Tutorial: Saving as .png file

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

Here's the tutorial (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/tutorials/psp_savingpng_ss.shtml) on how to save files as transparent .png files. Not a thrilling tutorial, but my first, nonetheless. :D

[Pam]

Stacey, there is an options button in the save box to run the optimizer -- or file ->export -> PNG optimizer. Paint Shop Pro lets you optimize PNG files to maximize quality and minimize file size.

The PNG Optimizer dialog box contains three tabs where you configure the color, transparency, and format options of the file. The fourth page displays estimated download times of the image at various modem speeds.

[Diginellie]

Just a question Stacey or Pam - What exactly is a .png file and why do we need to use it for elements - is it to do with the transparency? and how is it different from a transparent b/g? :confused:

[Emma]

PNG is a file format that supports a lot of colors and transparent backgrounds. If you save it as JPG, it'll make a white square around it, which won't allow the backgroun dpaper or photo to show through (imagine a sticker with a white square background, and a sticker printed on clear paper instead)

The reason you use the PNG Optimizer in PSP is the transparency is incosisten otherwise. Sometimes I open my PNG saved in PSP with white, sometimes not, but with the Optimizer they always open perfectly, plus a lot more options in the save process

[Diginellie]

Thanks Emma - you are very helpful as always :)