Snagit Learning Center

Snagit 9 Tutorial:

Create an Image with a Layered or Stacked Look

Creating an image that appears to have a series of layered or stacked images in it is a good way to showcase a Web site, an application, photos, or a series of screens within a process.

About this Project

This tutorial will teach you how to use Snagit Editor to create an image consisting of four screen captures stacked upon each other.

This tutorial includes the following processes:

• Apply the perspective effect in Preview Window.
• Apply transparency to each image.
• Compile the stacked images.
• Save the Snagit project.

Estimated time to complete this tutorial is 15 minutes.

Note: This tutorial does not demonstrate how to take a screen capture. To learn how to do this, see the Snagit online help.

What you Need to Get Started

You will need the following in order to successfully complete this tutorial.

• Snagit 9.0. If you do not have Snagit 9.0, you can download a copy here.
• Four images or captures that are about the same size and shape. Have these images open in the Open Captures Tray before beginning this tutorial.
• Decide the order in which the images will appear.

Skill Level: Intermediate

This tutorial is suitable for intermediate users of Snagit. Familiarity with Edtor and the Ribbon tabs is necessary. Knowledge of copying, pasting, and saving files is also required.

Let's Get Started: Creating a Stacked or Layered Image

The following section takes you through this tutorial in step by step fashion. To be successful, do not skip any steps.

Create a New Canvas

To begin, you will need to create a new, empty canvas. This is the area where each of the images will be pasted into.

1. In Editor, press <CTRL + N>.
2. You are prompted for the size of the new canvas. Enter 800 for both the width and height. (You may need to adjust this for your own captures. This is just an estimate.)
3. Click OK.
   

Apply a Border

Applying a dark border around each of the images will give the altered images a clean, smooth look.

1. In the Open Captures Tray, click one of the images to give it focus.
2. In the ribbon, choose Image tab > Image Style group > Border button. Choose a dark color for the border. For this tutorial, black will be used.
3. In the ribbon, choose Image tab > Image Style group > Border button > Width option. Select a width of at least 5.
   
4. Repeat this same process for the remaining three images.

Apply the Perspective Effect

At this time, you need to think about how you would like your images ordered. The following image illustrates the positions of the four images that will be used in this tutorial. The image in the first position will be added to the new canvas first while the image in the fourth position is added last.

1. In the Open Captures Tray, click the image that will be used in the first position.
2. In the ribbon, choose Image tab > Image Style group > Effects button > Perspective > Perspective/Shear Options.
3. Change the Horizontal number to 42 (or, whatever setting looks best with your image). Remember the number you select because each image will use the same setting.
4. Click OK.
5. In the ribbon, choose Draw tab > Drawing Tools group > Fill button.
6. Choose a color from the Quick Styles Gallery that is NOT found in any of the images since this color will be made transparent. For this tutorial, bright purple will be used for all images.
   
7. Click the white canvas area surrounding the image. The color will change.
8. In the ribbon, choose Image tab > Canvas group > Trim button. This will remove all excess canvas. Your canvas will look similar to the following:
   
9. Repeat this same process of images 2-4.

Stack the Images and Apply Transparency

1. In the Open Captures Tray, double-click the new, blank canvas to give it focus.
2. In the Open Captures Tray, drag the #1 image to the canvas and drop it there.
3. In the ribbon, choose Image tab, select Canvas group > Canvas Color button. Select the same exact color that was used to flood fill the background. For this tutorial, bright purple was used to fill all images so that is the color that will be selected here.
   
4. In the ribbon, choose Draw tab, select Styles group > Effects button > Transparent Background. The flood fill color will now be transparent.
   
5. Notice the white handles around the image. Use these to resize the image.
6. Repeat this same process for images 2-4 resizing and positioning each of the images to create the desired stacked effect.

Saving the File

It is best to save your stacked image as a Snag file type so you can come back later and make changes to it.

Once the Snag file is saved, use Save As to save as a specific file format for use in a Word document, HTML page, etc.

Optional: Add a Drop Shadow

A shadow adds a professional touch to your stacked image when applied to the sides and/or bottoms of the images.

To add a shadow to the bottom of each of the images:

1. Make sure all of the images are sized correctly.
2. In the Draw tab, select Drawing Tools group > Line button.
3. Select the first line option in the Gallery.
   
4. Next to the Quick Styles Gallery, click Outline > Choose a color from the palette or Select color from image.
5. Draw a line along the bottoms and/or sides of the stacked images. Since these are vector objects, you can reposition them as needed.
   
6. To move a line backward or forward to the correct position in the stack of images, right-click on line and select Order. From the flyout menu, choose the desired command. Send Backward and Bring Forward move the line frontward or backward one position. So, to get the line where it is needed, you may have to perform this operation several times.
   

Variations on the Stacked Images Theme

There are several different looks that you can achieve by stacking the images in different ways or altering them using different file formats or effects within Snagit Editor.

Below are a few of the different looks that you can achieve. And, now that you know the technique, experiment with different kinds of captures, shear shapes, and more to come up with your own unique look!

The Reverse & Resized Look

This look is achieved by resizing the captures in diminishing sizes and arranging them from the smallest to the largest.

The Sheared Effect

This look is achieved by applying a Shear effect that is in the negative number zone.

The Light Border and Colored Shadow Look

This look is achieved by using light toned border and shadow colors taken from within the images.

The Faded Edge Look

This look is achieved by using applying a faded edge effect to the left, bottom, and right edges.