How to use Pixelmator to enhance image quality.

[Traverse]

I realize this is a trick thing to do even with photoshop, but I love the original Yosemite Finder icon from Apple's home page, but it's only 220 x 220. How can I use Pixelmator to enhance it's size without losing too much quality?

It isn't as simple as just adjusting its pixel dimensions is it?

 

[CrickettGrrrl]

I realize this is a trick thing to do even with photoshop, but I love the original Yosemite Finder icon from Apple's home page, but it's only 220 x 220. How can I use Pixelmator to enhance it's size without losing too much quality?

It isn't as simple as just adjusting its pixel dimensions is it?

How much larger do you want to make it? If it's very much larger, the image is simple enough to make from scratch in Pixelmator.

 

[Traverse]

How much larger do you want to make it? If it's very much larger, the image is simple enough to make from scratch in Pixelmator.

What's the icon size for retina MacBook Pros? 512 x 512?

 

[CrickettGrrrl]

What's the icon size for retina MacBook Pros? 512 x 512?

Hmmm, I nicked this one off of TecRevue and it looks slightly different than yours --but similar to the one on the Apple site.

You can easily add a solid black line in Pixelmator to make it more like your sample.

 

[Traverse]

Hmmm, I nicked this one off of TecRevue and it looks slightly different than yours --but similar to the one on the Apple site.

You can easily add a solid black line in Pixelmator to make it more like your sample.

Sorry for the late reply. Will I be able to adjust the mouth in Pixelmator?

 

[CrickettGrrrl]

Sorry for the late reply. Will I be able to adjust the mouth in Pixelmator?

The one I found is a jpg file so no transparency like a png & icon file. Frankly, I'd just drag your icon into Pixelmator and use it as the basis for a new file. Transform it to the correct size and then build new on top of it, sampling the colors for the gradients. It shouldn't take very long with the shapes tools & layer styles. Just remember to turn off the visibility of the original file layer when you're done, or delete it.

 

[Traverse]

The one I found is a jpg file so no transparency like a png & icon file. Frankly, I'd just drag your icon into Pixelmator and use it as the basis for a new file. Transform it to the correct size and then build new on top of it, sampling the colors for the gradients. It shouldn't take very long with the shapes tools & layer styles. Just remember to turn off the visibility of the original file layer when you're done, or delete it.

Thank you for your help! I appreciate it.

I finish up today, I've been wanting to use Pixeator's advanced tools.

 

[CrickettGrrrl]

Here's my version, I just had to try.

 

[Traverse]

Here's my version, I just had to try.

Oh wow! Thanks!

I've been working on mine, but had to study for a graduate exam. What tool did you use to make the black nose line?

 

[Traverse]

I just wanted to let you know that your image worked perfectly. I use it for the dock and for some art stuff I do. The one from Apple's site was too pixelated and I'm still working on my Pixelmator skills.

 

[CrickettGrrrl]

Oh wow! Thanks!

I've been working on mine, but had to study for a graduate exam. What tool did you use to make the black nose line?

Well, I originally used the pen tool on a separate layer, just like for the mouth. Just a stroked line, 19 px thick. But then I changed my mind, duplicated it, & continued drawing it into a filled shape, cut & pasted it from the layer and then subtracted it from the white gradient shape. Then added the black stroke with the layer styles. Made the white gradient shape larger on the outer boundaries and added a mask. (The blue gradient was a full lozenge under the other stuff, that way I could use the layer styles for a drop shadow and a tiny bit of inner glow.

 

[Traverse]

Well, I originally used the pen tool on a separate layer, just like for the mouth. Just a stroked line, 19 px thick. But then I changed my mind, duplicated it, & continued drawing it into a filled shape, cut & pasted it from the layer and then subtracted it from the white gradient shape. Then added the black stroke with the layer styles. Made the white gradient shape larger on the outer boundaries and added a mask. (The blue gradient was a full lozenge under the other stuff, that way I could use the layer styles for a drop shadow and a tiny bit of inner glow.

Again, thank you. I'm going to use your technique and practice on Pixelmator.