Hi there,

I hope someone can help me with this. I am new to Cafepress and I am wondering:

1. Is it necessary to use templates, or can you just upload a 'large' file, say 2000 x 2000 pixels, 200dpi, and it will be useable on most itmes?

2. I have tried to use the clock template but I cannot use it. I do not know where I am going wrong. I downloaded the file to my computer then managed to open the template in Photoshop, but I cannot copy and paste my image onto the template. I have tried to follow the online instructions and also the Utube video but to now avail. Please can someone point me to where I may be going wrong?

All advice gratefully received!!

Thank you.

Babs

It is not required to use the templates. 2000 x 2000 will get you 200 dpi only on products with a 10 inch print area. It won't get you 200 dpi on the products with 11 inch or 12 inch print areas (pillow, plus size shirts).

There are MANY ways to copy or move an image to an open photoshop file. I have no idea what you could be doing wrong.

Open two images in photoshop. In image # 1 go to the layers panel. Click the layer showing the image. Click the little flyout arrow > at the top of the layers panel. Click duplicate layer .... A panel will open. From the drop down under Destination, Document click the name of image #2. Click OK.

If that does not work then you need more help than can be given by written instructions.

Hi Diane,

Thank you very much for your help. I have tried to do what you say with the layers and it brought up a window which says '' duplicate as 'background copy' '' in the field at the top. I then chose the image (that I want to copy) from the drop down menu and pressed ok. Now I have two images which show the template and I cannot see my image except in the layers panel. I think I need to learn how to use layers properly. I've never used them before.

Thank you again, it is appreciated!

Babs

Yes, it takes some getting used to.
Look down. See the word Destination?
Click in there.
Select the other document, not the one you are copying from.

Hi Diane,

Thank you very much for your help! I have finally got my head around how to use Layers thanks to your assistance!

Could you possibly answer another question about templates for me please? Or anyone else who can provide an answer?

I scan my drawings as they are approximately A4 size, or just smaller. What would be the best resolution to scan them at? Does dpi matter at that stage? Also, when I then copy that image to a template, should I change the dpi to 200 before copying the image (if I scanned it at, say, 600 dpi?) i.e. will copying the image to the template change the dpi automatically to what it should be? I think once I've got my head around that bit, I should be fairly ok!

All help gratefully received.

Best wishes,

Babs

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BabsArtOnline,

Scanning at "A4" size does not say what resolution you are scanning at. That is like saying "I drove 60 miles." A4 describes the size, but not the rate at which dots are applied. (Did you drive that 60 miles at 60 miles per hour, 30 miles per hour or 10 miles per hour)?)

I would use at least 600 dpi, more if I am trying to use a small image.

What is important is having enough dots (pixels) to cover the area you want.
Don't change the template size.
The scanned image should be larger than the template.
Reduce the size of the image to fit the template.
The template should stay at the same size in pixels. That is what you want to pay attention to.
Keep using the templates, without changing any settings, until you get used to how dpi works. Do some experimenting to really grasp dpi. Unfortunately since your screen only shows 72 or 96 dpi it is hard to really see how it works.
http://tutortanith.com/#imagesize

Hi Diane, thank you!

So if I scan at 600dpi, do I then need to change anything (dpi or resolution) before I then copy the image to the template? This is the mian area that is causing me concern. I'm not sure whether to change the image dpi to 200 (as the template says it needs to be) and then copy it to the template, or just leave it, and the template does the resizing exactly as required?

All help gratefully received!

Thanks again,

Babs