Presets (Reset to default):
Another common problem seems to be Presets. Almost every feature in PSP enables you to save/use Presets. The problem is PSP always uses the last preset used which can be a problem if you need to use the default Presets.
The first item in the Tool Options palette is Presets. Most dialogs also have a Presets. Whether it is the presets from Tool options or the presets on a dialog they all use the same icons so lets cover those so you know what they do.
The 'Save Preset' icon beside the preset box allows you to save the current preset just type in what you want to name it then click Ok. The delete icon deletes the currently selected preset just select the preset you want to delete and click the delete icon.
The most important icon though is the Reset to Default icon which will set all the settings for that feature to what they were when you installed PSP 8.
Tool Locations:
Assuming you haven't moved it along the left side of the PSP 8 workspace is the Tools toolbar. This is where you select the tool that you want to use. You will notice an arrow beside some the icons. This arrow indicates there are more then one tool at that location. To select another tool at that location click the arrow and then click the tool you want. Jasc has grouped the tools in categories.
Layers Palette:
The Layers palette displays the layers of the image. It allows you to rearrange the order of the layers, hide/show layers, and provides a variety of options you can perform on the individual layers. The layers are displayed to the left of the window. The right side allows you to (in order from left to right) toggle visibility, adjust the transparency, choose blend modes, link layers, and lock transparency (default is unlocked represented ny a gold lock when transparency is locked it has a blue lock). The top provides a variety of buttons which are shortcuts to the options found on the Layers menu. Right clicking on a layer will display a context menu which also gives you a variety of tasks you can perform.
Coordinates:
The coordinate can be found on the status bar in the bottom right hand corner. To turn the status bar on/off click View || Toolbars || Status. By default the status bar shows the current x,y coordinates of the mouse followed by the size of the image. If you are working with a tool such as the selection tool the coordinates display will change in the status bar. The first set of numbers show the x,y coordinates of where you started from and the second set shows the current x,y coordinates of the mouse pointer, and the third set of coordinates displays the current pixel size of the selection or object. The number following the 3rd set of coordinates (current size) is the aspect ratio.
File types:
GIF images allow you maintain the transparency of the image but reduces the number of colors 256 which can reduce image quality depending on the number of colors in the original image. GIF files are also the common format for animated graphics. Tip: If you want to save as a gif file it is better to use File || Export || Gif Optimizer as it allows you more control and lets you see how your graphic is going to look in GIF format).
JPG does not decrease your color depth but any transparent areas will be filled in. The default color that is used to fill in transparent areas is White. This type (format) is the most commonly used when you save images.
PSP will maintain the images transparency, color, layers, and so on however it is not viewable on the web or in e-mails. It is only viewable by people who have PSP or another graphics program that allows you to view PSP files.
GIF and JPG are the most common file types seen on web pages and in e-mails. PSP is best used when you are working on a image and you want to save as go. Tip: Save your image in PSP format when you first start and save it often as you work on it. When you are done if you want to put it on the web or send it through e-mail then Save As GIF or JPG or use the File || Export GIF/JPG Optimizers.