Making Pictures that Work

What format should pictures be?

If you are starting from scratch then create simple line drawings with black outlines enclosing white areas to be colored.

If you already have a picture that has dark outlines it may be possible to import this into the Parent Tools and strip away the color.

How do I create pictures?

You can create pictures with almost any drawing program.  Even the standard Windows Paint program, can produce good pictures with a bit of practice.  You can also draw the old fashioned way and then scan the picture in.  The Kea Coloring Parent Tools allows you to import from a variety of formats, including BMP, JPEG, and GIF.

Where do I save the pictures?

You can save your picture wherever you like, but by saving it in "My Documents\My Pictures\Kea Coloring\import" will make it easier to find later.

How do I import a picture?

1. Open the Parent Tools and create a new file by clicking "File | New" (or press Ctrl + N).
2. Enter Title, Author and Description.
3. Click on "File | Import Graphic File..." (or press Ctrl + I).

What does convert do?

The convert step makes sure the picture is only black and white.  Any picture that has been imported must be converted before it can be saved, even if the imported picture appears to be only black and white.

To convert a picture click "File | Convert" (or press Ctrl + T).

The threshold determines how intermediate colors and grays are converted to black or white.
Low values will tend towards more white and high values will create more black.
It may take a few attempts to get it just right. Pressing Ctrl + Z will undo the last step and allow you to try again.

How/where do I save the file

To save the file, click "File | Save" (or press Ctrl + S).

Give the file a unique but recognizable name.

Once you have saved the picture you will be asked if you want it added to the catalog.
(If you have an earlier version you may just have to manually go in and add it).

How do I test my picture?

The best way to test the picture is to load it into Kea Coloring Book and then fill every region with paint.  The best thing to do is choose a dark color.  This way any little areas that the paint doesn't reach will be easier to spot.

I'm no artist.  Can I really create pictures?

Most people seriously underestimate their artistic ability - The first step is to try.

What kind of pictures do kids like?

Each kid is different, but if you are creating pictures for them, then create the pictures FOR them.  Ask them what they would like in the picture.  If they have contributed to the process of creating the picture they will enjoy it all the more.

Younger kids will enjoy simple drawings that have large areas to color, without too much detail.  Older kids will get more out of a picture that allows them to splash on lots of colors, so things with stripes or spots are great.

Why is the paint spilling out of the area?

In Kea Coloring when the paintbrush is clicked in an area the paint flows out until it is stopped by the black outline.  Even a single pixel gap in your outline can cause the paint to spill out into another area, with unsightly results.  Use the the Zoom feature of your drawing program to make sure there are no unwanted gaps.

Why are some small areas of the picture not painting properly?

This can happen because of the way the paint flows.  The paint flows outwards from where you click with the paintbrush, and is stopped by the black lines.  The paint flows from one pixel to the next horizontally and vertically, but NOT diagonally. 

This is BAD! This example show the problem.  The idea was for the paint to flow all the way along the shape, but the paint stops because it cannot flow diagonally.

This is GOOD! The problem has been fixed, by widening the gap so that the paint can flow through.

Can I share my pictures with others?

YES, PLEASE!  The ".kcf" file that is created can be uploaded to the website.

We really hope that a lot of people will upload their pictures so that they can be enjoyed by kids everywhere.  For more information please read our submission guidelines and "How to Upload Pictures" in the FAQ.