Creating a crack in the Desktop

Cool effects in DesktopX

Published on June 9, 2004 By _Martin_ In Objects & Widgets

Yesterday I was pointed to a SysMetrix skin that created a cool looking crack in the desktop and was asked if this was possible. Needless to say I said yes and then worked out how to do it.

Anyway, it turned out to be fairly easy using some of the standard effects available in most graphics packages. For the purpose of this I'm using Fireworks.

Here's how to do it.

1) Create a new image with a transparent background and then draw a random shape on it.

2) Clone this object so you have two of them directly over each other. The top object will be the "hole" and one the "space underneath".

3) Select the "hole" and apply an "Inset Emboss". Apply settings to get it to the depth you want and hide the source object.

4) Select the "space" and apply an "Inner Shadow". Apply settings to get it to the depth you want.

5) Export this image as a PNG and place it directly on your desktop you have an instant hole in your wallpaper.

Download the source PNG here: Link

Download the final object here: Link

Of course, you can make the base any color you want. For flexibility you can export the two layers separates and the use DesktopX's colorization options to tint the "underneath" dynamically.

Comments

Q70

on Jun 09, 2004

could you maybe do a tutorial for PS7?
that would be awesome! i would be completely appreciative

Email

Q70

on Jun 09, 2004

or a PS7 action would really rock!

UpsideDownGC

on Jun 10, 2004

Thanks for it it is awesome. Well you should be able to figure it out it isnt very hard, at leasti n my opinion. I use fireworks but I bet you could find the equivalent tools at a photoshop website or soemething like that.

on Jun 10, 2004

That is amazing! Definely something I want to do!

_Martin_

on Jun 10, 2004

What happens if you load the source PNG in PSP7? Is PSP able to convert to equivalent filters?

Q70

on Jun 10, 2004

ok, i went and downloaded a copy of fireworks, but am totally lost, can you make this tutorial a bit more specific in details?
much thanx

Erk.

on Jun 11, 2004

Good one _Martin_
I'll have a little play with this idea over the weekend. Thanks for the tips.

Wreckless.

on Jun 11, 2004

Aw Abode photoshop don't have "inner shadow" thingy. It also forces me to rasterize the shape before I can add effects to it.

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