how to use the Alexander alpha

The Alexander alpha is the current fan freebie on the Citrus and Mint facebook page. Since alphas like these are more common for designers to buy, I thought I would share how to use this alpha for those who are unfamiliar. Alphas like this are really cool because you can basically create anything you want to match any kit [. . .]

This tutorial will cover:

• how to make different combinations with the three layers
• how to change the color
• how to fill with a paper
• how to shadow a layer
• how to select an individual letter from the full sheet-THIS IS A REQUIRED STEP

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how to: make different combinations

The Alexander alpha has 3 layers to it: an outline layer (green), a center layer (yellow), and a base layer (white). From those three layers you can make 7 different combinations.

1.  just the outline
   
2.  just the center
   
3.  just the base
   
4.  outline+base
   
5.  outline+center
   
6.  center+base
   
7.  all three layers together
   

To access the different combinations, hide the layer(s) you don't want by clicking on the eye icon next to the layer that you want to hide.

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how to: change the color

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how to: fill with a paper

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how to: shadow a layer

You may want to add some shadows to the layers to make it look more 3D.  Personally I wouldn't shadow the outline layer, but that's just me. 

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THE LAST STEP!

how to: select an individual letter

Since the alpha is in a PS file with multiple layers, you will have to merge all of the layers before you can use the alpha. Once you get the alpha how you want it to look...

Remember to save the alpha under a new name for future use!

This was a long and complicated tutorial, so feel free to ask questions. Have fun creating your own alphas to match whatever you want!