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QUESTION: Hi, I'm using the Easy Page Pro Album: 12x12 Vintage Scrapbook album. On page 2, there is one large frame opening with several smaller overlapping frame openings. When I try to do a clipping mask what stays visible is the part of the picture OUTSIDE the frame and inside the frame just the transparent background shows. What am I doing wrong? I'm using PSE 8 on a Mac. I'm getting so frustrated.
ANSWER: I think this is what I'd do (if I'd already purchased that beautiful kit)...
- Create a neutral (gray) layer below the frame.
- Select the frame layer on the Layers Palette list.
- Using your Magic Wand Tool, select the space INSIDE the first frame of interest.
- Expand the selection slightly (Select> Modify> Expand) so there are not tiny gaps at the edge of the frame. 3-5 pixels may be good enough - you'll have to evaluate that.
- Invert the selection by clicking Ctrl+Shift+I.
- Now select the GRAY layer, and press Delete to remove everything outside of the selected frame area.
- Press Ctrl+D to remove the selection indicator (marching ants.)
- Now you have a clipping mask for the photo that goes there.
Create gray layers for each of the frame openings and repeat. You should be all set - hope this helps!
RESPONSE: Barbara, thanks for sharing your wide knowledge once again!
ANSWER: Have you tried placing the photos on a layer under the Easy Page? You should be able to move them around and adjust the size close enough.
ANSWER: Okay, I think I figured out a fix. I used the Eraser Tool to erase the parts of the photos that were flopping over into other frames. Boy, do I have a lot to learn; I'm new to all of this! Thank you, guys, for taking the time to help me. You're the best!
ANSWER: Nancy, erasing will work for now, but you won't always want to erase the unused parts. I'm sorry I didn't fully explain how to do the clipping mask after creating the layers I described above.
Move the photo layer below the Easy Page and just above the mask of interest in the Layers Palette. Move the photo around on your layout until it's roughly over the mask/frame slot you want to use. It may help to turn off Visibility of the Easy Page for a moment by clicking the eye symbol next to the Easy Page layer in the Layers Palette.
Click the photo layer in the Layers Palette and then type Ctrl+G. This "clips" the photo to the shapes you made before. You can still resize, rotate, slide the photo around - non-destructively. Go ahead and turn on the Easy Page to see what's happening overall.
Hope this helps. I'm so sorry you're struggling, but we like to help, since others have helped us in the past. Take a break, and go through carefully tomorrow. I've tried not to leave out steps, but let us know if you need more help!
QUESTION: I got a new computer with Windows 7 on-board. I currently have PSP X2 Ultimate, but it isn't working so well on my new computer. I'm wondering if PSP X2 is compatible with Windows 7. Does anyone know? I have written to Corel and am waiting for their advice. In the meantime, I'm hoping someone using PSP X3 can give me some input. I have used PSP 8, XI, XII Ultimate... I digitally scrapbook with it. (I'm not a designer or photographer; it's just my hobby.) I have been very frustrated with my PSP program lately; every time I use it - a fight breaks out (and the computer wins!). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
ANSWER: Hi, there's really not much difference between PSP X2 and X3, just a couple of new tools. If you are happy with using X2, and are not a PSP fanatic, I wouldn't bother upgrading at this time. If you are having problems with PSP X2 (you say... "I have been very frustrated with my PSP program lately; every time I use it, a fight breaks out! (and the computer wins!"). I don't know what problems you're having, but the most obvious is too little RAM on your computer.
I've used PSP for years and the only problems I've ever had were not enough RAM.
I'm practically positive that PSP X3 is compatible with Windows 7. I can't imagine Corel would have put it out without that being the case. I am running PSP X3 on Vista. And if PSP X2 is not compatible with Windows 7, I think that probably Corel will have a patch for it.
ANSWER: My laptop has Windows 7 and PSP X2. (I haven't used it much yet, but it is there.)
ANSWER: I use PSPX2 on my Win7 and have no problem with it. When I first started to use it, I ran the update, as I do any time that I download something. Do you have enough speed and space?
ANSWER: Check for updates as suggested above. If you have had the computer for a while, I would run the system clean-up tools to make sure you have maximum space. You can also try getting a thumb drive with Ready Boost which you can set to increase your speed. I have an 8-gigabyte on my desktop – and that makes a huge difference when running PSP.
Also check your start-up folder and see what is running in the background that you don't need.
ORIGINAL POSTER'S RESPONSE: Hi all! Thanks for your input. I did call Corel today and talked with their support. I was told that PSP X2 is not compatible with Windows 7 and that could be my problem. He asked me how many bits my Windows 7 had. I answered 64 bits - he told me that had it been 32 bits, the program might run okay, but 64 bits is really pushing it. The representative suggested trying the 30-day trial of PSP X3 to see if it will work on my new computer. If it does work out, then I can buy the upgrade. I'll let you know what I do. I appreciate your help and advice. Thanks again.
ANSWER: No wonder I don't have any problems with it so far. I don't use the organizer! It's so easy to find what you want with the search box that's in the folders, so I do it that way. Good luck with PSP X3!
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