Pasting a new layer in PSP7

Hi again all!!

Ok..this time my question is about pasting a new layer into a black background in preparation to make my alpha channel.

Here are the steps I take:
1. In file with created design, merge visable layers if needed and copy.
2. Open the same size file with black background and hide background layer.
3. Paste layer from previous file into the new one. (Here is my problem)
4. Paste again as transparent selection and match up with first paste.
5. Turn off first paste, turn on background, decrease colors, etc...

Well..when I paste the layer from the previous file, it appears in the middle of the file and I have to adjust it up to where it should be on as if on the template. I use the grid to eyeball it with fair sucess. I am running into problems, however, when trying to tweak a shoulder seam or side seam. As I have to eyeball where it goes each time, my attempts to tweak are not consistant and is getting frustrating.

How can I get the layer to paste up where it should be (ie, for a shirt, rather beginning in the upper left of the file, not in the center). If a picture would be helpful, please let me know and I'll try to post one.

TIA
Anjaleka

In PS 7.01 there's a much simpler way to make your alpha channel... when you're done working on your texture layers, merge them. Fill the background layer with a complimentary color to your edges and then turn off visibility of that layer. Then simply do a "save as" and save it as a 32bit TGA. PS will create the alpha channel automatically when it saves. Make sure you have the 7.01 patch installed or that won't work. 7 changed the way alpha is handled in TGA files. 7.01 changes it back to what it should be.

In PS CS it's a bit more convoluted (this works in 7 also but it's unnecessary). After you merge your work layers and hide the bottom layer, select the top layer so it's the active layer. Go up to the select menu and do "load selection" and from the dropdown list make sure it's "layer whatever transparency" ("whatever" being the name of that layer). Then go back to the select menu and do "save selection." Save it as a new channel. If it's your only saved selection it will automatically become the alpha channel. If you had other saved selections, go to the channel palette and delete those extra channels first.

Hope that helps

ohhhhh....thanks, Chip!!!!!

I was going off a notecard somebody ingame was kind enough to give me quite some time ago. This way sounds soooo much easier!!

I'll give a try!!
TTFN
Anjaleka

ohh..I just realized your instructions were for paintshop when I use paint shop pro, Chip!! Darn!!

Anybody have other ideas to help with my problem? I am very appreciative of all the ppl in the know who take the time to read and reply to not only my queries but others

THANKS!!!
Anjaleka