PSP Help

[Amy Eileen]

HI! Who here uses PSP? Stacey does. Fran, you do right? Anyone else? I would hate to annoy the same person over and over and over and over and over again with my silly questions. (Thanks Stacey!:)) I have installed PSP X2 on my laptop and am dedicated to learning how to use it. I have created 6 pages in it so far and everyone has had me pulling out my hair. I have a few quick questions of anyone is able to answer them for me.

The TYPE TOOL! Seriously, I can only make it type in a straight line and nothing else. How do I make paragraphs? Sounds easy but I cant figure it out. It will probably something stupid I am missing.

STROKE, how do you do it? All I want is a simple stroke on my photos. I actually opened my file in PS, put a stroke on it, saved it and went back to PSP. :o

ClIPPING MASKS, surely you can do this in PSP. I am ADDICTED to my clipping mask in PS. I need this. I just simply need it.

SO annoyed with the fact that I cant drag and drop. Whats up with that???? :mad:

In PS I can CTRL Click on a layer in the palette to Select it, is there a way I can do this in PSP? To get the marching ants so I can delete/erase, etc.?

I think thats enough for now.. LOL Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I just feel horrible that I have the program and never learned how to use it. THANKS! :D

[Sandersmr]

Oh - you are using your version now? Guess I had better delete mine then :D :D :D

As far as paragraphs - the only thing I can intelligently talk about without playing with PSP for a while since I don't use it much anymore - you have to add your line breaks manually where you want them by clicking in the text where you want it, then hitting ENTER. Some people will actually type their text in Typepad or Word then cutting and pasting.

What I like about the PSP text functions over PS is the ability to tightly control leading and kerning to work your text around shapes or for full justification. It takes some work and is all done manually, but you have more control than with PS.

Stroke - you can select your object, then expand the selection and fill with color - only thing wrong with this is the corners are rounded due to the expansion.

Clipping masks - unavailable in PSP - one great thing I discovered in PS. You have to select the object and "cut out" the shape in the layer desired.

Drag and drop is not used in PSP - but you can use Ctrl-C, Ctrl-L (not Ctrl-V), then move it into place... not quite as smooth as PS, but doable and pretty soon it's second nature. In fact, when I'm in PS I tend to open Levels menu by mistake a lot after using PSP :D

PSP has some great features that aren't available in PS, especially with quick photo fixes and text manipulation, but it does have shortfalls - what do you expect for less than $100 :D :D :D And I think it actually is easier to use than PSE, which is about the same price.

[Sandersmr]

Oh - and shadows in PSP, it's easy to put it on it's own layer to manipulate - great when you are doing drop shadows on acrylic or lace.

[Frani_54]

LOL Amy, I have the reverse frustration about CS....I too go back and forth....extractions love the initial part in CS, but like doing the cleanup in PSP

If you want to do text on a curve, use your preshape tool to make the shape, then use your text tool to journal on it.

Slipping Masks - to create masks in PSP, use your create mask function....

Drag and drop - I use copy and then paste to new layer.

[Pam]

I've used PSP since v.2 (back in early to mid 1990's) - it has "grown up" since its early days as a simple graphic editor. One of the things I suggest is creating your own workspace and saving it. You can open "customize" (under "View") and drag tools that you use often onto toolbars down the side, across the top or bottom - you can create new toolbars and then add the tools you most often use (so you aren't always having to go up to the menu to find and click.

I use selections a LOT - like a clipping mask in that you can create a selection (a shape or from an element or text), then save that selection to the alpha channel. As long as the document is open, that selection can be loaded into any document. (Say I saved a star shape - I can load selection from alpha in another document - a photo or a background - then copy it and paste it into the layout I'm creating.) Clear as mud until you do it a few times - there's a lot of good tutorials on using selections, I'll look some up and send links. There's also a LOT of help within PSP's help menu!! And at Corel - there are tutorials.

I took LVS courses for PSP and Corel Painter - I'll review my files.

