How many of you use PSP?

[EvaK]

I was curious about how many of you use Paint Shop Pro (PSP) for your scrapping? If you do I have a few questions for you.

1. Which version do you use?
2. Do you use scripts? If so what kind?
3. Do you make your own scripts?
4. Do you know how to make special shadows (example: on an acrylic alpha)?

I have been using PSP for many many moons (since PSP6). Before I was a designer I used to write tutorials how how to make stationery for Incredimail using PSP. I also wrote a few "tag" tutorials. I still use PSPXI, but most of my designing is now done in PSCS3.

For those of you that use PSP do you have any good links for tutorials geared toward digi scrappers? I know that SBB (Scrapbook-Bytes) has quite a few. I am looking for a well written tutorial on how to add shadows to acrylic alphas and elements. I would like one that would work in PSP8 and up. I could write it myself, but if there is a well written one already available there is no need.

Why do I need it? I have a kit coming out tomorrow that has an icy acrylic alpha in it and was thinking that I should include links to tutorials on how to do the shadowing. Wait until you see this alpha!! I am in :wub: LOVE with it (and so is my CT... but they always say stuff like that). LOL

Thanks for the input. :)

Hugs,
Eva

[[michele]]

1. Which version do you use?
2. Do you use scripts? If so what kind?
3. Do you make your own scripts?
4. Do you know how to make special shadows (example: on an acrylic alpha)?


1. I have PSPX.
2. I have a few Tracy Murphy scripts for dropshadows, and a few Sheilsoft scripts for photos.
3. I have NO clue how to make my own scripts.
4. I have NO clue how to make special shadows. I can barely do regular dropshadows!

The only time I get jealous is when I see text on a path templates or all the photo actions available for Photoshop users.

:) Michele

[Jennilyn]

I uses PSPX and rarely use scripts. I have made some to trim the empty space around elements to save space and one to individualize alphas. I've only done shadows a few times on acrylics and I'm sure the way I did it isn't the "right" way.

[nikkiARNGwife]

Me :)

I've used PSP forever..I tried switching to PSE at one point but my brain only works in PSP now..I love it actually :)

1. Which version do you use? PSPX2

2. Do you use scripts? If so what kind? I have all of Traci Murphy's drop shadow scripts that I still use sometimes but usually tweak them to how I like them. I also have Michelle Pearson's photo scripts that I use quite a bit too. Unfortunately there's not a lot of scripts out there.

3. Do you make your own scripts? No

4. Do you know how to make special shadows (example: on an acrylic alpha)? What I do is to set my shadow on a separate layer then use the magic wand tool - select the shadow - modify -invert - expand (usally about 25) then I invert again and delete the inside of the shadow just leaving the edges shadowed..did that make sense lol

I don't really have any tutorial links...I started with PSP9 way back when and I'm solely self taught with PSP..there's probably still lots that I could learn and probably things I do the "hard way" just b/c that's how I figured it out lol

[sannajeannine]

I use PSP X2
I used to use scripts when I used to make incredimail stationary, but not so much with digi scrapping. Although if I could find some good ones that I could relate to scrapping I would use them....hint hint, Eva :)
A long time ago I had a link to a tutorial for making shadows for clear elements, but had a computer crash between then and now and lost the link. I have searched for it many times but always come up empty :(
I will admit that I get very jealous of all the actions out there that can't be used with PSP, lol!!

[Mamasita]

I use PSP

1. Which version do you use? PSP XI
2. Do you use scripts? If so what kind? I have before, but hardly ever use them
3. Do you make your own scripts? No
4. Do you know how to make special shadows (example: on an acrylic alpha)? Sure do!

It depends on the acrylics on which settings I use to make it look good. Some acrylics are different than others. If you want, you can send me a letter out of your alpha and I can write a tutorial for you this evening.

[jessica31876]

I use PSP XI but no I do not use scripts. Never really tried to. Im not the best at shadows but I dont often use acrylic so I have not had much experience with shadowing it

[Nonna2Dreja]

1. Which version do you use? PSP9
2. Do you use scripts? I have once or twice
If so what kind? Stamp Script for making a "Stamp border" around an image
3. Do you make your own scripts? No, wish I could though
4. Do you know how to make special shadows (example: on an acrylic alpha)?
No:o

***I agree that I also get jealous when I see the Text on a Path Templates and Photo Actions that I can't purchase to use....***

[EvaK]

Thanks for all of the quick replies! I bet there are a lot more PSP users here at SSD.

