Cassel | Creation Cassel

What is a script anyways? (part 2)

September 1, 2018January 12, 2011 by Cassel

Last week, we saw a few basics about scripts. Let’s continue the list of common questions.

Can scripts work on all PSP versions?

Yes, on all versions of PSP, 8 and above. However, the compatibility of any script with your version will depend greatly on the person who coded them, the type of script and the version it is created with. For example, if someone is recording a script with her PSPX2 and uses the pick tool, that script will NOT work in PSP9, simply because that pick tool does not exist in PSP9 so the script will fail. However, if a recorded script uses only tools that are also present in PSP9, it is more likely to work, although it is not certain either. There are various particularities in just about all the versions that have to be known, understood and taken into consideration by the scripter to create a script compatible with all versions. Unfortunately, too many people have limited knowledge of the scripting language and are not able to render their script compatible with previous versions so if you want to download or buy a script, make sure it is compatible with your particular version.

Some scripts go in the Restricted scripts folder and some go in the Trusted scripts folder. What is the difference?

As stated before, scripts are commands that will be executed for you. Some commands might have an effect on your computer or that cannot be simply undone with a Ctrl-z. Such commands include saving files to your computer, closing a file or using some more advanced Python commands. To keep your computer safe, the only scripts allowed to perform such tasks have to be in the TRUSTED scripts folder. It is a way for the computer to know that you TRUST those scripts to not cause any damage to your computer. So, to be on the safe side of things, always save a script in the RESTRICTED scripts folder, unless specifically asked by the scripter. It is a good habit to take.

My PSP is not in English, will scripts work?

Yes. Scripts are written in Python language and that is English based, even if your PSP is in a different language. Although the language of the coding is English, the message window could be coded in any language the scripter chooses. In my scripts, for example, I have a special code that will give you a French message if you are using a French version of Paintshop, and an English message in all other cases. Since I only know French and English, I could not code messages for other languages.

Hey! Photoshop has scripts too!

Yes, Photoshop has scripts, and they are also a set of commands, but coded in Photoshop’s language so they cannot be read by PSP. The scripts made for Paintshop Pro will not work with Photoshop, simply because PSP and PS use a different language. It is like a recipe written in English cannot be followed by an Inuktitut cook. In the same way, actions written for Photoshop will not work in Paintshop and vice versa.

Where to find good scripts?

Well, glad you asked! Where to find scripts will likely depend on what kind of scripts you want. I have been coding scripts for a few years now. I would not do painting scripts because I have no talent to paint or draw! So, many of my scripts are tool scripts offering many options. Check them out in my store. Almost all of them are compatible with PSP8 and up and I have a few free ones so give them a try and see what they can do for you.

Here are other sources for good photo and tool scripts

http://suzsplace.com/8scripts.htm

http://pixelnook.vapho.com/index_All.html

http://www.dejudicibus.it/psl/

http://www.sheilsoft.com/psp.htm

New script – Storyboarding

January 9, 2021January 8, 2011 by Cassel

I thought of this script when i saw some great templates that had many many spots for pictures. I felt it was too much work to open, resize, crop, copy, paste, and adjust each photo for each spot. Lucky for me (and for you), i coded a script that does all that, in the blink of an eye. It does not matter if you have 6 photos to place, or 50. It does not matter if they are all square, or round, or all odd shapes. The script work well in all those situations. And i can tell you that it will take only seconds to place them. The longest part will be… to choose the pictures!

You can find that script in my stores: Creation Cassel,

Heather worked with this script and this is her layout. Can you imagine how long it would have taken her to place all the photos on that layout, manually? I count no less than 39 photos! She used Scrapdragon’s kit, Elegance, and a template from [Collages] by Chrissy Williams.

cass-Storyboarding_01

Do you want to see this script in action? Check this short video.

What do you think of a video to show how the scripts work?

What is a SCRIPT anyways?

January 5, 2011 by Cassel

Following the series of articles on Tubes, i got a few comments and requests about other particular features of Paintshop Pro. So, here is the first part of a 2 part series on Scripts.

What are scripts anyways?

