Template format

[Romy]

I only know Photoshop but I noticed recently that a lot of scrappers use different programs.

I was wondering how many of you can read PSD file with all the layers and shadows and what other template formats would you need for your programs?

[gonewiththewind]

When I make templates, I always include a PSD, a TIF and unshadowed PNGs . . . I've never had a request for more than that . . .

[heathert]

What do you mean by "unshadowed .png's", Cheryl? You include each element separately? Or a quickpage (in which case, why not the shadows)?

[Sexy__Eyes]

I use PSP and can usually open PSD files but they open without the shadows. Once in a blue moon a template will give me a hard time and refuse to open. When that happens, I open it in PS and delete the shadows. They work after that.

[France]

I use CS for PSD templates and I have to say I don't like when shadows are on different layers, I can see the point for a template like the one you posted yesterday Heather, as most people will just clip papers to it, and not play with it as much, but if Busy Bee or QOH's templates had separate layers (for instance), I'd be annoyed :happy113:

Would it be difficult to have a version with layers as styles, and a version with layers as separate (or the TIF separated and the PSD not?)... just wondering as I have no idea how to even start making a template.

My reasonning is that I like playing around with templates, and use different things, but I do enjoy being able to copy the style of a layer with a X on it, for instance, and apply that style to my element, then perhaps play with it a bit if it's not exactly what I want (or not bother!)... and with shadows on different layers, it complicates things (call me Lazy, but I'm juss'sayin' :glis: )

I also sometimes (less and less) use Xara (which is a vector program, whatever that means) and it does not support any styles for PSD, but also if a square has been tilted, or if the template has a circle, it won't recognised it as a tilted shape, unless I redraw it myself, it sees it as a big rectangular shape (i.e. by its border I gather) so I never use Xara for templates. It also never imports styles. that's why I forced myself to learn CS :) So I could play with templates.


I also always wondered why PNGs in template packs... interesting thread.

:flower2:

[fruitysuet]

I use PSE5 and use psd layered files okay. Sometimes I have problems when templates have been created in CS and use 'sets' (I think that's what they are called) as PSE doesn't recognise them.

Personally if a template comes wither either shadows on separate layers I delete them or with shadows as layer styles I clear them. I play around with templates A LOT adding in extra embellishments and papers between the layers. I always add my own shadows working from the bottom up and having existing shadows in there just confuses me (and annoys me if I forget to alter one and don't spot it until after uploaded).

[heathert]

Suzanne, they're actually "folders". Found that one out with my Big Lots templates!! =)

[aichaku]

i use GIMP. and unless i add alot of plug ins (which I don't) some things made for Photoshop don't work for me. and sometimes there isn't even a plug in made for GIMP (eg. GIMP can't use Photoshop actions). i've not explored alot but i usually drop the PSP copy into GIMP and then switch it to the GIMP format. i have not seen any pre-made shadow layers in the templates i've used. so i've not yet got the experience to comment on that with reference to GIMP.

[France]

Suzanne, you have great tips in your post. Thanks.

[mum2gnt]

I want to know why people have png's in their template folders? Surely that opens up for pirates to steal the png's and make their own templates?

[anneofalamo]

I delete the shadows on all the templates. lol! I like my own? The craziness of us scrappers, we all do it "our way"

[France]

I love the way your template is done Romy, thanks for leaving the styles in. :) I'm still learning about shadows and stuff so I do enjoy having them on the templates, I often change them now, but sometimes it's nice to just have them there.

[Whisper Pink]

I have started using my CS5 to do my templates, but I normally scrap in PSP. I don't think I have ever had problems opening a PSD in my PSP (though it does not read the shadowing or style layers)....but I love the clipping option in CS5, and I have to say I tend to copy the shadow layer and add to my other layers...cause I hate and I mean HATE using shadows in CS5. I just don't get them at all...especially when I need to use the warp tool...I hate the warp tool in CS5, I have sooo much more control of my warp tool in PSP, even if it takes longer!!!

