[BonnyJean]

I've been using Picture It 9 for all my pages and a little designing too. I do have PSE3 that I just got, but I don't know how to use it yet and its just been easier to keep using PI! lol does anyone else use it? I've found some neat things hidden in there that I can use, but somethings escape me! like how to put drop shadows on things..I don't think Ican.

Anyone else us it? Iknow, I really do have to learn PSE!

[BonnyJean]

ok, so I must be alone in using Picture it! lol I reallyreally need to learn my PSE! lol

[scrappydo]

Hi Bonny,

I've been using Picture It for years and I really like it. It is capable of doing a lot more than most people think. You CAN add drop shadows--I just can't remember where it is at the moment and I'm not on my home computer so I can't look it up for you right now.

I'd like to know what the "neat things" are that you have found in case I haven't found them yet myself!

I like Picture It because of the "ease of use"--it's really simple to use and once you get in there and start using it you find out how versatile it really is.

[BonnyJean]

I think in different versions of picture it you can do drop shadows, but not in 9. unless it is called something else. lol I've even scoured through the book looking for how to do it. I can (and have) add grey squares behind stuff or freehand draw shadows, but I want something uniform!

I did find out how to cut cool shapes tho, using the marquee tool. circles are really easy, I select a shape, no fill and use it as a template to where I want to cut the circle. Then select the marquee to cut in a circle shape and adjust it till its right inside the template circle and then cut and paste to a new project sheet. I've done triangles too. I know there are other cool things I can do, but I can't think of any right now because I have a major headache! lol

I really do want to learn my PSE3 because I want to do things like tear edges and drop shadows. it would be nice to create more, but I have created a lot just using my Picture It too!

[scrappydo]

I am only using version 6 of Picture It. I've had it for several years and was thinking of upgrading. I can't believe that they would take features out! Are you using a full version or is it possibly a sample version that came with the computer or your camera?

When you are in the workspace the left side of the screen is different menu options. The top half is "Picture Options" in this menu (with the object you want to add shadow to selected) you click "photo and color effects" this pulls down another menu with a bunch of options, one of which is "shadow". Click on that and you will be able to add shadows.

I have a full version of Photoshop that I had on my computer at one time. It was so complicated that I took it off! Since my son blew up the last computer I have been working on a lap top (I refuse to share a computer with him anymore!). The lap top works fine at the moment, but I know that I need to upgrade the computer to something with a much larger hard drive and a lot more RAM! When I do this I plan on putting Photoshop back on a learning how to use it. Until then, Picture it works fine. I even make torn paper.

[BonnyJean]

thanks for you help! I do know from others that I have talked to that they took stuff out. I even think I had an earlier trial version that did more than this program! I do have the full Picture It Photo Premium 9. There is no Photo Options anywhere in this program! I've searched the program for drop shadows (or torn edges for that matter! lol) and got nothing. Have read and reread the entire manual...nothing. I have freehand painted shadows and "torn" edges, but nothing automatic. I do really like the program, but I will still sometime try to play with and learn my PSE! lol

[Doris R]

Bonnie Jean, it sounds like we're in the same MS boat. I've used Picture It! for years, and am on my third or fourth version (also 9), and I agree they seem to have eliminated some of the functions. I still really like it though, it may take a little more manipulation but I can usually get the look I want. I haven't gotten brave enough to branch out to Photo Shop yet, I want to...but I have this comfort level thing going with PI after all these years.

I'm not a designer, I just enjoy doing my layouts, I'm not sure I really need all the bells and whistles the other program would offer me. So, at least for now, at this minute, I'm still a Picture It scrapper.

[BonnyJean]

I'm not a designer either, although I did just try to make some ribbons and tags myself and was able to do it in Picture It 9! I just wish I could shadow easily! lol

[elanes@shaw.ca]

Hi Bonny Jean!

I have MS Digital Image Suite 9. It includes PI9 and Library9.

In PI 9 I use the drop shadows located under "Effects"- "Shadows". There are basic sample shadows to choose from then you are able customize this (color, size, direction). I use the buttons at the top of the screen. The "Common Tasks" menu on the side doesn't have all of the options so I always keep it closed. This gives me more work space as well.

To make torn edges, I go under "Effects"- "Edges" - "Art Stroke Edges" - Brush Stroke - "Crayon-Distressed Fresco Rubbing". You can choose other brushes but I like this one the best. Once your choice is made you can adjust the edge color, width, transparency. To create just one edge, I save image as a copy and crop off the edge I want. Then I cut and paste it onto the original and flatten layers. The other option would be to do free hand painting.

