Carvium Beta 3:

Action for Adobe® Photoshop® 4.0
March, 1997 o Steven Alexander II o alex@prairieweb.com
Fixed jaggie edges and sharpened the Chamfer effect so the textures do not blur. Better readme instructions.

Requirements:

Photoshop 4.0
KPT 3.0 Gradient Designer
PC based computer with a "c:\windows\temp" directory

Installation:

Simply copy the Carvium file to your Actions palette, import the GRD into KPT3 GD (using "-" and "import"), and copy the "Carvizing" file to the "photoshp\plugins\filters\Ltstyles" directory.

Tips:

This action works best if you can do the following:
1. Create an RGB file. Any size is fine-although it is always best to start about twice the final size or at least 200hx600w-when you reduce it down, the image will be sharper.
2. Create a new type layer with your black text - Bold Serif type seems to look best overall (Minion Bold, Fritz Q, Times New Roman Bold, etc.).
3. The size of the type should be moderately large in comparison to the image size.
4. Select a photograph (or create a background) which is not too busy, not too high in contrast-a fine texture works best! The distortions and chamfering of the action will not be as discernable if there is too much detail. Place this image on the Background layer.
5. Run the action.
6. When it asks for the KPT GD:
a) There should be a copy of the KPT3_GD.8bf file in the "photoshop\plugins" directory use the "carvize" GRD (using "-" and the "import" button) and apply.
b) Don't worry if it all looks black in the preview-the action will correct that.
7. When it asks you to set the "Lighting Effects":
a) Use "Carvizing" preset.
b) Tweak to your taste-learn and play (or is that play and learn???)
8. Carvium will create one file on your hard drive. "Chisel.PSD." It will be in the "C:\windows\temp" directory.
9. Once created, you can move the drop shadow, save, rename it and move it wherever you prefer. Lighten the contrast of the background for an even more dramatic "pop" effect.
That's it. You should be ready to go. If you have any trouble, feel free to email me with the bugs. Hope you enjoy it. Let me know.

alex@prairieweb.com Steven Alexander II