Couple dvd-lab pro questions...

[chanchan]

So, I've been using dvd-lab pro for a li'l while and I really like the menu creation capabilities, but I've got a couple questions for more experienced users.

I've been creating menus in photoshop and then importing them into dvd-lab. Whenever I import them it asks me if I want to keep the layers and I choose yes. Once the .psd has been imported none of the layer styles, such as drop shadows or stroke, are present in the menu or when I burn the dvd. I believe I've gone through all the features in dvd-lab under the menu on the menubar, but can't seem to find anything there to add them in. Is there a way to add stuff like a drop shadow to objects through dvd-lab or have the layer styles remain when I import my .psd?

[guns1inger]

You can't import layer styles because they don't actually exist as graphics in the PSD file. They are applied in realtiem by photoshop. If you wish to preserve the styles when you import them into DLP, flatten the styled layers in PS fisrt so the styles become part of the raster layer, then import. DLP does have some eimple effects, but not as subtle as photoshops. I keep one PSD copy in it's original form, styles intact, then another version with most layers flatten for importing.

[chanchan]

Won't if I flatten the image I'll lose the ability to use the layers as buttons? Also flattening an image doesn't help when you want to preserve the transparency because it flattens it with a background color.

I know I can take the magic eraser to the solid background color, but that then ruins the drop shadow effect.

[guns1inger]

When working with text layers, rasterise them, then apply your styles. Flatten just that layer (or, for DVD Lab Use, flatten all text layers to one, it doesn't matter), then import into DVD Lab Pro. You can isolate any text item and use it as a button. My preference is to keep each text item on it's own layer, just to make it easier to see what's going on in the original files. Just don't flatten down to background - look at merge layers and merge visible for single layer or partial layer work.