The Reference window lets you import your inspiration into the workspace without affecting your canvas.
How to use the Reference Window
Here’s an overview of what your Reference Window looks like and what the different controls are:
To open your reference window
Open your canvas
Go to your View menu and Reference Window
The select Show Reference Window OR Import new image…
Your window will appear with your last loaded image
How to add image to reference window
To add a reference image, you can either:
Import one through your View menu
OR
Open your reference window
Hit the Replace button
and Import new file
You can also add an existing canvas from your Artdesk and Artspace as a reference image. You will need the canvas link to do this.
If you want multiple images loaded as reference, you could paste an assortment of images on a canvas and use that canvas as your reference image.
Reference Window controls
Greyscale - will give you greyscale view of your reference to assess the values
Flip - flips your reference horizontally
Reset - resets the zoom of you
Zoom - Zoom in/out incrementally with buttons or use the slider
Recent - opens list of up to 10 recent images
Minify - Tap on the image to hide/show the reference window controls
How to move and scale reference image
To navigate around your reference image, you can use your mouse, stylus, or finger to drag the image around.
Use the Zoom buttons or slider, or two-finger pinch, on the image to zoom in or out.
Your Reference window can be moved around by tap or click and drag from the top bar of the window. To resize the window, there is a scale icon in the bottom-right corner.
Where are your files stored?
Files used as reference will be imported to either the Artdesk or Artspace in a folder named My References.
Depending on the file type, your imported file may be significantly larger in Magma. Imported reference images will also count toward your account storage limit, so you may need to manage your files more diligently.
Who has access to the Feature?
Blaze users will have full access the feature, allowing them to import files from their device or use existing canvases as reference.
Our free (Spark) users will have access to a demo version of the feature which is loaded with a default image to use as reference for your study or character design idea.
Using the Reference Image for a study
Join us in doing a study of the default reference and sharing it with us by using the hashtag #MagmaRefRed.
Stay tuned for a video where our in-house artist and Classroom host, chats about his approach to doing a study like this even if you’re a total beginner.