photoshopHelp

Copyright Auto 2

In response to my Post "Auto-Copyright" Werner wrote,

Hi, this is great - I have a question though. For me it would be even more interesting to add the copyright into the actual image, like on the lower right corner. Sometimes I have to send out 100 images and when they are different sizes I have to do it by hand. Any idea how to do this???

Create an Action. Here are a few tips:
When creating an Action that may include images that are different sizes, set your rulers to the Percent option.

1. Choose View > Rulers
2. Right-click a ruler and choose Percent from the context menu that appears.

With the rulers set to Percent, the Action will record relative sizes and positions rather than fixed values that will only work for one image.

Also, be sure to use a vector copyright symbol, so that you can re-size without a loss in quality.

You may need the help of a little known feature known as conditionals. Unfortunately, conditionals can only be  found in the ImageReady Actions palette. Read on...

No Numeric Keypad

Bud asks,

Well, what do you use on a laptop with no numeric keypad? I can not get the copyright symbol to show.

Good question, Bud. My Post on cretaing a copyright symbol didn't cover this distinct possibility. If you are working on a PC without a numeric keypad you can always use the copyright symbol Photoshop provides in the Custom Shapes menu.

1. Choose the Custom Shapes tool
2. Click the small arrow next to the Shapes: section in the option bar to open the Custom Shape Picker.
3. Select the copyright symbol.
4. Now you can add the symbol to your art by clicking and dragging.
5. Be sure to hold the SHIFT key to maintain the proportions.

If for some reason you don't have the symbol in your Shapes menu, you can download the one I created. Download copyrightSymbol.psd. Right-click and choose "Save As... from the context menu.

Copyright Symbol

Have you ever wondered where the copyright symbol (©) is on your keyboard?
It's not. Well...it's not obvious anyway.
 
Windows users: Press Alt + 0169 (use the numeric keypad)
Mac users: Press Option + G

Protect yourself and your art.

Custom Copyright Shape

Awhile back, I posted a tutorial describing the creation of a copyright brush. It was a very popular tip, but it has one drawback, brush sizes are fixed. In order to accomodate a wide variety of image sizes and resolutions you'll need to make a lot of new brushes.

Why not create a re-sizable shape that communicates the same message?

Create a new document with a white background.
Press the D key to make Black your foreground color.
Select the Type tool and type your name. You can add a copyright symbol if you like.
Ctrl + click the type layer to select the type.
Choose Image > Crop to reduce the size of the document to the size of the type. 
Choose Layer > Type > Convert to Shape. The type is converted.
Choose Edit > Define Custom Shape
The Shape Name dialog box appears. Name the shape.
Click OK.
Select the Custom Shapes tool.
Scroll down to last position in the Shapes dropdown menu to find your new shape and select it.
Now you can add your copyright to an image by SHIFT + clicking and dragging the mouse. The Shift key constrains the proportions of the copyright ensuring the best legibility. Because it's a vector shape, you can make it any size you want without sacrificing quality. Nice.

Custom Copyright Brush

Here's a great trick for you digital photographers who want to add a copyright to your digital photos quickly and easily.
Create a new document with a white background.

Press the D key to make Black your foreground color.
Select the Type tool and type your name. You can add a copyright symbol if you like.
Ctrl + click the type layer to select the type.
Choose Image > Crop to reduce the size of the document to the size of the type. 
Choose Edit > Define Brush Preset.
The Define Brush Preset dialog box appears. Name the brush.
Click OK.
Select the Paintbrush tool.
Scroll down to last brush in the brush dropdown to find your new brush and select it.
Now you can "paint" your copyright with a single click of the brush.
Very cool.