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How to use TileCreator
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Import an image into the software. The image can be a digital photograph, scanned into the computer, or a stock photo image. The only requirement is that it be RGB and either JPEG, TIF or BMP. The image we are using for this example is a stock photo image. It's an actual completed tile design now.
Below our image is shown as a preview of what the final tile design will be. Note the Tile Settings, which help you to determine the size of the tile, the grout, and the final image dimensions. We have also converted the image using the Error Diffusion method, which allows you to have more gradation and color blends between tiles.
Below is the same image, except that this time we used the Nearest Color setting. Notice the larger areas of solid colors. We also have a Tile Setting of 1, which is a 1:1 ratio for tile. This design uses 5,248 tiles. We can change the size ratio by typing in another number, as is shown in the next image.
Below is the same image, but this time the Tile Setting is at a 5:1 ratio. For tile, we would only need 192 tiles. Once we've decided on the detail level, we'll take a look at the shopping list needed to buy the tile. We'll go back to the Tile Setting of 1 for our final design below.
We can also manipulate the hue, saturation and lightness. For example, the saturation can be increased to give the color a "richer" look by choosing the appropriate menu choice.
Based upon the original image which needed 5,248 tiles, we can print a "shopping list" of the tile needed for the project. TileCreator prints a list of tiles as well as the manufacturer's code for ordering tile. Take the list, go to your favorite tile supplier, and pick up the colors you need.
The software also prints a grid which tells you where each tile goes. For example, if tile number 3 = Ocean Blue, then wherever you see "3" drop the Ocean Blue tile in to place.
This is the tile design nearly complete. The final design is 6 feet wide by 4 feet high. Also recommended for use with the software (but not required) is our plastic TileGrid which holds 15 rows and 15 columns of tile, which makes assembly go faster. Boticelli's Venus was assembled very quickly using the TileGrid.
TileCreator retails for $69.95 and can be purchased online here or at one of our retailers. It can be used with any tile palette, shipped with the software, and new palettes are available for downloading from our registered users site.
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