Hi, I would like to build my own machine kits and then display them correctly in the machine program, i.e. with library images.

I know a bit about Photoshop and would like to have images like these from Native Instruments.



Would it be possible for someone to build me a kind of template with the 16 pads so that I can only store my desired image with a layer mask?

I wouldn't know how to get these 16 pads with shading and so on.

For example, I would like to use this image and have it appear in the 16 pads and then place a font over it




Kind regards

 

Spoiler: Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating custom artwork for drum kits in Machine

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating custom artwork for drum kits in Machine, including templates for 16 pads with shading and text overlay:

1. Prepare Your Image

• Use any image (e.g., from Drum Broker or your desktop) and ensure it’s high-resolution for quality.
  
  
• Resize it to match Machine’s requirements:
  • MST Artwork: 134x66 pixels (displays in the software).
    
    
  • VB Artwork: 96x46 pixels (displays in the studio view).

2. Create a Template for 16 Pads

• For Photoshop:
  • Open a new canvas with dimensions for either MST or VB artwork.
    
    
  • Use a grid or guides to divide the canvas into 16 equal sections (4x4 grid).
    
    
  • Add shading effects (e.g., drop shadows or gradients) to simulate pad depth. Save this as a .psd template for reuse.
• Alternative:
  • Download pre-made pad templates (search for "Machine 2.0 pad grid template") or create one using the dimensions above.

3. Apply Your Image to the Pads

• Place your image as a layer beneath the pad grid.
  
  
• Use a layer mask to clip the image to each pad section:
  
  
  text
  1. Select a pad area with the Marquee Tool.
  2. Add a layer mask to your image layer.
  3. Repeat for all 16 pads.
• Adjust opacity/blending modes to integrate shading.

4. Add Text Overlay

• Use the Text Tool to label pads (e.g., kick, snare).
  
  
• Customize fonts/colors, ensuring readability against the image.

5. Export and Load into Machine

• Save files as .PNG (required format).
  
  
• Name the files:
  • [YourKitName]_MST_artwork.png
    
    
  • [YourKitName]_VB_artwork.png
• Place them in Machine’s Resources > Images folder and rescan your library.

6. Optional: Logo Customization

• Repeat the process for logos (MST: software view, VB: studio view).
  
  
• Use the same naming convention with _logo suffix.

For faster workflow, consider creating or finding a .psd template with pre-shaped pads and text layers. Let me know if you’d like help refining the design further!

Source: AI

 

Last edited: Apr 8, 2025

It would be tricky to reduce one of those images to just the pads so you could lay it over an image - mainly because of the text. If you have a clean picture of the maschine pads it would be much easier.


Edit: Here's a basic version I did in a couple mins. You just need a clean image really. The one I used isn't great cause there aren't big gaps. I can give the psd file but it will depend on the image. The way I did this was like this.
>Change the hue/saturation of the pads image to try and crush down and seperate the colours of the pads against the rest. Use maybe threshold or posterise until you have just white pads against the black background.
>Put whatever image underneath. Then on the pads layer go to fx>blending options and use the slider on the 'current layer' to make it so the white disappears to reveal the layer below.

 

Last edited: Apr 8, 2025

If it can help… just replace with your image and change the text.
Cannot upload PSD file here, so here the link:
https://workupload.com/file/sGvnGYyyBSD

Attached file is a preview.

 

if it helps to focus on music do it

 

Last edited: Apr 8, 2025

Wow , thank you very much for your work ,I appreciate that !
You guys are great !❤️

 

Thank you man , thats great ,I will download the file when I'm back home