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2. How-To Guides
3. Use The Golden Ratio

How To Use The Golden Ratio

The Golden Ratio is a mathematical ratio commonly found in nature and referred to as the "divine proportion." Photographers and designers frequently use it as a template for their compositions. When applied to photography and design, it creates an aesthetically pleasing sense of proportion. Luckily, you don't have to do the math every time you work on a design, just use PaintShop Pro and learn how to use the golden ratio in your compositions.

1. Install PaintShop Pro

To install PaintShop Pro photo editing software on your PC, download and run the installation file above. Continue following on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.

2. Select Crop tool

On the Tools toolbar, choose the Crop tool . By default, the crop rectangle appears on the image, and the area outside the crop rectangle is shaded.

3. Choose golden ratio from Composition Guide drop list

Adjust the crop area size by dragging any of the handles or edges. To reposition the crop rectangle, place the cursor inside and drag. You can use a preset crop size by choosing an option from the Presets drop-list on the floating toolbar for the Crop tool, or from the drop-list on the Tool Options palette. If you want to use a composition guide, on the floating toolbar click the Composition Guide button (this button toggles the guide on and off), and choose golden ratio from the drop-list.

4. Apply

When you’re ready to crop the image, click the Apply button on the Tool Options palette or on the floating toolbar for the Crop tool.