Background Designs

CATEGORIES: Illustrator, Photoshop, Tutorials | Matt Kloskowski | September 15, 2008

This effect has become increasingly popular for use in designing backgrounds. By using the live trace effect, you can take any stock image and transform it into an outline that can be placed behind your main subject. The technique works in Illustrator and can be used in Photoshop as well. Experiment with blend modes and remember that you can save the outline as a symbol or a custom shape to use in other designs.

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Very nice Mr. Kloskowski - Time for a new edition of Illustrator Most Wanted?

More of this great Ai stuff please

Comment by Gary Spedding | September 16, 2008 @ 7:59 am

Cool stuff!

Comment by Ira Siegel | September 16, 2008 @ 3:42 pm

Wonderful, and it seems easy.

Comment by John Patton | September 17, 2008 @ 8:51 pm

What terrific timing! Thanks. This is exactly what I need, right when I need it. You’re a lifesaver!

Comment by Liz K | September 18, 2008 @ 10:03 am

is like using the threshold in photoshop, but anyway thanks man you’ve given me idea on how to it in AI

Comment by the_cracker | September 18, 2008 @ 9:53 pm

i have illst. 9..0n pc..it dosent look like yours..cant find live trace/please help.

Comment by thomas | September 19, 2008 @ 11:06 am

thanks a lot……..

Comment by Ekhlas | September 20, 2008 @ 10:28 pm

[...] Background Designs This video tutorial from Layers Magazine shows you how to use the live trace effect to convert a stock image into an effective website background. [...]

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