Scripts are a new feature introduced to Paintshop Pro by Jasc with the version 8. Scripts are a set of commands that are pre-recorded and executed on demand. Paintshop Pro comes with several basic scripts already loaded, but you can find more on the net that you can buy or download and install on your computer.

What can a script do?

A script can do just about anything you would do manually with your program. It can choose a color, floodfill, write text, draw shapes, make a selection, add a shadow, apply any effect that you would do yourself.

Why use a script?

The advantages of a script can be the speed of execution, and the precision. For example, a script can add a drop shadow to 50 separate layers in less than 30 seconds, while the same steps done manually might take a several minutes. Another advantage is the precision. If you need to create a selection very precisely or place guidelines “to the pixel”, the script can do it in the blink of an eye without any hesitation and very accurately.

Are all scripts the same?

Not really. There are different “types” of scripts. There are recorded scripts and coded scripts. Those are not “official” definitions, but a way for you to understand some major differences. There are element creating scripts, painting scripts, photo scripts and tool scripts.

What is the difference between a recorded script and a coded script?

With the arrival of scripts, in version 8, also came the ability to record them. For example, if you need to convert a photo to sepia, and then add 40% noise, you would be able to record those steps, save the sequence as a script and reuse it later in one click instead of several. Some snippets can be added to give the user the option to choose a color or such, but the user input is usually pretty limited.

On the other hand, when you use Paintshop Pro yourself, you can see what you are working on, you can see where to click to floodfill, you can see if the photo is horizontal or vertical and you can adjust your actions accordingly. A recorded script cannot do that because it just repeats the same steps over and over again. For example, if you record a script that draws a line along the edge of a 1000x1000 pixels paper, it will only work on papers of the exact same size. If you try to run it on a 3600x3600 pixels paper, the recorded script will not see the difference and will draw along the path you gave it initially. So, in order to have a script work with different images, formats, and sizes, additional commands need to be added and those commands cannot be simply recorded. Functions, loops, mathematical calculations, string manipulations and many more can be used. They require editing the code itself so a good knowledge of coding language is mandatory. Of course, coded scripts can do much more advanced tasks and mostly, can incorporate user input and work with it.

… to be continued next week

Do you have additional questions, about scripts or about PSP? just email me or post a comment. I might just address your point in the next segment.

FREE Paintshop script – Edge Magic

January 1, 2011 by Cassel

For the New Year, I created a simple yet very effective tool for scrappers and designers. In just a few clicks you can darken or lighten the edge of any element or shape. It gives great results on many situations.

If you have some extracted elements, like flowers, leaves, torn papers or cardboards, or many of those available elements, adding a dark or light edge might give it a whole new look. It will save you time since this process will take only a second, instead of having to use the burn or dodge tool all around the edge.

I also found that if you are using layered element templates, it is perfect to add that little volume effect instead of the flat look of layered papers. Look at this little bird template from Americo. Adding colors only makes it ok. Adding the darker edge almost makes the bird fly! Don’t you think?

It is available exclusively in my store, here.

New script – Paperclip

December 18, 2021December 31, 2010 by Cassel

Although this is nowhere the time for back to school (except if you consider going back after the holidays), here is a script for you to create your own paperclips. They will look like those plastic paperclips that you can get in stores, but in this case, you can use just about any shape you want. Use some basic shapes, letters, numbers, arrows, speech bubbles, or any hand drawn shape. Of course, thick shapes will give better results.

You can also let the script add the default bevel or add your own. Or, if you have a particular filter you want to use, just run the script to create a paperclip shape, with the correct cutout. The script will also allow you to decide how high the cutout will be, so if you have a shape that requires a cutout to stop at a precise height, you can set it up for that too.

This script is available in my stores: Creation Cassel,

cass-Paperclip-digits

In case you want a chance to win this script for free, have a peek at this thread at the DST forum. Just add your name and on Monday, i will ask Mr Random to pick a winner.

And as usual, here is a free sample for you. You will get a whole set of paperclip digits. These are perfect to include a date, an age, or any other emphasis on numbers.

You need to be logged in to download this sample. You can either login, or register on the top of this page.

