Here are some handy little hints and tips that are often overlooked but nice to know when you need them. They will enhance your PhotoImpact experience. If you have some good "one-liners", I'll be happy to add them.

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Advert on Trial Version

In the PhotoImpact folder, move the OPASMgr.dll file to the OPAS Folder in PI7. Next time you open PI, it will be gone.

Spline Tool

The Spline tool makes a curvy line from one point to the next. To make a line straight, hold down the CTRL key while clicking from point to point. You can alternate between straight and curvy.

Animation Insert

When creating web pages, press Shift+L to Open a dialog box and it will place your animated GIF file on the web page you're building.

Tiled Background

You can use an object to make a tiled background. Click the object to select it, then drag the object into the window where you want the background while holding down the L key (note this does not work on transparent layer).

Reading PSP Files

You can read those PSP files in PI 6 by adding the various extenders to the Preferences\General\Associate menu. Thise include .tub, .tex, .pat, .frm, and if you check .psp on the list, you can read those too!

Resetting the Button Maker

When using the Button Designer, the settings are retained from button to button. To reset, use Button Maker, then for next button, go to Easy Palette\Buttons, right-click any button, select Modify Properties and Apply.

Drawing Straight Lines

To make a line perfectly straight when using the Path tool in Line Draw mode, hold the SHIFT key while drawing the line. It will "snap" into a straight line.

Sharing Tubes & Objects

You can share tubes and objects between PhotoImpact and Paint Shop Pro by storing them in .png format. Here's how: Click for Instructions

Tiled Background

You can use an object to make a tiled background. Just drag the object into the window where you want the background while holding down the T key.

Glass Droplet

In version 4.2, there is a wonderful little "glass droplet" that didn't come with the newer fersions. You can get that same effect by using the recipe from 4.2 Here's how: Click for Instructions

Saving Objects Faster

Save a step when saving objects. Instead of using the menu commands, select your object, right- click, select Image optimizer. This bypasses the pop-up window that asks how you want to save the the object.

Using Designer Masks

Here's how to use some of those beautiful designer masks created in other programs. Click for Instructions

Lasso Tool Mistake Recovery

When using the Lasso tool, if you make a mistake, you can press the Backspace key to back up a click. Press it again to back up another step. Use the ESC key to start over.

Duplicate Objects Quickly

To duplicate objects quickly, hold down the CTRL key and drag mouse across your object. It will cause another one to appear. Repeat for more objects.

Paint with Textures

You can paint with textures! Select the Paint Brush tool. From the menu, select View, Toolbars & Panels, Brush Panel. On the Brush Panel, select the Textures tab. Pick a texture from the pop-up menu and start painting! There are about 40 of them. You can also use your own texture (user-defined).

Faced Edges on Images

Fade those image edges. Use the Selection tool, make a selection (ellipse is nice), right-click, select soften = 20, then crop.

Eliminate the Splash Screen

To eliminate your PI Splash Screen, right-click on the PI Desktop Icon and select Properties. Your properties box will show the path to the program. Mine looks like this:
"C:\Program Files\PhotoImpact 5\Iedit.exe"
Add a /n switch right after the .exe" as pictured below:
"C:\Program Files\PhotoImpact 5\Iedit.exe" /n

Grabbing Graphics

If you have PI open while you're browsing and you find a graphic you want to download, with most browsers, you can simply drag the graphic directly into PI! Great time saver!

Fast Tool Bar & Menu Display

A quick way to bring up the Tool Bar and Panels menu is to right-click anywhere on the attributes bar. Another time saver.

Copyright Symbol

To make the copyright symbol, ©, when in the PI text box, hold down the Alt key and type 0169 on the keypad. You won't see anything until you release the Alt key. Try it! (that is zero, one, six, nine).

Font Tip

You don't have to install a font to use it! Simply double-click on the font to open it, then open the program(s) where you want to use the font and it will show up on the font list. The font will remain available until you close it.