Can I take a frame from my project and use it as a custom menu background with CS4 and its Encore

Question

My project is edited in CS4.
I moved it to Encore CS4.
I don't want to use any of the supplied menu templates in CS4 Encore.
I was hoping CS4 would be all I needed to create custom menus using scenes from my project.
My question is: Can I take a frame from my project and use it as a custom menu background with CS4 and its built in Encore or do I need some other element from the Adobe catalog to make these custom chapter menus and sub-menus?
Thanks Jim

Answer 1

OK, I'm back. Here are my steps for creating Custom Menus with PS, En and PrPro:
In PrPro, move the CTI (Current Time Indicator) to the desired Frame. Check Frames on either side, with the Program Monitor’s Magnification to 100%, or maybe even 200% (you’ll need to scroll, but get a really clear picture). You want the clearest Frame in that area. With AME, in CS4, you’ll want to Export that Frame as .TIFF, or .BMP. I use .TIFF for this.
Now, for a caveat. When you Import this Exported Frame into Photoshop, be sure to check the specs., especially the PAR. You may have to use Image>PAR to adjust this to match your Project’s specs. Or, all might be perfect - just check this out.
Now, at this point, I choose the Library Menu, Blank, so that everything is setup. One can create the Menu from scratch, but careful attention needs to be paid to the exact naming conventions. At the very least, unless you’ve done this dozens of times before, use that Blank Menu, or similar as a guide, so you get things done, as they must be done.
Using that Blank Menu, just drag the Layer from your Exported Frame to your Menu image. It will appear above the black Background.
Add, or manipulate your Button Layer Sets, as is required, keeping them together. Remember that Button #1 will be the Button Layer Set, that is lower down in the Layers Palette. This can play a roll with Button Routing, back in Encore. Lower Button Layer Sets will have lower Button numbers.
Now, I always rename my Button Layer Sets, keeping the required characters - just changing the name. I also do all of my Button text in PS, and make sure to turn OFF Sync Button Names.
When done, Save_As .PSD, and then Import_As_Menu into Encore. Note: if you start with the Blank Menu, you can choose Edit in Photoshop, and then when done in PS, you just need to Save, and it will update in Encore. This is a personal workflow choice. I do the Edit in Photoshop route, but it is not necessary. One just needs to Import the resulting .PSD into Encore with Import_As_Menu, so that Encore does all the things that it needs to and recognizes the .PSD as a Menu.
When deciding what to base your Menu on, remember that you can "populate" your Menu with Buttons from the Functional Content. I’d suggest studying these Assets, and picking the ones that work best for you. You can still alter/edit those back in PS, so you just need to "get close."
Pay special attention to the required naming conventions. You cannot deviate from those first characters in the Button Layer Sets. They MUST be followed.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.
Good luck,
Hunt