ortizlgnd ortizlgnd

Start Panel slices dont fit properly (even with margins adjusted)

▼

Start Panel slices dont fit properly (even with margins adjusted)

from Stardock Forums

I've been racking my brain trying to understand why this wont work. I created a startpanel in Photoshop , cropped each of the 5 parts that make up the whole startpanel, and saved each section as it's own .png image. I then imported the images into SKS 6 Professional and the pieces dont fit together flush. So I tried adjusting the margins and went to the Extra's tab and typed in the image sizes but STILL ....No matter what settings I use, the start panel is distorted. Here are the images below. I just posted them in this order:

The original whole start panel image is sumthing like 412 pixels wide and 307 pixels tall. I know the panel will stretch UPWARD when applied becuase of the lists, but the pieces seem to shift sideways. I tried adjusting margins, but it didnt help.

skinstudio
106,162 views 39 replies
Reply #26 from WinCustomize Forums Top

1. Open each start menu piece in Photoshop. Do this by clicking the edit button for each piece in SKS.

2. Piece them all together on 1 document in PS

 

That's precisely what I did with Diamond.  What I did was open those images in PS and then basically filled the entire canvas with green.  That gave me the precise size of that section.  Then I dragged that into a new document.  Lather, rinse, repeat.  Then you have those green boxes, all on different layers, that can act as your slice guide.  You don't even have to have the guides on.  You just control select the particular sections layer while being on your active merged startpanel layer and viola.

Reply #27 from WinCustomize Forums Top

That's precisely what I did with Diamond. What I did was open those images in PS and then basically filled the entire canvas with green. That gave me the precise size of that section. Then I dragged that into a new document. Lather, rinse, repeat. Then you have those green boxes, all on different layers, that can act as your slice guide. You don't even have to have the guides on. You just control select the particular sections layer while being on your active merged startpanel layer and viola.

Sounds like my only difference is that I don't use the slice tool. I find it confusing. X|

Ortiz: If the slice tool is messing you up, try just cropping the pieces down to size.

+1 Loading…
TouchTasks - Access tasks with ease on Windows touchscreens.
Reply #28 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting messiah1, reply 24
Like I said...try what you see here and when you find something that works, stick to it.

 I appreiate your suggestions, and I would like to use the suggestion which employs the slice tool. But I need more instruction on how to use it to save the individual slices including the "blank" areas aswell. Tho some have suggested using the slice tool to do so, they haven't provided all of the step on how to do so. That's why I am still asking for assistance.  

Reply #29 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting messiah1, reply 1




1. Open each start menu piece in Photoshop. Do this by clicking the edit button for each piece in SKS.

2. Piece them all together on 1 document in PS



 

That's precisely what I did with Diamond.  What I did was open those images in PS and then basically filled the entire canvas with green.  That gave me the precise size of that section.  Then I dragged that into a new document.  Lather, rinse, repeat.  Then you have those green boxes, all on different layers, that can act as your slice guide.  You don't even have to have the guides on.  You just control select the particular sections layer while being on your active merged startpanel layer and viola.

I like this idea. thanks

Reply #30 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I like this idea. thanks

No problem.  Sometimes its hard to get across what you want with just typing, however, had I been home I could have mocked you up a picture of what I was talking about.  Hell, I would have even sent you the psd file for that matter.  Then you could tailor it to your own needs.  This method works for me.  I hope it works for you and maybe somebody else too.  Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Reply #31 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Sounds like my only difference is that I don't use the slice tool. I find it confusing

I don't actually use the slice too either.  I just let the green boxes do the "slicing" so to speak.  Works every time.

Reply #32 from Stardock Forums Top

I just dont want to be reliant on other ppl's work, as I would like to one day be a master at this stuff.

Reply #33 from WinCustomize Forums Top

ortiz...sorry that I hadn't responded sooner.  I guess the email stuff is screwed up on here also.  As to what to do with the slices when you have them in place:  Just go to File > Save for Web.  Make sure png 24 is selected on the right side of the window that pops up.  Then hit the save button.  In that window that pops up, select where you want to save the file, and also select just the pngs from the drop down box.  Photoshop will then save the slices in a folder (photoshop does the actual slicing for you), numbering your slices from 01 to 05.  You can then import the images into sks.  BTW, I always have all of my files in a folder away from sks....I keep the stuff on a different drive.  This way, I always have my files, in case of problems.

Anyway, if you still want me to slice your panel, here is my email address:  MJR45RN at aol dot com.  (substitute at for the symbol, and dot for the symbol).

 

Reply #34 from Stardock Forums Top

SUCCESS!!!!!!!

Thank you all for all of your help! Stardock Forums Rock!

+2 Loading…
Reply #35 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Glad you got it figured out!  The joys of skinning....O:)

Reply #36 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Awesome!  Glad we could be of service.

+1 Loading…
Reply #37 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Holy Smokes!!  I had no idea how complex this all is. Just wait till I get my fingers in this cookie jar. I'll drive myself crazy for sure just tryin' to keep track of it all. Thank goodness for skinners who know how.5*

Reply #38 from WinCustomize Forums Top

SUCCESS!!!!!!!

Glad you got it, ortiz! Congrats! :congrat:

Reply #39 from Stardock Forums Top

My method: Set the slices where I wanted for each part, rectangle tool (with slice guides on) for each part, crop, save as .... "wash, rinse, repeat" 4x more. lol! imported each into SKS and slight margin adjustments.... Done! You guys are the best!