Debisty Designs

Where Is It In PI 7

Part Three

We already looked at the basic layout of PI 7 in the first part of this tutorial but I have included the basic layout image here for quick reference should you require it. In part two we looked at what was on offer in the Tool Panel, so to complete this tutorial, we will be checking out the Access Panel.

The Access Panel consists of 6 segments, all of which you will find extremely useful. We'll take a closer look at each section just below here.

	1. The Layer Manager The Layer Manager shows the order of all the objects in an active image. Each object is shown as a thumbnail. You can rearrange the layers of the objects by simply dragging the layer of the object to the desired layer level and also Hide/Show an object by just clicking the eye icon beside the object thumbnail. You can also sort the thumbnails by depth or name. It's particularly useful to know that if you have an object that is difficult to select on your image, then it can easily be selected in the Layer Manager by simply clicking on it.
	2. The Document Manager Displays all open images in the workspace. It also shows which image is active.
	3. The Browse Manager You can browse for image files on your computer. Each image is represented as a thumbnail for easier identification. You can either double click on the thumbnail to open the image as a new file, or drag the thumbnail into the document you're working on to paste the image as a new object.
	4. The Easy Palette This is one of the most used items in the Access Panel. It contains thumbnails to help you visualize the effect or object. The libraries and galleries hold numerous effects and objects for you to use for your image. To apply a selected effect or object to your image, you need only drag and drop or, double-click on the thumbnails. You can also save your own objects, effects, presets and animations in the Easy Palette in your own library or gallery that can be made.
	5. The Color Panel Displays a palette of colours for choosing a colour to use in editing images. Use the eyedropper to click on a colour of your choice to select it as the foreground colour. The Gradient tab lists all gradient type of fills available, but is only available when working on True Colour (RGB) or Grayscale images.
	6. The Quick Command Panel Allows you to place all the commands you use the most in one location for quick access. All that is then needed is for you to click on the play button for the selected to be added to your image.

This tutorial completes our look at the basics of PI 7 and I hope that it's been helpful to you in getting to know where things are, what they're for, or what they do. I don't claim to be anything of an expert in PI but should you have any questions or require help then feel free to email me and I will endeavour to do my best to assist you.

Debisty Designs Tutorial Award
When you have completed this tutorial you are welcome to download and display this award on your web page. As a courtesy, you may wish to display your results on the PhotoImpact International Board. This award is being offered on the honour system. Right-click on image and save to your hard drive.

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