Free gift – Year 2010

February 26, 2017December 28, 2010 by Cassel

cass-WordAlbum2010

If you want to wrap up your year 2010, here is a little template for you to do so. It includes 8 individual layers (in PSD format), so you can use each of them to include pictures, text, notes, etc. The whole template is 6 inches high so there is enough room to get lots of details. Print and glue onto thick cardboard, cut out and bind as you wish. A great way to send a summary of the kids’ year to grandma, or for themselves later on.

This word album was created using the Word Album script (in case you want more albums with different words) and it is available to you in PSD format, meaning that Paintshop Pro users and Photoshop users can enjoy it.

You need to be logged in to download this sample. You can either login, or register on the top of this page.

New script – Fanned Photos

December 18, 2021December 25, 2010 by Cassel

This idea came up when i saw one scrap layout using several copies of the same photo in this fanned out arrangement. I thought it was a cool idea, but i could just imagine how long it would take to do all the copies, and rotations, and mostly the perfect alignment of each image to get a great looking result. Well, whenever you want to save time in performing a tedious or precise task, that is when i think of a Paintshop Pro script. So, i started this script to place all those copies in the perfect position, but i added many options. You can decide how many copies you want, the angle of rotation for each copy, where the pivot point will be, if you want the images to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. But then, you can also choose to have the images gradually smaller, gradually fainter, gradually more black or white. Basically, with all those options, you have hundreds of possibilities to create stunning displays.

You can use this script on photos, that is a given, but you can also use it with scrap elements too. Imagine doing that with a single flower, with a pivot point outside the element, and with gradually smaller copies. It would look like a great accent, don’t you think? How about using it with words too? So many possibilities.

This script is currently available at Creation Cassel

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2010 by Cassel

Happy Holidays to all my readers, customers, fellow designers, CT members, and their families.

Thank you all for your support and i hope that your holiday season is the best it can be.

Christmas Sale – 30% off everything

August 4, 2018December 23, 2010 by Cassel

What product of mine have you been hoping to get? Did you put it on your wishlist for Santa? Yeah, Santa is looking at your list and he told me you all seemed to want so many different products that i decided to put EVERYTHING on sale.

Whether you are a Paintshop Pro user or not, you will find interesting and useful products. Whether you are a scrapper or a designer, there are tools for you. So just check out my stores. Yes, i said my stores, because both Creation Cassel and DigiScrap Warehouse are offering 30% off everyone of my products.

So hurry! only a few days.

What are you wishing for?

New script – Mosaic Maker

August 4, 2018December 17, 2010 by Cassel

Getting to the end of the year, did you gather lots of pictures in the last 12 months? Do you want a way to display many many pictures in one layout but you don’t want to spend toooooo much time resizing, cropping, copying, pasting, aligning, etc.? This script is made for you. You can create a mosaic of many pictures in just a few seconds. You decide how large you want your montage: you can make a whole standard page, a double page, or maybe a smaller area that will contain the pictures, while leaving you some room for journaling, title or other larger photos. Whatever you prefer, this script will let you do it. Then, you can choose how many rows and columns you want (ranging from 4 to 20, meaning you can use up to 400 pictures in a single scrapbooking montage!!). Several other options are available like the shape of the small pictures, and the padding between them. In the end, since all the images are on separate unmerged layers, you can customize the montage as you wish. You can remove some photos, replace them by text, elements, other photos, paper pieces. You can move photos around if you want. The script will place some guidelines, so moving photos and aligning them will be very easy to do.

This Paintshop Pro script is perfect for a year in review, or a simple collage of many photos that you want to use, although they might not need a full page on their own.

See another layout i made using this script. This time, i chose round photos, and i deleted the ones in the middle to place the larger photo, and some at the bottom for the text/title.

This script is available in my stores: Creation Cassel and DigiScrap Warehouse.

You can get a chance to win this script by adding your name to the RAK thread at DST. Just tell me what theme would be suited for a collage of many pictures like that, or, what is the maximum number of pictures you have used in one layout. A winner will be picked on Monday night.

cass-Digit-buttons And this week, as a free sample, i figured it would be hard to give you something made with the Mosaic Maker script so i made something using an older script: the Custom Buttom script. I made this set of digits. They would be well suited, with the white and gold, for a holiday layout, to write the date, or maybe for a birthday layout.

You need to be logged in to download this sample. You can either login, or register on the top of this page.