I also use PE2 but find PI9 faster and easier to use for many things.

Hope that helps.

Elaine

[butterfly]

Hi ladies
I too love my picture it. And it is an old version 2002. The newer version came with my computer an I don't use it. I do think they have eleminated some tools.
As I was so excited to get photoshop, it is still sitting here. I need to install it. It was a good buy at Sam's - now I have it a couple years and is elements 2.0. Way behind. But I do see some users on the board with it.
I just get into too many programs. Especially when you are buying items that take learning time, I could sit here all day.
A few bumps in the road have slowed me down, and haven't had the time to concentrate.
Have done some really nice work with PI, but nothing as complicated as the digi sets I see available here!! Now I am back down to newbie.
I always said I would never scrap, but now that there is digi - have to.
Actually have been, but my style.
Keep in touch we will see how we progress.
butterfly

[BonnyJean]

Elaine, thanks for the advice, but nope, that doesn't help! lol actually I like my program and don't have any problems using it, there just is not any features for torn edges or drop shadows. I know other versions have these, but not mine Its ok, I like my pages i've been doing, and its way more fun to use other peoples stuff than my own! lol there are some amazingly talented people out there who make beautiful stuff!

I still haven't learned to use my pse because its just easier right now to use picture it. Too much other stuff going on and not much time to scrap! right now, I'm busy sewing 3 outfits for dh and 3 for dd and hopefully have time to do one of my own for an SCA camping trip we are taking over Labor Day weekend. For those that don't know, SCA is the club where people get dressed up in Mediviel style garb and pretend that we all live in pre-17th century Europe. Its a blast! lol this is our first big event tho, and we need clothes! so, sewing and weaving have been on my agenda lately, pushing aside scrapbooking!

[Doris R]

Bonnie, you are so right! There are so many, many talented people out there who make their papers and elements available, that I'm just happy buying what they've done and have no problems giving them credit.
I always bought my "paper" elements and backgrounds, so why shouldn't I continue to buy my digintal paper and extras? I'm quite happy working with the wonderful supplies that others have developed. Thank you designers!

[satippetts]

Hey Guys. I'm new here too! I have been using Microsoft Picture It 9 for the last year. I love it. I just downloaded the free version of PSE, but it's not user friendly yet, so I haven't had the chance to really learn it. Honestly I don't know if I want to, I've been able to do anything and everything that I've wanted in Picture It. I was just accepted to be on the design team for scrapgirls and am excited about being on with them, all my embellishments, papers etc that I'm creating have all been done in the program.

You can still do drop shawdows in Microsoft 9. Yours should do it. Try it again. If it doesn't maybe all the features on both disks didn't get installed??

Try the shawdows again. Make sure your object is selected in the layers box or it won't work, go to the menu 'Effects', 'Shawdows' a large menu for just shawdows should come up on the left, you can pick which direction to have the shawdow go.... when I first did it, it was really light and I couldn't see it on my background, so if you select options then you can choose how dark, what colors, how much you want feathered etc. Often it makes ot larger than I like, so you can go over to the side where it shows you on your object and you can move or resize the shawdow. I love that feature!

As for torn edges select your paper, go to "effects' "edges" "Designer" "Artistic" you'll see another menu on the left. if you scroll down you will see two different ones that are called: "rough edges" or "Wavy torn paper" it will crop it quite a bit so mark the box, stretch edges to fit. It then keeps the shape of your paper more. After that if you click the next button you can pick a color or the outside, I don't mess with this usually, I think it looks more realistic without it. if you click the next button again, it will give you the option to resize your paper, by dragging it larger or moving it around, you can select for only on side to have a torn edge and the rest straight.

So maybe none of this will help. Hopefully. Version 9 should really work, maybe there was some error in the installing or something? Can you see all the filters to change your photos or papers? You mentioned other photo editing things? What kind of things were you wanting to do? I'd be glad to help with any other technical questions anyone might have.

