Photoshop/CS Tips

[GreenEyedLadyDesigns]

Do you use Photoshop or CS for scrapping and have a good tip for us? Put it here - and be sure to tell us what version of CS you're using!

[GreenEyedLadyDesigns]

I iknow this works in CS4 and CS5:

I can't tell you how many times I've applied filter after filter and style after style, trying to create something cool, only to have no way of knowing how to recreate the final effect later.

If this has ever happened to you and you use CS4 (may work in earlier versions), here's how you create a detailed history log. Be sure to read the caveat at the end.

1. In the Edit Menu, go to Preferences, General
2. In the dialog box, check the History Log box
3. Click the Text File button, navigate to where you want to save this file, give it a name and click Save.
4. This is important - in the Edit Log Items menu, select Detailed

Now go create your new document and play away. When you want to see what you've done, use Windows Explorer to open the log file.

BIG Caveat: If you leave the history box turned on, the log file will track everything you do with every file you open (including saving the file and closings CS4).

That's ok, because the log file is just a text file so it will stay very small in size but it could get hard to find what you're looking for. So, it may be a good idea to go back and deselect the "History Log" box when you're done creating a specific project.

Each time you turn the History Log on, give it a new name, so that you don't risk overwriting your previous log and you'll be able to refer to it later.

Turn it on and play with it a bit so you see for yourself how it works.

[athena]

Awesome tip Vicki!

[msbrad]

Great tip Vicki!

Here's one that has become a favorite of mine. I really cannot take credit because Marcie told me...but she's on vacation...:rofl2:

Ever 'lose' which layer in the layer's palette is which, cuz you didn't name they right???
Have the move tool active [keyboard shortcut v]
Then ctrl+click the item in your LO and it will automatically highlight that layer active in the layers palette.

I never cared for the auto select check above in the option bar, but this one sure works for me.

[Andrea]

Great tip Vicki!

Here's one that has become a favorite of mine. I really cannot take credit because Marcie told me...but she's on vacation...:rofl2:

Ever 'lose' which layer in the layer's palette is which, cuz you didn't name they right???
Have the move tool active [keyboard shortcut v]
Then ctrl+click the item in your LO and it will automatically highlight that layer active in the layers palette.

I never cared for the auto select check above in the option bar, but this one sure works for me.

Interesting... will have to check this one out! Thanxs!

[Karen]

Great tip Vicki!

Here's one that has become a favorite of mine. I really cannot take credit because Marcie told me...but she's on vacation...:rofl2:

Ever 'lose' which layer in the layer's palette is which, cuz you didn't name they right???
Have the move tool active [keyboard shortcut v]
Then ctrl+click the item in your LO and it will automatically highlight that layer active in the layers palette.

I never cared for the auto select check above in the option bar, but this one sure works for me.


This also works in Elements.

Karen

[msbrad]

This also works in Elements.

Karen
Yes- indeedy it does.
pse: 3,4,5,6,& 8 as well as cs3 and cs5...other than that...I do not know.
Ohhhh, I am so thrilled for this tip!!!

[MsKaty]

I need to try this.. I think I have been doing it but not sure!! :D

I don't have a tip.... I'm too new in CS5... but I know there is a way to set layer styles, like drop shadows, in more than one layer at a time. Like make 3 or 4 layers have the same drop shadow. How do you do that?

[msbrad]

I need to try this.. I think I have been doing it but not sure!! :D

I don't have a tip.... I'm too new in CS5... but I know there is a way to set layer styles, like drop shadows, in more than one layer at a time. Like make 3 or 4 layers have the same drop shadow. How do you do that?
Go to the shadow you like.
Rt click, copy...
then select the ones you would like to have the same shadow appear...and rt click and paste.
[you can paste this to one or several at a time, if ctrl +click for active layers is selected.

[Traci]

I use (now) CS5, but have PSE 4, 5, 6, and 7 and PSCS 3, 4, and 5 loaded on my desktop. Why, you ask? Because I used to teach classes online.....

OK speaking of layer styles....ever add a drop shadow as a layer style and then wish you could tweak it? Right click on the little fx icon in the layer stack that you want to modify. In the context menu that pops up, choose Create Layer. That will put the drop shadow on its own separate layer. From there, you can do anything you desire to the shadow....move it, lighten it, smudge it.....it will become a completely customizable layer. And it will even be labeled as "layer X shadow". Pretty cool, eh?

