NotanPro™ User Guide

Complete instructions for artists, photographers, and educators

Quick Navigation

Getting Started Core Features Composition Grids Notan Studies Annotations Camera Analysis AI Analysis Workflows Troubleshooting

Getting Started with NotanPro™

Step 1: Account Setup

  1. Visit NotanPro.com
  2. Click "Sign Up" to create your free account
  3. Enter your email address and create a secure password
  4. Your 7-day free trial begins immediately with full access to all features

Step 2: Choose Your Input Method

NotanPro™ offers two ways to analyze compositions:

Upload an Image

  • Click the "Upload Reference Image" area
  • Select JPG, PNG, or WebP files from your device
  • Or drag and drop your image directly onto the upload area

Use Live Camera

  • Click "Use Camera" button
  • Allow camera permissions when prompted
  • Position your subject in the viewfinder
  • Get real-time composition guidance

Core Features Walkthrough

Composition Grids

Rule of Thirds

Click Rule of Thirds to overlay the classic 3x3 grid

  • Position key subjects at intersection points
  • Align horizons with horizontal grid lines
  • Best for: General photography, portraits, landscapes

Golden Ratio

Click Golden Ratio for mathematical precision

  • Use the 1.618:1 proportional grid
  • Creates naturally harmonious compositions
  • Best for: Fine art, architectural photography

Center Cross

Click Center Cross for symmetrical compositions

  • Displays vertical and horizontal center lines
  • Perfect for centered subjects and formal portraits
  • Best for: Portrait photography, product shots

Diagonal

Click Diagonal for dynamic compositions

  • Shows diagonal leading lines
  • Creates movement and energy in compositions
  • Best for: Action shots, dramatic scenes

Analyze Values with Notan Studies

  1. Select your desired value levels (1-5) using the numbered buttons
  2. Click any number to instantly convert your image to simplified values
  3. Use 2-3 levels for strong, graphic compositions
  4. Use 4-5 levels for more subtle tonal variations
  5. This reveals underlying compositional structure and balance

Add Professional Annotations

  1. Click Add Annotations to enter marking mode
  2. Click anywhere on your image to place numbered markers
  3. Add notes about:
    • Focal points and areas of interest
    • Problem areas needing adjustment
    • Compositional strengths
    • Technical observations
  4. Click existing markers to edit or delete notes
  5. Use Clear All to remove all annotations

Optimize Image Position

  1. Click and drag your image within the canvas
  2. Align subjects with active grid intersections
  3. Test different positions to find optimal composition
  4. The AI score updates in real-time as you adjust

Live Camera Analysis

Real-Time Composition Guidance: The camera feature provides live visual guidance with periodic analysis feedback as you compose your shots.

Using Camera Mode

  1. Click "Use Camera" from the main interface
  2. Position your subject in the viewfinder - live grid overlays and notan processing update in real-time
  3. Watch the composition score update periodically as you adjust your camera position
  4. Toggle between grid types using "Grid" button for different composition guides
  5. Enable "Notan" mode for live value analysis overlay
  6. Adjust notan levels using the settings button
  7. Switch between front/back cameras with "Flip" button
  8. The system provides real-time visual guidance with periodic analysis feedback
  9. Capture shots using the white capture button when you achieve desired composition
  10. Images save directly to your main workspace for further analysis

Medium-Specific Analysis

Customize for Your Art Form

  1. Select your artistic medium from the dropdown:
    • General Analysis
    • Charcoal/Graphite
    • Digital Art
    • Oil/Acrylic
    • Photography
    • Watercolor
  2. Receive tailored advice based on your chosen medium
  3. Get specific techniques relevant to your artistic practice

Professional Downloads

Clean Image Download

  • Click Download Image for your processed image
  • Includes all annotations burned into the final file
  • Perfect for portfolio presentations or client reviews

Grid Overlay Download

  • Click Download with Grid to include composition guides
  • Useful for educational purposes or planning sketches
  • Shows active grid overlays on your final image

Understanding AI Analysis

Interpret Your Composition Score

The AI provides real-time scoring based on:

  • Balance: How well visual weight is distributed
  • Focal Points: Strength and placement of main subjects
  • Grid Alignment: How well key elements follow compositional rules
  • Contrast: Effective use of light and dark values

Score Interpretation:

  • 90-100: Excellent composition with strong visual impact
  • 80-89: Good composition with minor areas for improvement
  • 70-79: Decent composition but could benefit from adjustments
  • Below 70: Significant composition issues to address

Use Analysis Feedback

  • AI Section: Provides objective technical analysis
  • Traditional Section: Shows current tool usage and settings
  • Creative Section: Offers medium-specific artistic guidance

Workflow Recommendations

For Photographers:

  1. Use live camera mode for on-location shooting
  2. Apply rule of thirds for most subjects
  3. Switch to golden ratio for artistic shots
  4. Use annotations to mark client preferences during shoots

For Digital Artists:

  1. Upload reference photos for composition planning
  2. Use notan studies to understand value structure
  3. Apply grids during initial sketching phase
  4. Download grid overlays for transfer to digital canvas

For Traditional Artists:

  1. Analyze reference images before starting paintings
  2. Create notan studies for value planning
  3. Print grid overlays for transfer to canvas/paper
  4. Use annotations to plan color notes and techniques

For Art Students/Educators:

  1. Upload completed works for objective analysis
  2. Use annotation system for detailed critique notes
  3. Compare different grid systems on the same image
  4. Track improvement over time using consistent analysis methods

Pro Tips for Maximum Benefit

Composition Optimization:

  • Start with rule of thirds, then experiment with other grids
  • Use notan studies to simplify complex reference photos
  • Drag images to test multiple compositional arrangements
  • Combine multiple techniques for comprehensive analysis

Educational Use:

  • Analyze master paintings to understand classical composition
  • Compare your work to professional examples
  • Use annotation system for detailed self-critique
  • Document your artistic process with detailed notes

Professional Applications:

  • Present composition analysis to clients for design decisions
  • Use detailed annotations for project documentation
  • Create educational materials with grid overlays
  • Maintain consistent quality across multiple projects

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Image Won't Upload:

  • Ensure file is JPG, PNG, or WebP format
  • Check file size is under 10MB
  • Try refreshing the page and uploading again

Camera Not Working:

  • Allow camera permissions in browser settings
  • Check that camera isn't being used by another application
  • Try switching between front/back cameras

Grids Not Visible:

  • Ensure you've clicked a grid button to activate it
  • Try adjusting your screen brightness
  • Make sure image has sufficient contrast with white grid lines

Low AI Scores:

  • Remember that scores are guidelines, not absolute judgments
  • Some artistic styles intentionally break traditional rules
  • Focus on whether the composition serves your artistic intent

Getting Help

  • Access tooltips by hovering over the "?" icons throughout the interface
  • Review this guide periodically as you develop your skills
  • Experiment with different features to discover your preferred workflow
  • Contact support through the website for technical assistance

Remember:

NotanPro™ is a tool to enhance your artistic vision, not replace it. Use the analysis and suggestions as starting points for your creative decisions, but always trust your artistic instincts for the final composition.

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