[Whisper Pink]

I have PSP X2 and have used it since PSP 7. I also have the same problem with CS2, I alsways convert back to my PSP, I love the touch that I have in PSP for blending, and can't seem to get in in CS2, I have to admit I do love some stuff that CS2 has and I really wish that PSP had them too!!! but overall I always use my PSP. Not that that helps you all that much with your questions :D

[Whisper Pink]

I have PSP X2 and have used it since PSP 7. I also have the same problem with CS2, I alsways convert back to my PSP, I love the touch that I have in PSP for blending, and can't seem to get in in CS2, I have to admit I do love some stuff that CS2 has and I really wish that PSP had them too!!! but overall I always use my PSP. Not that that helps you all that much with your questions :D I am horrible on how to write how I do something, but you can catch me on Yahoo, I could probably help you :D

[Debb Cozzi]

I have PSPX as well as PSCS2 and I STILL switch back and forth between the two. There are a couple of things that I just love about PSP....for instance-not having to hit "enter" every time your resize something AND being able to use your move tool by just pointing it at the element you want to move without having to find the dumb thing on the layers palette;) :p !!

Stacey has told me that Pam was the one who really helped her learn her way around the program....aren't we lucky to have her?!!!! :D :D :D :D

[Whisper Pink]

AND being able to use your move tool by just pointing it at the element you want to move without having to find the dumb thing on the layers palette;) :p !!

Stacey has told me that Pam was the one who really helped her learn her way around the program....aren't we lucky to have her?!!!! :D :D :D :D

I think there is a setting in CS2 that you can set that your mouse will pic up the layer you want...but I honestly can't tell you where it is, cause I think mine is set up that way...now I have to open the program to see if it is...hang on....yep my CS2 is set up that I can change layers with my mouse, hmmmm, wonder how I did that, let me try to figure it out and then I will share :D That was a biggy for me LOL!!! I wish I could drag into my PSP like in CS2. I use to be able to a different way when I was using PSPX but I only used it on alphas cause it took up too much room on my screen to do it the way you have to do it, and it doesn't work in PSP X2 that I have found.

[Debb Cozzi]

Oh, that would be wonderful!! There is a way that you can drag elements onto your layout with PSP but you have to access the files by using the program browser palette. Click on the "File Cabinet" in your menu file and then use the drop-down menu bar to navigate to the file that contains the element that you want to add. Once that file is open in the palette you can click on the element and drag it into your layout. The previews in this palette are small and navigating through the files tends to be slow but that could just be my computer. I use the browser mostly when I'm working with an alpha; it is MUCH quicker than opening each file and copying and pasting.

[Sandersmr]

It's still faster for me to copy and paste because the browser brings everything to a grinding halt for me - especially when I'm scrapping at 300 ppi.

What I do is get all my alpha components on the page, then go back and place them. I tend to do that anyway with all my elements in PSP - just get them on the page, then place them.

[Amy Eileen]

Oh thank you for all your help! :D:D:D:D I am going to read through this thread and take notes later. I am so glad to have friends like you guys!! :D:D

[Amy Eileen]

Oh, that would be wonderful!! There is a way that you can drag elements onto your layout with PSP but you have to access the files by using the program browser palette. Click on the "File Cabinet" in your menu file and then use the drop-down menu bar to navigate to the file that contains the element that you want to add. Once that file is open in the palette you can click on the element and drag it into your layout. The previews in this palette are small and navigating through the files tends to be slow but that could just be my computer. I use the browser mostly when I'm working with an alpha; it is MUCH quicker than opening each file and copying and pasting.

In PS there is a little check mark box at the top left where you can choose to `pick`the active layer or the any layer you click on.

[Amy Eileen]

It's still faster for me to copy and paste because the browser brings everything to a grinding halt for me - especially when I'm scrapping at 300 ppi.

What I do is get all my alpha components on the page, then go back and place them. I tend to do that anyway with all my elements in PSP - just get them on the page, then place them.

I open all of the files I want in PS and then use the AV Brothers script to put them all into one document. :D Saves SO MUCH TIME!

[Debb Cozzi]

In PS there is a little check mark box at the top left where you can choose to `pick`the active layer or the any layer you click on.

