Next filter from the original group ARTISTIC FILTERS Cutout The CUTOUT FILTER is a close cousin to the Posterize command; it simplifies your image into levels of color that you provide. However, unlike the Posterize command, which uses colorspace (RGB or CMYK) "primitives", the Cutout Filter uses colors from your original image. It actually looks for shapes to simplify, and where colors intersect, it creates anti-aliased edges. Naturally, this is a highly "math intensive" filter; be aware that previewing and application of it filter itself is slow. At the lower settings, the filter renders the image as so abstract, you might have a hard time identifying it. At the higher levels, it renders a look reminiscent of paint-by-numbers. You get images with higher detail if you use a higher than normal to high contrast original. I have read where some people state this filter can be used to make a mask . . . mmmm, yeah, right. Personally, I don't see it happening. Open the file BALL NO_LAYERS, and duplicate the image (IMAGE->DUPLICATE). Set the LEVELS to 3. Set the EDGE SIMPLICITY to 6. Set the EDGE FIDELITY to 1. Now apply the filter-do you like the results? Can you RECOGNIZE the results? There may be some use for this filter at this setting, but I guess I am not avant- enough to recognize it. Now let's try a new set of settings: Set the LEVELS to 8. Set the EDGE SIMPLICITY to 1. Set the EDGE FIDELITY to 3. Now apply the filter-can you believe the difference? I rather enjoy this effect! Now, if you were to use this filter at the first setting, I think you would discard it as useless. Do you understand why I stress that experimentation is so important? I am not saying there would be absolutely no use for the image after applying the first set of settings, but one doesn't spring to mind! If you have the VENICE.JPG I mentioned last time, apply the filter using the 8/1/3 settings. How delightful the end result on this particular image! I personally am not a fan of posterization, but I enjoy this subtler rendition. Now let's open BALL W_LAYERS, and then IMAGE->DUPLICATE. Go to the Layers Palette and turn off all of the layers by clicking the eyeball icons EXCEPT the background. Apply the filter ONLY to the BACKGROUND LAYER, using the settings of Levels/8, Edge Simplicity/1, and Edge Fidelity/3. The end result is rather pleasing. However, make all of the other layers visible . . . what happens? You lose your effect due to the overlapping or "laying on" of the subsequent layers that "lay" on top of the background. This exercise shows you how layer order can affect your final image. Continue experimenting, applying the filter to various layers. Take note of your settings and record results you find exciting, pleasing, or successful. In closing, understand this about the settings in CUTOUT: 1) The number of LEVELS is variable from a low of 2 to a maximum of 8. At 2, the filter "finds" 2 levels in the original, greatly simplifying it. A higher number retains more of the original appearance. 2) The EDGE SIMPLICITY is variable from 0 to 10. At a high setting, it simplifies the edges so much as to obliterate them, producing a block of solid color. As a general rule, you'll find best results when this is set in a range between 0 and 5. 3) The EDGE FIDELITY ranges from 1 to 3. While it seems not to affect the image at all if EDGE SIMPLICITY is set at 0, it has a profound effect if EDGE SIMPLICITY is set at 5. At a setting of 1, EDGE FIDELITY produces an abstract result. At a setting of 3, it tries to faithfully create the edges of the original. All information contained herein is Copyright (c) 1999, Steve Bohne M Photog., Cr. All Rights Reserved; may not be reproduced without written permission of the author. Image titled BALL is (c)Adobe, Inc. and is for your personal use ONLY; image may not be reproduced without their express written permission.