How to Create a Template

This month's template challenge in the forum is a little different. Instead of me giving you a template to play with, you are going to learn how to make one for me! In the forum, I have provided a download of some shapes that need to be used in creating a template, along with a few guidelines to help you learn. But just a zip full of shapes isn't enough! I need to provide the instructions for creating a template as well - and I decided to share those instructions with all of you! First - you will want to head to the forum to download your pieces. They look like this. I will post my template preview in the forum in a few days, I want to give you a chance to be creative first :)

How to Create a Template

Remember, I use Photoshop Elements – so these instructions/tips/tricks may need to be altered to fit your program

* Create a new 12x12 (or 8.5x11) document. Make sure that the background layer is “unlocked” or start with a transparent background) and a solid color. (In PSE you can unlock the background layer by double clicking it and selecting OK)

*Begin adding shapes to your workspace. Base them off of a previous layout you’ve done, or just start plopping them in. I use the rectangle tool and custom shape tools to create most of my shapes, but also have a collection of shapes and shape templates I have created (ex. My Paper Shapes & Paper Borders)

*Arrange the shapes on the page in any way your heart desires. Be sure you have a spot (or more) that’s good for a photo. Layer them, cross them, rotate them….

*Make sure you simplify each shape once you have it set the way you like it.

Trick: Let’s say you want to include a curled string as one of your elements in your template, but don’t know how to draw one. Open up a curled string that you like. Select the string (CTRL/CMD click on the layer in the layers menu in PSE) so that marching ants appear around the edges. Then using a brush paint the selected are a solid color. You now have the “template” for a curled string that will serve as a guide on your template. If you. Be sure you only place the layer with the painted shape and not the actual element.

*Add a spot for a title and/or journaling. Typically, I flatten/simplify my text layers after creating them. If I choose to leave the text editable (sometimes for journaling) I try to use a system/standard font. If the user does not have the font, their computer will likely default to a standard font and it may change the formatting or layout of the text placement.

You can add drop shadows if you want, I usually do not – I leave that up to the template user.

Tip: I suggest going through your layers and renaming them to what the layer represents. “Photo1” “Large Mat” etc. to make it easier for a user to follow your guides.

Once your template is complete and you are ready to save it, be sure to crop it. A lot of times when you rotate or resize pieces they fall off the side of the page. Crop it down to the 12x12 or rectangle size to reduce the file size.

Trick: Another way to create a template is to take an old layout you have done (as long as you didn’t use a template to make it) and use clipping masks to convert each layer to a template form. Place a solid color layer directly above any layer on your layout press CTRL-G (CMD-G) to clip the color to your original layer. Now right click on the color layer and select “merge down.” I don’t like this technique, I prefer to create shapes as described above

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART – SAVING YOUR TEMPLATE

Saving your template so that it is usable by other scrappers is key. Saving it as a layered file is important for ease of use. There are two file types that I know of that are layered documents:

PSD (a Photoshop File) and TIFF (similar to a PSD, a high resolution layered file, only it can be used in other programs)

You should also include a full sized flattened version of the template for those who cannot open a layered file. Flatten your image and save it as a JPEG at medium quality for this file. This is used by those who can’t open an editable file as a sketch or guide.

Feel free to ask questions - or leave your own tips in the comments!