Newbie needs help editing a filter

I'm totally new to Filter Forge, just downloaded the trial version and a few filters. I want to learn how to edit some of the existing filters to create chess logos. I have a question about the DoomPannel 01 filter by angelboiii.

Under "Description" it says "replace center logo with your own design". I can't figure out how to replace the center logo. I want to replace the center logo with images of chess pieces. Could someone explain how to do this? What format should the image be, and should it be just a simple black and white image?

Thanks

I took a look at it, if you open up that filter, and scroll down to the bottom area, you can see where he made that little circle with an X in it. If you want your logo in there, it would be easier to just input your image shrunken down and centered, to about the same size, and just a black outline would work best it looks like. In other words, chop out that whole bit about making a circle and an X, delete it, and put a picture input (with a black logo on white background) into an alpha channel, and that should do what you're asking about. Otherwise, yer left trying to turn his circle with an X in it, into your logo, and quite fankly, I don't know if there's anyone using FF who could get too far going that route.

jffe

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jffe wrote: I took a look at it, if you open up that filter, and scroll down to the bottom area, you can see where he made that little circle with an X in it. If you want your logo in there, it would be easier to just input your image shrunken down and centered, to about the same size, and just a black outline would work best it looks like. In other words, chop out that whole bit about making a circle and an X, delete it, and put a picture input (with a black logo on white background) into an alpha channel, and that should do what you're asking about. Otherwise, yer left trying to turn his circle with an X in it, into your logo, and quite fankly, I don't know if there's anyone using FF who could get too far going that route. jffe

I really don't know what i'm doing! I did mention i was a newbie. Is there a tutorial that explains how to do things like this, for newbies? I managed to get my image in, although much too large. And the final result only looks vaguely like the original filter. Here is what i got, original in next message.

Well, it looks like 2 things, 1, you cut just a bit too much out of the original filter, no big deal there, just go back and cut less out next time. And #2, you need to shrink your original picture graphic down to the size you're going to want it in the end (it looks like you'll want to shrink it to around 25%-30% of it's original size), but that will be done is PSP or whatever graphics host program you have. Other than that, I'd say yer well on yer way to getting it done there chief.

jffe

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Pooky wrote: Yeah, i cut everything with a "X within the circle". How do i know what to cut, trial and error?

----Pretty much, however, you can use *File* then *Open Image* in the presets (main) area, pull in your crown graphic, then open the filter, and when you connect the image input it will show up in the preview window area (upper left part of your screen). From there, you can delete components one at a time and plug your image input into where they were, until it looks how you want it to look in the preview window (and yeah, you can scroll that around and see the whole image side to side and top to bottom if you have the patience for a preview render ha-ha), then save the new version and go back out to the main area and render it from there.

jffe

After much trial and error (and lots of hair pulling), i've given up on getting the look i want totally with FF. But i can get the look i want with a combination of FF, PSP, and SuperBladePro.

I really appreciate you trying to help me.

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jffe wrote: ----No problem, at least you had a clearly defined goal, and you seemed pretty close there with your example pic really.

Well, i think i jumped too fast into the middle of a complicated FF program and filter. I actually downloaded FF one day and was trying to do too much the next day. I have no idea how filters are created and edited, and it will take me some time to learn. It's very confusing to a beginner.