Creating Templates in PSCS

[susan]

I'm missing something when I try to create templates in PSCS. I'm trying to create layouts where all I have to do is pull in the picture - like DSPs wonderful "ploppers". Since I've been creating hard cover books and have a very magazine like style, I thought this would make the production much easier if I had a number of my own templates.

What I can't figure out is how to save these files so the photo can get pulled into the background for resizing and positioning. It's probably something that I'm making harder than it needs to be... :confused:

[Starling]

I would suggest doing it this way.

Put the entire layout together. Save it as a native Photoshop file so all of the layers are available when you re-open the file.

When you are ready to use it, open the file, pull your photo into it. Arrange the photo layer(s) so that things that belong under the photos are under it and the things that belong on top, are on top.

Save as the completed layout as a jpeg file. This will keep your original "template" available for use again. It gives you a separate file for each of the completed layouts.

[Emma]

If your Plopper is on a Background layer, then just double click to make it a regular layer. Then add your photo and drag it under the Plopper layer. Make sure you have a transparent hole in which to place the photo underneath.

Or just crop the photo and put it on a layer above the Plopper.

The only file format that supports layers in PS is a psd. Once you open a jpg or PNG Plopper from DSP and paste a photo onto it, it will try to save it as a psd automatically, unless you choose another format that will flatten the layers

did I understand your question correctly? Did that help?