Shalae

[satippetts]

i just re-read that message, so much for proofreading....SHADOWS!!!! my goodness! Where did I got to school. Shalae

[BonnyJean]

Thanks, Shalae, but are you sure you don't have Microsoft Digital Image Pro V9? I have Microsoft Picture It Photo Premium V9. I know my program pretty well and there is NOT a shadows option under effects. I have used some of the filters (brush stroke, colored pencils, etc) before. I wonder if there are different versions of this Version 9? because you mentioned two disks, mine only has one. I really appreciate everyone trying to help me, but as I said I know the program pretty well, and its not that I'm just missing how to do it. I've searched every part of this program and the book.

geesh, I hope that doesn't come off as snotty as it just sounded rereading it! I really do appreciate everyone trying to help! lol

[LissaD]

I found out the hard way that Picture It and Digital Image Pro are two very different programs. LOL . Luckily, Microsoft has a full moneyback refund within 30 days of purchase. I used Microsofts Picture It! Photo 2002 for the last well, 3 years to make cards, family calendars, etc. I loved it, I loved all of the options it really is a fun program and it got me hooked on the MS system. SO easy!! SO when we got our new computer I got out my disk to reinstall and it was all scratched up ... . I just wanted to replace and I bought Picture It! version 10. It had NONE of the same features. It was a completely different program. LOL was I shocked! Well, customer service got an earful and I got a new program. Digital Image Pro version 10. It is amazing really. I did just buy DIP 9 for my sister also because I am teaching her to digiscrap. It was only $14.50 on E-bay. Incredibly reasonable! and like Shalae has said it does everything! If you love the ease of scrapping with MS. Digital Image Pro offers so many options to the digiscrapper, with shadows and edge effects. I also do digital design, and make all of my papers in DIP.
Just my two sense worth on this.
I am like you guys though, once you get used to the simple to use feature of Picture It Products it is hard to use anything else.

[satippetts]

Well Bonnie, I guess Lissa answered our questions! There are different versions. LOL. Don't worry you didn't come off rude, I can understand the frustration. Especially if you were used to the other version that gave you the other options. Hopefully you can find a way to get your version to work. I also got mine version of Pro for only $15.00 through a company online line like Lissa, a great deal if you ask me considering all you can do with it. Good luck!

[The Pink Lady]

I totally understand about the drop shadow thingy Bonnie! I use Microsoft Picture It 7.0 and i can't find the drop shadow function anywhere. In fact there's nothing about shadows at all!

I'm not sure if i realy like MPit 7.0 all that much, but it's all we have on our PC so i guess I'll just live with it! It's ok really...

[LissaD]

I found something new! I was looking around and I found a free Digital Imaging Software Download. It is called Free Serif Software. You download a program called Photoplus 6.0 and you get an image editing program. It supports layers, and drawing, and photo editing. It has drop shadows and a bevel option and it is free. I don't know that much about it. It does ask you for if they can send you information on other products, I just marked no. But in a few minutes I was able to figure out how to open a background, add a picture, rotate it, make a quick painted overlay to darken the edges, and add text. It ran a little slow on my computer, not sure why. I will see if I can find any reviews on this, as I was so excited I just had to share, and if I find any I will link them here. Let me know if any of you try this. It is set up differently than Picture It in that it seems to be layers based, but could be good to learn.


http://www.freeserifsoftware.com/software/...ey_features.asp


It looks like it is an older version of a current program, it is layers based, and seems to be a basic program without a lot of frills, but all the editing tools you would need!

Here are some reviews:

reviews: http://www.cameratown.com/software/softwar...cfm/hurl/id%7C0

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/id...fpid;1391188225

[BonnyJean]

cool Lissa! I'll have to give it a look! thanks for sharing!

[angelvanilla]

yup I'm a picture it fan - use it all the time!!

[PezKat]

Hello! I also have Picture It! Photo Premium 9. I'll back Bonny up by affirming that under "Effects" there is no "Shadow" option. I believe my version (V9.0.6-7.0) came preinstalled as well; I don't remember seeing CD's but will look later. Anyway, so far I've been able to do what I wanted with it. I've only done one full layout but have edited photos (ok, not having quite the success I'd like with that so there's one fault) and created/altered elements to use in paper scrapping and cards. So it meets my needs, at least for now. I wonder... as far as drop shadows, could you just make a copy of the item and have it layered under the main one but moved a bit to whatever side you want the shadow on? I suppose this wouldn't work with a complicated shape, but I'll have to play with it. Oh and of course you can add shadows to text in the format text options, but that's just for the text itself, not its box/shape.

Anyway thought I'd join the discussion as there aren't tons of Picture It! users around! Thanks for sharing your opinions.

