Adjustable Grid

[Stokkers]

Hi all.

I have just upgraded to PSP X6 and was hoping that there may be a facility to give me the facility to let me have an adjustable grid. I don't want the default one with hundreds of squares, but one of only nine, 3x3. I use this type of grid for drawing and painting. I have tried making a grid as a layer, but that didn't work.

Is there anyone out there in Corelland who can help or suggest a way around this?

Many thanks.

Stokkers.

[mwenz]

Not certain if this is what you mean.

Image is 900 px X 900 px, which makes the math easy for setting up the grid.

Obviously I would need to use a calculator when the dimensions aren't so easy.

Mike

[LeviFiction]

I think they mean the transparency grid there. Not the grid itself. If it was for the grid, I'd say use the rule of thirds script to setup the guides in that way.

If it's the transparency grid they are talking about, as far as I know, there is no way to adjust the size of the transparency grid. So I made a script a long time ago. It's extremely simplistic. All it does is create a grid.

makdgrid.zip

(1013 Bytes) Downloaded 135 times

Run that and it will create a vector layer with 9 rectangles on it to create the grid. It also alternates between two colors, white, and a medium grey. You can then convert the vector layer into a Raster if you want.

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Installing the script

Copy the script "makdgrid.pspscript" file into your "Scripts-Trusted" folder. This can usually be found at . "C:\Users\YourUserName\Documents\Corel PaintShop Pro\16.0\Scripts-trusted"

You can also find it by looking at your File Locations dialog inside of PSP. "File -> Preferences -> File Locations."

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Running the script

With the script toolbar visible (View -> Toolbars ->Script) find "makdgrid" in the list of available scripts.

Hit the run/play button.

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Editing the script

On the script toolbar is an "Edit Script" button that will bring up Notepad or whatever editor you've told PSP to use. Notepad is the default.

Near the top of the script are four values: Rows, Columns, Firstcolor, SecondColor.

If you change these values you'll change the size and number of blocks per row, and the colors used. The colors are represented in RGB format. So you will need to know the values of RGB for the colors you want to use.

[Stokkers]

Hi Mike,

Thanks a lot for your reply. That's what I was looking for and I will have a crack at it at a later time, now you have given me the basics, I can find out the measurements. Most of the photos I work on are approx 10"/25cm in width, but heights may vary. Once I can make a basic template, I should be able to work it out.

Once again, thanks for your help.

[mwenz]

You're welcome.

Just divide the measurements by 3 and you should get it very close. I didn't see if the input field allows digits past the decimal point. But it should still be "close enough" using whole numbers if it doesn't allow decimals.

Mike

[Stokkers]

You're welcome.

Just divide the measurements by 3 and you should get it very close. I didn't see if the input field allows digits past the decimal point. But it should still be "close enough" using whole numbers if it doesn't allow decimals.

Mike

Thanks, Mike. I will sort something out, now that you and Levi have shown me the basics.

[brucet]

Maybe this may help.
Open photo/file.
Under View check Rulers and Guides. Pull your Guide to the 1/3 mark.

Now all someone has to do is tell me how to make this 'stick' for each photo!
Either way is no big deal to calculate and pull the Guides to the appropriate position.

regards

[LeviFiction]

Brucet, there is a script that comes with PSP called "Guides - Rule of Thirds" that does exactly what you're describing. True you have to run it for each image, but it places the guide at as close to 1/3 intervals horizontally and vertically as possible.

[hartpaul]

Perhaps a little easier.
1. Make available rulers and Guides.
2. Select the Crop Tool and from the Presets select original proportions.
3. Activate the Rule of Thirds button on the Floating Crop Tool bar.
4. Drag guides over to match the rule of third lines. No need to do any calculations.
Works the same for Landscape and portrait images.

[Stokkers]

Thanks for all your suggestions, but an artist friend has come up with an ideal suggestion. I have bought a pack of inkjet acetate film. Make up various grids in MS Word and print out the selection on my printer. He's been using this method for several years and can take the with him when he goes out and about.

Once again, many thanks for your suggestions and help. Much appreciated.