Creating Place Holders

MaryLouW · Post by **MaryLouW** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 8:04 am

I would like to create my own backgrounds for the Photo Projects in PI12. When I attempt to save the screen I created with a .upf extender (that's the format for project files) I get a message saying that I need a place holder. The place holder is the area where the images appear when you create a photo project.

I have checked the help files and cannot find any information on this. The same applies when making DVD/CD labels and packaging. I need to create place holders if I want to make my own templates.

The place holder appears to be an "empty" box with selection lines and when you insert your own image, it seems to go down a layer because you can drag it all around the empty box until it's right where you want it.

Any suggestions??

njdowding · Post by **njdowding** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:57 am

MaryLou

To create a place holder is quite easy

Make an object of what you want as a place holder

Make a layer mask of the object (you need to change from a path to an image before you do that.

Right-click the object and then select Properties and in the general area you will find a tick box for place holder. Tick it and its done!

Nick

MaryLouW · Post by **MaryLouW** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:10 pm

Nick, I'm not sure what you mean by "make a layer mask". Can you expand a little on t hat?

njdowding · Post by **njdowding** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:23 pm

MaryLou

Maybe my terminology is not quite right but to do it you would either select the object that you want to add a mask on or select it in the layer manager (in this case it would be the thing you want as your place holder). Use the selection tools to make a selection on a part of the object that will show the grapic in the place holder (in most cases this will be the whole object)
Click Create a new layer mask (in layer manager) to change your selection into a layer mask. You can go into mask mode as normal and adjust it as you like
Thats it you have created a mask or as PI call it a layer mask

Nick

MaryLouW · Post by **MaryLouW** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:28 pm

Thanks, Nick! I found something in the Help files - finally. I was looking for the wrong thing. Going to give it a try. Sure glad you're there to help when needed. Something you said in prior message pointed me in t he right direction. Will let you know the results.

MaryLouW · Post by **MaryLouW** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 8:07 pm

Well, I did it! I managed to create a new template with a placeholder and it worked just fine!! It took me a while and I'm not positive I understand what I did but I'll do it a few more times and it will become clear. Thanks for putting me in t he right direction! Now I have a new toy to play with.

njdowding · Post by **njdowding** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:52 pm

Glad it worked. Its one of those things that I know how to do but is quite hard to explain to someone else lol.

Nick

MaryLouW · Post by **MaryLouW** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 11:00 pm

Nick, even Ulead's help file is hard to follow! They write things on a non-beginner level, just assuming you know what all the other tools are and where to find them. That's what makes it difficult.

The reason I want to understand this is, I want to do a few tutorials at a beginner level in that area. A bit more practice on my part so I have a good understanding is in order. Thanks again.

Tell me though... could I use this same method to create my own menu's for PictureShow 4?

njdowding · Post by **njdowding** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 8:28 am

MaryLou in theory not I think. But maybe it is possible. I will have a play and let you know.

Nick

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 9:54 am

MaryLouW wrote:Nick, even Ulead's help file is hard to follow! They write things on a non-beginner level, just assuming you know what all the other tools are and where to find them. That's what makes it difficult.

The reason I want to understand this is, I want to do a few tutorials at a beginner level in that area. A bit more practice on my part so I have a good understanding is in order. Thanks again.

Tell me though... could I use this same method to create my own menu's for PictureShow 4?

We look forward to reading them.
Thank you.