[amamabears]

I know this maybe getting old...but the entire reason I don't want to go to Adobe is because I like how my digital Image pro works and every time I add adobe it takes over everything if I could find the command for stop asssuming I want you to open my files I would try Adobe for more than 30 minutes. As for what I can do with Microsoft I think I do alright. I'm sure there are neat things that can be done that I don't know about with the other programs but for now I'm thinking I will stick with what I have. as I find printing it just the way I want it is best done with microsofts programming so far.

[PamWhit]

I too have been using PictureIt forever! It's so easy compared to Adobe or Corel. If you upgrade to Microsoft Digital Image Suite Anniversary Edition (you can get it through Amazon for $20!) you'll find everything you're used to in PI plus more. There are definitely drop shadows, soft shadows, etc. And check out the designer edges -- you can get that torn paper look. Unfortunately, MS is no longer making PI or DIS. Big mistake on their part! There are still ALOT of us out there who love this program. Check out tutorials at http://scrapbook-bytes.com/cgi-script/tuto...ish/index.shtml. There are some awesome things you can do that I'd never known. There are certainly other tutorials out there but can't think of them offhand. Hope this helps you.

[GPamela]

PamWhit, on Jun 7 2007, 06:57 AM, said:

I too have been using PictureIt forever! It's so easy compared to Adobe or Corel. If you upgrade to Microsoft Digital Image Suite Anniversary Edition (you can get it through Amazon for $20!) you'll find everything you're used to in PI plus more. There are definitely drop shadows, soft shadows, etc. And check out the designer edges -- you can get that torn paper look. Unfortunately, MS is no longer making PI or DIS. Big mistake on their part! There are still ALOT of us out there who love this program. Check out tutorials at http://scrapbook-bytes.com/cgi-script/tuto...ish/index.shtml. There are some awesome things you can do that I'd never known. There are certainly other tutorials out there but can't think of them offhand. Hope this helps you.

Microsoft PI doesnot allow you to use photoshop plugins like
PSP and PSE.

We have PI 10 which was included with Works Suite 2005
but I donot use it.

[Cea]

I use PI 2000, and thought I was behind the times and should invest in PSP X. What a lot of messing about you have to go through with it to do a job that takes two minutes in PI. I've tried PSP X for six months now and have given up and gone back to my beloved PI 2000. I can create shadows whenever and wherever I want. I can manipulate most formats (including PSP) and have not found any job that it isn't able to do. I can't understand why Microsoft would want to abolish this clever little program.

[Scrappin' newbie]

Hi there,
I see that I am kinda late in posting anything in here, but as a newbie, I just wanted to say that I use PI 10, and I love it! My ONLY qualm with it is that when I have to individually crop alpha letters out of a single file, there are no keyboard shortcuts for using the undo and save as feature. That is, unless I am doing everything the hard way lol.
I am brand spanking new to the world of digital scrap booking. I came across it by accident, and I ahve spent the last 2 nights up till 3 am playing with it I have made 4 pages so far and I love doing it.
I am going to ask a question, and prehaps this is the wrong forum to do it in, but maybe someone can point me in the right direction...
Regarding png files that have multiple items on the same page-- is there an easy way to use the items individually? For example, I am trying to work with this raspberry theme page that I got, but the items are so close together it is hard for me to crop them.

Any help would be soooooo greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Dawn♪♪

[PBarnes]

You got the answer you need in the other thread, didn't you Dawn? If not, let me know and I'll try to help.

[Scrappin' newbie]

PBarnes, on Feb 29 2008, 12:01 PM, said:

You got the answer you need in the other thread, didn't you Dawn? If not, let me know and I'll try to help.

Yes, I got the cropping down, but I have a new problem...

So, out of all the downloads I have, there are several that have more than one item on a page. I took those files with me for the weekend to crop out and make in to individual files.
What I am noticing, however, is that the items are HUGE after I crop and save them!
Can you point me in the right direction as to how to get them to look normal, so I dont have to worry about constantly making them smaller on the pages that I work on?
I use Microsoft picture it 10

Thanks so much!

Dawn

[Clairbdels]

BonnyJean, on Jul 31 2005, 10:38 AM, said:

ok, so I must be alone in using Picture it! lol I reallyreally need to learn my PSE! lol

I use PI myself. But Theres a problem with my program. I am looking for another program like it. Clairbdels