Creating a Collage with BubbleFrame

BubbleFrame is one of the most fun apps for creating a quick collage on iPhone. In the app, you work with a square canvas, add a color, a pattern provided by BubbleFrame, or a photo from your own collection. BubbleFrame even changes some of their patterns according to the season, so you're not always limited to the patterns that you see. You can then add circular frames with an image and text inside over top of the background to create a unique collage.

Recently, Marmalade Moon used BubbleFrame for a weekend Christmas Card workshop and it was a big hit! The developer, Devin, is very kind and willing to answer any questions sent his way. He even provided us with a few free codes to gift to some of the participants of our workshop.

To learn more about using BubbleFrame, flip through the tutorial below, hovering over each image for detailed instructions.

Opening the app

Tap the BubbleFrame app to open.

Starting a new canvas

Tap to start a new canvas.

Filling the Background

Tap "Fill Canvas" to choose a color, BubbleFrame provided pattern, or photo from your camera roll/photo stream.

Selecting a Background Color

Tap "Color" to select a color from the color sliders or "Recent" to select a color that you've used previously.

Selecting a Background Pattern

Tap "Pattern" to select a BubbleFrame provided pattern. BubbleFrame updates these from time to time, depending upon the season.

Selecting a Background Photo

Tap "Photo" to paste a photo from another app or to select one from your camera roll/photo stream.

Choosing One of Your Own Photos

When you choose to use a photo that you've taken yourself, you have the option of using one from your camera roll or your photo stream.

Finalizing Your Background Photo

After you've chosen a photo, you can pinch the photo to zoom in further. Be careful not to zoom in very much though, as you'll lose some of the quality of your photo. When you're satisfied, tap the "adjust" button at the top to lock it in place.

Adding a Bubble

To add a new bubble frame, simply pinch with two fingers in an outward motion and a white outline will appear.

Filling Your BubbleFrame

After you've added your frame, you have the option of adding a fill, just as you did with the background. You may choose a color, BubbleFrame provided pattern, or a photo from your own library.

How to Delete a BubbleFrame

Once in a while, you may accidentally add a BubbleFrame. You can delete it when the fill screen appears by tapping "Pop Bubble" at the bottom or you've exited from the fill screen, you can hold your finger on the frame until it wiggles and POPS!

Editing the Border

To edit the border, tap the "Border" button at the bottom of the screen.

Border Adjustments

Style: You can adjust the border width, as well as the inner & outer gradient and shine. Simply tap the dot and drag to adjust each level until you have the desired effect.

Color: Additionally, you can change the color the frame by tapping "Color" or "Recent".

Adding Text

You can add text to your bubble by selecting the text button at the bottom (T).

Typing the Text

Type in the text you would like to wrap around the perimeter of the circle.

Placement & Position of Text

Once you have typed your text, you can change the rotation, offset, and kerning by tapping "position" at the bottom. Then, you can tap the circles and move them back and forth on the sliders until you reach your desired text placement and position.

Editing Font Type & Size

Tap the "Font" button to adjust the font type and size.

Editing Text Color & Opacity

Text Color: Tap the box next to "Text" to change the color of the text.

Additionally, you can add an outline to the text by tapping the box next to "Outline". Adjust the outline thickness by adjusting the "Outline Width" slider.

Opacity: If you would like your text to be transparent, adjust the "Opacity" slider.

Saving and Sharing Your Project

To save or share your project, tap the camera button below.

Saving and Sharing Your Project

Saving/Export Options: You have the option to save, copy, e-mail, and export your project to another app.

Sharing: Also, you can share it to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Size: Adjust the size of your project by adjusting the slider at the bottom from normal to Hi-Res.

(Note: The higher the resolution, the larger the file.)

We hope that you enjoyed this tutorial. You can use BubbleFrame graphics for many different projects, such as, blog graphics, avatars, and even greeting cards. To stay informed of the latest Marmalade Moon classes, including the possibility of a 2013 Christmas Card Workshop, sign-up to be a Marmalade Moon Club member!

What do you think you would use BubbleFrame for? Post your comments below! 

About the Author: Jennifer Lynn Bishop is a freelance graphic designer, artist, and iPhoneographer. Follow her artistic journey at Rainy Day Doodle. 

Here's a roundup of all our Free Tutorials, Guides and App Tips for Mobile Photography and Art.