Research You Subject Matter Before Producing You Screencast for AC

I was going to do a screen cast using my new Paint Shop Pro X1. The new brand book published in 2006, which I had borrowed from the Hawaiian State Library called "Paint Shop Pro X for Photographers," is already outdated. I have used Paint Shop Pro for awhile and love it but still never got the hang of using masks. This book didn't help me either. I must have a mental block - or this feature has changed greatly from PSPX to PSPX1. One difference between PSP and PSPX1 is the browse button is no longer on the toolbar, you have to click on File then Browse. Also customize you tool bar for the features used a lot. I like arithmetic but don't understand how it works.

On page 115, Technique: object cut-out there are no screen shots. I had to hunt for how to rename the layer and trip over how to change from layer to layer. AC is asking for screencast how to and I figure I could do a better job than this book. Although nice in detailing the differences in PSP and PSPX, the step by step instructions could have been clearer.

So then, I decided to do a screencast. Downloaded a freeware AutoScreenRecorder 2.1 Pro and tried to go through the book which explains the enhanced features to modify the selection that is not available in the old PSP. In PSPX1 the user is now able to modify the selection with one click for specks and holes, unfeather and smooth. Although I still haven't found 'negative image' yet, the enhanced histogram, and suggested setting is wonderful.

I googled - there are already screencasts for PSPX1, and probably a hell of a lot better than I would ever have made. There is "Video Guide to Paint Shop Pro X1" free to try $12 to buy. Corel.com has video clips of Paint Shop Pro Photo in action. The website has the sample photos to follow along and seems to be a lot better than the book.

The book is good to skim through and get to know all the new features but Corel's website is at lot better for step by step learning. After downloading the sample pictures, the tutorials have screen shots and are able to print out the instructions.

The book doesn't come with a CD but on Corel's website there are free downloads for picture tubes and detailed information on new features such as the Object Remover which removes the reason for separate layers.