SnagIt Learning Center

SnagIt 9 Tutorial:

Filters

Learn to use the Filters to create a variety of special effects such posterize, pixelate, oil painting, and more.

 Editor > Image tab > Modify group > Filters button

Use the Filter options to apply special effects to modify your captures in many different ways. Use one alone, or combine them to get exactly the right look.

Remove Noise

Remove pixels to reduce the detail creating a smoother texture. Apply to a selection or the entire canvas.

To use this tool:

1. To apply effect to a portion of the canvas, drag a selection on the canvas.
   -Or-
   To apply the effect to the entire canvas, do not make a selection.
2. Select Image tab > Modify group > Filters tool  > Remove Noise.
3. Select effect percentage from the menu or click Custom to create a new look.

Sharpen

Change the color of each pixel to the median color to create a crisper look. Apply to a selection or the entire canvas.

To use this tool:

1. To apply effect to a portion of the canvas, drag a selection on the canvas.
   -Or-
   To apply the effect to the entire canvas, do not make a selection.
2. Select Image tab > Modify group > Filters tool  > Sharpen.
3. Select effect percentage from the menu or click Custom to create a new look.

Posterize

Apply a poster effect, reducing the number of bits per color channel. This decreases the number of colors and levels of lightness in the image or selection. The result is a flatter-looking image with bands of color rather than smooth gradients.

Apply to a selection or the entire canvas.

To use this tool:

1. To apply effect to a portion of the canvas, drag a selection on the canvas.
   -Or-
   To apply the effect to the entire canvas, do not make a selection.
2. Select Image tab > Modify group > Filters tool  > Posterize.
3. Select the level of planes from the menu or click Custom to create a new look.

Pixelate

Create a mosaic effect by dividing the image into tiles of a specified size. Apply to a selection or the entire canvas.

To use this tool:

1. To apply effect to a portion of the canvas, drag a selection on the canvas.
   -Or-
   To apply the effect to the entire canvas, do not make a selection.
2. Select Image tab > Modify group > Filters tool  > Pixelate.
3. Select the tile size from the menu or click Custom to create a new look.

Solarize

This effect mimics the accidental exposure of photographic film to light, but lets you control the threshold level. Apply to a selection or the entire canvas.

To use this tool:

1. To apply effect to a portion of the canvas, drag a selection on the canvas.
   -Or-
   To apply the effect to the entire canvas, do not make a selection.
2. Select Image tab > Modify group > Filters tool  > Solarize.
3. Select the level of planes from the menu or click Custom to create a new look.

Oil Painting

Apply an oil-painting effect to a selection or the entire canvas.

To use this tool:

1. To apply effect to a portion of the canvas, drag a selection on the canvas.
   -Or-
   To apply the effect to the entire canvas, do not make a selection.
2. Select Image tab > Modify group > Filters tool  > Oil Painting.
3. Select the sample size from the menu or click Custom to create a new look.

Edge Enhance

Increase the contrast along the edges in the image. Apply to a selection or the entire canvas.

To use this tool:

1. To apply effect to a portion of the canvas, drag a selection on the canvas.
   -Or-
   To apply the effect to the entire canvas, do not make a selection.
2. Select Image tab > Modify group > Filters tool  > Edge Detect.
3. Repeat for a more intense effect.

Add Noise

Reduce the detail and add a grainy texture. Adding a small percentage of noise to an image can reduce the appearance of scratches and other imperfections. Apply to a selection or the entire canvas.

To use this tool:

1. To apply effect to a portion of the canvas, drag a selection on the canvas.
   -Or-
   To apply the effect to the entire canvas, do not make a selection.
2. Select Image tab > Modify group > Filters tool  > Add Noise.
3. Use the Level slide control  and select a channel to achieve the desired look.
4. Click Close.

Emboss

Apply a bas-relief effect that highlights areas of contrast with black or white pixels and colors the low contrast areas a medium grey. Bands of color appear when there is a large difference in the contrast. Apply to a selection or the entire canvas.

To use this tool:

1. To apply effect to a portion of the canvas, drag a selection on the canvas.
   -Or-
   To apply the effect to the entire canvas, do not make a selection.
2. Select Image tab > Modify group > Filters tool  > Emboss.
3. Select the depth and direction to achieve the desired look.
4. Click Close.

Edge Detect

Increase the contrast along the edges of a selection or the entire canvas.

To use this tool:

1. To apply effect to a portion of the canvas, drag a selection on the canvas.
   -Or-
   To apply the effect to the entire canvas, do not make a selection.
2. Select Image tab > Modify group > Filters tool  > Edge Detect.
3. Select the Edge filter and Filter subtype to achieve the desired look.
4. Click Close.

Change Image Resolution

Set an image resolution in dots per inch. This option can be used to control how other applications display and print SnagIt images. Adjusting the image resolution does not affect the way SnagIt displays or prints the image.

This effect must be applied to the entire canvas.

To use this tool:

1. Select Image tab > Modify group > Filters tool  > Resolution DPI.
2. Enter the resolution.
3. Click OK.