Hot Topic--Templates

[Priss]

The rage right now seems to be using some really wonderful templates that designers are sharing. There are some beautiful templates for sale several places, and some for free in some of the blogspots that are really outstanding.

Most of these tell you to bring your paper over to the template and group it with the template layer....but WHY?

Here's a Priss Tip for something to try--it's as easy as 1...2...3

1) On the template use the Magic Wand (W) to select an area and ctrl/cmd+J to copy that selection up to a layer of its own. On your new layer ctrl/cmd+click THE THUMBNAIL to make the selection active again.
2) On the paper or background ctrl+a to select the paper, then ctrl/cmd+c to copy it. (Hint: you can also do this with a selection)
3) On the template go to edit>paste into (selection) (Shift+Ctrl/Cmd+V) and then ctrl/cmd+d to deselect. Repeat until your template is filled with your choice of papers, add your journaling and elements, apply styles to your layers, and you're done!

[MacWebgrrl]

Thanks for a better way!

Nancy

[givenout]

Hello -

How exciting a forum just for scrapbooking and photoshop/elements!

Just this evening I got stuck. I purchased a CD with many templates and I know it is supposed to be basic, but for some reason I cannot seem to make it happen. I have opened the template and there are places to insert the photo. I open a photo and attempt to move it into the template, but it won't work. It opens into its own file and no matter what I do I cannot get the photo to go onto the template. What am I doing wrong?

Stuck and puzzled and excited to get going on this project!!!

Thanks!

[jossie]

I'm a beginner, but It doesn't sound like you are using the Multi Window Mode. Right above "Standard Edit" click on the icon for using multiple pictures. After your two open pix come up, you can select the move tool and move your quick page over your photo. You'll probably have to adjust the size of your photo to fit in the opening. Be sure to use the shift button when you resize to keep it in the right dimensions. I hope that helps.

[carolopal]

Pris -- thanks for those instructions. I'm going to try doing it like that. This is embarrassing to admit, but it took me a long time to figure out templates and to get them to work for me. Everyone kept raving over how wonderful and easy they were but I kept following the steps and still couldn't get them to work. I really felt dumb because everyone raved over how simple they were. LOL! I finally got the hang of it but I still find that when it comes to adding the photo, some templates work fine and others don't.

[ladybug310]

Which program are these instructions for?

:o

[vriggs]

I am slightly confused. I have downloaded both templates and sketch templates. The templates that have PSD files I understand how to use,but the sketch templates remain a mystery. Are they only there to provide an idea? The DPI is much lower so you can not simply paste papers into the sketch even using the magic wand (which by the way is a GREAT idea, I hadn't though to use it before!) I don't want to download loads of them if they aren't useful.

[Joanie]

Hi,
Just a quick response to the sketch/template question. And mind you, this is just my take on what they are! LOL I think sketches came about to give paper scrappers an idea, starting point to build a paper layout. In order to show them on the computer - they use the 72 dpi sizing. Then digi scrapping became more popular and someone had the idea to take the sketch idea and expand it into a layers format creating it in the typical 300 dpi sizing so it can used immediately.
I have taken a sketch - "magic wanded" (ooh a new word! LOL) the different parts and put eac on separate layers. I did erase, trim, fill in and expand circle or rectangle portions of layers that needed it. Then I resized everything to 300 dpi. It worked pretty well for what I was trying to do - and was fun to try. Still working on perfecting the process tho!
Sorry this is so long!
There is a great book, not sure if I can post titles here, on digi scrapping by Renee Pearson, where she has a chapter on how to make your own templates.

Joanie
PSE4 user:D

[jessica@treehousei.com]

I LOVE TEMPLATES!!

