ABC Image Browser Thought Bubble (Text Object) Tutorial

Inspired by Television's Blind Date, this feature lets you customize your own photos with thought bubbles, speech bubbles, and regular text. Unfortunately, this feature is only available to you if have purchased the Full Version of ABC Image Browser. When you have purchased and installed this version, you may use this tutorial to help you get started using this new feature.

1. Open an Image to Customize.

Select the image that you want to customize. This image should now be viewable in the main viewing area.

2. Click the "Text" Cursor Button

The left side of the main window has several buttons. This group of buttons is called the Cursor Toolbar. Clicking a button changes how the mouse affects the image. Click the "Text" button, which looks like this: The mouse cursor will become a cross when over the image.

3. Select a Rectangular Region

While the mouse cursor is over the image, press down on the left mouse button. This will be the top left corner of the Text Object. Without letting go of the mouse button, move the mouse cursor to where you want the lower right corner of the Text Object to be. Let go of the mouse button.

4. Customize Text

When you let go of the mouse button after selecting a region. The Text Editor window will open automatically. Type whatever you want into the "Text" box. A preview of what you type will appear in the Preview window to the right.

5. Customize Text Style and Alignment

You may change the alignment or font style of the text by clicking the buttons directly below the text window.

6. Customize Text Background

By default, the background of the text is a speech bubble. You may change the background by clicking one of the buttons directly below the preview window.

7. Customize Text Font

You may customize the text font and size.

8. Customize Text Shadow and Highlight

You may customize the shadow and highlight of the text by adjusting the style, direction, and offset of each of these properties.

9. Customize Text and Background Colors

You may customize the colors of the Text Object by clicking one of the color squares and selecting a new color.

10. Finalize Changes

When you are done customizing the Text Object, press "OK". The text object will be on your image just as you set it. You may move the text object by clicking inside of it and dragging it. You may resize it by clicking and dragging any of its borders. (The mouse cursor will change shape based on what you can do.)

11. Flatten Image

Before you can save or print the image with the new thought bubble, you must flatten it. To flatten the image, click "Image > Flatten Image" in the main menu. If you don't flatten the image before attempting to save it, you will be prompted to flatten it.

12. Save Image

Now save the image. Since flattening an image cannot be undone, we recommend saving the file with a new name using "Save As..."

That's it. You're done.