Open the image of the lithic blank and measuring scale in Adobe Photoshop.

Step 1

Step 2

Adjust the resolution to actual scale (uncheck resample image).

Use the Crop Tool to isolate the lithic blank from the rest of the image.

Step 3

Step 4

(Continued) Use the Crop Tool to isolate the lithic blank from the rest of the image.

Adjust the brightness and/or contrast so that the lithic blank edges are clearly defined against the background. For darker colored toolstones a white background might be necessary.

Step 5

Step 6

Use the Magic Eraser Tool to eliminate the background.

Again, adjust the brightness and contrast, but adjust these variables to the extreme, so that the lithic blank is completely black. Save this image as a JPEG file.

Step 7

Step 8

In Adobe Illustrator, open a new document and place the JPEG file in it.

(Continued) In Adobe Illustrator, open a new document and place the JPEG file in it.

Step 9

Step 10

Click on the Live Trace button on the top toolbar. This changes the top toolbar options, as shown in picture 11.

Select "Hand Drawn Sketch." This turns the lithic blank into an outline, as depicted in picture 12.

Step 11

Step 12

Here is the remaining perimeter outline of the lithic blank. Click on "Expand" in the top toolbar to be able to edit the blue control points and paths.

(Continued) Here is the remaining perimeter outline of the lithic blank. Click on "Expand" in the top toolbar to be able to edit the blue control points and paths.

Step 13

Step 14

Open up "Document Info."

In the Document Info window, select "Objects."

Step 15

Step 16

Highlighting the outline shows that the perimeter of the lithic blank is 23.7045 cm in length.

However, if a researcher wishes to delete dull parts of the lithic blank, such as platforms or step fractures, simply highlight the region of the outline that needs to be deleted, and press "DELETE." Now, the perimeter of the lithic blank measures 20.9595 cm.

Step 17

Step 18

(Continued) However, if a researcher wishes to delete dull parts of the lithic blank, such as platforms or step fractures, simply highlight the region of the outline that needs to be deleted, and press "DELETE." Now, the perimeter of the lithic blank measures 20.9595 cm.