Smart Objects - inserting image into screen mockup

**shatchp** · 26 June 2014, 05:10 AM

Hi all,

I'm checking out a trial version of Photo and Graphics Designer 9 and after searching for 2 hours online I'm coming here for help. I simply need to be able to insert an image (a screenshot for example) into a mockup image of a screen. This is fairly simple (I'm told) in Photoshop, but does Xara support smart objects to allow this kind of action?

If so, anyone know of a tutorial to get it done?

Thanks!

**letsgofishing** · 26 June 2014, 06:09 AM

I use Snagit for screen captures. Save the capture as a jpeg or png and simply drag it onto the page....

**letsgofishing** · 26 June 2014, 06:13 AM

I just opened a image in Photo Shop, converted it to a smart object, saved as jpeg and dragged it onto a page (using P&LD9) - works perfectly.

**angelize** · 26 June 2014, 07:39 AM

You don't need smart objects in Xara as Xara is already "smart" and always has been

Basically every image you bring into Xara is stored in the programs memory and you can resize up and down and do all kinds of other stuff non destructively.

**Gamerprinter** · 26 June 2014, 02:44 PM

Not that I've ever made a mockup image of a screen, that would be fairly straight forward and easy really. I often use images and 3D objects imported as an image and included in the composition of my game cartography projects. It would probably be helpful if you included an image of what you are trying to achieve (that somebody else has done) and post in this thread. I've got some ideas on how I'd do it, but not knowing exactly what you are shooting for, it might not be helpful. Are you trying to create the appearance of a TV set or CRT display? If so, its easy to create with rounded rectangles and beveled shapes, with a cut-out window that you place your screen capture behind. Since I don't know your intended goal, how I'd go about doing it, is entirely a guess. I don't want to guess - show us exactly what you mean.

**shatchp** · 26 June 2014, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by Gamerprinter

Not that I've ever made a mockup image of a screen, that would be fairly straight forward and easy really. I often use images and 3D objects imported as an image and included in the composition of my game cartography projects. It would probably be helpful if you included an image of what you are trying to achieve (that somebody else has done) and post in this thread. I've got some ideas on how I'd do it, but not knowing exactly what you are shooting for, it might not be helpful. Are you trying to create the appearance of a TV set or CRT display? If so, its easy to create with rounded rectangles and beveled shapes, with a cut-out window that you place your screen capture behind. Since I don't know your intended goal, how I'd go about doing it, is entirely a guess. I don't want to guess - show us exactly what you mean.

Thanks for responding...basically I want to be able to do myself what these guys provide: https://placeit.net/ or for example, something like the image on this page: http://www.gelfuzion.com/responsive-web-development.php

If I purchase a vector image of an iPad mockup for instance, I'd like to be able to insert either a screenshot or image onto the screen, using Xara.

Thanks for your help!

Sam

**mwenz** · 26 June 2014, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by shatchp

Thanks for responding...basically I want to be able to do myself what these guys provide: https://placeit.net/ or for example, something like the image on this page: http://www.gelfuzion.com/responsive-web-development.php

If I purchase a vector image of an iPad mockup for instance, I'd like to be able to insert either a screenshot or image onto the screen, using Xara.

Thanks for your help!

Sam

Hello Sam--welcome to the forum.

In the screen shots below, I downloaded a free vector iPad graphic. Then I captured a different iPad screen and replaced the vector drawing's screen. If this is the type of thing you desire, it is very easy to do in Xara products.

If at all possible, I would encourage using vector objects for the screen, but a capture from an actual iPad screen, saved out as an image (or originate the UI in PhotoShop or whatever) and bring the image into the Xara application.

Mike

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**wizard509** · 26 June 2014, 05:04 PM

A mini tutorial, hope this helps. The conical fill was done in haste and wasn't the best.

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EDIT: I see a couple of posts were added while I was working on this for you.

**gwpriester** · 26 June 2014, 06:26 PM

Welcome to TalkGraphics shatchp

All of the devices on this page (except the Windows phone) were created in Xara. And all of the screen images were added in Xara. http://www.eyeball-3d.com/

I'm not sure what a "smart object" is so maybe this is why I prefer to create device images like these from scratch.

Basically every image you bring into Xara is stored in the programs memory and you can resize up and down and do all kinds of other stuff non destructively.

Frances - It depends on the resolution as far as enlarging an image.

**Egg Bramhill** · 26 June 2014, 09:35 PM

I think you need a bit more than just impose an image over a square on ipad/iphone/imac or any other "i" machine you can think of. You show a site where the pads are angled. Is this what you're trying to achieve?

Anyway, if this is what you're after here's a video of how I'd do it using the perspective mould tool.

Watch in HD