Embarrasing newbie question

[ATWIGO]

Me again.... Here goes.....

I have watched the tutorials, I have saved my files, etc.... (of course having a hard time finding what I want) and now want to start pulling in a background paper to start scrapping.

Of course, I can't. Anytime I have tried to import a paper, there is nothing to get. I have downloaded a few free daily downloads and nothing seems to be correct. All I seem to get is a photo of the different papers available and not actual background paper.

I am so confused as how to go about getting anything from a file.

Do I need to go somewhere and get just background paper first?

I am using PSP.

Thanks for your help and I hope to be able to understand your suggestions.

[donakat]

Nancy,
After downloading, you need to unzip the file (I'm assuming you've done that), and that generally gives you all that's in the download. If it's a minikit, it should have both papers (files with an extension of .jpg, usually) and elements (usually files with extension .png). You should be able to see these files in the folder that results from the unzipping. Go to explore and see if you see those files.

To open and use the various files, open your application (PSE??) and ask it to open the files in the particular place you've kept them. Open a new blank file of the size your layout should be (8x8 or 12x12, 300dpi, transparent background). Then drag over the background paper(s) and elements and photos you've opened up.

Hope this helps!

[ATWIGO]

I have unzipped and it made a second folder with no zipper on it. Now, do I still need that folder with the zipper on it or can that be deleted?

I am thinking I don't have any folders with paper in them besides the welcome kit. So I guess I will have to practice with that.

Now, I read somewhere that there is a way to put a photo of the kit on the outside of the folder so you can see what is inside. Cuz, I definitely can not figure out what is in each folder and know that is where I want to get something.

Thanks for the help. This is definitely too confusing for me. At least in the beginning. LOL

[marshmella]

Here is a tip I use for my kits! Each kit I download I create a new folder and name that folder with the kit name and designer so I can properly credit each designer for my pages. If you would like an image on that folder, right click on the folder and select properties, and customize. From there you should be able to choose a photo to add to the front of your folder.

I hoped that helped! Keep asking questions!!! That is the best way to learn!!! Are you still having problems making a page?

[ATWIGO]

Originally Posted by marshmella

Here is a tip I use for my kits! Each kit I download I create a new folder and name that folder with the kit name and designer so I can properly credit each designer for my pages. If you would like an image on that folder, right click on the folder and select properties, and customize. From there you should be able to choose a photo to add to the front of your folder.

I hoped that helped! Keep asking questions!!! That is the best way to learn!!! Are you still having problems making a page?

I have been trying to get a photo on the folder and all I get after I click on properties is summary and general or summary and sharing. No customize anywhere.

Not sure if I will get any of this, if I can't even figure out how to get a graphic.

[britnkaysmemaw2]

Once you Right click on Properties, Customize will be one of the tabs at the top. Click on it and then go to Choose File. This will take you to a Browse option where you can choose the file folder with your Image you are wanting. Choose the file and Open, then Apply & Save, and your Image will automatically be there.

Hope this isn't as clear as mud, lol.

Good luck, and btw...NO question is a stupid question when you are learning. We all were new at one time, and most of us, me included, are still learning!

[j_camargo6]

Nancy, I loved Michaela's tip, and will have to try that one out, but what I usually do, is select the preview graphic that is in the kit folder, and rename it "folder." That helps me see what's inside, because it shows that preview on the folder. Does that make any sense? I have 6 screaming banshees circling, and I'm not sure I can even think straight, LOL.

[SparkysGirl]

Originally Posted by marshmella

Here is a tip I use for my kits! Each kit I download I create a new folder and name that folder with the kit name and designer so I can properly credit each designer for my pages. If you would like an image on that folder, right click on the folder and select properties, and customize. From there you should be able to choose a photo to add to the front of your folder.

I hoped that helped! Keep asking questions!!! That is the best way to learn!!! Are you still having problems making a page?

A couple of things on Michaela's tip:
(1) In order to "see" the picture on the folder, you have to have a "VIEW" of the folders that will allow you to see it. For instance, if you have the VIEW set to "Details", you won't see the picture. If you have the VIEW set to something like LARGE ICONS, the folders will display with the picture.
(2) Depending on your operating system, the folder will behave slightly differently as far as how the picture displays. WINDOWS7 displays with a folder that looks like it is half open, and open just enough to see the picture you set to display. XP actually shows the flat folder, like it would appear if it were laying on a desk, with the picture on the very front (I actually like this better, but I'm running WINDOWS7 on the PC I use to digiscrap).
(3) To set this up, you right-click the folder that has your kit in it and select PROPERTIES from the menu that displays - my PROPERTIES is the last menu item in the list. A pop up window will display, and it will have several tabs across the top. Select the last tab, labeled, CUSTOMIZE. About halfway down that tab there is square labled FOLDER PICTURES ... click the CHOOSE FILE button and navigate to the folder that typically comes with the kit and select it and click the APPLY button at the bottom of the pop up window ... and you're done!

** Now, as long as you have your folders set to view as something like "LARGE ICONS" they will display with the selected picture on them.

I'll probably tackle this as I use a kit. It would be too much right now to try to get caught up. I was about to type that I have too many kits ... but we all know we NEVER have too many kits! LOL!

Thanks for the tip, Michaela! It'll help when I'm hunting for something specific rather than relying on my memory.

[ATWIGO]

I DID IT! LOL

I made my first page. Took me forever and had a hard time with text for some reason. Hopefully, number 2 page will go quicker.

Not too clear on how to give credit to the designers when you post, so for now, I will just have to keep it to myself. I can't even tell you who the designer is because I don't know what the letters stand for. Obviously, does not spell out anything. I mostly used the welcome kit I received plus a few other graphics from someone else.

As for the folder situation, I still do not have the "customize" tab popping up. Only two tabs that read "general" and "summary". So, I don't know what to do about that.

Thank you all for the help. It really is overwhelming at first and you all are so helpful.

Happy scrapping!

[michellemomof3]

That is soooo awesome, thanks for the tip!! I actually have a folder for kits & a folder for the previews & now I can combine them.

Originally Posted by marshmella

Here is a tip I use for my kits! Each kit I download I create a new folder and name that folder with the kit name and designer so I can properly credit each designer for my pages. If you would like an image on that folder, right click on the folder and select properties, and customize. From there you should be able to choose a photo to add to the front of your folder.

I hoped that helped! Keep asking questions!!! That is the best way to learn!!! Are you still having problems making a page?