Introduction

Canvas is a valuable tool for managing specific detail elements and ensuring standardized consistency within a set of images. This workflow will guide you on how to utilize the tools in Canvas to create optimal stills for composing simple character portrait animations.

Set Up your Canvas Project

Locate the image you want to edit in your image gallery or the collection where you've saved it. Click the … button associated with the image and select Edit in Canvas. This will carry over any prompt and model settings associated with the image. Name your canvas project and launch it to begin working.

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Changing Facial Expressions

Begin by masking the area of the face you want to modify, such as the mouth or nose. Try to keep your masks as small as possible to maintain the best consistency. In addition, mask a few very small points around the head. This will broaden the area the AI is examining, providing it with more context for the facial design.

Next, adjust your Prompt and add a description of the new expression at the beginning. For example, you could use "open mouth," "laughing," or "angry" to guide the AI's output. After modifying the prompt, click Reference Image and adjust the influence to a value between 8 and 18.

Click Generate to create the new image based on your adjustments. Make any necessary tweaks and repeat the process as needed until you achieve the desired result. To streamline your workflow, select multiple layers simultaneously by holding down the Control or Command button on your keyboard, then click Merge Layers.

Watch a video on Changing Facial Expressions with Canvas

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Creating Closed Eyes

To modify the eyes, select the Sketch tool from the side menu, followed by the Color Selector. Use the Eye Dropper tool to pick a color that matches the desired eyelid color, then carefully paint over the eyes. Next, switch to a color that matches the eyelash color you want, reduce the size of the paintbrush, and create a rough sketch of the eyelashes.

Once you've made these adjustments, switch to the Generate button in the side menu. Mask out the roughly adjusted eyes, then add "Closed eyes" to the beginning of your prompt. Increase the Reference Image influence to approximately 25, then click Generate. Adjust the influence as needed to achieve the desired result.

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Using the Sketch and Erase Tools

In this section, we will mix and match facial features by removing unwanted areas and merging images. Begin by uploading one of your generations from the previous workflow or using one of your newly merged images.

Ideally, you should have two layers: the bottom layer should contain the feature you want to preserve and incorporate into your overall design, while the top layer should have the remaining structure you want to keep.

Select the Sketch tool, then switch to Eraser mode and adjust the size as needed. Ensure that you have selected the top layer of your images, then carefully erase the body part (mouth, nose, or eyes) that you want to replace.

If you're meticulous, you may not need to mask anything out. However, if you find that some edges don't look quite right, switch to Generate and mask out the problematic edges. Set your Influence a bit higher, between 30 and 50, to avoid adding strange details.

Once you're satisfied with the changes, select the layers and merge them together.

Post-Processing Options.

Once you've merged your images, export them all at once by clicking Download and then Save All Layers. Ensure that all the layers you want to download are visible before proceeding.

Canvas also allows you to easily remove backgrounds as needed. However, it's recommended to do this after completing all image edits, as removing the background prematurely may complicate further masking and generation.

To match the aesthetic of pixel games, utilize the Pixelate feature, which can be found in the main side menu on the home screen.

Additionally, you can Upscale your image and add more details using the upscale feature located in the same menu. Keep in mind that using the Balanced or Creative mode may alter smaller details, which isn't ideal for maintaining animation still coherence.

Lastly, you have the option to Vectorize your image using the tool found on the home screen. This can help create a more uniform and polished look for your character portraits.

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