Learning Canvas - Canvas Tutorials and Tips
Tips and tutorials for learning and using Canvas. Includes basic information about the tools and interface of Canvas, plus essential techniques for editing photos and creating Web graphics, animations, special effects, and original art work.
3D Buttons
Use time-saving shortcuts in Canvas 7 to create crisp, 3D buttons in a variety of shapes and colors.
Use time-saving shortcuts in Canvas 7 to create crisp, 3D buttons in a variety of shapes and colors.
Advanced Web Techniques
From Deneba: Learn the secrets of creating professional looking Web documents in Canvas 8. How to keep text from rendering, how to link pages, and how to use Canvas' built in FTP feature to upload your documents.
From Deneba: Learn the secrets of creating professional looking Web documents in Canvas 8. How to keep text from rendering, how to link pages, and how to use Canvas' built in FTP feature to upload your documents.
Aging Digital Photos
From Deneba: In this how-to, we will take you back in time and show you some tricks you could use to create a vintage appearance for your nice new photos.
From Deneba: In this how-to, we will take you back in time and show you some tricks you could use to create a vintage appearance for your nice new photos.
Airbrushing Vector Objects
Learn how you can use transparency to add realism to basic vector objects.
Learn how you can use transparency to add realism to basic vector objects.
Alpha Channel Masking
"In this feature we will introduce you to the basic concepts used to create a mask, using Canvas's Alpha channels." From Deneba.
"In this feature we will introduce you to the basic concepts used to create a mask, using Canvas's Alpha channels." From Deneba.
Applying a Gradient Fill Across Multiple Objects
When applying gradient fills to objects in Canvas, each object will have the full range of the gradient applied to it. However, this may not be the effect you want to create. Sometimes you may want the gradient fill to be shared across multiple objects.
When applying gradient fills to objects in Canvas, each object will have the full range of the gradient applied to it. However, this may not be the effect you want to create. Sometimes you may want the gradient fill to be shared across multiple objects.
Aqua "Gel" Button in Canvas 7
"This effect can be done by anyone with intermediate level skills in Canvas. There are many pixel-based examples of this effect, but this tutorial shows how it can be created with vector objects in Canvas."
"This effect can be done by anyone with intermediate level skills in Canvas. There are many pixel-based examples of this effect, but this tutorial shows how it can be created with vector objects in Canvas."
Aqua Gel Buttons
From Deneba: In this tutorial, you will learn how to create aqua gel buttons in just a few steps using Canvas.
From Deneba: In this tutorial, you will learn how to create aqua gel buttons in just a few steps using Canvas.
Artistic Filters
From Deneba: New Artistic filters let you apply neat effects to any image. Turn that special photo into a hand-painted work of art with the Oil Painting filter, make your text really stand out with a Bevel, or apply a Lens Flare to a picture for an exciting look. In this you'll explore the new image-editing effects in Canvas 8.
From Deneba: New Artistic filters let you apply neat effects to any image. Turn that special photo into a hand-painted work of art with the Oil Painting filter, make your text really stand out with a Bevel, or apply a Lens Flare to a picture for an exciting look. In this you'll explore the new image-editing effects in Canvas 8.
Banner Ads
"Learn how to create a banner in Canvas in just a few easy steps." From Deneba.
"Learn how to create a banner in Canvas in just a few easy steps." From Deneba.
Bevel and Cutout
"Bevel and cutout effects are commonly used for 3-D text and in rollover effects on web pages. They are usually made with a pixel-based image editing programs. Still, they can be easily made with Canvas 7 using vector or text objects thanks to SpriteEffects." From Deneba.
"Bevel and cutout effects are commonly used for 3-D text and in rollover effects on web pages. They are usually made with a pixel-based image editing programs. Still, they can be easily made with Canvas 7 using vector or text objects thanks to SpriteEffects." From Deneba.
Binding a Group of Objects to a Path
Draw complex objects more easily with the Replicate and Bind group to Path commands in Canvas 7.
Draw complex objects more easily with the Replicate and Bind group to Path commands in Canvas 7.
Cleaning Up a Dull Image
Learn the basics of image editing as you clean up a dull image in Canvas 6.
Learn the basics of image editing as you clean up a dull image in Canvas 6.
Clipping Paths
From Deneba: You have probably seen the Clipping Path effect being used in numerous print and web designs. This effect is easier to create than you might think. This tutorial will show you just how easy it is to incorporate this exciting design effect in your next graphics project.
From Deneba: You have probably seen the Clipping Path effect being used in numerous print and web designs. This effect is easier to create than you might think. This tutorial will show you just how easy it is to incorporate this exciting design effect in your next graphics project.
