Creating Seamless Backgrounds

Creating seamless backgrounds is pretty simple once you get the hang of it.
I personally think fancy, multi-colored backgrounds are a huge design no-no, but I know that there are many people out there who would like to know how to create these types of backgrounds. Please think about your visitors ability to read the text.
I personally prefer simple designs that do not clash with the text.

To create complex designs:

• Go to the Official Home of the Filter Factory Galleries and grab some filters
• You may also need the Plug in Commander to install your filters properly (there is a link on the filter gallery site to the Commander)
• The PSP Users Group has a very comprehensive tutorial on installing plug ins

OK, now that you are all installed and "plugged-in", let's start:
I will be using Filter Factory Gallery A and C to demonstrate what you can do with filters in backgrounds.

• Create new image 100 x 100, background color white, 16.7 million colors
• Select two coordinating colors for your background and foreground colors, for this sample, I am using two blues
• Select fill tool/fill style-sunburst and click on the new image to fill
• Select image/plug-ins/Filter Factory C/Sierpenski's Mirror
• Adjust scale bars to read Scaling Factor=204/Fractual Power=119 Click OK
• Select edit/copy
• Open new image 200 x 200
• Select edit/paste/as new selection
• Line up the copy so that it reads 0,0 on the bottom scroll bar
• Select edit/paste/as new selection
• Align the second image on the right side and then select image/mirror
• Repeat the two steps above for the bottom half of the background
• Below is the completed background

Examples of backgrounds using filters:

These are just a small sampling of what you can do with backgrounds. I find that the best backgrounds are those with a very "quiet" design.

To create a very simple background:

• Open new image 200 x 200/white background/16.7 million colors
• Select a light foreground color
• Select the fill tool-style=solid color Fill new image.
• Select image/special filter/add noise
• Select uniform/10% add noise
• Select image/normal filter/sharpen

There are many variations to this theme using more noise, sharpen more, etc. The rule of thumb is to play around with all the effects to see what you can come up with.
Here are a few examples of simple backgrounds:

PSP TIP

Loud, dark backgrounds should be avoided due to the fact that it is difficult to read the text.
It is best to use light backgrounds with dark text, due to the fact that it is easier on the eyes. If you are creating a site with allot of content, please use a light, plain colored background to avoid giving your readers a headache.