Pixelated images when using a collage template

[strandskov]

I am trying to create a greeting card using a collage template. I have followed the instructions in the Corel tutorial called "How to Make Collage Templates," but I used my own rectangular selections to create the masks. After I drag an image from the Organizer palette under its appropriate mask layer, I resize it (smaller) with the Pick tool to fit the mask. In each case, the image becomes so pixelated that it is unusable for a printed card. My instinct is that this might happen if I have to enlarge each image, but making it smaller should sharpen it if anything. The screen shots show the overall template (partially filled with images), one of the images as it appears in the Organizer palette, and the same image as it appears after being dragged into the template. I have zoomed in to each image to show detail.

[Radim]

It seems as a low resolution images.

What about whole composition resolution? And single images used in it?

[Jean-Luc]

Which version do you use?
In PSP 2023 the problem should be solved.

[LeviFiction]

First, never look at the image at 400%. They all eventually go pixelated especially on small images.

Second, never use the pick tool for major shrinking. It uses a simple resizing algorithm which guesses at which pixels to merge. Also if you ever switch tools or choose a different layer for even a second, it accepts the changed deformation throwing away pixel data meaning all subsequent resizes will be using less information. In my opinion the pick tool is for small deformations and positioning.

In my test I see the same thing in 2023 if I use the pick tool. It's still bad if I use the frame tool, but not as bad.

Also how big is the image you're moving into? The original image is 3782x2269. Your collage says 3x5, which at 300ppi / 118ppcm is only 1500x900. That's roughly 1/3rd the size if split evenly into 9 sections. So it tosses out 2/3rds of the pixel data and the simple method the pick tool uses is not going to merge pixels well. If you know how big you need your image to be, I recommend using the Resize command on the image first, then bringing it into the collage and making small adjustments with the pick tool.

[strandskov]

Thanks for all the good information. The comments have been very helpful.