Importing from PP

[cathym]

I am trying to import a page from PP. In BM, when I go to import, it will ask for only .dime files. Any specific info on importing from PP would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks for all of the great info.

[Marti]

You don't "Import" your layouts from the "File" drop down. Instead, when you complete a PP slide layout, save it as a .jpg and file it in a folder in your computer under "My Docs". Then when you're in BM and you select "Get Photos", all your layouts will appear on the left side of the screen as .jpg files in the folder you saved them in.

Click on the + in front of the "My Docs" folder to open it and all the layouts should appear on the top portion of the screen. To make them available to drop into a template on a MP page, drag each one you want to use to the lower portion of the screen (under the blue horizontal line). Then go to "Make Book" and your layouts will appear on the toolbar at the top of the screen. Select a layout and drag it to the template on the page. It'll drop right in. Then you can adjust it accordingly.

Hope I didn't forget anything. Give this a try and if you have further questions, ask away. If I haven't been clear or misinterpreted your question, maybe someone else will help clarify.

[cathym]

Thanks soooo much for the help, it worked. Can you only do full-bleed pages in certain styles of books? When using PP to create your pages, do you usually do a whole book of full pages? It doesn't seem like you canchange MP's templates on certain pages in certain book styles, other than changing the number of photos on the page. Thanks again for your help.

[Cruiser]

You can do a full bleed picture in any of the books. It is listed under 1 picture in the dropdown file for choosing how many pictures per page.

[Marti]

Cruiser's correct about the full bleed pages. Personally, I try not to do full bleed pages across from one another (I don't think Cruiser usually does either in her books). I have done it in older books and feel it looks too "busy". As far as templates on certain pages in certain book styles, there are some limitations per style, however, many of the same templates are available in more than one style except for the specialist styles such as "Travel".

When using PP layouts in a template, I like to use full bleed pages or the nearly full bleed page options. They show off the photos on the layout better. You might consider a full bleed template for a layout on one page and some photos that coordinate with that layout on the facing page.

Sounds like you're doing quite well, Cathy. Happy to help people who read the forum comments first and still have questions.

[Cruiser]

The exception to putting two full bleed pictures next to one another is if you want a panorama effect using two full bleed pictures. You have to be very careful and line them up exactly or the centers won't match. You have to allow up to 1/2" at the binding and 1/8" at the other edges for cut off. There are lots of posts telling you how to do a two page layout.

I usually use a full bleed picture when I'm introducing a section of my book, or the picture is a spectacular scene and the next to it I usually put no more than 3 pictures on the adjacent page. I try to stay away from the 6 or more picture layouts. They are too busy and you cannot showcase your pictures if they are competing for space. I only do it if I am running out of room in my book. I do use 2 and 4 picture pages a lot. I would rather have fewer pictures in my book and showcase all of them than to try to cram as many as I can on each page. Not every picture is worth printing...

[Marti]

All excellent points, Cruiser, and I couldn't agree with you more! I learned a lot from looking at your books about positioning and number of photos per page. I'm now trying to be more careful in my photo selections and only use the very best photos in my books instead of using a lot of average ones. The "showcase" aspect is important to me.

[cathym]

Thanks so much ladies, for all of your help. I am having so much fun!!!!

[Marti]

That's what it's all about, Cathy. I don't think any of us would be doing all of this if it weren't so darn much fun to do, to talk about, and to share!!