Comments

Grazie wrote on 11/3/2007, 1:07 AM
OK . . I'm presuming you are considering to then import these layers into DVDA? Is that your intention?

Grazie
Sol M. wrote on 11/3/2007, 2:28 AM
The Gimp is a great tool that has much of the functionality of Photoshop (including opening and saving layered PSD files)

http://www.gimp.org/

It's free and open-source
MPM wrote on 11/3/2007, 4:07 PM
or do without layers entirely and save your work as separate png files...

DVDA is nice in that it doesn't need layered psd -- you can work with or without it.
abelenky wrote on 11/7/2007, 12:18 PM
GIMP is your best bet for freeware.... for cheap-ware, I'd recommend Photoshop Elements. "Elements" is a scaled down version of photoshop that still has the most essential features, including PSD and layer handling. Typically it can be had for around $25-$45.
TheHappyFriar wrote on 11/7/2007, 11:44 PM
Doesn't Pain Shop Pro have nearly as many features as Photoshop (not all, but a LOT more then Elements) & costs under $100? Before I really got in to gimp I considered that one.
summer07 wrote on 11/8/2007, 9:14 AM
tried gimp, create new image ->used pal template 720x576

named the background: background-01
create first layer for a button image: named layer : button-01-framemask

create second layer for a button image: name layer: button-02-framemask

saved this image (background, layer 1, layer 2) as a .psd file

in dvda insert submenu from file

result: dvda doesn't open the image layout made in gimp. (the only thing that appear is a small box with menu 2)

what a pitty!

does anybody know if it is possible to import a image with layers with gimp or an other freeware image editor?
TheHappyFriar wrote on 11/8/2007, 9:48 AM
Did you read the help section of DVDA that says the exact specs to use? I don't think 720x576 is a legit size.
ECB wrote on 11/8/2007, 10:19 AM
The 4x3 PAL menu is 787x576 not 720x576.
Did you enter the layer names exactly as specified in the specs?

bStro wrote on 11/8/2007, 10:45 AM
(the only thing that appear is a small box with menu 2)

First thing's first: Did you double-click that "small box" to see what it leads to?

As per the wording of the option you chose, DVDA inserts a submenu based on your PSD file. It doesn't replace the menu you're currently looking at. So the "small box" you see is the button linking to the submenu you just inserted.

Once you see if that's working, then we can move on to naming conventions, frame sizes, and making sure you have all the necessary layers (which, based on your post, I don't think you do).

Or you could skip all this mess and go with custom highlight masks, which I personally find simpler and more effective.

Rob