Here are my favorite instructions for using them:

Photoshop, Elements and PSP Instructions for Layered Templates
Open your layered .psd file.
Open the photos and or papers/elements you want to use.
Select your first piece of paper/element or photo and select it (CTRL+A)
and copy (CTRL+C) it.
Move to your .psd file and select a layer you want to work on. (For example: background mat)
Place the selected paper or photo right ABOVE the desired layer in the template
and press paste (CTRL+V)
While still on that same new layer use the CTRL+G (or CTRL+ALT+G in CS2) and it
will take on the shape of the layer below it.
Press CTRL+E to merge the two layers.
Repeat for all sections of the template you wish to fill.

The best thing about Photoshop is that there are so many ways to do the same thing. Experiment and find what works best for you. Also, try rotating the canvas on your template for 3 other fresh looks. Fun!

Jessica

[kldietert]

I use templates the way Jessica explained, and once you get the hang of it, you can move pretty quickly to have your layout finished.

Sketches are generally just for ideas, a general idea of where to put your pictures/elements etc. I keep a folder with sketch ideas for when I have creative block and can't get creative. I find one or two that have the same number of pictures I want to use and get a feel for what I want to do.

[Just Jan]

Awesome tips! Thanks ladies:)

[FancyLady]

I LOVE TEMPLATES!!

Jessica

Voila!! Finally it makes sense. Thanks

[givenout]

Ok, it's coming together for me on account of the many helpful responses! I finally start to get the idea of making digital pages. I really need to take the time to complete Linda's fabulous videos!

One more question though. What exactly is the difference between Quick Page Templates and Simply ScrapOver Templates (in this case ones done by Michelle Shefveland)? How are they used differently?

Thanks to everyone

[IreneO]

The key to Priss' instructions, I believe is to remember to use PASTE INTO and not just PASTE.

[pups_r_paps]

I also keep a notebook of sketch ideas - actual sketches or just LO's I want to "scraplift". I have it divided into the number of photos the page allows - 1 photos, 2 photos, 3 photos, 4 or more. It works great for me. I usually start with the photos I want to scrap and, if no idea comes to mind, I just pull out my binder, turn to the appropriate section and go from there.

I also adore using templates. My biggest challenge is that most of the templates are 12 x 12 size and I do all my pages 8.5 x 11 because I want to print them at home. Normally I do the template in the orginal size. When I'm finished I resize to 8 x 8 and then add to it to make it 8.5 x 11. I sometimes have to get very creative to make it work! I've actually made one template myself (8.5 x 11!!) and it was a lot of fun to do. I'm not sure I did it correctly, but it worked for me.

[Michelle Shefveland]

Hi everyone,

Regarding the ScrapOver templates on the Simply Celebrations, Simply Recreation, and Simply Elegant Albums CDs....here is a tutorial I have to help you use them with Photoshop Elements and there is a link to using them with Paint Shop Pro, as well. Enjoy!

http://www.cottagearts.net/tutorial_scrapovers_pse.html

And, here is a tutorial for using what I call ScrapOver Twists, which are simply solid black outlines you can fill in with papers and images, as well as change the colors of the black lines:

http://www.cottagearts.net/tutorial_scrapover_twists.html

Michelle

[givenout]

Thanks and from Michelle herself! I feel like I'm almost meeting a celebrity.

So Michelle, can you tell me the difference between the Quick Page Templates and your Simply ScrapOver templates? And how you use them differently? When putting together a quick album, is one kind preferable over another.

I just purchased your Simply Elegant through Linda's store and I am very impressed - thanks

[Priss]

I think we all have met a celeb! (curtsy) Thank you Michelle for the links and the tuts for temps!

[Linda Sattgast]

To answer your question, givenout, there is no difference between my QuickPage templates and Michelle's Simply ScrapOver templates. "ScrapOver" was Michelle's proprietary title, so I came up with my own.

You'll find other names around the web, but they all have the same thing in common--they are a one layer png file with a transparent opening for photos. They're meant to give you a designer look without all the effort of creating it yourself!

[Gloria]

I LOVE TEMPLATES!!

