In HeavyM, it is possible to import an image and use it as the background of your canvas. It is especially useful if you have an idea of where your projector will be: take a snapshot of your structure from the position of your projector and use it as a background reference. Then, just place your shapes precisely on the picture of your volume. That way, you can prepare your mapping remotely, without having to be on the site of your performance.
Displaying the background
In order to activate the display of a background, select View → Show Image. You’ll see a default picture appear in your work area. Simply untick the option when you want to turn it off.
Note: the background image won’t appear in your projection, this is only for creation purposes. If you want to add an image in your projection, you need to use a player.
Background Settings
You probably want to use your own picture and not the default one (even if it’s really beautiful!). Here is the procedure to select a picture from your computer files:
- First, go to View → Image Settings.... A window with several parameters will appear.
- Click on “Choose file” to browse your folders and select the desired picture from your computer. Once you have selected a picture, you should see its filename next to the “Choose file” button and a preview of it just above.
Note: you can use .JPEG (or .JPG), .PNG and .BMP files for this feature. Also, the transparency in .PNG files is supported. - The preview in the settings window shows you how the picture will be displayed in your canvas. You can adjust its size and position. There are four options:
• Fit to width resolution: this will adjust the size of your picture so that its width is the same as your projection area, all the while keeping its aspect ratio. The picture will also be centered. If you change the resolution of your canvas, the size of the background picture will automatically be updated in order to fit the new width.
• Fit to height resolution: this will adjust the size of your picture so that its height is the same as that of your projection area, all the while keeping its aspect ratio. The picture will also be centered.
If you change the resolution of your canvas, the size of the background picture will automatically be updated in order to fit the new height.
• Expand: this will adjust the size of your picture so that it fills your projection area completely, regardless of its original aspect ratio. If you change the resolution of your canvas, the size of the background picture will automatically be updated in order to fit the new width and height.
• Custom: if you select this option, you’ll be able to enter a specific size (width and height) and a specific position (X and Y coordinates) for your picture. By default, the aspect ratio is preserved when you change the size of your picture. If you want to remove this constraint, click on the links
button. Note that if you change the resolution of your canvas, the size of the background picture will remain unchanged. - Click on “Ok” to apply your changes, or “Cancel” to exit the window without saving them.