I want to use Photoshop to create menus, buttons etc...

[waylman]

Im very versed in PS, but not in any authoring apps. Is there an app out there that will allow me to import a .psd and just use it for my menu and buttons?

i've been using Adobe's Encore, but it seems it makes you choose their buttons. It would seem to make more sense if i could just use one of the layers in my .psd to use as a button, but this doesn't really seem to be an option in Encore.

Is there a better app out there that will do this? Or maybe Encore can handle this and I just dont know it?

Thanks for any help!

[mike909]

Encore will do exactly as you want. You just need to name the layers correctly. There is a tutorial on adobe.com that sais exactly how to do it, but if I remember correctly, you make each button a layer set and name the over state with a '+' and the regular state with a '-', selected state with a '=' etc. etc. Here is the link http://www.adobe.com/tips/enc15menu/main.html

[waylman]

thanks alot!!!

[Ash71360]

the best thing you can do and many people make the mistake of opening photoshop and creating them that way ... the best way is to create a basic black background and save using photoshop close photoshop and open encore dvd ... then import as assest and right click on the file and click on EDIT IN PHOTOSHOP ... this is the best and most care-free way to make your menus in encore ...

i am only passing on information that i have learned based on my mistakes, i may be wrong but i hope it helps you in your quest for a excellently authored DVD !!!

[mike909]

Another easy method which I use, is just open one of the included menu's in encore's library and edit that in photoshop...replacing all layers/backrounds with your own. when you close PS it will save it as a new one, and not overwrite the Library.

[Sully]

DVD-Lab (Pro) imports .PS pics correctly including all layers. The layers are still seperate and movable once imported.

[lordsmurf]

Ulead DVD Workshop and DVD Studio Pro both can accept PSD files. DVDSP does layers too. DVDWS may do layers, but I prefer to import elements separately.