Photoshop Elements - How to Guide?

13 years ago

For anyone who uses Photoshop Elements, I can do the very basics but have no understanding of layers, or many of the other terms or features.

I'm looking for a handbook or guide that I can use to help me become familiar with the tools. Anyone have a suggestion?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

jan_in_wisconsin
13 years ago
Hi there! I know what you mean about learning the ropes with Elements. I have version 7, and I recommend Photoshop Elements 7, the Visual Quickstart Guide, by Jeff Carlson. The color illustrations and references are really helpful.

I would NOT recommend Photoshop Elements 7, the Missing Manual, by Brundage. It was really difficult to follow for a newbie.
sissyz
13 years ago
Believe it or not, there is an Elements for Dummies book. I found it very easy to follow.
Related Discussions
photoshop elements 7.0
Q
Comments (3)
Well once again I have gotten a solution for a problem by posting on the computer forum. First, thanks Owbist, what you said is so true. I can attest to your comments about lurkers learning a lot just from reading the postings here and understanding more about their own computers. I have been one of those lurkers for several years now. I have learned an incredible amount about my computer but probably just as important I have gained confidence in tackling problems. So thanks to all who participate here. Jean....you led me to a the spot where I found the solution to my problem. While your "view/toolbars/tools" didn't work for me, I kept looking and when I looked again in "window" there was a line that said "reset palette location". I clicked on that and like magic the toolbar reappeared and once again all is right in my little computer corner. So thanks for getting me in the right area.
...See More
Image from clipboard to Photoshop Elements
Q
Comments (2)
Perhaps the reason is that your image is not on the clipboard and that is why the "image from clipboard" is greyed out? Assuming the image is in your My Pictures folder why can't you click the 'Open' icon and drill down to it in the pop up menu? If you wish to open more than one image then hold down the CTRL or Control key and click those images you wish to open.
...See More
photoshop elements
Q
Comments (3)
Saw your message and wonder if you had any difficulty installing Elements 6. I have never used it but my cousin had #4 and I liked it. I have read that someone had a lot of trouble installing Ver 6, but think it was MAC version. I have Windows XP .. I hope I can learn to "Layer" too...but most of what I want is "cloning" for pix that are old and need repair. Any help you can give me about installation would be appreciated.
...See More
dumb question re photoshop elements 4
Q
Comments (1)
I feel so bad that I'm not able to help and that no one was able to answer here...I would try posting your question on the 'Computer Help' forum or maybe even the 'Graphics & Scanning' on G&S they do alot of neat stuff over there...way above me...Good luck! Juanita
...See More
writersblock (9b/10a)
13 years ago
The two most popular books on PSE are (sorry, jan_in_wisconsin) The Missing Manual and the book by Scott Kelby. Kelby's book is like a recipe book: here are the steps, just do it (and no explanation of why you want to use this tool or that setting), while the Brundage book is a complete reference that explains everything in the program. I'd read the amazon reviews and take a look at all the books in your local bookstore or library before choosing one. Different books work better for different people.
writersblock (9b/10a)
13 years ago
Forgot to point out that there are millions of tutorials on the web and there's a whole magazine and website devoted to PSE that people seem to like. Their forums are at elementsvillage.com.

There's also video training at photoshopelementsuser.com or lynda.com.
msrose
13 years ago
I have a pretty old version...PS Elements 3. I'm usually pretty good with computer stuff, but I have the Missing Manual and I still can't make sense of how to work with the layers. I'd love to take a one day class somewhere if someone would offer it.

Laurie
CaroleOH
Original Author
13 years ago
I'll check out those books - first see if they are in the library before buying one.

I really want to learn how to use Photoshop to do some decorating. I want to try different window treatments, room colors etc.

I also want to learn how to fix background issues as my latest family photo has this god awful floor lamp coming out of a family member's head and would love to remove it! I figured out how to get the lamp out of the picture, but just want to fill in the "white" spot with some of the background wall color on the other side of the photo. Just can't figure out how to do that! I tried cutting and pasting but it's an awkward shape.
PRO
Lori A. Sawaya
13 years ago
Use the pen tool to "outline" the area where the lamp used to be (or the now white spot) and then use the clone stamp to fill it in so it looks like the surrounding background.

Related Stories

ART Your Guide to Custom-Framing Photos and Art

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Get the lowdown on framing materials, methods and more

Full Story

ORANGE Color Guide: How to Work With Red Ocher

By Samantha Schoech

Ancient, passionate and warm, red ocher is one of the most elemental colors on earth

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES Underfoot: Your Guide to Hide

By Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

Natural, Dyed, Printed or Faux — Which Hide Do You Seek?

Full Story

TRAVEL BY DESIGN Travel Guide: Melbourne, Australia, for Design Lovers

By Elements of Style

This 'most livable city' offers a wealth of visually inspiring hotels, restaurants, sights and shops for travelers too

Full Story

WORLD OF DESIGN A Beginner’s Guide to the Japanese Tea Garden

By 舩村　佳織｜エノコロ庭園設計室

A small roji, or teahouse garden, offers a respite from everyday life. Why not make one part of your home garden?

Full Story

OUTDOOR ACCESSORIES Care Guide: How to Clean Your Patio Cushions

By Jennifer Christgau-Aquino

Ready your furniture for spring and summer with these tips for removing sunscreen stains, mildew and more

Full Story

LIGHTING On Trend: French Lamps Guided by Light

By Mari Richards

Purity of purpose leads the designs of these French table lamps, pendants and floor lamps — they're all about the light

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES Color Guide: How to Work With Neon Brights

By Samantha Schoech

Not just for the '80s anymore, neon brights have made a major comeback in interior designs near you

Full Story

FURNITURE Your Essential Sofa Buying Guide

By Susan Redman

Here’s what to consider when looking for a quality sofa that will last

Full Story

243

HEALTHY HOME A Guide to Indoor Air Purifiers

By Laura Gaskill

Get the lowdown on air filtration systems for your house and the important ratings to look out for

Full Story

Photoshop Elements - How to Guide?

Comments (7)

jan_in_wisconsin

sissyz

Related Discussions

writersblock (9b/10a)

writersblock (9b/10a)

msrose

CaroleOH
Original Author

Lori A. Sawaya

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Photoshop Elements - How to Guide?

Comments (7)

jan_in_wisconsin

sissyz

Related Discussions

writersblock (9b/10a)

writersblock (9b/10a)

msrose

CaroleOHOriginal Author

Lori A. Sawaya

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

CaroleOH
Original Author