Task 12 How to Create a Halftone Pattern

The Halftone Pattern filter creates a graphic effect that simulates a halftone screen being applied to an image. This effect reduces the image to two colors and creates a stylized graphic feel that is distinctive and unique. The colors used for the filter are taken from the foreground and background colors, so be sure to select these colors before applying the filter, as explained in step 1. The Halftone Pattern controls are located in the Filter Gallery interface. For details on the Filter Gallery, refer to Task 10, "How to Use the Filter Gallery."

1. Select Colors

Because the halftone effect uses the foreground and background colors, you must set these colors before applying the filter. Click the Foreground color swatch in the toolbox and select the desired color from the Color Picker. Click the Background color swatch and select the second color.

2. Open the File and Select Filter Gallery

With the target file open, select Filter, Filter Gallery. Expand the Sketch category folder in the Filters palette and select the Halftone Pattern filter. Notice that the image is reduced to the two colors you selected in step 1.

3. Select the Pattern Type

From the Pattern Type drop-down list box, select Circle, Dot, or Line to determine the actual halftone pattern to be used. Observe the effect your selection has in the preview window.

4. Select the Size and Contrast

Adjust the Size slider to control the size of the halftone pattern relative to the image. Adjust the Contrast slider to control how prominently the effect is applied to the image.

5. Apply the Effect

Click OK to close the Filter Gallery and apply the effect to the image.

How-To Hints

Fading with Blending Modes to Combine Effects

Halftone pattern effects work very well with blending modes because of their graphic feel and flat areas of color. When combined with the original image, interesting hybrid effects can be achieved. Select Edit, Fade Filter Gallery directly after applying the filter to use the blending modes and change the opacity of the filter.

Switching the Color Order

The Halftone Pattern filter applies the fore ground color to the shadows and the background color to the highlights. If you don't like the color distribution as initially applied, undo the filter and click the Switch Colors icon in the toolbox to reverse the foreground and background colors. Reapply the filter and compare the results.