Working with Files

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If you've worked with other Windows applications, you're probably familiar with file concepts such as opening, naming, saving, and closing. Paint Shop Pro uses the same associations that Windows mandates .

Creating a New File

Unlike some programs you might use, Paint Shop Pro doesn't automatically open with a blank document for you. You might want to begin with an existing photograph or image, or you might want to create a document from scratch. If you want to create a new document, Paint Shop Pro first requires several pieces of information.


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NOTE

You can also create a new file by pressing Ctrl+N or by clicking on the New button.

Determining Image Size

Paint Shop Pro requires you to predetermine the size of the new image. You can determine the size in inches, centimeters, or the default pixels . Pixel, which stands for picture element, is the individual square (or dots of light) that are used to make up an imagein particular, a raster image. You'll learn about raster images in later chapters. In terms of measurement, a pixel is the smallest element that can be assigned a color . Most graphics artists prefer to work in pixels.

NOTE

If you are going to use your image for the Web, you should not create images larger than 600 pixels wide or 440 pixels tall. This ensures that everyone who sees the Web image will be able to see it in its entirety. As an example, if you're designing a Web page headline, you might want to make it a maximum size of 600 wide x 175 tall so that it doesn't take up the entire screen height.


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In most Paint Shop Pro dialog boxes, you will see three ways to enter numeric measurements:


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Determining Image Resolution

Now let's talk about resolution. Resolution measures the number of pixels in a specific unit of measurement. The higher the resolution, the more detail that is displayed. The resolution you need depends on the purpose of the image.

Here's a general rule of thumb: If you're designing a graphic for onscreen use or for posting to the Web, set your resolution to 72 pixels per inch. That's the resolution of most Web browsers and e-mail applications. If you're going to print the image, go with a higher resolution, such as 600 pixels per inch or 1200 pixels per inch, depending on your printer.

NOTE

Large image dimensions combined with high resolutions can result in large file sizes.


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Determining Image Characteristics

The lower section in the New Image dialog box deals with the background color of your new image and the number of available colors, called the color depth .

You also must decide the type of background you need for your image: raster or vector. Basically, raster graphics use pixels to store information about the image, whereas vector graphics store graphics information in a mathematical format. You'll learn about working with each type of graphic as you progress through this book, beginning with raster graphics.


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Typically, the background color, which is like the color of a canvas, is black or white. However, other selections are available. New to Paint Shop Pro 8 is the ability to easily add a texture to your background.


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You can select your color from the predefined color box or click anywhere in the color circle to select a more precise color.

NOTE

You will learn lots more about the Material dialog box in Chapter 5, "Understanding the Materials Palette."


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Saving a File

Saving a file in Paint Shop Pro is identical to saving a file in most Windows applications. Don't make the mistake of waiting until you've finished working on a project to save it. Save your file early in its creation. Saving your work early and often can save you lots of grief if your computer locks up or a power failure occurs.

Saving a File the First Time

When you first create a file, it has no name. If you want to view, edit, or publish that file to the Web, it must have a name. Paint Shop Pro asks for a name the first time you save the file, and after that, the name you give it appears in the title bar at the top of the screen.


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NOTE

You can also save a new file by pressing Ctrl+S or by choosing Save from the File menu.


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Resaving a File

As you continue to work on your file, you should resave it every 10 minutes or so to help ensure that you do not lose your changes.


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NOTE

If you want to save the file with a different name, in a different folder, or as a different file type, click on File and then choose Save As. The Save As dialog box will prompt you for the new name or folder. The original file will remain as well as the new one.

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Paint Shop Pro 8 Fast & Easy
Windows Server 2003 Registry
ISBN: 1592000975
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2005
Pages: 154
Authors: Olga Kokoreva

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