Create picture frame from PNG image

[danshane]

I am pretty new to PaintShop Pro and have very limited knowledge. I have checked previous posts but they are too advanced for my level. I have downloaded several PNG images I would like to use as picture frames but have no idea how to convert them so they can be used as frames. Can someone give me the basic instructions on what changes need to be made to the original image in order to use them as frames. Any help appreciated.

[LeviFiction]

If the PNG already has a transparent area, just open it in PSP then go to File -> Export -> Picture Frame.

Then when you want to use the new picture frame on another image go to Image -> Picture Frame and choose your frame from the list.

The important thing with Picture Frames is that they have a transparent area for the original image to show through.

[danshane]

Thanks for your reply. I understand that the image has to have a transparency to it for the background layer to be seen. My question is how do I create that transparency in the PNG and then save it with that layer preserved? I am sorry if the solution seems obvious, but I have tried several times to do this and it never works correctly.

[ConalO]

Thanks for your reply. I understand that the image has to have a transparency to it for the background layer to be seen. My question is how do I create that transparency in the PNG and then save it with that layer preserved? I am sorry if the solution seems obvious, but I have tried several times to do this and it never works correctly.

Open your .png image
Make sure that this is a raster layer and not a background layer (will be called Background if it is). If Background layer. right click on this and select Promote Background layer
Select your whole image (Selections>Select All)
Contract your selection by the width amount you want the picture frame to be (Selections>Modify>Contract)
Hit the Delete key
Selections>Select None
This will give you an image with just a frame box with transparency in the center
Export this image to a picture frame (File>Export>Picture frame)

[danshane]

Exactly the answer I was looking for! Thank you very much for your detailed response.