Published on July 3, 2004 By Csurfside In WinCustomize Talk
Please list a link to a good tutorial for SkinStudio to help me get started. I have version 4.3
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Comments (Page 5)
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on Jul 08, 2004
If the image is originally a bmp file and you just save it, it will stay a bmp file. If you want to change it to a png file, you have to tell PSP which format you want to save the file as.

You may want to make sure that you have the ability to see your file extensions. I really don't know what type of file you are talking about when you just say "TrayNotifyHorzArrow" Is this a tga,png,bmp...?

How can I add a drop shadow to an image or any tips would be nice

There is a PSP effect for that. You can also S-elect the image, and expand the S-election, and add a black color with a little opacity to the expanded area. You can also set where the light is coming from for the shadow. Try to be consistent or real with your lighting effects.

If you have problems with PSP, there is a help section. If you type shadow into it, it will give you many details and directions to where the option is and how to use it. This is your best tool for learning PSP.
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on Jul 09, 2004
Great, Yes your right have used the PSP turtorials, and video's. I appologize for asking so many questions. I like to see if I throw something out there, maybe I will recieve some extra advise or tips.

(Reffering to the "TrayNotifyHorzArrow" image.)< Well As for the file, it starts off as a TGA. Then I click to edit it in PSP8 and it changes to a PNG. Then if I click "save as" in PSP8 it stays a PNG and doesnt work properly in SKS. But if I edit it as PNG and just click "save" in PSP8 then it seems to get converted back over to TGA. Im trying other ways to see what I can make happen. I have learned a way to edit that "TrayNotifyHorzArrow" button but it takes me many steps to make it work. (And yes when I click "save as" I put it in the right directory As PNG.) But then I can't convert it in SKS to a TGA. Where if I just click "save" Then I can convert it to a TGA by clicking on the PNG image in the SKS scroll area above the prview image area, then clicking save in SKS and then it is converted to TGA. I wonder who else does it this way!
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on Jul 09, 2004
Then if I click "save as" in PSP8 it stays a PNG and doesnt work properly in SKS. But if I edit it as PNG and just click "save" in PSP8 then it seems to get converted back over to TGA.


Someone else in this thread hs already given you the answer to this problem but, I guess you missed it. There are certain options for PNG files and I too have mentioned it. The option settings for tga that seem to work properly for me are non-interlaced and optimized palette.

Then I can convert it to a TGA by clicking on the PNG image in the SKS scroll area above the prview image area, then clicking save in SKS and then it is converted to TGA. I wonder who else does it this way!


You are making things complicated for yourself. You have other problems that are causing this complication. If believe your options for PNG files in PSP are set to conflict with making proper TGA files. Try the settings above for PNG files and see if this fixes it. If not, I'll have to install PSP8 myself and look at it again. I don't have this complication in PSP7. I even remember PSP8 wanting to use a white transparent background over a black one. I don't know if this complicates things for SKS. You just have to make sure that you options are set correct when you save your PNG file.
on Jul 10, 2004
OK. Im not too sure how to set the options for files themselves like a PNG. Where do you go to adjust options for files like such? And what exactly should I have my PNG options set to? I think this has been explained. But once more in detail with location would be helpful. Again thanx for the patience ChasUGC. My first window blind upload will surely give you much credit. Once I have the first completed, Hopefully things will run smoother for me.

I think Im running into more problems then most, because I am learning SKS and PSP8 all at the same time. However, I am really coming along on the PSP. I have learned hoew to use the tools really well. Is there a way to just show people images that Im working on? This would allow me to show people in more detail some of my problems, and accomplishments.

I have read post's of people putting out one window blind and then focusing harder on the next two. But, Im such a perfectionest that I want my first window blind to be the greatest. (Call me a Dreamer)
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on Jul 10, 2004
And what exactly should I have my PNG options set to?


The option settings for tga that seem to work properly for me are non-interlaced and optimized palette.


This should have been PNG not tga, sorry. The options are in the save as box. Use the drop down to pick your desired format, then before you save it check the options.
on Jul 11, 2004
Ok. I was trying to edit the BMP for the button,s that show up on your task bar when you open a program. It works but every now and then it is orange and flashes. But there is no orange being used? SO what's going on?
on Jul 11, 2004
This is a flashing button too. There is a horizontal, vertical and below that is the flashing button.
on Jul 12, 2004
lol. Your right its a button. Well that was a easy problem. I found button and skinned it. Problem solved. Keep on rollin.
on Jul 12, 2004
Question? Ok, how can I change the size of something. The "TaskNotifyHorzArrow" Is round. I can't change the shape. How do you do that? I tried editing, but can seem to make it oval or smaler. Always stays round. Wjat am I missing?

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on Jul 13, 2004
Dude, you need to learn Skin Studio. To make something oval you probably only need to change the sizing margins. I would change the image and then adjust the sizing margins. The Preview pane is normally pretty close to the way it will really look. I hate to rag, but you seem to spend two seconds trying to figure something out and then you run here. Pay me.
on Jul 13, 2004
A tar heel, it figures.
on Jul 13, 2004
lol.
on Jul 13, 2004
Im learning .
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