Cool Photo Corners
From Deneba: Adding realistic photo corners to your pictures to give the illusion of an old fashioned photo album page. These look great in presentations and add a nice touch to an Online Photo Album.
From Deneba: Adding realistic photo corners to your pictures to give the illusion of an old fashioned photo album page. These look great in presentations and add a nice touch to an Online Photo Album.
Cool Type Effect in Canvas 7
Create a beveled type effect in Canvas 7. Also learn how to export it to Photoshop and use the exported effect in InDesign.
Create a beveled type effect in Canvas 7. Also learn how to export it to Photoshop and use the exported effect in InDesign.
Creating Flowcharts
From Deneba: In the following tutorial, we will go over the basics of flowcharting, such as the common shapes and tools you will use to create these shapes.
From Deneba: In the following tutorial, we will go over the basics of flowcharting, such as the common shapes and tools you will use to create these shapes.
Creating Perspectives
From Deneba: How to give your images strong perspective angles using Canvas' Freeform tool. Perspectives could be used to simulate angled pages, TV monitors, or billboards. They could also be used to give the appearance of distance or size.
From Deneba: How to give your images strong perspective angles using Canvas' Freeform tool. Perspectives could be used to simulate angled pages, TV monitors, or billboards. They could also be used to give the appearance of distance or size.
Creating Space
"In this advanced tutorial we will take you through the process of creating interesting and exciting space images right out of a science fiction movie set." From Deneba.
"In this advanced tutorial we will take you through the process of creating interesting and exciting space images right out of a science fiction movie set." From Deneba.
Creative Coloring
This tutorial will describe some methods of using Canvas for generating paint objects with unusual colorizations. The techniques can be used in a variety of ways, including the generation of natural looking marble-like textures, and intricate kaleidescopic patterns. by Tom Coates.
This tutorial will describe some methods of using Canvas for generating paint objects with unusual colorizations. The techniques can be used in a variety of ways, including the generation of natural looking marble-like textures, and intricate kaleidescopic patterns. by Tom Coates.
Cutout Text
Give text or objects a cutout effect in Canvas 7.
Give text or objects a cutout effect in Canvas 7.
Depth of Field Tricks
You can use SpriteEffects in Canvas 7 to help you create depth-of-field illusions and make your vector drawings more realistic.
You can use SpriteEffects in Canvas 7 to help you create depth-of-field illusions and make your vector drawings more realistic.
Distress
"Here is an easy way to create interesting distressed image from your ordinary photos using Canvas 7. The goal here is to give the image a rough, jagged look..." From Deneba.
"Here is an easy way to create interesting distressed image from your ordinary photos using Canvas 7. The goal here is to give the image a rough, jagged look..." From Deneba.
Exporting GIF & JPEG
Using Canvas 6 to prepare GIF and JPEG images for the Web.
Using Canvas 6 to prepare GIF and JPEG images for the Web.
Extrude Tool
From Deneba: In the following exercise we will create a wheel and tire combination using the Extrude Tool but the same steps could be used to create all kinds of interesting objects.
From Deneba: In the following exercise we will create a wheel and tire combination using the Extrude Tool but the same steps could be used to create all kinds of interesting objects.
Finesse Text Effect in Canvas 7
Create an elegant gold text effect in Canvas 6 or 7.
Create an elegant gold text effect in Canvas 6 or 7.
GIS Mapping
"Discover how Canvas 9 GIS Mapping Edition blends native support for Geographic Information System (GIS) data with its full range of illustration tools and features. In this tutorial we will show you how the powerful combination of the technologies found within this new version can be used to open and project SHAPE files without having to use a third party program."
"Discover how Canvas 9 GIS Mapping Edition blends native support for Geographic Information System (GIS) data with its full range of illustration tools and features. In this tutorial we will show you how the powerful combination of the technologies found within this new version can be used to open and project SHAPE files without having to use a third party program."
Glowing Effects
Create an illuminated display panel using transparency effects in Canvas 6.
Create an illuminated display panel using transparency effects in Canvas 6.
Hand Drawn Vector Objects
Explore the fractalize effect to give your vector drawings more of a hand drawn flair. For Canvas 7.
Explore the fractalize effect to give your vector drawings more of a hand drawn flair. For Canvas 7.
Hand-Tint
"Taking your old black & white pictures and converting them to hand-colored images reminiscent of the ones hand-painted with oils, is easier than you think when you use Canvas." From Deneba.
"Taking your old black & white pictures and converting them to hand-colored images reminiscent of the ones hand-painted with oils, is easier than you think when you use Canvas." From Deneba.
