Help!? My transparent png's aren't transparent!

[VillageJen]

You all are so talented and experienced and I am in waay over my head. Kindly take pity on a total newbie and a dinosaur at that. I'm using Paint Shop Pro 5, which I believe was released in 1895.

When I see a preview of each png element it is definitely transparent but when I open it, it is surrounded by a multi-colored background. I took a screen shot to show you what I mean...



Is there anybody who remembers Paint Shop Pro 5 who might be able to tell me how to handle this? Thanks so much!!

[Julie Billingsley]

hello and welcome to the Sweet Shoppe!

So, when you actually open the item in PSP, does it still have the background? I'm just wondering if the preview info is what truly shows up? In other programs, even the most recent edition of Photoshop, sometimes the preview will be wonky but the item itself is fine. Let us know and I'll see if I can help further.

[VillageJen]

Thank you, Julie. It's even when I open the element. Here's another screen shot...



I'm just so frustrated. PSP used to work okay for my needs but now I am behind the creative curve. I want to put together a photo album for my little guy's carnival birthday but it's just not working right.

Do you think I should try a different program, like PhotoShop? Or at least upgrade to Paint Shop Pro, version ?not5?

[Nettio]

I've never used Print Shop Pro so I'm just guessing, but is it possible the version you have is so old it doesn't support transparent PNGs? I know it's a newer file format so it's possible it might not if it's old enough.

Maybe someone else with more PSP experience can jump in here but in the meantime it might be worth downloading a trial version of a newer version of PSP or Photoshop Elements to see if it works.

[Julie Billingsley]

if you are interested in switching to a Photoshop or Photoshop Elements program, check if you already have it. A lot of digital cameras come with Photoshop Elements (also called PSE) and even if it's not the newest version, it will get you by. A lot of scrappers use Photoshop Elements and it's a great program. Photoshop is the more 'professional' version of Photoshop Elements, and it's a lot more expensive. It's more program than a lot of people need, but you'll have to decide that for yourself. PSE 9 is about $80 on amazon.com. Be sure your computer can run the program before buying- that is super important!

As for how to solve the .png issue within PSP 5, I thought I could help because I have that program, but I can't get it to install on my computer. Looking at the box, PSP 5 is for Windows 95/98 and my PC won't install it.

Hopefully someone else will come along and have experience in this. Sorry I can't help more!

[VillageJen]

Thank you, ladies!

I had a feeling that my problems stem from trying to do digital work on a typewriter. One of these days I'll even quit washing my clothes by pounding them with a rock down by the river!

Looking at the box, PSP 5 is for Windows 95/98 and my PC won't install it.

Good heavens, in 1995 I had one child and he was one year old. Now he's in college and I have six children. It is definitely time to get a new photo editing program!

Thank you for the suggestions. I'm going to look into PhotoShop Elements. Maybe it will last me the next couple of decades.

[Julie Billingsley]

Originally Posted by VillageJen

I had a feeling that my problems stem from trying to do digital work on a typewriter. One of these days I'll even quit washing my clothes by pounding them with a rock down by the river!

LOL! You MUST stay around here, I just love your sense of humor!