First Square
Open a new file in Paint.net – set the dimensions to 100×100 pixels.
Insert a new layer.
Then choose a dark color.
Fill the layer with that color with the Paint Bucket tool.
Zoom in a bit so it’s easier to see what you’re doing.
Select the Shapes Tool and one of the following shapes:
circle / diamond / stars / arrows / callout / gear / heart
Set the shape to draw filled only.
Switch colors so white is the foreground color.
Make sure to change the edge of the shape to Aliased rendering.
Draw out a shape going in & out of the left edge (not touching the top/bottom).
Click off to set the shape. Then draw another shape going in & out of the bottom edge. You can also rotate it.
Click off the shape – the edges of the shapes should be pixelated like this…
If your edges are fuzzy like this… you will need to fix it. Undo (CTRL+Z) and then change the rendering for the shapes first and draw it again.
Make sure to save your file before continuing – save it as “Tess – Shapes”.
More Squares & Colors
Switch the colors so the first color is the front square and white is the back square. Then set the front color to another dark color
Duplicate the layer.
Use the Paint Bucket to fill the colored area.
Repeat this process for 2 more layers:
- Duplicate the layer
- Choose another color.
- Use the Paint Bucket to fill with a different dark color.
When you have 4 squares/layers, you are ready for the next step.
Move Squares
Change the Canvas Size (under the Image menu)…
Set to 200×200 pixels, and anchor to the bottom-left.
For the top 3 layers, repeat the process:
- Make the layer active.
- Click & drag the shape with the Move Selection tool.
- Then use arrow keys to tap up/down and left/right to check it’s lined up with the edges.
- CTRL+D or [Enter] to deselect before moving the next one.
CTRL+D and you should have something like this.
Fill Empty Areas
Make sure the top layer is active…
Then Merge down until all the colored squares are in one layer.
You will need to use the Color Picker tool to select the matching color… and then click in the empty areas with the Paint Bucket tool to fill in with that color.
Set as Desktop Background
- First save your file (CTRL+S).
- Then go to File >Save As… to save a copy.
Change the File Type to JPG
Choose Flatten…
Go into your OneDrive folder, right-click on the JPG file and Set as Desktop Background.
WINDOWS+D will minimize all open apps so you can see your desktop.
Right-click in an empty area of the desktop and choose Personalize…
Then use the drop-down menu for Choose a fit … and choose Tile.
It should then be repeated across your desktop.
