2. Computer Aided design
Task for this week:
Model (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, …) a possible final project, compress your images and videos, and post a description with your design files on your class page - 2D design ( Raster and Vector ) - 3D DESIGN - Audio Video - AI
Vector vs Raster ?
Vector and Raster graphics are two different ways of representing images in digital format.
Vector graphics are made up of paths, which are defined by a start and end point, along with other points, curves, and angles along the way. These paths can be easily resized without losing quality or becoming pixelated, as they are defined mathematically. They are most commonly used for logos, illustrations, and type.
Raster graphics, on the other hand, are made up of pixels arranged in a grid. Each pixel has a specific color value and cannot be resized without losing quality. Raster graphics are best suited for photographs and other images with smooth color transitions, as they can represent a wide range of colors and shades.
In summary, vector graphics are scalable and ideal for illustrations, while raster graphics are better for photographs due to their ability to represent a wide range of colors.
following is a simple illustration from web showing the difference between vector and raster graphics. when the image becomes blurred or pixelated, it's most likely a raster file.
GIMP
Download Gimp Using below link .
For an open source software the amount of features gimp has to offer is really impressive
As a first-time GIMP user, I had a good experience. Here are the steps I followed:
Uploaded my photo by going to File > Open > selecting the image. Step 2: Clicked on Filters at the top > Dropped down to Artistic > Selected Cartoon. The cartoon version of your image is ready
PHOTOPEA
Photopea is a free online image editor that serves as a powerful alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It runs directly in your web browser, requiring no installation, and supports most common image formats including PSD files. The interface is remarkably similar to Photoshop, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced designers.
You can access Photopea through the following link:
Step-by-Step Project Report: Image Editing in Photopea
1. Initial Planning
Started with the intention to create an engaging image manipulation project using Photopea's features.
2. Resource Gathering
- Searched for source material on Freepik
- Initially looked for Mickey Mouse images (unavailable due to subscription requirements)
- Found and downloaded an alternative free PSD file
3. Color Modification Process
Layer Selection:
- Clicked on specific elements (dress and hair) to select their respective layers
- Double-clicked inside the layer box to access color modification options
- Utilized the color panel to make precise adjustments to both dress and hair colors
4. File Management
Export Process:
- Saved the modified image in PNG format to preserve transparency
- This format choice was crucial for the next phase of the project
5. Image Integration
Composition Steps:
- Imported the background photo into Photopea
- Embedded the edited PNG file onto the background
- Positioned the element appropriately within the composition
6. Shadow Enhancement
Creating Realistic Shadows:
- Right-clicked on the layer containing the embedded image
- Selected "Blending Options" from the context menu
- Accessed the Drop Shadow feature
- Fine-tuned shadow parameters (opacity, distance, spread, and size) to achieve natural blending with the table surface
This methodical approach resulted in a professionally edited image with seamless integration between the modified element and the background photo.
The Final Result
FLAMESHOT
Flameshot is a powerful screenshot tool for Linux that offers versatile annotation features. It allows users to capture, edit, and annotate screenshots with various tools like arrows, text, and highlighting. The simple yet feature-rich interface makes it an excellent choice for creating detailed documentation or tutorials.
Flameshot | Open Source Screenshot Software
LOOKED INTO A TUTORIAL ON HOW TO USE FLAMESHOT
INKSCAPE
Inkscape Project Report: Hedgehog Character Design
Date: February 05, 2025
Completed Components:
- Body Creation
- Successfully created spiky exterior using polygon tool (15 corners, 0.8 spoke ratio)
- Implemented depth using duplicate polygons with darker shading
- Created inner body using ellipse tool and node manipulation
- Achieved proper dimensions (Width: 266px, Height: 366px)
- Eye Design
- Created triangular eye spots using polygon tool
- Implemented symmetric node manipulation
- Added eyeballs using perfect circles
- Included white glare spots for realism
- Successfully duplicated and flipped for symmetry
- Snout Implementation
- Created using ellipse tool and path manipulation
- Added dark gray oval nose
- Included white glare spot on nose
- Ear Design
- Repurposed eye spot shape for ears
- Added 12px stroke width
- Implemented pink/salmon coloring
- Successfully positioned behind body, above spikes
- Hand Creation
- Implemented tapered lines using custom stroke technique
- Created hand shapes using pencil tool
- Successfully duplicated and flipped for symmetry
3D DESIGN
TEXT TO CAD
Tried to use text to cad software but due to server issues it was not functioning.
