Trouble with psd files

[LSignal]

Whenever I upload and try to use a psd frame, the part of the frame that should be transparent (that my picture should show through) is never transparent. I can't layer it. Either, I shape the picture so it sits on top of the whole thing or I can't use it. I have no problems at all with png files, but I can't figure out psd. I would appreciate any feedback.
Thanks,
Linda

[DGehman]

Linda,
You might have to go through some steps. Many PSD files can be brought into Irfanview, then saved as transparent PNG... but my understanding is weak and I've never found a free PSD file to try for real. If you have one, post a link to it (or post the file here, if the file rights allow you to) and I can try it.

However, Irfanview is free and you can try it without economic issues. It's a tad geeky, and you have to download and install both the program and its plug-ins separately.

It's one of the best cross-file graphics utilities out there:
http:www.irfanview.com

[LSignal]

Dave:

You are always helping me. Thanks.

I have a program called "Picture It." I can save the file as a png, but at that point it doesn't change the properties of the file. I tried to upload the psd to this thread, but it was too big. Here is the blog that I downloaded it from, if that helps. The file is called torn frame. It is about half way down the page.

http://kyliemoore.livejournal.com/

Linda

[kimbob]

Hi Linda-
I went and looked at the download for you and it's in a layered format that is not used in SBM- I know you and Dave know that- the grey layer on top of the "tears" is used to "clip" you photo on- this is usually done in Photoshop or Paintshop pro- or if using a magic wand- in other programmes. You can save the "edges"(minus the grey layer) as a PNG and insert your photo BELOW the PNG file in SBM. Or extend your photo OVER the grey area to have a slight torn edge?
Hope this helps but those are really difficult to use in this programme or get the "same" results if it is converted to a PNG.
I think a magic wand is on the "WISH LIST"- LOL
Hugs
Kim

[Granny]

Linda, here is how you can use the files. I assume that you own PSP or Photoshop. In PSP...

1) Open the file
2) Go to the layers palette and you will see little eyes next to the name of the layers. Click on each eye to turn off the layers.
3) Go back and click on the eye next to the Tear layer. Go to File>Export>PNG Optimiser, and save to a folder of your choice.
4) Click on the eye to hide this layer, and click on the eye next to photo template. Be sure the other layers are turn off.
5) Export this layer the same way you did on step #3.
6) Open SBM and use the background of your choice.
7) Open up the tear png and the photo template, and place any way you want on the page. The tear png should be on top, and be sure to import the photo template as a photo. Then, double click on the photo template, and change it to the photo you want, like you would do with any mask in SBM.

I have the pngs already, but the terms of use do not allow for redistributing. I have to respect that. If you do not have PS or PSP, then, since you downloaded the file yourself, I can give you the pngs, but you would have to send me a pm with your e-mail address so that I can send them to you. I cannot in good conscience post them here.

Sorry gang!

Hope all of this helps.

ST.

[DGehman]

Yes - Irfanview does it. Unfortunately, owing to the PNG file size limit here, I had to resample it to 500 x 750.

[EDIT: file removed, so this paragraph is even more meaningless than it was before]... If you look very closely, you'll see a 2 pixel light gray "inner frame" on this smaller one. That's an artifact of making the file smaller in Irfanview -- what was a smooth transition to full transparency in the original had to be compressed. The full smoothness of the "torn edge" is lost in this process.

The bad news is, to save this image with transparency that works in SBM, you have to use a second, harder-to-use 2nd transparent PNG option in Irfanview, called PNGOUT.

BUT the good news about THAT is that you can use this 2nd option's default settings... so it's only 3 clicks.

I don't know enough about transparent PNG or Picture It to say whether optional settings in Picture It would similarly fix the issue. SBM deliberately keeps the geek out of the equation -- a major benefit in most cases -- but here, in-depth info about SBM's PNG transparency type(s) would be useful.

(More background: Before I tried the 2nd option I tried the usual, easy one. However, when I reduced the file and then saved it with Irfanview's easy 2-click transparent PNG, the resulting file did not have the transparent middle in the scrapbooking software.

(Yet this scrapbook-opaque version DID have transparency in Irfanview and in other bitmap editors I own. A real expert would know why, but I don't have a clue.)

Dave

PS - of course, all of this is just palaver if the attached file [EDIT: which has been removed] turns out to be opaque...

[DGehman]

I have the pngs already, but the terms of use do not allow for redistributing. I have to respect that.

Oops.

Didn't read them. My bad.

Linda - if you don't have PSP or Photoshop, I can supply the step-by-step for Irfanview.

[LSignal]

Thanks everyone for your help.

But...I am, clearly, in over my head on this one. I only have about a week left of vacation. It would take me about a month to figure it out I am going to steer clear of psd files for a while.

Thanks again for always trying to help.

Linda