4.9. Mosaic

4.9.1. Overview

Figure 17.56. Applying example for the Mosaic filter

Applying example for the Mosaic filter

Original image

Applying example for the Mosaic filter

Filter Mosaic applied


It cuts the active layer or selection into many squares or polygons which are slightly raised and separated by joins, giving so an aspect of mosaic.

4.9.2. Activating the filter

You can find this filter through FiltersDistortsMosaic….

4.9.3. Options

Figure 17.57. Mosaic filter options

Mosaic filter options

Preview

All your setting changes will appear in the Preview without affecting the image until you click on OK. Note that the preview displays only a part of the whole image if the filter is applied to an selection. Don't keep Preview checked if your computer is too slow.

Tiling primitives

This option is self-understanding:

Squares

4 edges

Hexagons

6 edges (hexa = 6)

Octagons & squares

8 or 4 edges (octa = 8)

Triangles

3 edges (tri = 3)

Tile size

Slider and input box allow you to set the size of tile surface.

Tile height

That's ledge, relief of tiles. Value is width of the lit border in pixels.

Tile spacing

That's width of the join between tiles.

Tile neatness

When set to 1, most of tiles have the same size. With 0 value, size is determined at random and this may lead to shape variation.

Light direction

By default light comes from the upper left corner (135°). You can change this direction from 0 to 360 (counter clockwise).

Color variation

Each tile has only one color. So the number of colors is reduced, compared to the original image. Here you can increase the number of colors a little.

Antialiasing

This option reduces the stepped aspect that may have borders.

Color averaging

When this option is unchecked, the image drawing can be recognized inside tiles. When checked, the colors inside tiles are averaged into a single color.

Allow tile splitting

This option splits tiles in areas with many colors, and so allows a better color gradation and more details in these areas.

Pitted surfaces

With this option tile surface looks pitted.

FG/BG lighting

When this option is checked, tiles are lit by the foreground color of the toolbox, and shadow is colored by the background color. Joins have the background color.