For this tutorial, we are using Arbor IM. These directions work for both the original Classics and the Plus 2.8.2 updates. We do not know whether these work for the 2.6.1 and 2.7 updates. Thanks to Jean
() for the info on the original Classics.
Click on the IM URL above. Ignore the Filename and URL box. Scroll down past the text paragraphs, until you come to "Optional Input Attributes:" 3 rows of boxes and drop downs. These are what we use to make backgrounds from scratch.
MAKING A GRADIENT BACKGROUND:
1. "Size" - box is already filled in with 320x240. Change it to the desired size, or leave it; you can always resize later. You need only enter the width and the height: 100x100. Do not use an exclamation point after the numbers. But if you resize later, please remember to use the exclamation point there.
2. "Format" (to right of Size)
Click on "implicit" and scroll down to select "gradient." Click on it.
3. Under "Size" is "Meta" with a blank box below it. Type in your colors here. Select 2, such as blue-yellow. The first color will appear on top.
4. Interface (to right of Meta). Leave this as is.
5. Ignore the 2 below these. (Scene and Channel)
6. Scroll up to "View" (immediately under the URL box) and click.
7. 
Next screen will show you your blue-yellow gradient background.
You can proceed from this to resize, rotate, or whatever else you want to do with this.
8. Output: This tab is at the top of the page. Click on it.
9. Next screen: In the "Format" box, select the type of output image. Select jpg or jpeg. Click. Move cursor down to "Storage Type" and click on "single file." Click on "output."
10. Next screen: TL in the spaces provided or else click on the thumbnail image. This will then show you the full sized image. Use your "Go To" key and select "Show Current." Copy the URL that appears and paste it into your File Manager.
MAKING PLASMA BACKGROUNDS
1. Follow as above.
2. "Format" (to right of Size)
Click on "implicit" and scroll down to select "plasma." Click on it.
3. 
Under "Size" is "Meta" with a blank box below it. Type in your colors here. Select 1 or 2, such as blue-yellow. The first color will appear on top.
4. Follow the rest of the directions above.
MAKING PATTERN BACKGROUNDS
1. Follow as above.
2. "Format" (to right of Size)
Click on "implicit" and scroll down to select "pattern." Click on it. To discover the patterns available, click on "Format." The different grays sometimes also have built in patterns.
3. 
Under "Size" is "Meta" with a blank box below it. Instead of colors, type in the name of the pattern, such as bricks.
4. Follow the rest of the directions above.