[MsKaty]

Thanks Michi!! I knew someone would know this! You're a doll.

[Magnolia57]

I use (now) CS5, but have PSE 4, 5, 6, and 7 and PSCS 3, 4, and 5 loaded on my desktop. Why, you ask? Because I used to teach classes online.....

OK speaking of layer styles....ever add a drop shadow as a layer style and then wish you could tweak it? Right click on the little fx icon in the layer stack that you want to modify. In the context menu that pops up, choose Create Layer. That will put the drop shadow on its own separate layer. From there, you can do anything you desire to the shadow....move it, lighten it, smudge it.....it will become a completely customizable layer. And it will even be labeled as "layer X shadow". Pretty cool, eh?

Wish that worked in PSE!

[Karen]

Phyllis, what version of PSE are you using?

Karen

[Magnolia57]

Phyllis, what version of PSE are you using?

Karen

I have PSE 7. And I am eagerly waiting for PSE 9 to see what improvements will be coming.

[Karen]

Okay, I'll have a look at PSE7 and do up a little tutorial for you. May take a couple of days because I have visitors this weekend. I will post it in the PSE tips thread.

Karen

[Magnolia57]

Okay, I'll have a look at PSE7 and do up a little tutorial for you. May take a couple of days because I have visitors this weekend. I will post it in the PSE tips thread.

Karen

Oh my, Karen, that would be wonderful! Enjoy your weekend and visitors!

[Traci]

Okay, I'll have a look at PSE7 and do up a little tutorial for you. May take a couple of days because I have visitors this weekend. I will post it in the PSE tips thread.

Karen

Thanks, Karen...I am SO out of touch with PSE! :p

[jandy]

Can I ask for a CS5 tip please? I end up with lots of layers and then I want the one on the bottom to go right to the top (or vice versa). There must be a short-cut that sends it to the top/bottom so I dont have to drag it slowly up the layers instead.

[MsKaty]

OK speaking of layer styles....ever add a drop shadow as a layer style and then wish you could tweak it? Right click on the little fx icon in the layer stack that you want to modify. In the context menu that pops up, choose Create Layer. That will put the drop shadow on its own separate layer. From there, you can do anything you desire to the shadow....move it, lighten it, smudge it.....it will become a completely customizable layer. And it will even be labeled as "layer X shadow". Pretty cool, eh?

Wow, that is cool. I could learn alot from you Traci.... but I am a beginner with CS5. I have every version of Elements, got CS4 last Aug then had to have CS5 when I saw the new stuff there. So, I really hadn't learned 4 then. I'm trying not to use Elements but fall back when I want something fast.

Thanks for this tip! It sure will be useful.

[msbrad]

I love tips.
I love pse too. The only version I do not have is pse7... and I forget why :o but there must have been a reason.

Like my friend Traci, I teach the stuff too. Plus I test it.
I figure.. they all think I am so slow, that if I can get it.. it must be right :p

[robyn]

Can I ask for a CS5 tip please? I end up with lots of layers and then I want the one on the bottom to go right to the top (or vice versa). There must be a short-cut that sends it to the top/bottom so I dont have to drag it slowly up the layers instead.

I'd like to know that too!

[Grace]

Can I ask for a CS5 tip please? I end up with lots of layers and then I want the one on the bottom to go right to the top (or vice versa). There must be a short-cut that sends it to the top/bottom so I dont have to drag it slowly up the layers instead.

I'd like to know that too!

From my Photoshop tutorials:

On a PC to move the layer to the TOP of the stack: Shift + Control + ]
On a PC to move the layer to the BOTTOM of the stack: Shift + Control + [

On a Mac to move the layer to the TOP of the stack: Shift + Command + ]
On a Mac to move the layer to the BOTTOM of the stack: Shift + Command + [

[robyn]

Works like a charm. THANK YOU Grace.......wonderful tip!!

[Karen]

From my Photoshop tutorials:

On a PC to move the layer to the TOP of the stack: Shift + Control + ]
On a PC to move the layer to the BOTTOM of the stack: Shift + Control + [

On a Mac to move the layer to the TOP of the stack: Shift + Command + ]
On a Mac to move the layer to the BOTTOM of the stack: Shift + Command + [

This also works in PSE.

Karen

[MsKaty]

Thanks Grace!!! And I love your avi!

[jandy]

Thank you Grace!! I would never have guessed that combination.

[GreenEyedLadyDesigns]

Great tips, Grace! Love your avi, too!!!