Highlighting Cartoons
How to use transparency effects in Canvas 6 to enhance cartoon drawings.
How to use transparency effects in Canvas 6 to enhance cartoon drawings.
Holiday Cards
From Deneba: You will discover how to create classic holiday graphics, add your own images, and even get tips on how to print your postcards in this fun and seasonal tutorial.
From Deneba: You will discover how to create classic holiday graphics, add your own images, and even get tips on how to print your postcards in this fun and seasonal tutorial.
Hot Metal Interface
Create a sleek, brushed steel Web navigation interface in Canvas 7.
Create a sleek, brushed steel Web navigation interface in Canvas 7.
Improving Image Quality In Paint Objects
"This is a trick you can use to improve image quality when rendering paint objects in Deneba Canvas."
"This is a trick you can use to improve image quality when rendering paint objects in Deneba Canvas."
Inner Bevel
Give text or objects an inner bevel effect in Canvas 7.
Give text or objects an inner bevel effect in Canvas 7.
Inset Shadows
Two ways to create inset shadows.
Two ways to create inset shadows.
Layers in Canvas 6
The basics of using layers in an illustration document in Canvas 6.
The basics of using layers in an illustration document in Canvas 6.
LED Glow
Use duplicate blurred layers to create glowing LED-style text in Canvas 7.
Use duplicate blurred layers to create glowing LED-style text in Canvas 7.
Line Blends
by Wizaerd - Line Blends can give you some interesting effects, but you have to remember where the starting and ending points of your lines fall.
by Wizaerd - Line Blends can give you some interesting effects, but you have to remember where the starting and ending points of your lines fall.
Make Display Type Stand Out
A time saving technique for creating type that stands out and adds drama to your design. For Canvas 7.
A time saving technique for creating type that stands out and adds drama to your design. For Canvas 7.
Making Crisp Text Panels
Use Canvas 7's Sprite Technology to create a screened text panel with a soft drop shadow behind it.
Use Canvas 7's Sprite Technology to create a screened text panel with a soft drop shadow behind it.
Making Music with the G4
A layout by Mike Bedford. Look at close ups and descriptions of how each object in the highly detailed illustration were created. From Deneba.
A layout by Mike Bedford. Look at close ups and descriptions of how each object in the highly detailed illustration were created. From Deneba.
Masking Objects
Learn how to isolate an image object using transparency masks.
Learn how to isolate an image object using transparency masks.
Metal Type
Create a shiny metal type effect using Canvas SpriteEffects and Transparency to keep your text as editable objects.
Create a shiny metal type effect using Canvas SpriteEffects and Transparency to keep your text as editable objects.
Neon Glow Effect
Use a custom Neon pen in Canvas 7 to give text and objects a neon glow.
Use a custom Neon pen in Canvas 7 to give text and objects a neon glow.
Object Properties
From Deneba: When creating complex technical illustrations, it sometimes becomes necessary to attach specified data to various components. That's where the Object Properties function of Canvas 8 comes in.
From Deneba: When creating complex technical illustrations, it sometimes becomes necessary to attach specified data to various components. That's where the Object Properties function of Canvas 8 comes in.
Online Photo Album
Use the HTML export capabilities in Canvas 7 to create a Web-based photo album.
Use the HTML export capabilities in Canvas 7 to create a Web-based photo album.
Paint Objects in Canvas 6
Learn tips for creating and using paint objects in Canvas 6.
Learn tips for creating and using paint objects in Canvas 6.
Paper Clips & Pushpins
Use clip art paper clips to add captions to a photo; or modify a clip art push-pin and tack your photos to a virtual corkboard. For Canvas 7.
Use clip art paper clips to add captions to a photo; or modify a clip art push-pin and tack your photos to a virtual corkboard. For Canvas 7.
Pen Tutorials
Download these practice templates to improve your pen drawing skills in Canvas.
Download these practice templates to improve your pen drawing skills in Canvas.
Photo Repair
From Deneba: In this Canvas tutorial you will learn quick, easy steps you could take to repair common problems with digital photos just like the pros.
From Deneba: In this Canvas tutorial you will learn quick, easy steps you could take to repair common problems with digital photos just like the pros.
Quick and Easy Rainbow Gel Buttons
"This tutorial expands on the original aqua gel button tutorial and shows how you can easily create a rainbow of colored gel buttons with Canvas 7. Anyone with intermediate level skills should be able to follow this tutorial."
"This tutorial expands on the original aqua gel button tutorial and shows how you can easily create a rainbow of colored gel buttons with Canvas 7. Anyone with intermediate level skills should be able to follow this tutorial."
