Expert: LizaL - 10/13/2004

Question
I'd like my photos to fit the shape of puzzle pieces.  I tried tracing around some clip art as a template and making my photos that way, but it doesn't look super crisp.

Is there an easier way?  I have some ads due in 2 days...and this is the only thing holding me up.

I'm using Photoshop 7.0.  If you could send me step by step instructions, that would be great.

Thanks!

Gail

Answer
Hi Gail,

In Photoshop, open the image you want for filling the inside of the puzzle piece. Put this "fill"  on its own layer, and turn that layer off. Using the Pen tool, draw the shape you want for your puzzle piece. Once you've finished, go to your Paths palette, make sure the path is selected, and select Make Selection. You'll find this command when you press the little arrow on the side of the Paths palette. Now go back to your Layers palette and turn that "fill" layer back on (the one you want for the fill of the puzzle piece).

At this point you should see the puzzle piece selection "hovering" over the fill layer. Invert the selection (use the Select pulldown menu, and the Inverse command). Now select Cut from the Edit menu.

You should end up with your picture inside the shape of the puzzle piece that you've drawn. Repeat this for the others you'll need.

If you wanted you could scan some actual puzzle pieces, to get accurate shapes. But if you can draw your own, that'd be fine too.

Hope this helps!

Lisa