Recording Scripts in Paint Shop Pro 9

If you've worked with Paint Shop Pro version 8 or later you're probably already familiar with the addition of scripts. This feature automates repetitive steps for faster altering of images. There are several good ones already available, such as Black and White and Color Sketch, but inevitably you'll be faced with the problem that the defaults just don't achieve the effect you're trying to get. So, how do you record your own?

First, get to know the script toolbar. In order from left to right:

Select Script dropdown - Shows the scripts saved in PSP 9's Scripts-Trusted and Scripts-Restricted folders. More on Trusted and Restricted below.

Run Selected Script button - Runs the script displayed in the Select dropdown.

Edit Selected Script button - Edits the script displayed in the Select dropdown.

Interactive Script Playback button - Used to switch between silent and interactive modes when running scripts.

Run Script button - Opens and runs a script located anywhere on your system; used to run scripts located outside the Paint Shop Pro 9 scripts folders.

Stop Script button - Stops the running script. This button is only active when the script is running.

Start Script Recording button - Begins recording actions for a script.

Pause Script Recording button - Pauses recording of a script. This button is only active while a script is being recorded.

Cancel Script Recording button - Cancels recording of a script. This button is only active while a script is being recorded.

Save Script Recording button - Saves the recorded actions. This button is only active while a script is being recorded.

Trusted and Restricted Scripts

Trusted scripts are able to execute commands such as Save, Close, Send, Export, Delete, Exit, and Save Preferences. They have full access to your system. Only put scripts into the Scripts-Trusted folder from known safe sources once you know why they are required to be placed there. As with any type of file, do not save or run a script if you have any doubts about it.

Restricted scripts do not run any system type commands. Most of the ones you write or download should be placed in this folder. These are generally safe to run on your system.

Once you hit the Start Script Recording button every action you perform in Paint Shop Pro will be recorded until you hit the Cancel Script Recording button or Save Script Recording button. So it's a good idea to have exactly what you have in mind either written down or thoroughly memorized before starting to record.

So the steps for recording in Paint Shop Pro 9 are as follows:

Hit the Start Script Recording Script button

Perform all the actions you want to record

Click the Save Script Recording button

It seems simple, but there are many details to keep in mind. For example, if you change your mind at the Save As dialog box and hit the Cancel button, all you have done is cancelled the save. The script is still recording, and will continue to do so until you hit the Cancel Script Recording button.

Other options to note in the Save As dialog box:

Save Materials - Make sure there is a check in this box to save the names and paths for any gradients or patterns you used in the script. Additionally, should you choose to make your script available for download, make sure any gradients or patterns needed to run the script are also available to download, or the script will fail. Putting all necessary files in a zip file is a good choice.

Remove Undone Commands - Make sure there is a check in this box in order to not include undone commands in the script. If you have this unchecked, any undone command will be executed followed by the Undo step that followed while you were recording the script. It's unlikely you'll have a reason to have this box unchecked.

Save Dialog Positions - Having a check in this box will place any dialogs used in your script in the same positions with the same size as they were when you recorded the script. This may be useful for your own use, but if you plan on making your script available for download it would be better to have this box unchecked to avoid making changes for others.

Description - Very straightforward; this option allows you to add your name, copyright information, and a description.

So now you can record your own scripts in Paint Shop Pro 9. Have fun and enjoy creating your own shortcuts for interesting image effects.