Hi ladies!
I recently switched from DIP to PSE5 and I figured I would use and make a few templates so that I could create a few layouts and use them as a learning tool for the program. However, I cannot seem to create a psd template that is anything like the ones I have purchased. Specifically, I have not figured out how to create the checkerboard transparent layers. I'm sure there is a tutorial or advice in another thread, but I have not been able to find it. If someone could point one out to me so I can figure out how to make a template from start to finish I would appreciate it.

Also I purchased a template that contains a few layered png files. I can put them together, but I have not figured out how to crop each photo or paper to fit into the spaces on the bottom layer. A second layer with grid lines goes on top of the photos. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.

I'm excited to use all the actions and filters that I couldn't in DIP, but I seem to be at that very early frustrating stage where I already know how to do the things I want in one program and can't duplicate the effects in another.

Thanks in advance!!!
Janelle

When creating a new document, select "transparent background". This gives you the checkerboard.

I have PSE4, but it should be the same for working with templates. For using the shapes, place your photo or paper layer above the PNG shape in the layers palette. With the photo/paper layer selected, go CTRL+G to group them together. You can still move the photo/paper around, but it will only show up in the area of the PNG.

Good luck, and let us know how you make out.

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Colleen in Friendly Manitoba...
Proudly selling digital designs at SBB
(Come take a peek at my Gallery or check my BLOG to see what I'm up to)

I usually make layered templates from any sketch that I work from so I can reuse it later. The process goes pretty fast. Just make sure to put each separate part of the template on its own layer. The tutorial section has a tutorial on using layered templates in PSE 3 that might help you develop your own template and possibly help with the PNG files. Did your PNG template set come with instructions? Sometimes the designer includes instructions for using the PSD template and the PNG format for templates.

If you do the Cntrl-G thing, does it automatically resize the top layer (say, paper) to fit the shape, or just only show the portion of the paper that falls within that shape? I tried the cntrl-G thing on something last night and it just didn't work how I expected, but who knows, maybe I hit the wrong letter! ;-)

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~Heather W~

Randomness - my blog

Reason I am switching to digital scrapbooking #1: Don't have to clear off my desk to do it!

You have to resize the paper. element or photo to fit, but at least it gives you the freedom to do so. Once you use this trick a couple of times, it gets easier, and you may find yourself using it more and more in creating layouts.

Keep in mind that you are still able to move around that layer, so if something doesn't show up, or needs to be rotated, you can still do it.

__________________
Colleen in Friendly Manitoba...
Proudly selling digital designs at SBB
(Come take a peek at my Gallery or check my BLOG to see what I'm up to)