If you were looking for a photo enhancing action what type would you be interested in? Some ideas: turning a photo b&w, color boost/pop, soft glow, turning a photo to a sepia tone, etc. I would love to hear what you would be interested in using. I can easily write scripts (for personal use of course), but I am unsure if there is a market for them.

I use scripts all the time. It saves soooo much time. I use them mostly for routine things like duplicating and resizing a layout (or preview in my case) for uploading into galleries. Just one or two clicks and you have a new image exported using the jpeg optimizer saved at 72dpi for web purposes. I also script my shadows sometimes if I am using a specific shadow for a layout. That way if I don't finish my layout I can come back later and use my script to use the same exact settings. Scripts are so useful.

Oh... and you can do text on path in PSP. It needs to be a vector object (like a vector circle). Then activate your text tool and hover over the edge of the circle and you will see the icon change (showing a text icon with a curve). Then you just start typing and your text goes around in a circle. You can use any preset shape you have (heart, arrow, star, etc.). Text on vector shapes usually works best on shapes that don't have too many angles (like a star), but it can be done.

Hugs,
Eva

[EvaK]

If you want, you can send me a letter out of your alpha and I can write a tutorial for you this evening.

Thanks so much for your offer. I really appreciate it. I think I am going to go ahead and write a tutorial myself for it. I am kinda excited about it now. I used to love writing tutorials. I wrote hundreds of them. I will work on it today and when I finish it I will post it on my blog (or on my website).

Hugs,
Eva

[jessica31876]

what I want to see is something to enable us using PSP to make realistic looking glitter. Im not sure if there already is but the glitter I have seen for PSP doesnt look as good as photoshop's

[mpatry]

I use PSP8, but I don't use any scripts and I just play around with the shadow settings on my own. Sorry I'm of no help.

[ShortCake]

1. Which version do you use? PSPX
2. Do you use scripts? If so what kind? No, don't know how.
3. Do you make your own scripts? Ha...umm, no.
4. Do you know how to make special shadows (example: on an acrylic alpha)? No.

[Jennilyn]

I used to use scripts when I used to make incredimail stationary, but not so much with digi scrapping.

I used to make stationary for IncrediMail too! I used to go by JLLdesigns. My site with some stats on it is actually still up and running although I haven't updated in forever.

[AmyM]

1. Which version do you use? I have XI, got it when I started digi. I just haven't seen enough in the new version to justify spending on the upgrade. Not yet.
2. Do you use scripts? If so what kind? I have some of Michelle Pearson's photo scripts, Michelline Martin's and some others for photos that were online freebies. It's really hard to find scripts for PSP.
3. Do you make your own scripts? No but I wish I could. I have no idea how to do it.
4. Do you know how to make special shadows (example: on an acrylic alpha)? Nope. Acrylic is difficult so usually I just leave it with no shadow but I have tried an outer glow before and that works - it just takes forever to get the settings right.



For those of you that use PSP do you have any good links for tutorials geared toward digi scrappers? I know that SBB (Scrapbook-Bytes) has quite a few. I am looking for a well written tutorial on how to add shadows to acrylic alphas and elements.
I'd love to see a tutorial on how to shadow acrylic.
I've always wanted text on a path too. I've seen a tutorial online before but I really didn't "get it" or knowing me just got frustrated and didn't try long enough to figure it out LOL. Text paths for dummies in psp would be so awesome!

[Nonna2Dreja]

Thanks for all of the quick replies! I bet there are a lot more PSP users here at SSD.

If you were looking for a photo enhancing action what type would you be interested in? Some ideas: turning a photo b&w, color boost/pop, soft glow, turning a photo to a sepia tone, etc. I would love to hear what you would be interested in using. I can easily write scripts (for personal use of course), but I am unsure if there is a market for them.

I would be interested in all of the photo enhancing actions that you mentioned....:thumbup:
Sheila

[Stacey42]

1. Which version do you use? PSPX2

2. Do you use scripts? If so what kind? I have a few by jane Bradbury that do different types of photo framing & making stickers out of other elements. Mostly I used my own

3. Do you make your own scripts? yes, for anything I tend to do repeatedly like save resized for web, certain shadowing, or cropping.

4. Do you know how to make special shadows (example: on an acrylic alpha)? Yes i do. I think I found that tutorial at digital scrapbook place

[stayawake]

I use PSP XI and LOVE it. WE have CS3 (my husband uses it for work) But I've only touched it once or twice... I know, I really should learn, but I can do everything I want to do on PSP. I don't use scripts, but mostly because I enjoy shadowing myself. I don't really know a great technique for shadowing acrylic with PSP though, so I'd love to see a link!

