Problem to work with "Gimp" on some products ...

[krizomel]

I wanted to draw your attention and have your opinion about some products that can't be used with all softwares.

For my part I work with 'The Gimp' that satisfies me (and that is a freeware...). Am I the only one ? Do you all use Photoshop ??

But the problem is that I can't use for exemple 'Photo Clusters by Wild Blueberry Ink' or the free 'template 17 offered by Anita' ... Those products propose tif and psd files that have probably been created in Photoshop ; they consist in different layers but - in photoshop - shadows & frames are 'effects' attached to the layer, and not separate layers. So that when I open the psd file in my software, I just have shape layers, no shadow, no frames. And when I open tif. file, it's just a picture like a jpg file.

Well, it's not very easy for me to explain it in english ;
- I like to know if other people have the same problem ; or if customers have ever complained ?
- I've use befor many psd templates which had separates layers for shadows, frames etc... so that no problem to use them ... it's the very first time I have this problem.

Thank you for answering.

[heathert]

Interesting--I didn't know gimp worked that way. =/ PITA! If I had to make a template with shadows on a different layer, that would increase the file size of the download, because I'd still have to include the shadows as effects for regular PS users. Nothing more boring than having to go and change all your layers one by one if you decide the light should come from a different direction! Have you tried asking the individual designer? They may be willing to send you a version without the frames and shadows as layers...

[Joyce]

Yes, I think someone mentioned this problem before and I know that Sasha (Busy Bee) changed her files (created seperate layers).
It's indeed a seriuous PITA (to use your words, Heather :glis:) - shame :(
I don't use GIMP, never used it before!

[Amson]

When I open these files in PSP, I also do not have shadows. I shadow each layer myself. I don't believe that Photoshop layer effects are viewable in anything but PS and PSE??

Some designers do have shadows on separate layers.

[krizomel]

I understand and don't ask you to change if it's an additional work , but it seems strange to me because as I said I scrap for many years and it's the first time I have this problem. On another forum I asked a friend working with Gimp, who used such templates and seemed not to have the problem, but she answered that she recreates the shadows and the frames by herself ! I think some customers have problems but do not complain or don't understand why they can't use the product. Amson seems to have the problem with PSP ... or you'll have to mention on the products "for Photoshop" ?

[Joyce]

You can always contact the designer(s) in question, Elisabeth!
I am sure that they would be more than willing to help you out, because I'm sure that they want everyone to be able to use their product(s)! :)

[Romy]

I didn't know Gimp works that way but then, I can't pretend to know much about it.
how about actions and styles, Elisabeth?

I prefer to create my own shadows anyway but like you said, there are products where you'd be missing something good.
For example, I love Snapshots and Shadows (frames by Click Photo Lien) where she created beautiful custom shadows as to suggest lifted corners...gives it nice depth.
I think those would suit your style well...

I don't want to sound pushy but if you missing some of the good stuff like working with paths, style etc, have you considered Photoshop Elements? Sometimes, they have great discounts on it...

[tj7933]

That is funny, I have never had that issue in gimp before??? I have used GIMP for more than 1 year, then hubby spoiled me and now I have PSD, and I never had an issue not getting shadows on the shapes??

Maybe GIMP is reading the shape as if the shadow and shape are joined?? Instead of clipping it to the shape as a mask, select the part of the shape with color select tool?? and then clip it that way. Maybe the shadow would remain in that situation??

The only part of GIMP I did not like was I could not use text paths, and I could not use any of the great actions for shadows and other element effects. ALso hubby spoiled me.

GIMP is a pretty awesome software. Outside that, now adays I don't use the built in shadows from templates anyways, since I prefer adding my own for more realistic effects.

TJ

[Sexy__Eyes]

I had a problem using BusyBee's templates because of the shadowing too. I use PSP and for the most part, can open PSD files, except if there is shadowing.

[aichaku]

i use GIMP. i'm hoping to get PS because i experience problems too. it's hard also because i miss out on using beautiful PS actions. i'm sorry i don't have any answers for your question because i've not encountered it before. have you tried asking in the GIMP forums? there might be a plug in available there that will solve your issue. i hope you find a solution. good luck!

[krizomel]

For example, I love Snapshots and Shadows (frames by Click Photo Lien) where she created beautiful custom shadows as to suggest lifted corners...gives it nice depth.
I think those would suit your style well...

I have those LieN's frames and there is no problem with this product ! psd files have separates layers (shape/shadow/backgroung) ; and there are png files (those png are useful for people who use more simple softwares that do not recognize psd files). There is certainly different ways to "fabric" psd files, I don't know if Lien use the same software as Wild Blueberry Ink, or if they proceed differenty to create layers ... but the result is not the same for me ! I repeat what I said before : for 5 years using Gimp, it's the first time I have the problem !

I know I should go on learning Photoshop (I have it !!) but it's different, it need to learn and whooo ... 3 kids, my job, my life ... scrap is a hobby, I'm really tooo lazy to learn something new, I don't have enought time just to scrap ...

I talk about that problem not just for me, I have the chance to be in the CT, I can free use marvellous products ... but I wouldn't like that customers 'd be disapointed buying products they can't use.

[Romy]

I talk about that problem not just for me, I have the chance to be in the CT, I can free use marvellous products ... but I wouldn't like that customers 'd be disapointed buying products they can't use.

that's perfectly valid point and I'm glad you brought it up...it's because designers use mostly Photoshop CS and Illustrator that sometimes they are not aware of those problems
myself, I barely knew about Gimp...but that's limited me!!!:giggle:

[heathert]

Elisabeth, tu me PM le nom des fichiers ou tu as eu un probleme? Je vais aller fouiner... elle vient de commencer ici, alors peut-etre je pourrai l'aider... =)

[krizomel]

http://www.mscraps.com/shop/product.php?productid=2810&cat=0&page=1

I had the same pb with Anita's freebie birthday template 17

[heathert]

Ok--the first thing that I'm seeing is that the frames are really just pieces of color with layer styles (stroke & shadow). So if your program is not recognizing layer styles, it will only give you four rectangles. Do you use .tif, or .psd files, by the way?

[krizomel]

I use .psd files but exactly as you said, my program does not recognize layer styles ; it works only if shadows, frames, etc.. are separate layers, as in LieN frames. And my program seems not to recognize .tif, it treat .tif as .jpg.

[heathert]

Hrm. I'm sorry, I didn't know that gimp couldn't recognize layer styles. Most of my templates have at least the shadows attached... =/ Lien is very nice to include all the extras! =) Guess I'll have to start doing that too...