Photoshop dunce question

[ktinkel]

I want to create a sample of torn paper for use as a text background.

So I opened Photoshop, drew a square, gave it a tint, selected it, and went looking at filters. The Torn Paper filter does zilch. (That is, I play with values, but no change occurs.) What am I missing?

Or where do I begin?

[Andrew B.]

http://www.myjanee.com/tuts/torn/torn.htm

[Norman Hathaway]

filter schmilter!

scan a pice of torn paper

be olde worlde!

[ktinkel]

filter schmilter!

scan a pice of torn paper

be olde worlde!That’s how I began. But the edge was either too rough or not rough enough. Thanks, though. I do prefer the old ways myself.

[ktinkel]

Thanks, Andrew. Looks promising.

[Ian Blair]

You can create similar sorts of effect in Expression 3.3. The Mac version can be downloaded from the address below. It's 55mb, but it's free.

http://www.macupdate.com/download.php/14792/E33Mac370en.sit

For once, I have to say 'thank you, Microsoft'.

Draw a shape (no stroke), press the 'Choose Fringe Texture' button and choose from Expression's library of pre-made TIFF images.

The two examples are oblong shapes. The middle shape was modified by selecting the Add Node tool and pressing the arrow tools (up, down, L, R). Points can also be deleted and made into Curve points as in Illustrator.
Another way of changing the look of the ragged edge is to change the width of the stroke.

Any TIFF or JPEG can be used as a fill, so you could photograph the paper of your choice and use the saved file as a textured fill. Select your own pictures by pressing the Plus button below the texture pallette.

The paper textures are all grey. To Colorise them, draw an oblong box on top of the shape, apply a Blending Mode (Light or Color Burn) and choose a colour. See the far-right image.
These examples barely scratch the surface of what's possible.

If there are any other Expression users here, does anyone know the secret of how to access Photoshop Plug-ins in Expression? The manual says it can be done, but… If plug-ins could be accessed, it should be possible to change the colour of shapes without drawing overlays.

Ian

[PeterArnel]

mmmmmmmmm
I have a 10,000 16pps + cover on the go at the moment - and we have to tear the front cover (just so) by hand to get the effect :-)
Peter

[ktinkel]

I have a 10,000 16pps + cover on the go at the moment - and we have to tear the front cover (just so) by hand to get the effect :-)
Now you could really use a computer! They’re not too expensive and always work perfectly . . . :D

[iamback]

Now you could really use a computer! They’re not too expensive and always work perfectly . . . :DOooh! What are these things that always work perfectly? I think I want one!

[ktinkel]

Oooh! What are these things that always work perfectly? I think I want one!Now, now — not sure you have quite the temperament for a computer. ;)

[iamback]

Now, now — not sure you have quite the temperament for a computer. ;)*snort*