Help w/ Paint Shop Pro 9

Hi!

I was wondering if we could start a two or three threads titled with the actual software.

I think this may make it A LOT easier to find info on exactly what you need, and would make it easier for the experts with the particular software in question, to help those when there is a need.

If that is okay, I will start with my software program. I know I am going to have LOTS of questions. I don't even know where to start making a sig!

My real big problem is how do you start with a project that is the correct size? Do you start with a blank page that is the size of the finished sig? Or do you shrink the sigy when you are done?? See, this is my problem.

If anyone feels this question would be better suited in an existing thread, I will happily delete this and put it there. I just think it would be easier if we had Program specific help threads.

Someone with Photo Shop could start a thread themselves, etc.

Thanks!

I use Photoshop Elements, but I can tell you that I start off with the sig double fo teh finished size, then when I do a "Save for web" at the end, I save it at the correct size.

You may want to do a serach through some of the old threads. I know icklemiss21 and HopeHacker have given some fantastic tips.

Most of the software programs are very similar which is why we have the graphic help and resources thread (but it does help if you post saying what you are using in case it is software specific).

I start with a 1100x268 page as its easier for me to work with larger sizes and shrink down to 550x134 when I am finished making the sig, from what I have seen, most people do the same but you can just start with the size you want. If you are making it bigger and then shrinking or cropping, make sure the dimensions match to begin with so its not all out of proportion

Originally Posted by icklemiss21

Most of the software programs are very similar which is why we have the graphic help and resources thread (but it does help if you post saying what you are using in case it is software specific).

I start with a 1100x268 page as its easier for me to work with larger sizes and shrink down to 550x134 when I am finished making the sig, from what I have seen, most people do the same but you can just start with the size you want. If you are making it bigger and then shrinking or cropping, make sure the dimensions match to begin with so its not all out of proportion

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I do it exactly like you do it. I shrink it down, once I've finished making the signature. The one thing I do is I wait until it is down to the small size to add the text.

It's always easier to work with high quality and larger documents than it is with small pictures and a small document. Also things will shrink down much better than they will being enlarged, since we are working with pixels

awsome you guys, thank you so much! I am going to go try that right now.

The numbers are what I was looking for. I am really a noob with it comes to photo editing.

I love to play, but RARELY do I end up with a finished project. Anyone who knows how to use this stuff, knows that it is just important to get it sized and compressed just right. I can never figure that out. I am great with the creative side, but the technical side scares me.

Would that be 1100x268 pixels? In the unit box the default is pixels.

What about reselution? My default is 200 pixels/inch

Is that about right?

Do you have a copy of this? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076...895238?ie=UTF8 I have Paint Shop Pro X, but have found the book to be a tremedous help.

I don't have that one, but I do have paint shop pro 8 zero to hero

and

Paint shop pro 8 in easy steps in full color.

Yes, I am using 9. But I had eight for a while until I reformated my computer and my bf got 9. I haven't had any photo editing software, NOR did I use 8 when I had it. It is just confusing to me.

MAYBE if they had a step, by step help section for Signature making, It wouldn't be so overwhelming. But right now, I am trying to figure out how to get a tile I found on the internet as my background for this nifty white 1100x268 boxy i have!!!

This is why I get frustrated! and then I end up giving up. lol

Well I would start off just trying to make a document, and forget the siggy thing at first. Maybe try making an 800x600 document at first. Try creating a background with the elements you have available in PSP9. Then try taking one your cats pictures and cutting it out of the background. I usually save my cut outs as PSD files or Photoshop files, and they will remain in their transparent background, which you can use over and over again. You can then make the cut out picture smaller to fit into your document, but keep the original large, so you can use it over and over again. I know PSP will open and save Photoshop files, so you can use a PSD file in Photoshop, or you can save it as a Paint Shop Pro file.

Anyway, once you've got your document looking the way you like it, flatten the image, and save it. I'd try that a few times with the 800x600 format, because it's easier to work with large files. I know PSP usually has some cool tubes which you can use to create your background, and they have some cool built in filters as well. So, just play around. If you really like one of the documents you've created, you can use it as a Wallpaper on your computer, because 800x600 is the size commonly used as a Wallpaer.

Once you've played around with document making and are comfortable with it, then maybe try to make a signature. Like everyone said, it's easier to start with a document that is 1100x268. Just play around with that document the way you did the Wallpaper sized one. Once you've got something you like, flatten the image and resize it down to 550x134.

You can't expect to sit down with a program and instantly create a beautiful document. It takes time and practice, but once you've got the hang of it, it will come much easier for you. The best way to learn a program is play with it, and don't be afraid to screw up a few times. I've been working with Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro for years, since about 1997 or so, when I first created my webpage. You would believe some of the orignal documents I created compared to what I can do today.

