What I wanted to do in PSP 8 with Masks can be done, although in PSP 7 was a lot less complicated. I like to use my own image and either etch or neon glow, also use this on text. So I wrote a tutorial for you and hopefully I didn't miss a step and this is what you were asking for...
Open up your image
Add a new raster layer
Go to layers again, scroll down to New Mask Layer, choose from image, check Source Luminace, also Invert mask data
Go back to layers, scroll down and click on Invert Mask/Adjustment (footnote)
Go back to layers, scroll down to Load/Save Masks and save to alpha channel
Open up a new paper with a black background
Add a new raster layer
Go to Selections, scroll down to Load/Save and load from alpha channel, in Operation check Replace Selection, in Options
check Invert Imagine
Hit load, if your image isn't centered, click on mover tool, right click and drag image where you want.
Now you aready for your Effects-3D with cutouts, drop shadows, ect....
Go here:
http://graphicsbypati.com/psptuts/et...etchglass3.htm
which will show you pictures and the settings for the effects. Tutorials are not my strong part, so if this doesn't work for you come back. Also on that footnote don't forget to do that part, because if you forget what will happen the marching ants will be on the entire page not the image itself.....
Also later on you can use any background color you want, or any effects colors you want....
