Using Grid

ST
Posted By
Sue_Thompson
Jul 30, 2006
Views
300
Replies
5
Status
Closed
I have been trying to use a movable grid that is divided into thirds to position over image. I have an image open. I have then opened a new blank document (slightly smaller in dimensions)and have divided it into 9 squares using grid. I wish to drag the image over the blank document using the move tool.(I have been following instructions in Scott Kelby’s book) so I can position the grid on the horizon and get a better crop. However I cannot click and drag image onto blank document because the layer is locked. I seem to be doing something fundamentally wrong here. Does anyone know how this can be done.
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John Joslin
Jul 30, 2006
First of all the "Rule of Thirds" is not carved on a stone tablet it is a guide to good composition and indeed will not always give the best result. Some people prefer the "Golden Mean" for example.

You should be able to eyeball the proportions when you crop, and you should judge what looks good.

If you really need a grid to help you, I guess the layer is locked because it is the Background layer. Duplicate it and drag the duplicate over.
EH
Ed_Hannigan
Jul 30, 2006
Even a locked Background should move to another document. Is it in Index mode?
DR
Donald_Reese
Jul 30, 2006
NOT to mention, you should strive for a pleasing composition when you originally shoot the image,instead of trying to finess it afterwards.
ST
Sue_Thompson
Jul 30, 2006
Thanks – but I am simply experimenting with cropping – yes I do strive for a pleasing composition when shooting but it does not always turn out that way and I usually do eyeball any cropping – I thought I would give the grid idea a try for fun. I have managed to drag a duplicate layer over the grid so thanks for the suggestion. What incidentally is Index mode the Ed has suggested looking at?
EH
Ed_Hannigan
Jul 30, 2006
It would say Index in the title bar up top. Image.gif@(Index) for instance. Is it a gif image? I can’t think of anything else that won’t drag to another file.

If it is Index, change to RGB under Image>Mode.

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