Once you get more familiar with your program, you can go on the net and download a lot of cool filters, and brushes for it, especially since you like the curley Q backgrounds and things like that. Photoshop and PSP often can use the same filters and background, but you have to make sure what you're downloading is for your program. They also have some awesome free tubes you can download as well I often download the tubes, and then turn them into PSD files,because I prefer working with Photoshop. But there are a lot of things available on both programs that are similar, and once you know one program you can pretty much figure out the other. I actually think Photoshop is more user friendly, but you can pretty much do the same thing with both programs, and I LOVE the tubes available for PSP. I've actually arrived at the point where I hand draw a lot of my things on Photoshop, and I've even hand drawn a few things on PSP. You'll be amazed at what you can do, as time progresses.

Here's an example of some of the things I've learned to draw using either Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop. The lips and the cat head were done in Paint Shop Pro and the other drawing were done in Photoshop. Well, actually the Fruit Bowl and the Ice cream cone were done in a vector program, because I was working on making logo's with them.

I envy your skills! But as you said, you've been hoaning them since 1997! (I was plaing with ms paint in 1997. lol)

I took your advice and am just playing around on a larger scale. I am having some difficulty getting the lasso tool to work to my satisfaction, but I will keep fumbling with it and attempting not to get too huffy with myself.

If you're using the lasso tool to remove a background, just remember to do small sections at a time. Don't try to cut out an entire image at once, that will be a lot harder. Also, zoom in on your subject so that you can see the pixelation, and cut from there.

Originally Posted by HopeHacker

If you're using the lasso tool to remove a background, just remember to do small sections at a time. Don't try to cut out an entire image at once, that will be a lot harder. Also, zoom in on your subject so that you can see the pixelation, and cut from there.

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Do you mean like follow allong carefully along the edge in a small part, then go through the image. Do this a few times and then puzzle pices the seperate pictures back together when the whole image is removed?

I'm not sure if this will help, but I store the kitty images (minus backgrounds) at 600 x 600 pixels (PSP). Then I open a jpg background, resize the background image to 525 - 550 x 134, and add the resized kitty images layer by layer. If my end result is too big, I use Irfanview to resize it, as it's much faster than PSP for entire siggies.

Ok, I am having WAY too much fun creating backgrounds!! Your right! All I needed to do was play around with the effects and that tube brush thing!

Now, if I could only figure out how to bring in one of my kittie cutouts!!!

How cool is that! I made it!!

Originally Posted by Yarra

Do you mean like follow allong carefully along the edge in a small part, then go through the image. Do this a few times and then puzzle pices the seperate pictures back together when the whole image is removed?

Click to expand...

No, I mean if you are using the lasso to seperate the cat from the original background that is in the photo, just remove a small section at a time, don't try to outline the entire cat. For me, the easiest way to remove a background is to first "copy" the orignal image, then create a new document with a transparent background and then "paste" the image on to the transparent background. Then from that point begin removing the background surroung the cat in small sections, until you have nothing but the cat on a transparent background then save the image as a PSD file. Then create a new document at 1100x268 and create your background that you want to put the cat on, that is for siggy's, for a Wallpaper, create a new document at 800x600 and make your background. If it's easier to find a photo of something pretty, you can always use that for your background. Truth be told, it's a lot easier to make a wallpaper than it is a siggy, because of the size you're working with.

I never like to work with small documents. That's why I create my siggy's at double size, then reduce it, once I'm done. It comes out clearer. Also, if it blurs a bit upon downsizing, just sharpen it. with the sharpen filter. However, my suggestion is work on some Wallpapers first, then once you like what you've done, then try making a signature.

Originally Posted by Yarra



How cool is that! I made it!!

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Very cool. I even know you used the Kalidiscope filter to make it. On PSP, to bring in a kitty cut out, Copy and then paste it on to your new background. Since you're working with a small document, you need to downsize the kitty so it will fit. Then copy and paste.

Originally Posted by jcat

I'm not sure if this will help, but I store the kitty images (minus backgrounds) at 600 x 600 pixels (PSP). Then I open a jpg background, resize the background image to 525 - 550 x 134, and add the resized kitty images layer by layer. If my end result is too big, I use Irfanview to resize it, as it's much faster than PSP for entire siggies.

Click to expand...

I think you're making it harder on yourself, by doing it that way. I would just flatten the image, and save it for Web on PSP. It doesn't take any longer, and you can sharpen it, if it blurs, before saving.

Okay, so how do I get my cut outs to glow around the edges with different colors??

I try the edge detailer, but it doesn't have a glow effect. There is a glow affect,but it affects the WHOLE cut out and makes it look like a cartoon.



Also, How did you get my girls eyes so vibrant??