Now introducing our sleek new Designer 2.0! We have optimized many of the previous functions to allow for a cleaner, more streamlined user experience. Our user-friendly design tool just got even friendlier!
In this article, we'll be covering how to use all the new features of the latest version of OptiSigns Designer.
For further knowledge on our template library and Designer, please review How to Use OptiSigns’ Template and Designer 1.0.
Design Differences in Designer 2.0
Left-Aligned Side Menu
The biggest change for users will be the look and placement of functions in Designer 2.0. The new version streamlines the design, left-aligning a lot of the previous buttons and functions.
Most functions are now relocated to the left-hand side.
The left side menu will also replace the pop-up window that was utilized for certain functions.
The functions now in the left side menu include:
- Position
- Layers, formerly called “Objects”
- Data Sources
- Animation
- Widget format options
- Settings
- Text
- And more
For example, Animations controls will now appear in the left side menu.
Effects
Effects is the new category for accessing visual effects. This includes some of our previous functions, such as Shadow, Outline, Texture, Gradient, and Opacity.
To access these functions:
- Select Effects
- Choose any of the functions from the side menu
Layers
Similarly, Objects has been renamed to Layers and moved to the left-hand side menu. This allows you to edit the positioning or layering of any of the elements of your design.
To access Layers:
- Select the layered icon on the right side
- OR select Position
- Select Layers
Then you can select any of the elements and move them around to change their position or "layering."
History
This new feature allows you to track all your most recent changes to your design.
Careful! Clicking on a previous “event” and starting to make changes to your design will erase any events created after that specific event.
To access History:
- Select the layered icon on the right side
- OR select Position button from the t0ol bar
- History is the right option that will pop up in the side menu
- Click any event to move to that point in your editing
Canvas Resize Options
We have added Landscape and Portrait options to the Resizing option for greater ease of use. This allows you to reshape your canvas and design with a click of a button. Made the design in landscape but you need it for a screen in portrait mode? No worries!
- Select Resize from the tool bar
- Deselect Maintain Aspect Ratio
- Select Portrait or Landscape
New Exciting Features in Designer 2.0
Reusable Component Library
This feature allows you to save any design element or grouped elements to a component library. Save any element you like and create a library of branded or themed elements, or simply one that you wanted to save for later!
To add the component:
- Click on the element you would like to save
- Select More
- Select Add Component
To access the components:
- Click on Your Temp from the left side bar
- Click on Components
You will now be able to add to any design!
This works with elements or designs you create, whole templates from our library, or single elements from a template.
Scale Repeater Images
New scaling options are available for images in Repeaters. You are now able to select Fit, Zoom, or Stretch to have it better fit your design.
To customize the image size in a Repeater to your preference:
- Select the repeater image
- Select Settings
- Select Scale
- Choose Fit, Stretch, or Zoom
Background Remover
Automatically detects and removes backgrounds from images. It currently only supports auto-removal and at present it is not possible to custom erase or restore the background.
To remove the background:
- Select Background Remover from the tool bar
- Wait for the loading icon to finish
- Click Save
Afterwards, it will simply disappear!
Image Masking
Our new tool allows you to apply shapes or elements as masks to images.
- Click on the Mask icon from the tool bar
- Select any shape or search for more shapes on the left side menu
The mask and the image attach automatically when you select it.
To edit the placement on the picture, Edit Mask detaches the overlaid shape.
Apply Mask reapplies it and groups it back together.
To delete the shape altogether, select Remove Mask.
Google Font Weights Support
We now have full font weight options for our Google Fonts (for example, Thin, Light, Regular, Bold).
Note: This is only available for Google Fonts.
To change the font weight:
- Select the text you would like to change or add a text box
- Click the font name on the tool bar
- Choose a font from the left side menu
If the font you choose is a Google font, the options will drop down underneath the font name.
Copy and Apply Style
This function allows you to easily copy and paste style settings, such as font, size, color, and effects, between elements.
This works for both text and shape elements.
To change the style:
- Select the text or shape you would like to copy
- Click the Copy Style icon from the tool bar
- Drag the icon to the text you would like to change
1.
2.
Text Case Options
Now you can quickly convert text between uppercase, lowercase, sentence case, and title case for all kinds of styles.
To use:
- Add a text box or select the text you’d like to modify
- Click on Text Case
- Select the text case of your choice
Pan Tool
This allows you to pan around the canvas without moving design elements. This is useful if you are zoomed in on your design and would like to move to another part of the canvas without disturbing any of your elements.
- Select the hand icon on your right side menu
- Use the hand to move the design
- Unclick the hand when you are finished
Excel Date Format
We have corrected the issue where dates appear as serial numbers in DataSources. However, you must recreate the Excel file as a new DataSource for the fix to take effect.
To learn more about adding Excel spreadsheets as DataSources, please reference How to Set Up Dynamic Data Mapping and Add an Excel Spreadsheet as a DataSource.
Basic Designer Functions
Add Photos to Your Design
In Designer, you can add either a stock photo from our gallery, powered by Unsplash, or you can upload a picture from your computer or OptiSigns account.
To add a stock photo:
- Select Photo from the left side menu
- Search for photos in the search bar
- Select any photo
To add a photo from your device or OptiSigns account:
- Click on Image from the tool bar
- Upload any image by selecting “Your Device” or “Image Assets” to upload from your account
Upload Assorted Apps
Incorporating other apps or pictures from your OptiSigns library is easy.
Selecting Widgets from the left side menu bar gives you access to upload any of your OptiSigns account assets, apps, and more into your design.
Icons or Elements
You can add icons and elements to your designs by clicking the "Element" button on the left side menu.
There are 1000+ well designed icons to browse, search, and choose from.
You then can further edit its size, color, opacity, etc. by clicking on the icon once it's in your designs canvas and selecting Effects, as discussed earlier in the article.
And add any of the elements you create to your Component Library, to save for future use!
Add QR Codes
Adding QR codes to your designs is a great way to increase interaction with your digital signage.
Our app allows you to create QR codes for many purposes, such as:
- Link social media
- Direct viewers to website
- Take user to download your app in the Google Play or Apple store
- Send an SMS or WhatsApp message, or email
- Give patrons access to the WiFi
- And more!
To add a QR code:
- Click on QR Code on the left side menu
- Select Add a QR Code
- Choose any of the available options
- Select Update QR Code
That's all!
OptiSigns is the leader in digital signage software. If you have any additional questions, concerns, or any feedback about OptiSigns, feel free to reach out to our support team at support@optisigns.com.