[Miss Pepper]

Wonderful tip!!! Thanks, Grace.

[Andrea]

Thanxs Grace... Great tip!!!! Also love your avi!!!!

[cats4jan]

On a PC to move the layer to the TOP of the stack: Shift + Control + ]
On a PC to move the layer to the BOTTOM of the stack: Shift + Control + [


Excellent - I was just dragging today and I kept losing the layers I wanted to move to the bottom.

[Ellen]

great tip and if you want to move a layer just a few layers up the shortcut is hold ctr. down and press the right bracket key

to move it down hold ctr. and press the leftbracket key.

I'm needing this all the time.

[Pookagal]

While we are sharing and teaching here, I also have a ??? Is there a way in PSE (7) to save a blank page e.g. a 6 x 4 card in the presets so one does not have to do it over every time?

[Snickerdoodle Designs]

Ohh!!! Just found this thead! Love all the tips! Okay, here's one for brushes. Want to use a brush that is "pointing" the wrong way? (I am using CS3 - CS5 still on my desk uninstalled. ;( ....

Select your brush
Open your Brush Dialogue Box
Click on "Brush Tip Shape"
See the white square with the 2 arrows in in on the right, middle?
Grab the arrowhead and move to the right or left. This will change the direction of the brush.
You may alternately type in the angle you want in the box to the left.

[Karen]

While we are sharing and teaching here, I also have a ??? Is there a way in PSE (7) to save a blank page e.g. a 6 x 4 card in the presets so one does not have to do it over every time?

Yes, try this:

Ctrl+N (new dialogue box)
Name - give the document an appropriate name
Preset - Photo
Size - Landscape (or Portrait) 4 x 6
OK/Enter (accept)

You can choose any of the photo sizes this.

Hope this helps.

Karen

[pssequimages]

I need to try this.. I think I have been doing it but not sure!! :D

I don't have a tip.... I'm too new in CS5... but I know there is a way to set layer styles, like drop shadows, in more than one layer at a time. Like make 3 or 4 layers have the same drop shadow. How do you do that?

Enjoy this time saver! Apply the style to any layer, and then after you commit the style, right click and COPY the style.
Now ctrl+click OR shift+click to include all the layers you want to apply the same style to. --Right click and PASTE the layer style. That's all there is to it!

[Traci]

Wow! I learned three new things today! Thank you, Karen, Grace and Ellen! WooHoo! funny 01

[Ellen]

Ohh!!! Just found this thead! Love all the tips! Okay, here's one for brushes. Want to use a brush that is "pointing" the wrong way? (I am using CS3 - CS5 still on my desk uninstalled. ;( ....

Select your brush
Open your Brush Dialogue Box
Click on "Brush Tip Shape"
See the white square with the 2 arrows in in on the right, middle?
Grab the arrowhead and move to the right or left. This will change the direction of the brush.
You may alternately type in the angle you want in the box to the left.


I'm hopeless at selecting the right angle that way so I use my trusted ctr.T for this

Traci that shows how many different ways there are in PS , you being our PS GURU and still picking up new tips

[MsKaty]

I am loving this thread!!! Thanks Priss, that's what I wanted! I appreciate all the experience y'all are sharing! You can teach an old new tricks!!! hehe

[cats4jan]

Or - when you are having trouble with brushing angles, do your brushing in whatever angle the brush is set on - ON IT"S OWN LAYER - and turn the layer to suit your needs.

And to keep your brush strokes from "wandering" outside of the area - make a selection of whatever you wish to brush - open a new layer above for the brush stroking and brush (I like to call it stamping LOL) - the brushing will not wander outside the selection.

Great for making creative word art. Type some text - make a selection of the text - open a layer above - brush on that layer - then delete the text layer and all you'll have left is the brushing in the shape of the word.

[Traci]

I'm finally getting round to setting up my PSCS5....WOW! This is DA BERRIES! I feel like I've wandered into a whole new program! Some of the new features for those of you who have not yet made the decision to upgrade:

Content-aware scaling...What this means is that, for many of the tools (healing and stamping, many of the selection tools) you can now do some truly magical selections and deletions in [almost] a single step! Photoshop fills in even complex backgrounds for you without missing a step.

Puppet Warp....awesome warping tool that allows for realistic warping for joint like reality. Will also resize in a new algorithm. Unbelievable!