You have NO IDEA how much easier you just made my life sis!!!! ;) :D :D It is the little things in life that make the difference!! ;) :p :D :D :D

[Whisper Pink]

Oh, that would be wonderful!! There is a way that you can drag elements onto your layout with PSP but you have to access the files by using the program browser palette. Click on the "File Cabinet" in your menu file and then use the drop-down menu bar to navigate to the file that contains the element that you want to add. Once that file is open in the palette you can click on the element and drag it into your layout. The previews in this palette are small and navigating through the files tends to be slow but that could just be my computer. I use the browser mostly when I'm working with an alpha; it is MUCH quicker than opening each file and copying and pasting.

Yeah I could do that in PSPX but I can't seem to do it in PSP X2...don't know why it won't drag into the LO it will only drag them into the program vs X it would drag straight into the LO. and yeah that is how I always did alpha's once I decided which one I wanted to use, much easier and faster than all that copy and past, but I also find that the images are too small for my olde eyes!!! Maybe I should try it again, maybe I was having one of my blonde moments...it sure would be easier!!!

[Amson]

Just saw this thread. I am also a PSP user and have just upgraded to X2 from X. I have also found some things in this version frustrating. I clip masks to images in X without a problem but when I try to do so in X2 the mask resizes to the page which warps it way out of shape. So now I am placing the mask onto a blank page and then clipping.

[Whisper Pink]

Just saw this thread. I am also a PSP user and have just upgraded to X2 from X. I have also found some things in this version frustrating. I clip masks to images in X without a problem but when I try to do so in X2 the mask resizes to the page which warps it way out of shape. So now I am placing the mask onto a blank page and then clipping.

I don't have the problem other than that I end up resizing to the size I need it to be...wonder if it is a setting in your program causing that??? It doesn't warp them at all...maybe I can give you my settings on my puter...I am whisper4pink at yahoo I can send you a screen shot if you want :D

[Pam]

Click on the "File Cabinet" in your menu file and then use the drop-down menu bar to navigate to the file that contains the element that you want to add.

Thanks, Debb! I so dislike the Browser since Corel took over from JASC that I hadn't even opened it much - didn't know I could drag from it. With the old, OLD versions, the browser was almost separate - I could use it to browse files on my computer and click them to open in PSP - but the browser didn't take over and cover up my layout. I guess I'll re-research it.

[Amy Eileen]

I still havent figured stuff out. May be I am so focused on PS that I cant learn something new?! lol I just used my Magic Wand and shape tool.... I think I am going to be forever a PS girl.

[Pam]

LOL - it is a lot what you are comfortable with. Tutorials are a good way to get to know the features and I know Corel has several on their site. I guess I feel just as intimidated in PS (I still have v.7) -- and with the price of Photoshop, I can own a new computer and the newest PSP and extra memory for my computer. It is nice to have each to take advantage of their specialties.

[Pam]

Here's a link to Corel Tutorials (http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Corel3/Section/Display&sid=1047024315119&gid=1047024331836&cid=1047024353448) (there's a navigation bar to the left).

Also - newer link at Corel (http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/ca/en/Content/1192639386269)
I just "poked around" their site and this is newer but there's still a lot of information at the older one too.

[Amy Eileen]

Thank You! :d

[Amy Eileen]

In PS when I want to write a paragraph, it allows me to create my rectangle and then the type will fill that as I go. Can I do this in PSP? All I can do is create a single line, unless I keep hitting Enter. Please tell me that there is a better way.

[Sandersmr]

You can type you text in Word and then cut and paste it into PSP. Otherwise, no you have to add line breaks manually. Believe it or not, this gives you more flexibility on how you format your text.

[Amy Eileen]

But its so annoying!! :mad: Awww well, patience is a virtue, right? ;)

[Whisper Pink]

In PS when I want to write a paragraph, it allows me to create my rectangle and then the type will fill that as I go. Can I do this in PSP? All I can do is create a single line, unless I keep hitting Enter. Please tell me that there is a better way.

