Create a simple (and quick) banner with Paint Shop Pro

Here's how you can create a simple (and quick) banner using Paint Shop Pro (PSP) version 4 or higher. You can make much fancier banners too, but that's another tutorial...

Note: There's another version of this article that includes screenshots as illustrations. It loads a bit more slowly but you may prefer it.

1. Open PSP and choose file|new. 

2. Set the image properties to 468 x 60 and choose a background color. Image type should be 256 colors (8 Bit). Click OK.

3. On the right hand side of the PSP screen you'll see two different colored squares overlapping each other. These set the foreground and background colors. Click on the top square and choose a color for the text you will add.

4. Click on the text button on the toolbar (the A). Then click on your banner ad where you want the text to go. A window will pop up allowing you to choose font size and typeface. After making your selections, type in your text and click OK.
   

5. The text will appear with a blinking outline. You can move it around with your mouse to position it exactly where you want it. Right click to paste it in place. If you made a mistake, click Edit|Undo to erase it.

6. Repeat steps 3-5 to add more text in a different color, font, or size.

7. Chose file|save as and select the file type .gif. Give your banner a name, choose a location to save it to, click save, and you're done!