QuickTip For Pearls
by Wizaerd - After looking through a Xara forum, I came across a great technique for making a pearl. So I converted the steps into Canvas specific steps, and here is the result.
by Wizaerd - After looking through a Xara forum, I came across a great technique for making a pearl. So I converted the steps into Canvas specific steps, and here is the result.
Realistic Flat Screw
Add detail to an interface design by adding realistic flat screws.
Add detail to an interface design by adding realistic flat screws.
Rollover Button in Canvas 7
Use Canvas to create a rollover button with three states: Up, Over, and Down.
Use Canvas to create a rollover button with three states: Up, Over, and Down.
Rotating Logo
From Deneba: Learn how-to create stunning rotating logos using Canvas' Extrude tool, your creativity, and a little bit of math.
From Deneba: Learn how-to create stunning rotating logos using Canvas' Extrude tool, your creativity, and a little bit of math.
Rounded HTML Rectangles
Make rounded rectangles using the Image Slicing tool found in the new Canvas 8. (Techniques can be duplicated in version 6 or 7 with a bit of work.)
Make rounded rectangles using the Image Slicing tool found in the new Canvas 8. (Techniques can be duplicated in version 6 or 7 with a bit of work.)
Scan Lines
Learn how to create this popular linear effect in Canvas.
Learn how to create this popular linear effect in Canvas.
Scripting
From Deneba: Whether you're new to creating scripts or just looking for fresh ways to automate your workflow, here's a great introduction into exactly what's possible through scripting.
From Deneba: Whether you're new to creating scripts or just looking for fresh ways to automate your workflow, here's a great introduction into exactly what's possible through scripting.
Seamless Patterns
Create seamless backgrounds in a few steps with Canvas 7.
Create seamless backgrounds in a few steps with Canvas 7.
Seamless Shape Blending
by Wizaerd: When using the Blend tool, and binding the Blend to a path, it's very obvious where the starting and ending shapes are... It looks tacky when we want a seamless, flowing blend. So what can we do to achieve the right hand side? It's actually a lot easier than you might think.
by Wizaerd: When using the Blend tool, and binding the Blend to a path, it's very obvious where the starting and ending shapes are... It looks tacky when we want a seamless, flowing blend. So what can we do to achieve the right hand side? It's actually a lot easier than you might think.
Sequences
From Deneba: Whether you want to share a certain design effect with colleagues or simply maximize your precious time, the Canvas 8 Sequence recorder will provide a solid solution.
From Deneba: Whether you want to share a certain design effect with colleagues or simply maximize your precious time, the Canvas 8 Sequence recorder will provide a solid solution.
Setting Preferences in Canvas 6
You can get more out of Canvas by customizing the preferences to the way you work.
You can get more out of Canvas by customizing the preferences to the way you work.
Shading Vector Objects
by Tom Coates - Several of my recent Canvas images have used the same basic technique to add realistic looking shading to Vector objects. This method is limited to giving rounded edging to objects. It has the advantages that it is quick, easy, works on just about anything and allows you to adjust the original object’s inking after the shading is done.
by Tom Coates - Several of my recent Canvas images have used the same basic technique to add realistic looking shading to Vector objects. This method is limited to giving rounded edging to objects. It has the advantages that it is quick, easy, works on just about anything and allows you to adjust the original object’s inking after the shading is done.
Sketched Text
Quick tip for creating a sketched text effect.
Quick tip for creating a sketched text effect.
Slices for Web Graphics
Use Canvas 7 to slice and optimize your Web graphics, then export them directly to HTML.
Use Canvas 7 to slice and optimize your Web graphics, then export them directly to HTML.
Soft Focus Effects
A quick and simple technique to apply a soft focus effect to your images using layers in Canvas 7.
A quick and simple technique to apply a soft focus effect to your images using layers in Canvas 7.
Soft Focus for Vector Art
Using SpriteEffects in Canvas 7 you can simulate a soft focus effect like that of traditional photography.
Using SpriteEffects in Canvas 7 you can simulate a soft focus effect like that of traditional photography.
Space Scene
by Wizaerd: The techniques described here are not heavily laden with 'technical' know how, instead they were basically stumbled upon. Will you learn the latest and greatest imaging techniques by reading this tutorial? Absolutely not. Will you create a fairly cool space scene? Yup.
by Wizaerd: The techniques described here are not heavily laden with 'technical' know how, instead they were basically stumbled upon. Will you learn the latest and greatest imaging techniques by reading this tutorial? Absolutely not. Will you create a fairly cool space scene? Yup.