[Dady]

Me, I use PhotofiltreStudioX
http://www.photofiltre.com/

that does not support PSD files, so I easily converts to PNG to recover them in my software but I do not use shadows, I like them myself.
I have on my computer PSE6 but I rarely used (except for actions in the photos) I'm too accustomed to my PhotofilteStudio, which looks like (according to the press) in Photoshop.
:flower2:

[Scarlet 357]

Including pngs means that designers can have there stuff taken? Why can't it be taken just as easily in psd or tiff form? I don't want the wonderful template designers that go out their way to make png layers, to suffer because of my need for pngs. I for one need png layers for my layout program to work, because I can't open tiff or psds or abrs, asls either. I am eternally grateful when a designer like Gone With the Wind (luv the name), Scrappin' With Liz, Trixie Scraps, Mye De Leon and several others will willing make png layers for me. I become loyal customers right then and I promote their templates whenever a chance arises. I am so blessed that they will give of themselves just to include me in their customer base.:flower2: I don't need shadows, but if the designer wants to do it they can.

[Romy]

I think designers make the shadows - mostly as styles - because there are some people who don't know how to make them and also because in previews, the elements are easier to distinguish.
They (the designers) know that scrappers usually change the shadows to their liking, I'd say...


Scarlet, what program are you using?

[Scarlet 357]

I think designers make the shadows - mostly as styles - because there are some people who don't know how to make them and also because in previews, the elements are easier to distinguish.
They (the designers) know that scrappers usually change the shadows to their liking, I'd say...


Scarlet, what program are you using?
I use Creative Memories Storybook Creator 3+. I was a consultant for Creative Memories and they dragged me kicking and screaming into digital scrapbooking. lolol Now I wish I had found digital scrapbooking before I redecorated my house with traditional scrapbooking supplies. :giggle: Creative Memories is the traditional and now digital scrapbooking company that brought the Victorian hobby of scrapbooking to the modern age, first the USA in 1987 and internationally in the 1990's. Creative Memories is in the USA, Canada, Mexico, England, France, Germany, AUS, New Zealand, and Japan (poor Japan). For a lot of countries, Creative Memories is the company that brought this modern hobby from the USA to their country and for better or worse, a lot of people use this program, because of the company. Of course, it doesn't hurt that it is so easy to use and it takes very little time to learn to use it. In fact, I put the program into my pc and without seeing the first instruction, I completed my first digital page in 20 mins. There's a free version of the program on C.M.'s website too. So when you lovely ladies talk about offering png layers (without shadows is fine, because the program adds them by a push of a button) or png files for your products vs. not offering the png layers/files, just consider how many people CM has introduced to both kinds of scrapbooking in the world and how many potential customers need png layers/files for templates, clipping masks of every kind, and other products too. One thing that is in designers' favor , despite CM trying to make their program dependant on their products only (probably why we can't open psd, tiff, abr, asl etc..), is that Creative Memories does not offer enough variety in digital products or fast enough to keep the interest or creative needs of their customers occupied for very long. Unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes they make is creating the great need for a wide variety of digi products to compensate for what the program can't do and not fulfilling the need their program creates. Oops..sorry for giving you too much information to your simple question. :giggle:

[heathert]

I'm chasing you from thread to thread, Scarlet... *lol*

So you just use the CM program to clip stuff to the .png shapes, is that it? One of the things about templates is that it's a conscious arrangement of elements on a page, in a certain position; I guess you have to forego that, or just approximate it? If it's just a question of including some squares and rectangles and flower markers, that's not a big deal... I'll go bundle some of the layers for ya... =)

[heathert]

I'm feeling so dumb... Do the .png's all need to be 12x12" so you can get the positioning right? That's going to make a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuge file size, though...

[Romy]

Scarlet, I'm really glad to wrote that!....living in multicultural and multiethnic California, I'm used to and always welcome any reminder of the fact that there is another world(s) beyond my own...:biggrin8:
Now I understand the need for PNGs :winking0071:

[heathert]

Ok, I got it all figured out... =)

Just duplicate each layer (right click in the layers palette, choose duplicate, then use the drop down box to specify "new" document). You get a 12x12 transparent layer, and you can just save it. I was surprised that it didn't actually increase the file size too much!

[gonewiththewind]

Heather ~ we've chatted about this elsewhere (sorry I missed your response in this thread) ~ but I just use an action that converts my PSD file into individual PNGs. It's very quick and easy and the PNGs retain their location in the 12x12 canvas. If you want to download one of my template packs to see what I'm talking about, let me know.

And P.S. Scarlet ~ kind of a fan of your user name as well. :wink2:

[krizomel]

I had open a thread a few weeks ago about the problem I have to deal with some photoshop templates with GIMP : http://www.mscraps.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6701


So for my part I need psd templates with separate shadow layers. PNG are sometimes interesting for frames.

[Scrapporreia]

Whew - I'm glad I'm not a designer. This thread made me head throb! lol but lots of interesting insights and info!