# Importing Images into Storyboard

As you build your scene, you may want to use bitmap images for backgrounds and overlays. You may also want to import an image as a reference for a vector drawing you want to create. With Toon Boom Storyboard, you can import a variety of bitmap formats (TVG, OPT, PAL, SCAN, SGI, TGA, YUV, OMF, PSD, PNG, JPG, JPE or JPEG) which you can combine with your vector-animated content to create rich and unique graphic styles.

You can import a single image (or multiple images located in the same folder) into a new layer.

NOTE

Toon Boom Storyboard does not support import of 8-bit CMYK or 16-bit RGB or CMYK format PSD files. You can currently import only 8-bit RGBA format PSD files.

To import images into the current panel:

1. Select the panel where you want to import the image.

2. Select Layer > Import Images as Layers.

The Choose Images Files dialog box opens.

3. Select the image(s) you want to import and press Open to confirm your selection.

Tip

To select multiple images, hold down the [Ctrl] key (Windows) or the [Command] key (Mac OSX) as you click.

A layer will be created behind the existing layers, containing the selected image. If you selected more than one image, each image will be imported in alphanumerical order on its own layer.

If you selected a PSD image with multiple layers, a message asks “This image contains multiple layers. Do you want to import each layer separately?”

- If you click Yes, each layer is imported on its own layer in the panel.
- If you click No, a layer will be created behind the existing layers, containing the selected PSD image.

You can import a single image (or multiple images located in the same folder) into a new shot.

To create shots as you import images into your current storyboard:

1. Select the shot before the one you will insert when you import the image.

2. Select Storyboard > Import Images As Shots.

The Choose Images Files dialog box opens.

3. Select the image(s) you want to import and press Open to confirm your selection.

Tip

To select multiple images, hold down the [Ctrl] key (Windows) or the [Command] key (Mac OSX) as you click.

A new shot will be created and inserted after the shot you selected, containing the selected image. If you selected more than one image, each image will be imported in alphanumerical order in its own shot.

If you selected a PSD image with multiple layers, a message asks “This image contains multiple layers. Do you want to import each layer separately?”

- If you click Yes, each layer is imported on its own layer in the panel.
- If you click No, a layer will be created behind the existing layers, containing the selected PSD image.

You can import images into your storyboard’s template library for future use.

To import images into your template library:

1. In the Tool Properties, click the Library Tab.

2. Select the folder for the library where you want to import the image.

3. Certain template library folders that can be shared with others are locked by default, and you must get access to them when they are not in use by someone else. To unlock a folder, get the rights to edit the library:

- Windows users must right-click the library folder.
- Mac OSX users must [Ctrl]-click the library folder.

4. From the pop-up menu, select Right To Modify Library so that a check mark appears next to the command name.

5. Select the folder where you want to store the file.

6. From the pop-up menu, select Import Files.

The Import Files dialog box opens.

7. Select the image(s) you want to import and press Open to confirm your selection.

The image file names or thumbnails appear in the folder’s list of assets. If you want to use it in your storyboard at any time, drag the image into the panel where you want to use it. For more information on using the template library, see Working With the Library.

Tip

To select multiple images, hold down the [Ctrl] key (Windows) or the [Command] key (Mac OSX) as you click.