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Add Your Name To An Existing Animation with Paint Shop Pro and Animation Shop

From Arizona Kate, Guest Contributor, for About.com

7 of 10

Adding Text Using Paint Shop Pro Tools, Part 1

new text layers
Animation Shop does not have tools for drop shadow and similar text effects. Before returning to Animation Shop, we will use the PSP tools to add our text effects. There's a few different ways to do this. One way is to add text and text effects to each layer, one a time, and manually align each layer. Another way is to add text on a separate layer and merge layers. That's the method we'll use today!

Our objective today is to combine a static (non-animated) signature with an animated image. We are working with an image with 2 or more layers as each layer represents one frame in the animation filmstrip. This means that any added text must be added to every layer in the exact same position and with the exact same text effects. This is the time to be fussy! If static text in each layer-frame does not match exactly, the signature will bounce and blink in an unattractive way!

When text needs to align from layer to layer, my favorite method is to first add the text on a new layer and then merge layers. I think this method allows for better control of alignment. Applying effects is also easier and vector tools can be used!

Create a New Layer (name it 'text') and add the text for your your signature using the Text tool. Select your colors and enter your choices in the text dialog box and hit OK. Add your drop shadow or any other text effect you want at this time. Use Mover tool to position text into it's final position in relation to the image in the underlying layers. Go to part 2.

Sue Chastain
Guide since 1999

Sue Chastain
Graphics Software Guide

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