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> # Impasto

> # Basic Tab

> Create Output In New Layer Above Current
> Applying a filter with this option enabled renders your image in a new layer above the working layer (in Photoshop and Elements only). Note that switching filters within Snap Art disables this feature. If you want to apply a filter in a new layer, make sure you start with the filter you plan to apply.

> Warning: Clear this checkbox when recording Photoshop actions. An action recorded with this option enabled will have no effect.

> Brush Style
> The brush style affects the pattern of thick paint ridges left by each stroke.

> Brush Size
> Controls the size of the brush and size of features in the rendering. Smaller values give more realistic results while larger values are more abstract.

> Preserve Edges
> Higher values draw more strokes along strong edges in the original photo, giving a more recognizable reproduction.

> Stroke Curvature
> Higher values allow strokes to follow edges around corners. Lower values yield mostly straight strokes.

> Increasing Stroke Curvature, left to right.

> Paint Stroke Length
> Low values turn all the brush strokes into dots. High values yield longer strokes.

> Paint Coverage
> Higher values more completely cover the canvas. Lower values allow some of the canvas to show through.

> Random Seed
> Controls the random placement of strokes. Click it until you get a result you like.

> # Colors Tab

> The original photo is sent through the following color transformations before it is turned into art. These controls are an easy way to make dramatic changes in the final image.

> Saturation
> Saturation controls the intensity of all colors in the photo. High saturation yields a more vibrant image, while lower yields a more muted image.

> Contrast
> Increasing this slider brightens highlights and darkens shadows. Increasing contrast will usually make the image more dramatic at the expense of losing detail in highlights and shadows.

> Brightness
> Brightness lightens or darkens the entire image.

> Color Temperature (Cool/Warm)
> Positive values warm the image, which shifts colors toward yellow. Negative values cool the image, which shifts colors toward cyan.

> Random Color Variation
> This controls how much the stroke color varies from the true color of the original image. Larger values give more abstract results.

> # Canvas Tab

> Canvas Texture
> This is the pattern used for the canvas. The canvas affects where pigment sticks and where light brightens the paper.

> Canvas Thickness
> The strength of the canvas effect on the media and lighting.

> Canvas Zoom
> The size of the canvas pattern.

> Canvas Color
> This is the color that shows through where pigment is not visible. For more information on selecting colors, see Color Selection Tools.

> # Lighting Tab

> Direction
> Controls the direction from which the light falls on the canvas. Click and drag within the lighting control box to change the direction, or enter a value between 0 and 360 degrees.

> Inclination
> Controls the angle formed by the light and the page. Click and drag within the lighting control box to change the inclination, or enter a value between 0 and 90 degrees.

> Highlight Brightness
> Controls the intensity of the shiny highlights appearing on areas facing the light.

> Highlight Size
> Controls the size of the shiny highlights on areas facing the light; higher values yield larger highlights.

> Highlight Color
> Choose any color for the shiny highlights. For more information on selecting colors, see Color Selection Tools.

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