Fancy frames are beautiful. They are a work of are in and of themselves. But sometimes they detract from what it is that is being framed. Sometimes something simpler is better - and it can be quicker and easier, too.

This image which will be our example in this lesson is 150 x 200 pixels, however, any square or rectangular image can be framed using this method.

A 12 pixel border will be added to the image, making the final image to be 174 x224.

To determin the size of your final image: add double the width of the border to the height and also to the width. Please do not end up with a final image larger than 300 x 300. Personally I like to keep my sig graphics under 200. Large images sometimes force a post reader to scroll to see the entire message. I find that unpleasant.

To begin this tutorial:

1. Open your chosen image in PSP.
2. Go to Image >> Add Borders.
3. Choose a color that is also in your image or looks good with the image.
4. Set the number of pixels for the border.
5. Make sure that Symmetric is checked.
6. Click OK.

Note: When Symmetric is unchecked, you are able to set different widths for the sides of your image. But, you have to set each one of them. When Symmetric is checked, you only have to change one side. The other three sieds change automatically.

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One Way to Frame an Image Using Borders

Select the Border Area:

1. Click on the border are with the Magic Wand. The border area will be selected and you will be able to see the "marching ants".

2. Any Effects you apply now will be applies only to the selected area.

3. Note: If you want to check and see what this effect does to your image, just click on the "eye" icon for a preview of how your image will look if you do choose to click on the "OK" button.

4. If you don't like what you see, then try some other settings.

Apply an Outer Bevel

1. Go to Effects >> 3DEffects >> Outer Bevel.
2. Choose the light direction.
3. Try some of the different bevels to find one you like.
4. In versions 8/9 you can try them out by clicking on the eye icon to see the effect of the bevel. In versions X/XI, check the Preview box.
5. Notice taht the Outer Bevel makes the area next to the selected portion look like it sinks into the picture. This is becasue the Bevel is applies to the outside of the selection.

6. Click on OK.

Some interesting effects can be obtained by using both Outer and Inner Bevel on the same selection.

Apply Inner Bevel
With the border are still selected, Go to:

1. Effects >> 3DEffects >> Inner Bevel
2. Keep the same light direction.
3. Try some different bevels to find one you like.
4. Again, try them out using the eye icon to pick one you like or check the Preview box.
5. When using the Inner Bevel it is the inside of the selection that is beveled.
6. Click on OK.
7. De-Select the "marching ants" and your frame is finished.

By experimenting with the different bevels (both inner and ourter), you can achieve many different looks.

Try choosing different colors in the Bevel Effect boxes.

Try changing the direction (angle) of the light. Just remember to use the same light direction setting for both Inner and Outer bevels.

You can try starting out with different sized borders.By experimenting with the different bevels (both inner and ourter), you can achieve many different looks.

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A Second Way to Use Borders for Frames

Start with your original image again and add a border like you did the first time. This time the color does not matter because once it is selected we are going to flood-fill it with a gradient.

Select the border with the Magic Wand as you did before.

Then click on the top color swatch. In this example, I chose the same Gradient that I had used in the image. I inverted it and set it at 1 repeat.

Then click OK. Then turn off the Magic Wand (deselect).

1.    2.    3.

Example One:

1. Go to Effects >> 3D Effects >> Buttonize.
2. Set height and width as 6.
3. Try selecting different colors.
4. Select Solid.
5. Preview your choices using the "eye" icon.
6. When you like what you see, click on OK.

Example Two:

1. Go to Effects >> 3D Effects >> Buttonize.
2. Set height and width as 6.
3. Try selecting different colors.
4. Select Solid.
5. Preview your choices using the "eye" icon.
6. When you like what you see, click on OK.

The different Effects can sometimes be combined.

The last example was done by using the Outer Bevel first before going to the Buttonize Effect.

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