Graphic Allusions ~ PSP8 Information: All Things 8

NEWSFLASH: ALL OF THE TUTORIALS AT GRAPHIC ALLUSIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON CD-ROM!

(ELECTRONIC DOWNLOAD VERSION ONLY $19.95!)

If you'd rather have the convenience of working with these tutorials in your own time and at your own pace, well now you can. Every single tutorial on this website has been adapted for inclusion on CD-rom. You now not only have the opportunity to have your own permanent copy of these tutorials, but there's also a few surprise goodies I've included as well (for instance, the CD includes 9 new tutorials not available online and a large number of royalty-free tubes). For more information, you can check it out right here.

All Things 8 . . .

Paint Shop Pro 8 is the latest version of Jasc's long running and increasingly popular graphics software program: Paint Shop Pro. Used by professionals and home-users alike, PSP gets bigger and better, and more powerful with every upgrade. If you're brand new to PSP and are starting off with 8, or if you're an experienced PSP user who has just upgraded from a previous version, you've come to the right place. Right here on this page you'll find all of my tutorials (including the PSP8 Survival Kit - which is probably the best place to start if you've literally just taken the CD-Rom out of the box) plus links to other great sites. There's also a special Tips and Tricks page, plus my Absolute Beginners page for those of you who are brand new to Paint Shop Pro.

Note: The tutorials on this page may be downloaded or printed out for personal use only. No tutorial must not, under any circumstances, be taken from this site in its entirety or in parts and passed around Yahoo or MSN Groups, re-posted on other websites or passed on to other individuals. Placing a link on your Group's site or your own site is fine, and passing links around is also fine. But links ONLY please, and remember to acknowledge that they are external links, otherwise many of your visitors will assume they are still on your site. There are logos available on my resources page if you wish to use one. Thank you for your co-operation.

By popular demand . . .
Absolute Beginner Tuts!

Are you an absolute beginner with Paint Shop Pro? Have you been finding some of these tutorials a little ahem, 'advanced' for you? Well, you'll be pleased to know I now have a special collection of beginner tutorials you might want to check out: right here!

Looking for tuts and info for PSP7?

You'll find some on my PSP7 Tutorial Page.

TIPS & TRICKS . . .

An ever-growing list, the Tips and Tricks page is an ongoing project. I will add to this page whenever I get the time, and/or any great new ideas.

Also, I welcome your ideas and contributions if you have any. You are always welcome to email me at the link above and I'd be happy to include any great tips or tricks you have, of course giving you due credit. If you have any other ideas or suggestions, comments etc. about this page those are always welcome too.

TUTORIALS FOR PSP 8 . . . .
The PSP8 Survival Kit. A general introduction to the new tools and features of PSP8. Warning: this is a BIG tutorial (10 pages) so by all means bookmark it, and take your time going through it. NEW!! Updated 22/12/04. Now available in larger, easier to read print size.
How to Create a Custom Image Palette in PSP8. If you're looking for a little inspiration in your choice of color-scheme, or maybe you're one of the 'color-challenged' out there who finds it hard to mix'n'match?? Then this tutorial is for you. Learn how to create a custom image palette which will help you to choose the right colors for your graphics and web pages.
How to Create a Full Moon in PSP8. This is the same method I used to create the full moon from the Absolute Beginner's tut on Understanding Layers. I've had a lot of requests for how I created the elements for that tutorial, so here is the tutorial for how I created the moon that originally appeared in the 'Mooncat' image.
How to Create a Paling Fence. This is the same method I used to create the fence from the Absolute Beginner's tut on Understanding Layers. I've had a lot of requests for how I created the paling fence, so thought I may as well write a tutorial about it. It's not strictly a beginners tut - so that's why I've placed it here, but I do encourage all beginners to at least give it a go! I think 'advanced' beginners should be able to manage it quite well.
Getting to know the Effects Browser. Get acquainted with the new Effects Browser in PSP8. What an awesome tool! This tool is not only handy in itself, but can also give you endless ideas and inspiration if you're finding it hard to come up with new ideas for your graphics. Give it a go, it's great!
Importing Custom Brushes. For using V7 and previous versions custom brushes with PSP8. If you have a favourite brush you just can't live without, you'll love this tut.
What are Environment Maps and Bump Maps? The Balls and Bubbles filter explained. A very versatile filter, it can be used for making all kinds of orbs, from beachballs to whole solar systems.
Jake the Snake. Make a really cool reptile out of the new spiral snakeskin tube. For more information on how to use PSP7 (and older) version of tubes with 8, check out the introduction on top of my Tubes page.
Seamless Tiling. Check out the sensational new seamless tile tool - it leaves previous versions for dead!
Curtain Border Background. Make a pretty bordered background tile that looks like a curtain, but more importantly, get more of an in-depth look at how to use the new materials palette, crop tool, add borders feature and more.
Ornamental Velvet Button. Note: You will need both Eye Candy 3.1 and Blade Pro to do this tutorial, but the good news is, it can be done in either PSP7 or 8! As an extra bonus, this tut includes a link to where you can download a completely free, no-strings-attached version of Eye Candy (yes, it's legal!)
Importing Preset Shapes. A quick tutorial to show you how to use your PSP7 (and older) favourite preset shapes with PSP8. This method is also suitable for using pre-V8 tubes, masks, palettes, gradients, bump maps and a host of other PSP resources.
Making a Treasure Map with the Mesh Warp Tool and Burn Brush. This tut shows you how to make a treasure map - or any type of ancient-looking parchment with burnt edges - with the mesh warp tool and burn brush.
How to Make Realistic-looking Clouds and Smoke using the Materials Palette. Want to make some fluffy clouds, smoke or steam? This tut will show you how - and you'll be amazed at the variations you can come up with!
Customizing the Standard Toolbar. Are you sick and tired of hunting for your favourite tools in V8 and instead would like to keep them up on the toolbar for easy access? This tut will show you to customize the standard toolbar by placing shortcuts to the tools and features you want to have up there.
Customizing the Keyboard Shortcuts. Jasc shocked a lot of people when they re-assigned all of the keyboard shortcuts; the good news is you can change 'em back if you like! You can easily assign, and re-assign your favourite commands to your favourite keys, so go on - be a devil and customize like crazy (as long as you remember where you've put everything on the keyboard!)
More tutorials coming soon! Stay tuned :)

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General Help and Information:

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