Help

[Joeknee]

I'm a newbie here - and to digital SB. I've tried to search the net (that's how I found this group) to see if there is any tutorials on using Microsoft Digital Image Standard 2006.

I don't have PSP or anything else, I use what came with my computer. I'm doing a fairly ok job, but I'd like to change the shapes of my pictures. Like say for instance I'd like to change the shape from a square picture to a circular picture. Is anyone familiar with this program? or know where/how I can get info?

Like I've said I searched the internet and it looks like they've discontinued the program. :annoyed:

Help, anyone? Anyone??

[happybeingamom]

You can change the shape of a picture.

Do you know how to make a selection in DIP?

There are still a lot of digital scrapbooking tutorials on DIP on the web, there are some at this site too.

If you google you will find a lot more.

[Margie]

look under campus, tutorials. any for digital image pro (dip) will work and might have those features included! and there's a forum here for software questions, just post it in the thread title so it catches the eye of those who use dip. there are lots around here!

[Joeknee]

Oh Thank you both. Now I'm off to check it out *Ü*

[Penny M]

Welcome to DSP, JoeKnee! I hope you have found some DIP tutorials here that have helped.

[Joeknee]

There seems to be lots of tutorials on DIP but they are newer versions of what I have. I have the 2006 version... I've tried online but cant seem to find anything else...

[MarsOlson]

Welcome Joe! I know DIP has been discontinued and is no longer supported.. however there are still lots of people using it. Several of the members in SNL (Saturday Night Live) group here at DSP still love it and they might be able to help with specific questions. You could try asking in the SNL forum so they see your question.
Saturday Night Live forum (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=453)
SNL *Questions And Help* (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29177)

[Joeknee]

Oh Thank you! I will try there. I'm just not sure that I've got it in the budget right now to go buying another software program. But then again *Ü*

[cats4jan]

When you find new tutorials, don't automatically think they will not work with your version. Try them and see if you can get them to work. When I was using DIP since it's inception as Picture It - it didn't change much through all the versions I had.

Software doesn't change it's basic way of functioning when it gets updated, so don't dismiss those new tutorials as being unworkable with your version.

I don't know if this is the easiest way - but try this

Open a photo

Find the "selection icon" in the tool bar across the top of your work space - it says "selection"

Right click to get the shapes menu and choose a shape
*at this point, you can make it a specific proportion by checkmarking "shape proportions and entering numbers in the boxes
*you can also feather your edge by entering a number in the "feather" box
*Invert is if you want to end up with just the edges around your shape

Find the Marquee tool next to selection - it looks like a square circle icon
Drag across your photo - if you entered numbers in the proportion boxes, it will stay in proportion - if you didn't the shape will be freehand according to how you drag

Edit> copy

Go to your scrapbook page

Edit> paste
______________________________
If your version doesn't have these specific icons, click around and see what looks like it might be the same thing. The biggest mistake I made when I used DIP was not exploring the tools. I used it for years, and never got the full function out of it. Once I learned Photoshop, I realized that I had been missing so many functions in DIP because of not exploring. The best way to learn any software is not to be "afraid of it" - explore -- try and fail -- try and succeed. It's the only real way of learning this stuff.

____________
BTW - it also helps if you title your questions with specifics - like "DIP How to Cut Photo Shapes" - so those who are familiar with DIP will know they can help you.

Good luck and welcome.

[Joeknee]

Janice ~ thank you. I'm trying with DIP. I can edit pictures quite well, but there's not much more I can do with that program. I think, like you said, I need to sit and play with it. Jo has been helping me and I thank her for it.

I thought that I read someplace that DIP was discontinued. Of course, just my luck.

But thank you for all the replies, I really do appreciate it.

[Joeknee]

Janice!! OMGoodness, it worked!! I'm shocked!! It worked!!

Oh, you so don't know how long I've been working with this. Thank you!!

Ok, what's next? I think I can conquer the world now... :yippee:

[happybeingamom]

I want to make a suggestion if you can't afford a program you can try GIMP (http://www.gimp.org/) it is free and I understand it is similar to photoshop

[Joeknee]

I've heard of it, I might have to try it. Thanks!

[cats4jan]

you are welcome

Don't worry about DIP being discontinued. It's a fine program and there are certainly many users still around to help you out. I was amazed to find I still had it installed on my computer. LOL

When you want to make your move to another photo editing software, I highly recommend going to Photoshop Elements. It's reasonably priced especially right after they issue a new version then you can get a bargain on the previous version.

PSE is a little more difficult to learn, but it's functionality is so much more than all the software out there. I wouldn't go "backwards" to any "scrapbooking" software. They are so rudimentary and it wouldn't be any step up from DIP.

So hang in there with DIP and although Microsoft has abandoned you, we won't.

[Joeknee]

How sweet, thanks!
I think that I'm going to love this place!!! I do already!

[faerywings]

If you are on a budget (and who isn't these days??) ACDSee Photo Editor 2008 is a good program to try. It is very similar to PSE but is much cheaper. I have used PSE and CS2 and I find that PE 2008 is a lot easier.

One of the neat features is that you can crop a photo or a paper into a special shape with just one or two clicks. You can use the cookie cutter tool for fun shapes or a vignette tool for softer edges on a circle.

You can give PE 200 at try out for free at acdsee.com.
There are tutorials at http://www.digiscrapinfo.com/joomla/ and I have written some and have them up on my blog.

Have fun (and be warned: Digiscrapping is Addicting!):tup:

[Joeknee]

Thank you for the info, I will check it out. Oh I know it's addicting, and I've just started. I already have an 8GB memory card almost full!!

Now, I'm off to your blog.
Hugs,
Joani