How to add Props?

[Geo]

I have copied some additional (those ones from DVD Movie Factory) props (.ufo) files to the adequate subfolder in Pictureshow. Unfortunately, I don't see them while I try insert one of those new props in my project. I can only see the 'original' ones thru the props tab and in the different category. As there is also a .ini and a .smp file in those subfolder, I assume that something like an indexation should be done, but I don't find any info related to that. Who can tell me?
Geo

[Geo]

I've forgot to say that when I use the option to use other props, I can't see the .ufo files neither.
thanks for an explanation

[michaeltee]

The ".smp" index files found in your props folders are generated by PS4 during installation and they reference ONLY the props that were included with the program. Therefore, PS4 won't "see" the additional images you've placed in the props folders even though the UFO format itself is correct. As far as I know it's not possible to re-generate .smp files to accomodate additional props and I believe the "use other props" option primarily supports common image files i.e.; jpg, bmp, gif, etc.

UFO images are used by many Ulead programs however they are associated specifically with PhotoImpact. You would need to have PhotoImpact installed on your computer to view or edit these files as standalone images.

EDIT: Update... Since posting this earlier this morning I've had a few minutes to experiment with importing various image file types through "use other props". I found that images with the file extension ".png" can be imported with full transparency support! When used as overlays, they create exactly the same effect as the props included with PS4. I also found that transparent properties of GIF images (apparently) are NOT supported although they can be used in the same way you might use a JPG or BMP. Lastly, as far as I can tell, UFO images (other than those included with PS4 cannot be imported as props at all. This seems kind of strange since the UFO extension is proprietary to Ulead. In any case, either create or find yourself some nice .png images and you'll have an unlimited supply of new transparent props to use with PS4.

Hope that helps

-Mike

[Geo]

I have a way to do it..
Instead of copying the .ufo from the dvd movie Factory to the existing props folders of PictureShow, just create manually additional folders with another name (ie: Baby2) and copy there all the contents of props folder (.ufo + .ini and .smp files) from the dvd movieFactory. Then rename the copied .ini file with the same name as the folder (ie: Baby2.ini) and that's all.
Run Pictureshow, go to the Props tab and you will find the additionals props....
Geo

[michaeltee]

Hey, slick idea Geo! I'll give it a try later tonight. BTW, I ran across a large archive of free PNG clipart with transparent backgrounds available for download. Many of the images are of little interest but there are definitely some keepers in the mix. The URL is:

http://www.openclipart.org/downloads/index.php

Just be aware, the file is something like 132mb.

-Mike