Opal Frame Script for PSP 8

PSP ain't wot it used to be! *s*

I have put together this mini tute on how to use a Script in PSP 8, because I personally think that it is a great addition to this already wonderful program.  Not only will we be able to access other artists great scripts, but we can also use them for recording the steps we take to make an image.  For example, how often do we create something, only to find that when asked 'how did you do it?' We can't remember.  *I can see most of you nodding* It is great for those repetitious tasks that we often do, such as applying a border or frame and many other things. Also it is a great asset for tutorial writers, I know that I, for one, already love this feature.*s*  Of course the mere mention of the word 'script' can put a lot of people off before they even try to create one or use someone else's even...I have read several comments that suggest that is the case...but this tute is designed to show that there is nothing to be afraid of and I am sure that most of you who have not as yet tried it, are going to love it as I do.  I do not profess to be an expert in this field, as it is all new to me too but, so if you see something that is not correct, please don't hesitate to let me know. *s*

What you will need.

• PSP 8      Download the Beta version 

• My Opal Frame Scripts  (I have provided three for you to try)

• * Amended Scripts*  Another 3 updated Scripts should you have trouble with the first ones....thanks to Samantha from the Beta 8 newsgroups for editing these to suit those having problems with the Eye Candy 4 section.

• Eye Candy 4

• An image of your choice....OR...you can use one of the ones that I have provided for you.  They are all flowers taken in my garden and have been sized accordingly,    I have zipped all three for your convenience... MY PHOTOS

Step 1.  Put my scripts into one of your 'scripts trusted' folders....there is one which can be found in C:\Documents and Settings\your name\My Documents\My PSP8 Files\Scripts-Trusted....which is where my scripts are automatically saved to....maybe because I have not as yet configured it to save anywhere else. *s* The other is in C:\Program Files\Jasc Software Inc\Paint Shop Pro 8\Scripts-Trusted *Since writing this tutorial, it has been pointed out to me that the scripts can also be put into the restricted folders...I guess that would be the safest folder to put them in if you are not sure of the origins of the script....and it was where I originally used to put my scripts from other authors, until it was pointed out in the newsgroup to transfer them to the trusted folder...such is life. *s* Anyway, thank you to Samantha, once again for bringing me up to date on this topic.  The newsgroup has proved invaluable for getting to know this marvelous new version of PSP 8.

Step 2 For this particular script to work in PSP 8...you must open up an image size 450 x 439. This is because I have applied the script to this particular photo that I have chosen to use....the one of my red rose which you will find in the zipped file. I would advise you using my photos to begin with until you see what it is happening. If you would rather test this frame out on one of your own photos or work that you have created, then resize the work to suit this one...or crop your image to the required size. The ones that I have provide have been cropped from some of my own photos which were taken in my garden. Okay...So you have your image open...now go to 'Script' on your taskbar...or if you have not as yet got it on there, you will find it in your 'File' menu....click on Clear output window....which clears any previous moves you may have made...it doesn't make any difference to what we are going to do, but let's just say that I like a tidy place and as the magic is in process, you will get to see in this window, all the steps taken to achieve the end result. *s* Now click on 'Run'....this will open up a window for scripts, you may have to browse to get the  scripts folder where you have placed my script.....you did put it there didn't you? *s*  Now open up one of the loz_opal frame scripts.....then sit back and watch the magic. *WAHOO....GO SCRIPT....GO*  **DO NOT CONVERT TO RASTER OR DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN RUN THE SCRIPT...UNTIL YOU ARE GIVEN A CHOICE OF CHANGING SETTINGS**  A very kind lady wrote to me recently, after trying my script and said that it worked beautifully the second time she tried it. It seems the first time gave her an error message and on investigating and checking the script, she realized that she had done out of habit what she always does and that is to convert background to raster layer.....the script does this for you and is written to work from the basic photo or image with nothing done to it.   Thank you Donna for letting me know so that I can warn anyone else who may make this oh so easy mistake. *s*

Step 3 You will get the chance to change some of the settings as the script is applied to your image....you can just click OK and see what evolves or you can change things to suit your preferences. What I usually do when first testing someone's script is to let it run its course, then I do another one where I play around with the settings. *note*  I had three testers for this script tute, but only one could not get past the Eye Candy part....we thought that it may have been due to the plugin being in a different area to what I had mine, but on checking with the other two testers, we all had them in different places.  If you find that you have that same trouble when attempting this script, then I would advise you just do abandon it and maybe do the tutorial for the frame....unless, of course, you can work out why this is happening....in which case I would like you to email me with your findings. *g* Here is the result using my image of the red rose and my script....(reduced 80%)

I did another two different effects by using the above script and changing some of the settings.                      Hope you enjoy this bit of magic as I did putting it together.   I would like to extend my gratitude to the three testers, Vera M.de Kooker-Nijst, Ginny of Bunny's Attic and Sharron Austin aka Lady Fox...it is truly appreciated.  Thank You!! *s*

Now for those who don't have PSP 8 or those who don't wish to do the script tute but would like to do the frame...here it is.  Opal Frame Tutorial

        

 

Have Fun! and  Email if you have any problems!

 

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Tutorial by Mary Newton aka Lady Oz aka Lady Newtonia © 2003