Stacked Objects
Tips to help you understand layers and stacked objects and for selecting and editing objects in Canvas 6.
Tips to help you understand layers and stacked objects and for selecting and editing objects in Canvas 6.
Stipple Effects
Add a stipple effect to vector illustrations in Canvas 7.
Add a stipple effect to vector illustrations in Canvas 7.
Technical Manual Project
This in-depth tutorial takes you through an entire project in Canvas 6 from start to finish. 24 pages.
This in-depth tutorial takes you through an entire project in Canvas 6 from start to finish. 24 pages.
Text Transparency
The vector transparency tool of Canvas 6 can be used to add a gradual fade effect to type.
The vector transparency tool of Canvas 6 can be used to add a gradual fade effect to type.
Tips and Tricks For Canvas 6
A number of tips including setting up the page, flattening images, transferring selections, applying color changes, and more.
A number of tips including setting up the page, flattening images, transferring selections, applying color changes, and more.
Tips for Web Graphics
Three quick tips for creating better Web graphics with Canvas.
Three quick tips for creating better Web graphics with Canvas.
Torn Paper Effect
Create a torn paper effect for a Web page background in Canvas 6.
Create a torn paper effect for a Web page background in Canvas 6.
Transparency in Motion
Learn how a motion effect was applied to an airplane propeller using transparency techniques in Canvas 6.
Learn how a motion effect was applied to an airplane propeller using transparency techniques in Canvas 6.
Transparency Masks in Canvas 6
Tips and examples for understanding bitmap and vector transparency masks in Canvas 6.
Tips and examples for understanding bitmap and vector transparency masks in Canvas 6.
Transparent Drop Shadow
How to create a basic drop shadow in Canvas 6. Part Two explains the extra steps you'll need to take for exporting drop shadows to the GIF format.
How to create a basic drop shadow in Canvas 6. Part Two explains the extra steps you'll need to take for exporting drop shadows to the GIF format.
Transparent Sphere Effect
Place another image or drawing inside a transparent sphere using Canvas 6.
Place another image or drawing inside a transparent sphere using Canvas 6.
Traveling Lens Effect Animation
Create this type effect animation and export it as an animated GIF in Canvas 7.
Create this type effect animation and export it as an animated GIF in Canvas 7.
Using Canvas 9's Annotation Tools
"Learn how to use Canvas 9's new Annotation Tools to simplify the process of adding comments and explanations to complex technical illustrations."
"Learn how to use Canvas 9's new Annotation Tools to simplify the process of adding comments and explanations to complex technical illustrations."
Using Dimensions in Canvas
From Deneba: In the following exercise, we will go over some of the basics for using the Dimensioning Tools, customizing the dimensions, changing properties, and saving your setting.
From Deneba: In the following exercise, we will go over some of the basics for using the Dimensioning Tools, customizing the dimensions, changing properties, and saving your setting.
Vector Graphics From Images
"Now you can create professional looking vector graphics from everyday images in just a few easy steps." From Deneba.
"Now you can create professional looking vector graphics from everyday images in just a few easy steps." From Deneba.
Water Droplets 1
Creating realistic water droplets in Canvas 6 using transparency.
Creating realistic water droplets in Canvas 6 using transparency.
Water Droplets 2
Create translucent water droplets using lens objects in Canvas 7.
Create translucent water droplets using lens objects in Canvas 7.
Web Graphics
From Deneba: To ensure fast-appearing web pages, many web designers often turn to image slicing. Now Canvas 8 comes ready to perform this process for you.
From Deneba: To ensure fast-appearing web pages, many web designers often turn to image slicing. Now Canvas 8 comes ready to perform this process for you.
Wha's UUUP! Type Effect in Canvas 7
Use gradient inks and SpriteEffects in Canvas 7 to create a cartoon-style type effect.
Use gradient inks and SpriteEffects in Canvas 7 to create a cartoon-style type effect.
Wireframe Extrusions
From Deneba: In this tutorial, you will learn how to create elaborate wireframe designs in just a few steps using the Extrude tool.
From Deneba: In this tutorial, you will learn how to create elaborate wireframe designs in just a few steps using the Extrude tool.
Working With Inks in Canvas 6
All about using the inks palette in Canvas 6: creating new ink colors, assigning inks, creating texture inks, and loading new inks.
All about using the inks palette in Canvas 6: creating new ink colors, assigning inks, creating texture inks, and loading new inks.
X Factor Type Effect
Create X-Files style text with a green glow using sprite effects in Canvas 7.
Create X-Files style text with a green glow using sprite effects in Canvas 7.