new icon project The root
515. y an image preview for all items but it is CPU time consuming If you have not selected this option you ll have to manually preview each selected item by selecting the command Librarian Preview e If you choose Large icons all items will be displayed by using large icons with preview Filename File Size Dimensions and File format e If you choose Small icons all items will be displayed by using small icons without preview but with the filename e If you choose List all items will be displayed in a list E e If you choose Details the application displays information about each item in the window Display a grid in the detailed list If you have chosen the option Librarian Display Details you can show grid in report view 1 Choose Librarian Show Grid to toggle the option Show info tooltips For each item you can display an information tooltip 1 Choose the option Librarian Show Info Tooltips to toggle this feature When you pass over an item a tooltips displays You can read the Filename The File Type Size Colors Date Time and Size Show folders This option permits to show all folder items in the list 1 Choose Librarian Show Folders 337 Axialis IconWorkshop 6 10 Display the item properties Display item properties 1 Select one or more items 2 Choose Librarian Properties 3 The dialog box Items Properties opens 4 In ITEM PROPERTIES tab you can read the next information Filen
516. y hidden You can set your preferences for each document category Display standard buttons Specifies whether you want the application to display application standard buttons in the toolbar Display Recently Used Bar If this box is checked the application displays a Recently Used area in the Toolbar This area permits you to quickly reopen a file recently opened with this program To open a file simply click on it in the list You can also specify a HTTP of FTP file by typing its URL search an expression in the edit area and just hit enter Empty Recently Used List Allows you to empty the Recently Used list Customizing the Application Text options No Text label Show Text labels Selective Text Label on Right Specifies how text descriptions of the toolbar buttons appear e No Text Labels To display only icons in the Toolbar e Show Text Labels To display the names of the buttons underneath each button on the toolbar e Selective Text Labels on Right To display the names of certain buttons such as Search and Library on their right side Options in the File Associations Tab To access the File Associations Tab options choose View Preferences The Preferences dialog box opens click on the File Associations tab to get the related options Use this feature to choose which file types will be associated with IconWorkshop Windows identifies file types by their extensions Axialis lconWorkshop supports th
517. y manage this list Add a Document to the Favorite List 1 Select an open document in a window 2 Choose Favorites Add to Favorites e In the area Name displays the name of the document as it will appear in the Favorite List You can change the name and click OK Add a Folder to the Favorite List 1 Open a New Explorer window and select the desired folder 2 Choose Favorites Add to Favorites 384 Customizing the Application e In the area Name displays the name of the document as it will appear in the Favorite List You can change the name and click OK Open an Item from the Favorite List 1 Open the Favorites menu 2 Choose the desired item to open it e f the item is a document a Document Window opens e If the item is a folder an Explorer Window opens Modify the Favorite List 1 Choose Modify Favorites 2 The Favorite List contents displays You must select the document you want to change or remove from the list 3 If you want to change the name of the selected document you will change the name that appears in the list not the filename on disk click the Rename button 4 If you want to remove the selected document from the list you will NOT delete the file or folder on the disk click the Remove button Options in the General Tab To access the General Tab options choose View Preferences The Preferences dialog box opens click on the General tab to get the related options Create a
518. you Specify a personal question only Ex What s the last name of your neighbor e Answer Specify here your password Hint Answer If you have lost your password you ll be able to retrieve it using this answer In such a case your personal hint question will be asked to you If your answer is correct if it matches this hint answer then your password will be given to you Specify short answer that must not be too easy for Registering Upgrading Online features other people This field is not case sensitive It s not recommended to specify spaces in your answer Your personal information will be kept strictly confidential and will never be sold or given to any third company 5 If you already have a Username e Specify in the Username area your personal Axialis Customer Username If you re already an Axialis customer if you already have registered a program using this new online registration system not the old one you should have a personal Username The username Is not case sensitive e Specify in the Password area your personal Axialis Customer Password If you re already an Axialis customer if you already have registered a program using this new online registration system not the old one you should have a personal Password The password is not case sensitive If you have lost your password click on the Lost Password button A Web page will open and your personal hint question will be asked to you If your an
519. your folders and select your file Windows standard dialog box or Choose File New File Explorer or press Ctrl E A built in Axialis file explorer window opens Browse your disks see the thumbnail preview and double click the image file you wish to open or In the Recently Used zone in the main toolbar type the full pathname of the image file you wish to open then hit Enter 2 The image file opens in a document window Create an icon from this PNG image 3 Before proceeding we recommend you to select the portion of image you wish to use to create your icon If you leave too many transparent areas around your image the visible part of your icon will be too small 4 Select the portion of image Use the selection tool upper left button of the tool palette and select the portion of image you wish to use do not cut the shadow if there is one around the object When done an animated dashed rectangle has been created 5 When the selection is done choose Image Create Windows Icon from Selection or press or click the first command button in the local toolbar a aS e 6 The dialog box New Windows Icon From Image opens see below In the Name group enter the icon project name Do not specify any extension 277 Axialis lconWorkshop 6 10 Ne inden brs on aoe iW y amp Create a New Icon for Microsoft Windows from an Image Toon Project Names MySpinerelcon Tires O Standard

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