Pro Edges pg 3: Production Graphics with Wendy Peck at webreference.com

Pro Edges 3: Why Frame?

Perhaps it is an ancient, though ill-researched biological urge, but humans put frames on pictures. Or maybe it is just because it is good and functional design. A frame gives your eye the instructions to stop.

On a Web site, you can use this property to direct your visitors. A productive photo has a purpose. You want to make sure your visitor is getting the message. In the photos at the left, notice how the second photo with a simple 1px stroke holds your eye much better than the picture with no frame.

The line does not have to be black. You can use any color that matches your page to achieve the same results. Here we have an orange border that also holds the eye. Try one of the darkest Web safe gray for a less startling, but still effective border.

Experiment with line width as well. A wide colored frame can add an artsy look in an instant. The one shown here has a 16 point blue stroke applied.

Finally, have some fun with simple photo frames. The one below has a white border added on a separate layer. The default drop shadow from the Layers menu is applied to make it appear to be peeking thorough a cutaway.

For even more creative frames, see the next page.

Next page

Pro Edges Tutorial Index

Pro Edges Start
What's in a Line?
Why Frame?
PhotoShop Frames
Fade Away PhotoShop
Quick PhotoShop 3D Frame
CorelDraw Frames
CorelDraw Ragged Edges
Flash with an Edge
Photo Resources