Does it make a difference what type of image a button is?

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Level 3

639 points

Does it make a difference what type of image a button is?

After this latest update for Mavericks two problems have popped up making a DVD. First has already been mentioned, the drop-down menus to change the color of a button is now blank. Second, and more importantly the graphic/button does not change states. I am using a .png as the graphic (a red shape) with an alpha channel. I would like it to change to yellow when selected; activated could be something else.

I re-installed DVDSP as suggested in another post, but the problem(s) are still there.

Does it make a difference what sort of file type I use?

Mac Pro (Early 2009), OS X Mavericks (10.9.2)

Posted on Mar 10, 2014 3:22 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Michael Grenadier

Level 7

20,374 points

Mar 11, 2014 6:05 AM in response to WilliamL

Have you ever done this in dvdsp installed on a earlier OS? I think that what you want to use is a white on black image without an alpha channel and let dvdsp add the color. You import this image in dvdsp and assign it as the overlay file for the menu. It's been a while since I've done this, but if this isn't clear to you post back and I'll walk thru the steps.

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Answer 2

WilliamL Author

Level 3

639 points

Mar 11, 2014 10:29 AM in response to Michael Grenadier

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. In the past I have just used the Simple Overlay that DVDSP creates when a button is created. I have not read, or tried, to make an Advanced Overlay. I would really appreciate knowing the steps.

Do you make a black and wihite copy of the menu?

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Answer 3

Mar 11, 2014 10:44 AM in response to WilliamL

I sometimes build menus in photoshop. I create a layer with a white image of the buttons in position on layer and then put a black layer directly below it. I then save it as a pict, or tiff or whatever. I then open the exported pict in photoshop and invert the colors so I have a black on white image and save it. I then bring that into dvdsp and set that as my overlay layer. I then marquee the area where each button is to create a button in the menu and then set the highlight states appropriately.

I usually just use dvdsp text for buttons while I'm designing the navigation and make the photoshop file once that's been approved.

If any of this isn't clear, let me know and I'll try and explain it in more detail.

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Answer 4

WilliamL Author

Level 3

639 points

Mar 13, 2014 1:23 PM in response to Michael Grenadier

Sorry it has taken me so long go get back to this discussion. I found in the Apple Pro Training Series, DVD Studio Pro 4, an exercise on how to make a PSD file with a base layer, then an overlay layer. Imported that into DVDSP and everything worked as advertised. I was able to re-create the PSD file with my own background and overlay shape layer. I then tried to create, in ACORN (not Photoshop) a single overlay layer file as an experiment. It did not work even though the overlay file was set properly. Do the button shapes have to be black on the overlay file? What if I wanted to start with red?

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Answer 5

Mar 13, 2014 1:39 PM in response to WilliamL

Create a layer in your photoshop file like this

These black lines become underlines when the file is definied as the overlay layer in the overlay file in the general tab of the menu inspector. You just marquee around the active area for the button and define the selected hilight color in the button inspector. Should work for whatever shape you want.

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Answer 6

WilliamL Author

Level 3

639 points

Mar 13, 2014 3:59 PM in response to Michael Grenadier

Michael, I have a fundamental question. Why does it have to be a PSD file with atleast two layers. Why can't I use DVDSP to build the background, add the text I want, then use a file with a single layer, ie. JPG, PNG?

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Answer 7

Mar 14, 2014 7:21 AM in response to WilliamL

sure you can. Just tested it with a pct file. First import it, then in the menu inspector in the general tab, choose the file as the overlay file. You will have to position the graphics in the correct place in the pict file before importing.

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Answer 8

WilliamL Author

Level 3

639 points

Mar 14, 2014 8:45 AM in response to WilliamL

Thanks. I was able to accomplish the same thing too. But, is there a "trick" for making the shapes in the Overlay file show up? During my practice attempts I had to draw buttons all over the screen to find the overlay shapes.

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Answer 9

Mar 14, 2014 8:48 AM in response to WilliamL

That's what you have to do. You're defining the "active" area where a mouse click will activate the button. For example, you may have an icon with text in your menu, and you want the active area to include the text. I don't know any other way to accomplish this.

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Answer 10

WilliamL Author

Level 3

639 points

Mar 14, 2014 8:57 AM in response to Michael Grenadier

Now it makes perfect sense why Photoshop is necessary to make menus. Thanks again. Probably won't have any more questions.

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Answer 11

WilliamL Author

Level 3

639 points

Mar 15, 2014 9:06 AM in response to WilliamL

Hi Michael,

I am back and still struggling with the overlay issue. According to the DVDSP manual the overlay can include one of the four basic colors (black, red, blue, etc) Everything I have red says that the normal state can be the acutal color of the graphic shape in the Overlay file. I have tried to make an overlay with a red square but that doesn't seem to work. Any more help would be greatly appreciated.

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Answer 12

Mar 15, 2014 9:14 AM in response to WilliamL

Sorry, I've figured out a way that works for me and that's what I do.

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