Mini-Bridge...open Bridge from within Photoshop. Now no need to jump back and forth between the two apps....Bridge opens within Photoshop for browsing and working on images.

Improved masking and selection...the refine edges dialogue has been completely reworked and improved 1000%. It is no longer a guess how. Very precise and easy to use. Now allows for removal of color bleed and haloes.

Brush Presets and color blending...new brushes, brush presets and actual color blending! Wow! This is one for digital painters. In older versions of CS5, there was no true color blending. You chose a color and painted with it. In CS5, you can actually blend colors with a new set of artist's brushes that are shaped like the familiar artist's brushes you see....fans, chisels, flats....the angles are easily changed; what this means is that you can actually render a more painterly composition digitally. Think what that could mean for us digi designers!

This just starts scratching the surface. I am truly excited about this latest incarnation of PS. I think it is the most significant upgrade since we went from Photoshop to Photoshop CS. It is more integrated with flash now, so you can (with the extended version) see your flash animations play out online in your own private online space before you go live with it....and lots more! The 3D capabilites are vastly improved over CS4 (also in the extended version).

If anyone is interested, I will cover how to quickly set up preferences for your workspace to make it as user friendly as possible and to get rid of some of the "little" irritants that I have heard complaints about. Just let me know......:D

[Mariah]

I buy my programs under the education discount which is great but one drawback is that you can make only one purchase per 12 months!

So, I have to wait until August to upgrade to CS5, and at that time I am also buying Illustrator which should be a big help with designing! I'll be happy with any and all tips you all want to share!

[Traci]

I WANT Illustrator! I want it soooooo baaaaaad! :D But I just don't have the $$ right now to get it! :(

[msbrad]

I buy my programs under the education discount which is great but one drawback is that you can make only one purchase per 12 months!

So, I have to wait until August to upgrade to CS5, and at that time I am also buying Illustrator which should be a big help with designing! I'll be happy with any and all tips you all want to share!
I didn't realize that part. I just bought CS5 w/ the educator discount. thanks for letting me know the 1 yr part.

Jan--I never thought of just rotating the brush afterwards...thanks.

T--- Oh, isn't that puppet warp the coolest!! Once I digest CS5 a bit more, I want private lessons.

[Traci]

Michi....I've been playing with CS5 brushes and puppet warp and the content aware scaling all day! I have not gotten thing one done today that I started out to do...except drop by the forum....and I have a new kit to get to the shop and everything! :eek: :eek: I think this version is going to be the end of me! :D

[MsKaty]

Traci, I HAD to have version 5 after the hints they gave us at Photoshop World. The content aware fill thingy was a big seller for me. I hadn't even learned CS4 yet!!! :) It really is worth the price and I am just learning.

Speaking of learning... I really am and would love any tips or tuts you want to share!! Thanks!

[robyn]

If anyone is interested, I will cover how to quickly set up preferences for your workspace to make it as user friendly as possible and to get rid of some of the "little" irritants that I have heard complaints about. Just let me know......:D

Sounds good to me Traci!

[Snickerdoodle Designs]

I'm all for it too, Traci. I have CS5 Extended still in the box on my desk. I'm staring at it....that doesn't help tho.. I think I actually need to install it, right? ;)
Okay, you write up the tut and I"ll install it. Deal?

[Traci]

I'm all for it too, Traci. I have CS5 Extended still in the box on my desk. I'm staring at it....that doesn't help tho.. I think I actually need to install it, right? ;)
Okay, you write up the tut and I"ll install it. Deal?

Deal!

Step one is.....Install the program! :rofl2:

I'll get it written up and posted by tomorrow....I hope. :D

[Snickerdoodle Designs]

Okay... (maybe).. I go back to work tomorrow...I'll seriously TRY!!!!
Do you give grades?

[Grace]

Traci, I have CS5 installed and I'm looking forward to your tut!

I have my own workspace set up. I've never used the Bridge or the new Mini Bridge in CS5.

There's a new free online CS5 class starting July 29.

[Traci]

Do you give grades?

There's a new free online CS5 class starting July 29.

Karen....of COURSE I give grades! knowledge01

Grace....where/when is the free CS5 class?

[Grace]

Grace....where/when is the free CS5 class?

Traci, sent you a PM.

[Snickerdoodle Designs]

Grace - where is the free CS5 class??

[Mariah]

Now I'm curious too! Where is the free class?

