Confused on Where to Start

Its best to stick to default size images when first learning, you can use the 'New skin" original images as size templates.

You can also experiment with image size as long as the states line up you can try going bigger or smaller, some images in WB need to be within certain dimensions, some don't. You can pretty much make them any shape, some shapes will respond well, some wont.

A LOT of skinning is trial and error, something every skinner has to get used to and be at peace with.

The predominant adjustments you will make in Skinstudio are sizing and Text margins, these are found on the tabs for each section\image

There is a little arrow to the right of the Edit image button that you need to click to open up a menu where you can choose to import an image tahat you have made in Photoshop and saved to your desktop.

As has been said, the best way to learn is to download and look at others skins and how they are assembled in SKS.

Also make sure you have associated Photoshop as your default editor in Skinstudio preferences dialog.

Thanks for the tips vStyler I got one image in not sure which one it is though ha I don't see text margins but I see painting

margins and I dont see a sizing tab either I guess its named something else in the free version maybe.

I have a tutorial Im trying to follow but its for pro and the layout is much different then mine not sure if its for the same version.

I will be tinkering around I'm using Skinartistry Template and a tutorial from there too.

Any tips are much appreciated

Thanks Lisa

Text (content) margins should be directly to the right of sizing (painting) margins.

I'd advise getting SKS Pro if your in it to be anything close to serious, Pro also gives you a tree view to make navigating much easier.

I think its only 20 bucks and also part of object desktop.

I'm getting somewhere without the darn tutorial the sizes are wrong with the tut anyway from what I can tell I tested out a few images they look terrible but I managed to place them on the start menu.

LoL I'd love to get the whole suite but want to learn a bit 1st

Ok I see what you were talking about

Them looking bad is where the painting margins come in. Basically you need to move the margins in so the image doesn't stretch badly. Start moving the margins in on all sides (applying each time untill the image looks good).

You can post screenshots here on the forum both of the skin applied and your settings in sks, so that we can advise you futher.

I'm gonna buy something now the pro isnt to much and I like the whole desktop suite so I debating over here.

I will post as soon as I get a bit more comfortable with the functions I just tried this out today so need more time to play

but I'm glad to have help can never get to much of that.

Thanks Lisa

I am trying to figure out how to purchase pro online do I have to install impulse 1st to be able to order it?

Also I tried creating an account and it doesnt log me in?

and the bundle of windows blind and skin studio is not described it only says windows blind bundle which I dont see any where on the site only in the pay area and it doesnt tell you what your getting.

You can order the bundle from this link.

https://www.stardock.com/buy?s=ESD-SDS-W422

After purchasing you can download via Impulse.  Just make sure to use the same e-mail address as you purchased with.

For more SkinStudio help, you can also see the SKS tutorial.

https://www.stardock.com/products/skinstudio/help

Thanks I called and the girl was very nice and walked me through the whole thing now to start learning

Welcome to WinCustomize and the best of luck with your skinning. See you in the galleries.