Layer prob after saving

[Fran98765]

I was working on a pair of pages. I thought I had finished, so I saved and moved on my way. I realized that I wrote down the wrong year in my text box and wanted to go back and change it. When I reopened the file, it was all saved in one layer, I couldn't change anything or highlight any separate layers. Is there a way I can get back to my layers? I'm using PSPX. Thanks.

[Amanda]

What kind of file did you save it as? You should always keep your file in your softwares native format as well as copies in JPG or PNG.

[Fran98765]

I saved them as .pngs. Then to upload them I saved as... a .jpg. So I have both files saved on my hard drive. I did ensure that I opened the .png to change the date. I checked on all 3 of my LOs that I've done so far and they were all compressed into one layer.

[Amanda]

PNG do not hold layers. You need to keep them as PSP files in order to keep layers intact. Can you clone out the old date and redo it?

[4guysandme]

PNG do not hold layers.

That was a broad general statement and for the most part, it is true.

However, in Macromedia (urr Adobe) Fireworks, it does hold layers. And it is my understanding that DIP does too. Evidently it is something in the fact that both these programs work in PNG+ formats, not straight PNG. Incidentally, FW's native format is PNG.

Just letting you know incase you were not aware of that.

I would also try to clone out the date and put the new date over the top.

[Emma]

PSP doesn't support or create PNG Plus files, though it's DIP and FW native format. The best format for PSP is the .pspimage or just plain .psp to support layers and make editing easier. The standard PNG doesn't hold layers, and PNG Plus is a diferent file extension.

Once flattened you canNOT go back! The Clone tool is the best, then type over the top.

Save 2 or 3 copies of each layout
1. native format, layered origina size (.psd Adobe, .psp PSP, etc)
2. small size, low quality .jpg file for sharing on the web/email
3. optional original size large quality .jpg file for sending to pro printers/photo developers

So while there's no way to 'relayer' your layout, you didn't flatten very many and learned a free lesson! :) I always have to remind myself that!

[Fran98765]

Thanks for the info everyone. I think I will just "re-do" the page, it wasn't a very detailed page, so shouldn't take too long to redo. Especially since the elements are already chosen, so just have to resize pics and find the elements. And, since I'm fairly new to digital scrapping, I don't have too many to dig through!

I will definately use the psp format in the future. It defaulted to save in that format, but I had seen everything in .pngs so I changed it to that. Live and learn. Luckily, I've only done 3 LOs so far!

If anyone was curious on what I did, it was on my Junior (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=122776&cat=500&ppuser=55229&sl=f) page. I put him as being born in 1992, when he was 1993 (my other cat is May 92). Certainly not a big deal in terms of design, but for my history, I would like it to be correct! :D

[Emma]

what a great attitude! I junked and redid my first 20 or so pages, and am having to redo more to get to 12x12, and I'll tell you the redos all go much faster, are easier, and are far better looking!

the downloaded graphics are mostly PNG because they can be used by more than just one brand of software, no layers means smaller files, and they can support a transparent background.

[Fran98765]

I got that done plus extras today, was very quick! Thanks again for the lesson about file types. :)

[4guysandme]

Yay!