Using Object Editor in 'Pictures to EXE' to make a menu page
Choose a suitable image i.e one with some empty space for the buttons.
Resize it to 1024 x 768 pixels (or within these constraints). ‘ Save for web’ at a 60 high jpg. into a folder of your choice
Create New Project in PTE by going to File>New
Drag and drop the image from its folder down to the bottom line in PTE.
Highlight it by clicking onto the image.
Click on Object Editor, your image should now open in a new window.
Please note that if the ‘Preview in’ (top left) is set to 1024 x 768, the image may not all be visible in one go. To enable you to place the buttons artistically on the template drop the size down to 800 x 600.
Click the ‘OK’ button top left – a rectangle appears with the word ‘Button’ on it. You can drag this (using the left mouse button held down) to any position you like.
Make sure the button is highlighted by left clicking onto it.
Click on ‘Properties’ top right. This will bring up a small window.
Type your name over the word ‘Button’ in the caption box. You can make the rectangle any length/height you like by altering the settings. Font brings up your font list, bear in mind you will need to be able to see and read it easily.
You can change the colour of the font and background, or have the background transparent by unticking it. To change the font and background colour untick them and click on the browse folder that appears. This will bring up the colour pallette
Now you need to set the ‘Action on Mouse Click’. To play an exe file you need to have ‘Run application or open file’ in the box.
Now you need to find the file you want running from this Button. Do this by browsing your folders using the folder shaped browse button at the right of the box.
When you have finished your settings click OK, if they don’t look right, highlight and go back into the Properties to alter.
When you have finished your buttons click OK at the top of the Object Editor screen. Set the effects to ‘Fade’ or ‘Quick- No transition’ using the Customize Slide Button. In Project Options in ‘Main’ set ‘When Show ends keep last slide on screen’. In ‘Advanced’ set ‘Always show mouse cursor’ You will need to save the PTE file as normal. Create the page as a slideshow. I then send a shortcut to the desktop so that I can find it easily when giving a show.
PS Don’t move the files that you have attached the buttons too.