Photoshop and DVD Workshop 2.......?

[sdsumike619]

So I'll put this out there for anyone who wants to try and explain... I'd really like to create my DVD menu(s) in Photoshop and use them in DVDWS2. Basically, all I really want to do is have some text links that I can create in photoshop to use on the menu so I don't have to use the text feature in DVDWS2 (amateur looking text).

I could get away with using a simple underline or checkmark for the selection cursor or whatever you call it. Bottom line, it would be nice to have good looking stylized text on my menu instead of the simplistic effects that DVDWS2 provides.

One way I know how to do it is to save images in photoshop of each link, and use that highlight image feature in DVDWS2 to use a checkmark to associate with each button.. Problem with that is I'd have to have a solid background color for those buttons to sit on and in this menu, I have a nice looking picture instead that I want the text to be on top of...

[daamon]

Start a new project in Photoshop, and set the background to be transparent.

Add each piece of text in its own layer, and position as required.

Save as a PNG file, or whatever DVDWS2 accepts - but the format you choose MUST retain the transparency and the layers.

I author with DVDLab Pro and it recognises each piece of text independently because it is in seperate layers, and therefore a link can be associated as required.

I think that should sort you out.

[rbatty11]

OK.. good question... . Sorry for my simple-minded questions..

So you create new Pshop project and size it to either 720x480 for NTSC or 720x576 PAL, correct? What should the pixel/inch be?? How do you determine that? Default in Pshop 6 when I create a 720x480 menu is 41.666.. ??

So for every button or action in the image, it MUST be a different layer? So for every button/action, you go to Layer dropdown menu, select New...Layer, correct? That also means that when you save the the image (menu), you leave the layers (transparent, play, chapters) in tact and do NOT merge any, yes?

Let's say in a chapter menu, we have 4 thumbnails, play all, previous, next and main.. there s/b 8 layers (i.e., the menu created in Phsop should've been saved with all 8 layers in tact??). Thanks.

[daamon]

So you create new Pshop project and size it to either 720x480 for NTSC or 720x576 PAL, correct?

Yes. Though DVDLab Pro requires 704 instead of 720 - other authoring tools may be the same. Use whatever they need.

What should the pixel/inch be?? How do you determine that? Default in Pshop 6 when I create a 720x480 menu is 41.666.. ??

I don't know what the pixel/inch should be. I just use the default and it turns out fine.

So for every button or action in the image, it MUST be a different layer?

Nearly - Certainly for every link that you wish to add I've always put them in seperate layers and it's worked OK. As for "actions", I'm not sure what you mean. If you'er referring to Play, FF etc. then authoring tools generally put these in for you. If you're adding your own, then I'd say seperate layers again.

So for every button/action, you go to Layer dropdown menu, select New...Layer, correct?

Yes, sounds right. That said, I've just added text etc. and it defaults to a new layer.

That also means that when you save the the image (menu), you leave the layers (transparent, play, chapters) in tact and do NOT merge any, yes?

Correct - do not merge.

Let's say in a chapter menu, we have 4 thumbnails, play all, previous, next and main.. there s/b 8 layers (i.e., the menu created in Phsop should've been saved with all 8 layers in tact??).

I've only ever taken the default chapter menus offered by the authoring tool. The menus I've created have been the initial selection menus. But, yes, I guess if you're creating your own chapter menus then there's as many layers as there are objects and, with no merging, save using a format that retains these and the transparency (if required).

[guns1inger]

If you are working in photoshop, use the built-in video templates. If you have phptoshop CS2, you can work in square or non-square pixels as well.

[rbatty11]

gunslinger, are there video templates for Pshop6?? daamon, thanks for the detailed answers..