Text is one of the things I hate in PSP for a few reasons...one is it bogs down my puter sooo bad (biggest one) it will also crash my puter if I hit enter and have to go back to do adjustments...I have to save alot and hope I don't crash before saving!!! I will usually do it in a few different entries when doing alot of journaling. and sometimes I will dup my text and then convert one of the layers to raster. just so I at least have everything I journaled, if I don't have it in a word doc. I find that copy and pasting from a word doc is harder for me and it actually crashes more often. Maybe I am not doing it right ??? but alot of times I figure out what I am gonna write in a word doc and then type it into PSP. as far as doing what is it called where both sides are even...Stacey taught me about that...you use the kerning...PS has PSP in my opinion beat on this by far...this is one of the reasons I like PS is for text!!! OH and doing text on a path eek....well it isn't that bad I guess, it's more when I go and save it...that is when I defineately dup my text layer and raster it so that I don't loose the path in the saving mode and save save save!!! LOL!!!

[Whisper Pink]

You know this is an awesome thread!!! and I was wondering what you all think about putting it in the members area...it has some great tips on programs!!!

[Amy Eileen]

We should. :) I might do just that.

[Sandersmr]

Chris - I find PSP's kerning capabilities far superior to PS's. Maybe I'm doing something wrong in PS. But I seem to have more control when I'm typing around shapes in PSP. Of course, if I change font or font size, then I say dirty words.

[Amy Eileen]

Chris - I find PSP's kerning capabilities far superior to PS's. Maybe I'm doing something wrong in PS. But I seem to have more control when I'm typing around shapes in PSP. Of course, if I change font or font size, then I say dirty words.

Yeah, me too. Every now and then I will hear Connor say, Bad word Mommy. lol So I try to say Sugar instead. Amazing how kids are listening, even when you think they are asleep!!

[Pam]

If you type PSP text as vector, you can go back and edit it (if you save the layout as a PSPIMAGE), otherwise you have to delete the layer that the text is on and redo it. I usually do my text on a new layer. If I want justified text, I create in Digital Image Pro, save as a PNG file and open it in PSP to add to my layout (resizing - or recreating until I get it right). I just ordered X2 - don't know if there's a fix yet.

But! If you use the pen tool (which is Vector) and draw horizontal lines across your page (or area) - then change to the text tool and hover over the first line until you see the curve under the A that "means" you'll be typing on a path - your text will stop at the end of the first line and continue on the next - for as long as your text is and until you run out of lines that you created. I can create an example (will post it tomorrow).

[Whisper Pink]

I just ordered X2 - don't know if there's a fix yet.

Pam I haven't noticed a difference with text in PSP X2...I still have the same problems with it. I do save all my LO's without flattening them as a PSPIMAGE, I guess is how it would be saved...and then I save as a flatten full and a websize...yep I use alot of harddrive....thus all my externals...LOL!!!

I will say that with the upgrade on my puters PSP runs better than it did on my older puters, I remember when I first started working with 300dpi, I would pull my hair out and say those dirty words!!! I still say dirty words :o with the text part, especially when it crashes...and yeah I do like the kerning, Maggie, on PSP...just not when it crashes from it...that is the part I don't like on PSP....more that it crashes usually when I am working with text. I am even doing much better with the leading on it...but when I have a lot of journaling or if I am doing alot of overlay text layers (say for wordart)...it just seems to crash on me all the time, and it is frustrating when I was almost finished and had forgotten to save. But that would be my fault, cause I know I should save save save!!!!

But one of my favorite things about PSP is the blending and brushes for blending!!! I have sooo much more control in PSP than CS...I am not sure what the difference is, but I find that no matter what I do in CS my brush blending and blending doesn't come out as nice as it does in PSP...and for that I will never I doubt give up on my PSP!!!

[Amy Eileen]

Thanks for that idea about the lines Pam! I am going to try that!

[Amy Eileen]

I am moving this thread like Chris suggested so that everyone can learn these tips and may be share some of their own. :D

[Amy Eileen]

I found a thread about it....

http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=195411