It’s time to celebrate Christmas and I’m all set to create the perfect greeting for all my viewers! Just follow the steps below:

1. Capture the required image

• Select the capture type from the toolbar. It could be a fullscreen, selection or menu.
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• I have selected Rectangular capture from the Selection drop down.

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• To capture an image simply click and drag over the area you want.
• The captured image is instantly displayed in the Voila window.
• You are now done with the first part-Capture. Wasn’t it simple?? Look at the image I have captured below.
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2. Annotate the image

The captured picture looks a little plain to me. It’s now time to perk it up!

• Let me first go to Effects and add an appropriate Edge effect. Hmm.. let me see.. Let me give a Blur effect to the image.
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  I can modify the edges a bit. Sine Wave looks perfect!  

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• A few lines to give it a more classic look might be helpful. Select the Tools tab, go to Lines, select an appropriate color from the color well and drag them across the image-I’ve chosen grey with a 1 pixel thickness, no shadow and 100% opacity.
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• Let me get Santa to convey some message to you. Go to Callout, select an appropriate callout and style and drag it on the image. Enter appropriate text into it. I’ve selected the cloud callout with a glossy style and red color. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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• Wow this is cool!! A few bubbles might look good. Go to Spray, select Bubble option and spray them away.
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• It’s a festive season and a few balloons would just fit the bill! Choose Balloons from the Spray tool and simply spray them wherever you want
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• And now for the final touch-Select the Text tool and add your message. I’ve chosen the curved text option from the Direction property.
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3. Share your greeting

• Select iPhoto or Mail to send the greeting to iPhoto or mail it to your friends. I’ve selected the Save as option to get this final output!
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Simple, isn’t it??? Here’s wishing each of you a very merry christmas and a happy new year! Go on, get your copy of Voila and become more expressive this festive season!