A cut-out is a shape cut into a large, usually flat surface. Cut-outs look terrific and are the basis for much of the modern plastic and metal signage work that you see in many places today. There are a number of different methods for creating cut-outs but the method described here is simple and effective, and is easy to learn and remember.

Overview of a Cutout:
Here is a basic overview of the structure of a cut-out: (Figure 1)

The basic method to create a cutout is fairly straight forward. But as the experience of Photo-Paint users varies widely, I have provided a brief method for experienced users and a more complete, step-by-step explanation for less experienced users. If you choose to follow the latter instructions, please return later to brief instructions and see if you can follow it that way also. It will help you remember it better with fewer words in the way.

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Basic cutout method (experienced users):

   1. Create a new object and fill it (Object 1).
 
   2. Render some large text to a mask.
 
   3. Make sure that Object 1 is selected then CUT to the clipboard.
 
   4. Make an inside drop-shadow on Object 1 (315 degrees, offset about 20 pixels).
 
   5. Emboss Object 1 using default settings, original colour and an angle opposite to the shadow (135 degrees in this instance).

That's it.

Figure 2. Created by subtracting a smaller 'K' mask from the original, large 'K' mask.

Almost all of the steps above may be modified to create a wide variety of cut-out effects. (see Figure 2)

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1. Create a new 24-bit image in Photo-Paint at 400 x 300 pixels, 72 dpi with a white background:
i.e. click the New button on the Toolbar, then in the Create new image dialogue box make sure that 24-bit RGB is selected as the Color Mode, that the Paper Color is white and the 'No background' box is NOT checked. Select pixels from the drop-down list beside the width size, change the width and height, select 72 dpi from the resolution list, then press OK).
 

9. Create the cut-out.
OK, here's the fun part: Click on the CUT icon on the Toolbar (you know - from the cut, copy, paste buttons).

That's it, you've now made your basic cut-out.

Yes, it has gone to the clipboard but that doesn't matter - just leave it there we won't be needing it.

10. Create the shadow.
OK, now create a drop shadow for Object 1.

Select the Drop Shadow Tool an click near the centre of Object 1 and drag it down and to the right.

You can adjust the settings on the Property Bar:

• angle = 315 degrees
• offset = about 20 pixels.
• feather direction = inner
• other settins = default

Render the drop shadow by clicking Apply, OK or choose the Object Picker tool (instant apply in version 10) depending on which version of Photo-Paint you are using.

Now you have a shadow through the cutout and it is starting to look at little 3D.
 

11. Emboss.
Now we need to emboss the edges of the cutout a little.

This must be done so that the lighting effect looks realistic. The embossing angle must be the opposite to the drop shadow you created. The Emboss tool does NOT need a mask like the Boss and Glass Effects do.

Open the Emboss dialogue box ( Effects > 3D Effects > Emboss ).

Click the Reset button then choose ‘Original Color' and change the angle to 135 degrees.

Click OK.
 

That's it! - Your cutout is now complete

Once you get used to it just follow the steps in the experienced users section and you will see just how easy it really is.

Example and Hints

Figure 3 was created by:

1. Creating a new image and filling the background with a woodgrain bitmap tile.

2. Setting up a grid of 20x20 pixels, setting snap to grid on, and then drawing a diamond-shaped path.

3. A mask was created from the path and the path deleted.

4. A new object was created and fill with a tilted cylinder gold-2 preset gradient. The fill was constrained by the mask. This mask was then removed.

5. The letter 7 was created (Benguiat Bk BT, 150 pt) and rendered to a mask.

6. The normal cutout procedure was then followed as above.

7. To complete the image, a full mask (Mask > Select All) was used on the background layer to apply an inverted Boss effect to create a 3D effect on the timber.

Fig 4 - Fire wall.

Fairly straight forward cutout.

Use the Image Sprayer to spray small flames on an additional layer just below the cutout plane.

Fig 5 - Big V

The background and Object 1 have the same fill.

‘V' is cut first, then shadow and emboss added.

Then, another flattened ‘hub' shape is cut from Object 1. That's all.

Fig 6 - Blue Ball.

Sorry, this is a complicated image and would require too much explanation to fit here.

See if you can work out how it was created.