SLP Curriculum Guide #01, Basics
Curriculum Guide Index

The SLP Curriculum Guide will provide some ideas for participants in ways to use the Master SLP Curriculum. The Guide will follow the basic Techniques and Tools Index. New users of PSP are encouraged to follow the tutorials for their version in the Basics Index.

THE BASICS:

As with any new program or application often the first step is to become acquainted with its layout and features and then explore its various features. For Paintshop Pro one way to approach it is to 'Get Acquainted' with the basics, then Explore Particular Features to learn all the various aspects of these features and then to Develop Skills and Techniques to create interesting results.

So, here are some guidelines that will provide one with some pathways toward a goal of becoming an proud and creative artist.

GUIDE #01

Paintshop Pro is structured (its layout) with two broad ways to access features: The Menu system and the Toolbars/Palettes System. Also, PSP has numerous keyboard shortcuts to access the features. (Keyboard shortcuts are just that -- ways to quickly accomplish something like using a feature or performing an action.)

There is duplication of function between the Menu System and the Toolbars/Palettes System (and with keyboard shortcuts). Some menu system items are not duplicated as some Toolbar/Palette actions are not duplicated.

Exercise #1. Menus, Toolbars, Shortcut Keys

Explore the Menu System, the Toolbars and Shortcut Keys. What Toolbars have similar (not necessarily equivalent) functions as a Menu Item? And, what Keys, if any, can be used as a Shortcut?

Examples:

  • Creating a New Canvas: 'File || New', Standard Tool Bar 'New' button, Shortcut key 'Ctrl+N' (Tutorials: The Basics -- #08, #09, #10, #11)
  • Creating a New Layer: 'File || Layers || New Raster (or Vector or Media) Layer', Layers Palette New Raster, Vector, Media Button. (Tutorials: The Palettes -- Various tuts #07 - #16)
Exercise #2. Workspaces

An on-going exercise for the new user and experienced user is to create custom 'Workspaces' which set up the main PSP layout screen to accommodate one's personal habits. This customization includes which Toolbars to have visible, which palettes to have visible and how to both hide and show toolbars and palettes. Also, customization includes where one locates toolbars and palettes as well as in toolbars what tools to have visible.

Challenge:

  • Learn how to customize toolbars.
  • Learn how to customize workspaces.
  • Over time develop (save) custom workspaces to reflect particular interests (drawing, painting, photography, etc.)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

  1. When completing a tutorial or series of tutorials, and having placed them upon your web page, post in the SLP Forum your completed work using this layout:
    • Name or Screen Name.
    • Web Site URL.
    • Version of PSP using.
    • List of Tutorials completed.
  2. Post your Customized Layout:
    • List what Toolbars you made visible
    • Indicate how you positioned Toolbars and Palettes.
    • Indicate things you found interesting, worthwhile and any other comments.
    • List some of the similarities you found between the Menu System, Palettes, and Keyboard shortcuts.
    • Post any questions and comments in the SLP Forum.

Top

Curriculum Guide Index