[jolenekwhite]

1. Which version do you use? PSPX

2. Do you use scripts? If so what kind? NO

3. Do you make your own scripts? NO, I have no clue how to but would love to learn.

4. Do you know how to make special shadows (example: on an acrylic alpha)? No, but again I would love to learn.

I would be so happy to be able to do any of the photo enhancements that you mentioned especially, the color boost/pop! Looking forward to seeing your tutorial soon. THANKS!

[mrichar383]

1. Which version do you use? PSP 7, X, and XI
2. Do you use scripts? If so what kind? Occasionally, I have a couple of different glitter scripts.
3. Do you make your own scripts? No
4. Do you know how to make special shadows (example: on an acrylic alpha)? No

[Lukasmummy]

I don't use psp but there are a lot more resources out there for psp than some people are aware of. I know Heather Manning has some scripts in her store, this (http://www.digishoptalk.com/products/search.php?searchid=25561) might help some of you. Hugs Crystal xx

[switchwiz]

1. Which version do you use? PSPX2
2. Do you use scripts? yes If so what kind? some purchased, some I made, I mostly use a couple I made
3. Do you make your own scripts? yes, I made one to copy a layout, resize it for the web and then stop at the save screen--also created one to copy, paste as new layer and close a file--I use this alot with alphas--Not sure I could handle anything more complicated though
4. Do you know how to make special shadows (example: on an acrylic alpha)? I was using the same method as nikkiARNGwife on acrylic--add the drop shadow on a new layer, select the element layer, select, invert then delete that selection from the shadow layer....I did read yours on your blog and I really liked the look of what you did so I'll probably adopt that method now. Would love more tutorials for all kinds of realistic drop shadows....I have a really hard time when I want to make a corner or flower petal looked curled--I try and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.

I would love more tutorials and scripts.....I have purchased some scripts but most of the time I can't get them to work. I have a Jen Caputo folded corner script that works well but now with templates so easy to use, I don't use it much. Also would love tutorials on how use the burn and dodge tools to make things look more realistic and rounded. I know Misty has one on her website for PS, but I can't seem to get mine to look right for some reason, so it maybe in the way I translate between the 2 programs (or just me)!!!

[ZaCola3]

I use it!

1. Which version do you use?
PSPX2
2. Do you use scripts? If so what kind?
Yes, I use scripts. I have photo action scripts and also drop shadow scripts.
3. Do you make your own scripts?
I have written my own for shadows.
4. Do you know how to make special shadows (example: on an acrylic alpha)?
I use tutorials I have found for PS and tried to modify them to PSP....

[nikkiARNGwife]

I would REALLY love to see some realistic drop shadow tutorials..like lifted corners and stuff...I cannot get mine to look the way I want ever. :)

[LenaGardner]

I use PSPX2. Like Nikki, I started way back when...but even longer ago, when PSP8 was the newest version LOL! I've used 8, 10 and 12. I've skipped the odd numbers for no particular reason LOL.

I have PSCS2, I used to use it for certain aspects of designing when I was a designer, but I have not and could never scrap in it. I love PSP too much. And it's too ingrained in me.

I don't use scripts, I don't write scripts, but I'd be interested in a script that copies, pastes as a new layer and closes a file, like Marcia mentioned.

I do my own drop shadows, I, like Shannon, modified a tutorial that was written for PS (I use Divian's method).

I don't do my acrylic drop shadows like the other girls mentioned, but I do have a method. It's probably too confusing to share though. I don't use acrylic a ton though.

I used to use Optiverk labs stuff but when I switched to Vista and it wasn't compatible (i hear it is now but I don't need it anymore) I learned how to edit and enhance all of my photos by hand. I'm not sure I'd be interested in running an action at this point because it's such a labor of love to edit and enhance my photos step by step. I wouldn't mind a vignetting script similar to the effect you can get with Lightroom.

I don't know how to do a lot in PSP which is funny considering I've been using it for so many years...I've never used scripts, masks, etc. I've just never needed to.

I would love to see more PSP resources though :)

[amystoffel]

I love that alpha...but I use PS7 wish I could help!

[EvaK]

I have posted a tutorial on my blog on how to add drop shadows to acrylic elements/alphas on my blog. Check it out if you are interested.

http://evakdesigns.typepad.com/digi/

[lovely1m]

1. Which version do you use? PSP X2
2. Do you use scripts? If so what kind? Yes, I use photo scripts from Heather Manning a lot and I have one for making envolpes from Cassel
3. Do you make your own scripts? I wrote one
4. Do you know how to make special shadows (example: on an acrylic alpha)? No, but I would love to know that!

I use SBB tutorials sometimes, but they haven't been updated much for a while there.