Elena Rossi
Paint Tool SAI is a popular digital art software that offers a range of features and tools for artists to create stunning artworks. One of the most commonly used tools in digital art is the Gaussian Blur tool, which can help create a variety of effects, from soft shading to motion blur. While there are many online guides for Gaussian Blur in SAI 1, SAI 2 users have found it challenging to locate this feature. This paragraph aims to introduce the topic of How to do a Gaussian Blur in Paint Tool SAI and provide a step-by-step guide to mastering this tool for both versions of the software.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gaussian blur tool | Use multiple layers and keep one normal and adjust the amount of blur on the other layers |
| Gaussian blur brush | Use Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur |
| To lighten dark or harsh art | Merge everything and bring it to Photoshop. Duplicate the layer, put a Gaussian blur (1-3 px) and set the duplicated layer mode to hard light. Reduce the opacity and fill to about 40-50% each |
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What You'll Learn
Using multiple layers
To perform a Gaussian blur in Paint Tool SAI, you can use multiple layers and adjust the amount of blur on each layer to achieve the desired effect.
Firstly, create a new layer above your base colours and check the box that says "Clipping Group". This ensures that any changes made on this layer will only affect the one it is clipped to. Then, under the Paint Effects dropdown box, select an effect such as "Fringe", which creates a darker edge, mimicking watercolours. You can adjust the width and opacity to your liking.
Next, you can use the Marker tool to add some messy shadows on a fringe layer set to multiply. Smooth out any unwanted areas and use a large Water brush to put in initial shadows, highlighting the reflections. This step can also be done on a multiply layer with fringe.
To add a blur effect, go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Alternatively, you can use numerous opacity layers to mimic a motion blur. Adjust the amount of blur on each layer to control the intensity of the blur effect.
If your artwork appears too dark or harsh, you can try merging everything and bringing it into Photoshop. There, duplicate the layer, apply a Gaussian blur (1-3 px), and set the duplicated layer mode to hard light. Reduce the opacity and fill to around 40-50% each.
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Adjusting blur on layers
When adjusting blur on layers in Paint Tool SAI, there are a few methods you can use. One approach is to utilise multiple layers and keep one layer normal while adjusting the amount of blur on the other layers. This allows you to control the blur effect and create the desired outcome.
Another technique involves duplicating your layer and applying a Gaussian blur with a value between 1 and 3 pixels. After setting the duplicated layer mode to hard light, you can reduce the opacity and fill to approximately 40-50% each. This method is particularly useful if your artwork appears too dark or harsh.
Additionally, you can experiment with different blur values on various layers to achieve the desired blur intensity. By adjusting the blur on specific layers, you can fine-tune the blur effect and ensure it aligns with your creative vision.
When working with layers in Paint Tool SAI, it's important to understand the concept of layer order. The order in which layers are stacked can impact the overall effect. Experiment with rearranging the layers to see how it influences the blur and other visual elements.
Remember that adjusting blur on layers is a creative process, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Play around with different blur settings, layer arrangements, and combinations to discover unique and captivating effects that enhance your artwork.
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Merging and duplicating layers
To duplicate layers in Paint Tool SAI, first, select all the layers you want to duplicate by holding shift or ctrl while selecting. Then, add these selected layers into a set or folder. Close the set/folder and select it, then click on "Layer" in the toolbar at the top and select "Copy".
Alternatively, you can group all the layers into a folder, then copy and paste the folder. However, note that you cannot copy layers from one file to another, and if you want to move layers somewhere other than the top left corner without merging them, it can be difficult to keep them aligned properly.
To merge layers, first, select all the layers you want to merge by holding shift or ctrl while selecting. Then, right-click on one of the selected layers and select "Merge Down" or "Merge Visible" from the menu. You can also access these options by clicking on the "Layer" menu at the top of the screen.
Additionally, you can use the "Flatten" option to merge all layers into one. This option is also found under the "Layer" menu at the top of the screen. Flattening layers will reduce the file size and make it easier to work with the image in other programs. However, be careful when flattening layers as it cannot be undone.
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Adjusting opacity and fill
To adjust the opacity and fill, you can use the Layer Panel. This controls the layer opacity with a slider. You can also toggle the opacity of each pixel in the brush and fill tools. The Layer Panel also allows you to set the layer composition mode, which will affect the visibility of the layer.
If you want to change the opacity of only part of a layer, you can lower the opacity and hardness settings of the eraser and do it manually, or select and cut the section to a new layer and adjust the opacity there.
When using the Gaussian Blur tool, you can adjust the opacity to soften the effect. One method is to duplicate the layer, apply a Gaussian Blur of 1-3px, and set the duplicated layer mode to hard light. Then, reduce the opacity and fill to around 40-50%.
Additionally, you can create a new layer above the base colours and check the box that says Clipping Group. This will ensure that any changes made to this layer will only affect the one it is clipped to. You can then adjust the opacity and fill settings to achieve the desired effect.
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Using the fringe effect
To use the fringe effect when applying a Gaussian blur in Paint Tool SAI, follow these steps:
Firstly, it's important to note that SAI1 does not have a Gaussian blur filter, only SAI2 does. If you are using SAI1, you may be able to paint over the whole image with a blur brush to achieve a similar effect. You can also download older brush settings to access more options.
Now, on to the fringe effect. This effect is achieved by using multiple layers and adjusting the blur on each layer. Start by creating a new layer above the others. Use a darker colour with the marker tool to create deeper shadows. Smooth out the edges with the Water tool and adjust the hues until you're satisfied.
Next, create another layer above the layer set and use a luminosity layer to add final highlights. Use the Marker brush and then soften the effect with Oil Water. You can use this technique for hair highlights, the backlight of fur, and the edges of a coat, for example.
If your art looks too dark or harsh, merge everything and bring it into Photoshop. Duplicate the layer, add a Gaussian blur (1-3 px), and set the duplicated layer mode to hard light. This will create a fringe effect by blurring the edges of your image while keeping the centre sharp.
By adjusting the blur on different layers, you can control the amount of blur in specific areas of your image, creating a custom fringe effect.
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Frequently asked questions
Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.
Use multiple layers and keep one normal while adjusting the amount of blur on the other layers. You can also use numerous opacity layers to mimic a motion blur.
Merge everything and bring it to Photoshop. Duplicate the layer, add a Gaussian Blur (1-3 px), and set the duplicated layer mode to hard light. Reduce the opacity and fill to about 40-50% each.
By creating a new layer above the base colours and checking the Clipping Group box, all changes made to that layer will only affect the one it is clipped to.
