How to Create a Template for Photobie Design Studio

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Create a background layer.

   It's these template layers, added later, that you or others will be able to replace easily with images you or they choose.
   
   In this style the images will be set to occupy only one 'cut out' space, so you won't be able to move them.
   
   A little planning is advised before you start one of your own one.
   
   Usually if you are going to print your scrapbook page you will want to create it in a large size but for this one we'll just make it a bit small to get the idea of how it works. , The 'New Photo Panel' will appear. , The default color is set to white and the default 'type' is set to .pob for the Photobie .pob file format.
   
   The resolution of 96 is fine for now too. , For the tutorial, we'll just be using a 600x600 white background to start with.
   
   Also, you can lower the thumbnail panel if you wish to view a bit more of your work space. , This is the layer that will have all your text, embellishments, ...etc...
   
   You have a choice now for this layer, whether you want it to just be another color, a texture or even an image. , For this one we'll add just a color for the 'scrapbook' layer.
   
   You could try many things even fill in a gradient for this layer if you choose...it's up to you.
   
   There are two ways to do this color fill, either with the 'bucket fill' tool or you can use 'region' in the top menu and 'select whole image region' to have the whole background area to be filled using one of the fill commands. ,,, You should now have your second 'scrapbook' layer on top of the background one. ,, You will see the name change in the top part of the layer manager where the layers are displayed. , You can add bushes, shapes, text, images.........whatever you like. , This project will have one square and one circle area to have for the pictures.
   
   Sometimes it's best to start with these first, then you can build your scrapbook page around them. , You will see the selection outline on your scrapbook layer and you will be able to move and resize it with your mouse to the place where you want.
   
   Choose an area towards the top left of the scrapbook layer. , You should now be able to see through to your white background layer. ( I moved the selection in the screen shot off to the side so you can see both the selection and the cut.) ,,, You'll now have two areas where we will be able to add photos to.
   
   Now it's time for the template layers where you will be able to add or actually swap out your different photos. ,, This can be any color you wish just to see what you are doing better, you won't see the color at all once you replace it with a photo. ,, Try to make it slightly larger than the circular hole you cut, this just makes things easier when you add your photo. ,,,,, Click on that area and you will see a small triangle appear, Click the triangle and choose 'True'.
   
   This layer is now a template layer and you will see the name you gave, 'photo1' change to '@1:photo1'.
   
   You will also notice that there is a new button showing in the layer manager, 'click to replace'.
   
   This is the button you will use to add your photo, replacing the template layer. , Click the small triangle beside the 'fill shape tool' and choose 'square.
   
   With your mouse, drag out a square shape over the cut out area.
   
   Use the arrow on the layer manager to move this new square shape behind your 'scrapbook' layer.
   
   Also, use the Hand 'move resize tool' to size and place the new square layer so that it is just larger than your cut out space and roughly centered around it.
   
   Now rename this new square layer, "photo2"
   
   and press enter.
   
   Do the same as above and change this square into a template layer
   - Layer manager
   - Template layer
   - True. ,
2. 2

   Step 2: Create a 'Main Scene' (scrapbook) layer with cut-outs to show through to your 'template' layers.

3. 3

   Step 3: Start with either 'File - New' or click one the 'Create new photo' button.

4. 4

   Step 4: For this one all you have to do is click inside the 'width' box and change the 800 to 600 so we have a 600x600 background image.

5. 5

   Step 5: If you wish

6. 6

   Step 6: you can change the color

7. 7

   Step 7: size or even start by importing a background image or texture.

8. 8

   Step 8: Now we will create the scrapbook or scene layer.

9. 9

   Step 9: First off you need to set it up for what you would like to do.

10. 10

    Step 10: Let's take the easier route

11. 11

    Step 11: go ahead and click the bucket fill tool bring up the options and use it.

12. 12

    Step 12: Set the primary color to dark blue for this one

13. 13

    Step 13: but you can set yourself up to use one of the textures if you wish.

14. 14

    Step 14: Your cursor should look like the bucket fill symbol once it's selected

15. 15

    Step 15: move it to anywhere over your white background layer and click your left mouse button.

16. 16

    Step 16: Let's name this layer.

17. 17

    Step 17: Expand the layer manager and click in the box beside 'Name' where it says

18. 18

    Step 18: "New Layer"

19. 19

    Step 19: backspace and then type in 'scrapbook' (or what ever you like) and press 'enter' on your keyboard.

20. 20

    Step 20: This is a point where your creative mind should take over

21. 21

    Step 21: you can add whatever you like to make your page look cool.

22. 22

    Step 22: Let's go ahead and cut out the areas where you will have your template layers.

23. 23

    Step 23: Click on the 'circle selection tool' and with your left mouse button held drag out a good sized circle on your scrapbook layer.

24. 24

    Step 24: Be sure to have it where you want it and then on the layer manager click on the 'cut layer's selected region' button.

25. 25

    Step 25: Let's do the same but with a square.

26. 26

    Step 26: Click on the 'square selection tool'

27. 27

    Step 27: you will see the circle selection pop up on your scrapbook layer but you can either ignore it and drag out the square shape or go to the top and click 'clear' to get rid of the circle selection and then drag out your square.

28. 28

    Step 28: Again position it to where you want it to be and then click the 'cut layer's selected region' button.

29. 29

    Step 29: For these we'll just use the 'fill shape tool' and drag them out with our mouse.

30. 30

    Step 30: Let's change the primary color first to red.

31. 31

    Step 31: For the circle first

32. 32

    Step 32: click on the small arrow beside the 'fill shape tool' and choose the 'circle' option.

33. 33

    Step 33: Now with your mouse

34. 34

    Step 34: drag out another circle on top of the hole you cut out.

35. 35

    Step 35: Click the arrow on the layer manager to

36. 36

    Step 36: 'move current layer up to back'

37. 37

    Step 37: this will set the new circle you drew in behind your scrapbook layer.

38. 38

    Step 38: Click the Hand 'move resize tool' and move/resize your circle if you have to until it is slightly larger and in the middle of your cut out area.

39. 39

    Step 39: Let's rename this one 'photo1'

40. 40

    Step 40: the same way you did above.

41. 41

    Step 41: Let's go ahead and make this a template layer now.

42. 42

    Step 42: A little farther down in the expanded part of the layer manager you will see 'template layer' and beside it 'False'.

43. 43

    Step 43: We do the same now with the square cut out space.

44. 44

    Step 44: Now you are all set to add what ever you like to to make your scrapbook page look great.

Detailed Guide

About the Author