TINKER CAD
I made a Captain America shield like structure .
Autodesk Fusion
I opened fusion and clicked the create button and a new sketch was created and then using the line tool . i created the following drawing
Then i extruded the drawing using xtrude tool (Press E) for Extrude .
This is how it looks like after extrusion
Click on modify and add chamfer and select the edge and provide the thickness of chamfer
Then add fillet by click the fillet button as listed below and then click on the edge to be filleted
Create a new sketch and click on the front plane and draw a rectangle in front of the top plane
Then click on extrude and extrude the rectangle inside .
Then i clicked Create tab > create a new component . then i took sketch tab
Then i opened line tab and then selected the top plane and drawn a construction line diagonally .
Then i opened the circle tool and drawn a circle nearby and used the constraints , ie the midpoint tool to snap the circle to the midpoint of the diagonal .
Then i pressed E and extruded the circle out . so our final design is ready
I had made this as a subproject where this is a Productivity planner
Onshape
Onshape is a online 3d cad designing software .
Go to the website > Click create .
Select The plane . I have choose Top Plane .
Select the plane and name the sketch .
Step 1: Creating a 2D Sketch
- Start by creating a new sketch on the top work plane in Onshape.
- Use the circle tool to draw a circle for the base of the mug.
- Set the diameter to 3 inches.
Step 2: Extruding the Cylinder
Extrude the circle to create a cylinder with a height of 3.5 inches.
Step 3: Shelling the Cylinder
Use the shell tool to hollow out the cylinder, creating a wall thickness of 0.125 inches.
OFFSET PLANE
Step 4: Creating an Offset Plane
Since the standard work planes intersect the mug's center, create an offset plane 1.5 inches from the right work plane.
Step 5: Sketching the Handle Profile
- On the new offset plane, create a sketch for the handle.
- Use the circle tool to draw two circles with a diameter of 0.75 inches.
CREATED A NEW SKETCH ON FRONT PLANE AND SWITCHED OVER
Step 6: Creating the Handle Path
On the front work plane, create another sketch for the handle's path.
Use the three-point arc tool to draw a curved path between the two circles.
Step 7: Sweeping the Handle
- Use the sweep tool to create the handle by sweeping the handle profile along the path.
Step 8: Rounding Edges
Use the fillet tool to round over the edges of the mug, such as the lip and bottom, with a radius of 0.125 inches.
Step 9: Customizing Appearance
Edit the appearance of the mug by changing its color or material properties .
IMAGE AND VIDEO COMPRESSION .
POWERTOYS
For Image compression i have used microsoft Powertoys .
For that after downloading this .
Select the photos that you wanted to compress > Right click > click on image Resizer
then a tab like this would open up . select the required settings.
i have selected medium here . then click resize . If overwrite is checked in the file will be overwriten .
To be personal , i didn't like the tool that much as the compression and the output quality received was not okayish for me . so searched for alternate options . then i found an online image Resizer Tool .
Follow the steps as listed below . Select all the images or drag them
Wait till all the photos are uploaded
Use the default settings , ie the 40 would be fine for good quality photos . Then wait till all photos are compressed , after all are done the download all images tab would be working . click that and download .
HANDBRAKE
For Vedios Compression i used Handbrake .
click opensource and select the video
adjust the video quality .you could use any preset if needed . that would be easy to use .adjust the bitrates if needed.
after all adjustments click encode so your video is ready to export .
Conclusion
The second week of the Fab Academy journey was an enriching experience, delving into the realm of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and exploring various tools for 2D and 3D design, image editing, and compression techniques. This week provided a hands-on opportunity to understand the nuances of digital design and manipulation while experimenting with diverse software platforms.