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Ideas for Using the Stained Glass Images as Backgrounds for Multimedia Projects

Let's begin this discussion by my pointing out that I like to do things quickly as there is a perennial shortage of time. The backgrounds I've created were done quickly and with a minimum of fuss. I'll talk about how I did each one as we go along. The items on this page can be done in eZediaMX or eZedia QTI. It doesn't matter.

Figure 1 is a hypothetical title frame for a project on space - something that continues to fascinate me. The sparkles in the stained glass image (SG4) made me think of stars which resulted in the theme you see here. The image by itself is quite pretty. I wanted to give the impression of looking up into this wild sky while standing in the dark on some planet. I could have taken the photo into PhotoShop but I took the easy way out. I opened up the Resources folder in eZediaMX and then went into the Transparency wells. I make endless use of the well called "Borders." It's a wonderful collection you'll find useful, too.

Here's how I created Figure 1:
1. I clicked on the Graphic Object icon and went to where I had saved the stained glass picture called SG4. (Click here to find directions on bringing in a Graphic Object.) I brought it into the frame, fussed over the exact position a bit, and then clicked on Objects > Add to Background. That glued the image in place on the frame and can't be undone. (Of course, you can always open up a new frame!)
2. I then clicked on File > Open and went into the eZedia program folder, located the Resources folder, opened it, and then opened up the Transparency folder. From that, I selected the Borders well.
3. When the Borders well finished opening up on the frame, I used the slider bar on the side and moved down until I found a thumbnail entitled "Grd Black Bottom." I put my mouse on the thumbnail, clicked, continued to hold down the mouse, and dragged the image into my frame.
4. I next slid the transparency around my frame until I found just the effect I wanted. To get an uninterrupted view, I tend to turn off the object icons and then put them back on again when I'm back to working with more items. (Go to Objects > Hide Icons to turn them off and then repeat that process choosing Objects > Show Icons to put them back. Think of it as turning a light switch off and on.)
5. Once I have it positioned the way I want, I click on Objects > Add to Background and nail it into place, too. Note: If when you did that, your black transparency went away, it just means that you forgot to add the stained glass image to the background first. No big deal. Just add your stained glass image to the background - and be sure you did it - the test is to try and move it - and then bring in your black transparency again and position it once more before adding it to the background.
6. With the background ready to go, I made up my title using a text object. You'll notice that the font I used is a little unusual. I made my text object transparent and then converted it to a graphic object so that it will show up exactly the same on whatever computer plays my project.
7. The navigation buttons came next. Those have already been developed by eZedia. Go back to the Resources folder and open up the Arrows folder, then the Stargate folder. You'll find multiple wells there. I chose the gold one. When the well opens up, simply drag your objects into place on your frame.
8. Save your work!! In fact, I prefer to create my own well as I'm doing these projects and drag my bits and pieces into it, saving as I go. If I want to tweak something later or change directions, I don't have to re-create my text objects or go and open up any folders looking for my various components.

Figure 1:

Using one of the images (SG-4) as a background for a multimedia project


Here's how I created Figure 2:
Essentially, Figure 2 was created much the same way as Figure 1. I used SG4 and added it to the background. I opened up the same Borders Well from the Transparency folder, only this time I used "Grd White Bottom." I positioned it on the frame, added it to the background and then brought in "Circle Shadow" out of the same well and glued that on top (by making it the 3rd item I added to the background. Again, notice the wild text I've used for the main title. That would definitely have to be turned into a graphic object as not every computer would have that font.  The little white shadow effect I have going on behind the gold letters is very simple. I create the text object and get it exactly the way I want. I then duplicate the text box, select the text, go to Format > Color and choose my contrasting color. I then use Objects > Layers > Send to Back to position it behind the gold lettering. I tried it both ways - white on top and gold on top  - and preferred this version.

Confession: When I sent my text box back using the Layers feature, it went all the way to the back - even behind the stained glass photo! How is that possible? Well, I was busy playing as I was doing the design and neglected to follow the steps I just finished telling you to go through. Consequently, nothing had been added to the background on this frame and I had to go back and sort it out. So, don't be surprised if you do the same thing at some point. Try to be conscious of the order in which you want to add things to the background because you can occasionally add a critical item in the wrong order and then you have to start over again or else live with your design change. Because it only takes a few minutes to create something, this isn't an issue, but there are times when you don't want to have to re-do something.


Figure 2:
Using SG-4 in another way as a background image for a multimedia project


Here's how I created Figure 3:
1. Add SG4 to the background.
2. From the Borders Well (that I've referred to endlessly), drag out the Soft Bevel. png from near the bottom of the well. Re-shape it to look like a raised glass border. (Cool, eh?!)
3. Once you have it in place, add it to the background.
4. Create your text object. Change it to a graphic. Position it on top of the Soft Bevel and then add that to the background (once you're sure about your design).
5. Click on the Shape tool and draw a white rectangle. Right-click on the rectangle and choose Edit Graphic. Lower the transparency level so that you can see a bit of the background coming through yet you'll be able to see the text you place on top of this later, quite clearly. I call this "onion skin paper" and there's a full-page of directions and ideas you can get by clicking here.
As you might guess, I also add the rectangle to the background when I'm ready to commit to the design.

Why does she keep adding things to the background?!!
Adding graphics to the background flattens the image and reduces file size.

Figure 3:

Using SG4 as a background


Last edited: July 19th, 2003