Here are my favorite instructions for using them:

Photoshop, Elements and PSP Instructions for Layered Templates
Open your layered .psd file.
Open the photos and or papers/elements you want to use.
Select your first piece of paper/element or photo and select it (CTRL+A)
and copy (CTRL+C) it.
Move to your .psd file and select a layer you want to work on. (For example: background mat)
Place the selected paper or photo right ABOVE the desired layer in the template
and press paste (CTRL+V)
While still on that same new layer use the CTRL+G (or CTRL+ALT+G in CS2) and it
will take on the shape of the layer below it.
Press CTRL+E to merge the two layers.
Repeat for all sections of the template you wish to fill.

The best thing about Photoshop is that there are so many ways to do the same thing. Experiment and find what works best for you. Also, try rotating the canvas on your template for 3 other fresh looks. Fun!

Jessica

I too use them this way and find it soooooooooooooo easy!!! This is going to be an awesome resource for all of us PSE users!!!!

[bviannie]

OK - I have to admit I'm telling myself "no question is a dumb question" before I ask this, so here goes.... :o

What are the differences between Quick Pages & Templates? As you can tell, I'm VERY new to all this & am just getting through Linda's DVD Vol. 1 & struggling with my 1st digital layout.

Any advice would be appreciated!

[Michelle Shefveland]

bviannie,

Linda answered your question a few posts back. Enjoy!

[bviannie]

Thanks, Michelle! To make sure I've got this straight, when I see "Quick Pages" available for purchase, it means they're basically 1-layer templates (just slide in photo). When someone is selling a Template, it usually is multi-layers & allows for more choices in paper, colors, etc. Does that sound right?

Sorry for my confusion!

[IreneO]

You may be interested to know that the original 1 layer png file template was Pixel-Windows, still available at Pixel-Expresions. :)

[givenout]

Now, I have what may also be too basic question, but here goes it.

What is a png file versus a psd file for templates and how are they used differently etc? As much detailed explaination is best for me since I'm still trying to sort all of this out.

Thanks!!!

[IreneO]

a .psd file is a file that includes all the layers, just like you would have for your layout.

A template that comes in png format would have several files, each one a layer for an item such as a photo or paper, or other embellishment.

HTH.

[tzigane70]

the other difference is png files are made to work with most image editing software but psd files are photoshop files and work on a few software programs other than photoshop, elements and CS.Hope that helps a bit.

[Jan]

And .png files have a transparent, rather than a white background...

[babapat]

I'd love to try using templates but where can I find some to download? :cool:

[givenout]

Thanks for all the info. Do both the png and psd work the same when making a digital page? This is so helpful to me. I'm so excited by what I am able to learn from you folks. I look forward to the day I can actually answer others questions! Kind of like Freecycle!

[scrappinmomma2]

I'd love to try using templates but where can I find some to download? :cool:

Linda has some quick page templates in her store http://scrappersguide.com/products_el.html She has a few of her cd's on this page that include templates.

Scrappinmomma

[tzigane70]

Google digital scrapbooking you will find alot of stores.one place is scrap outside the box. (http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com)

[IreneO]

With png you have to drag each layer onto your new layout. With psd all the layers are already there. As far as adding your papers and photos, it is basically the same. Most template designers include instructions with their templates.

[shug]

You can find a lot of freebies, including templates, at Digishoptalk.com/Freebies

Sandee

[Michelle Shefveland]

bviannie,

Sorry I didn't see your question until now.

Each site is different in how they name things and what they mean by them. I created my ScrapOver Templates 3 years ago, and at that time I didn't think there was anything on the market like it. For me, a template is a finished page layout, but it may be a flattened JPEG that you lay photos on top of (I call them Quick Pages), or a 1 layer PNG with transparent image openings (ScrapOver Templates), or a fully-layered PSD template (which I have on most of my Simply Digital CDs).

You need to read the description of the digital content or write the graphic artist to make sure you understand what you are getting.

Thanks!

[bviannie]

Thanks, Michelle & everyone! I think I may finally be getting some of this terminology straight. Hopefully, with a little practice, I'll be well on my way to finishing my 1st digi scrapbook!