[cats4jan]

http://www.digitaldesignden.com/photopost/data/500/thumbs/DDD-Spring-color-blocking.jpg (http://www.digitaldesignden.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=320&title=learning-pse&cat=all)

A flash from the past - from my beginnings of PSE busy1

Wow - every function I knew was on this. ;)

[Grace]

Grace - where is the free CS5 class??

Now I'm curious too! Where is the free class?

It's Creative Techs (http://creativelive.com/courses/photoshopcs5/).

[Tailz61]

wow I've hardly scratched the surface of CS3 so think I'll leave 4 & 5 well alone for now...being self taught and trying to do too many things at once is not a good idea but I do have a question if anyone can help me. I use CS3 extended and on this PC (never had an issue on my old one) often when I drag background pics or whatever from a folder PS crashes and says not responding I've found a fix for it whereby you delete everything by holding shift ctrl and alt as the prog opens and also removing the preferences folder and letting the prog open and close without any interference from doing anything else at the same time but it still keeps doing it and of course it does it when I've almost finished something complex and yep not saved it and loose the whole bloomin lot...well the question is...is there a way to permanently fix this or do I have to live with it...buying CS4 or 5 is not an option...not got money for upgrades...any suggestions would be appreciated thanks :)

[GreenEyedLadyDesigns]

w use CS3 extended and on this PC (never had an issue on my old one) often when I drag background pics or whatever from a folder PS crashes and says not responding I've found a fix for it whereby you delete everything by holding shift ctrl and alt as the prog opens and also removing the preferences folder and letting the prog open and close without any interference from doing anything else at the same time but it still keeps doing it and of course it does it when I've almost finished something complex and yep not saved it and loose the whole bloomin lot...well the question is...is there a way to permanently fix this or do I have to live with it...buying CS4 or 5 is not an option...not got money for upgrades...any suggestions would be appreciated thanks :)

That's probably a more technical issue that any of us will be able to help with - you might have to google CS3 crash issues. The only thing I can think of is to try to uninstall and reinstall to see if that helps.

Also test to see if you have the same problem when you bring the files in by doing File... Open within CS. It could be that the "drag and drop" functionality is having a hard time with your operating system - you didn't say if the new and old PC's were on the same OS or which OS you're using.

[MsKaty]

Thanks for the info, Grace. I'm always interested in free classes! And I can use all the help I can get!!!

[robyn]

Here is the link to Traci's tutorial on setting up preferences in CS5. THANKS TRACI!

http://digitaldesignden.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3976#post3976

..........you will notice it is in a new 'Tutorials' section.

[Grace]

Here is the link to Traci's tutorial on setting up preferences in CS5. THANKS TRACI!

http://digitaldesignden.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3976#post3976

..........you will notice it is in a new 'Tutorials' section.

Thank you for the tutorial. Traci always write excellent tutorials.

[Grace]

Here is the link to Traci's tutorial on setting up preferences in CS5. THANKS TRACI!

http://digitaldesignden.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3976#post3976

..........you will notice it is in a new 'Tutorials' section.

Traci, thanks for the excellent tutorial. It was easy to change some of my preferences by looking at the screenshots.

I iknow this works in CS4 and CS5:

I can't tell you how many times I've applied filter after filter and style after style, trying to create something cool, only to have no way of knowing how to recreate the final effect later.

If this has ever happened to you and you use CS4 (may work in earlier versions), here's how you create a detailed history log. Be sure to read the caveat at the end.

1. In the Edit Menu, go to Preferences, General
2. In the dialog box, check the History Log box
3. Click the Text File button, navigate to where you want to save this file, give it a name and click Save.
4. This is important - in the Edit Log Items menu, select Detailed

Now go create your new document and play away. When you want to see what you've done, use Windows Explorer to open the log file.

BIG Caveat: If you leave the history box turned on, the log file will track everything you do with every file you open (including saving the file and closings CS4).

That's ok, because the log file is just a text file so it will stay very small in size but it could get hard to find what you're looking for. So, it may be a good idea to go back and deselect the "History Log" box when you're done creating a specific project.

Each time you turn the History Log on, give it a new name, so that you don't risk overwriting your previous log and you'll be able to refer to it later.

Turn it on and play with it a bit so you see for yourself how it works.

Vicki also always write excellent tutorials. I am adding her detailed instructions in setting up the History Log in Preferences from page 1 in this thread.

[Tailz61]

Thanks Vickie That's probably a more technical issue that any of us will be able to help with - you might have to google CS3 crash issues. The only thing I can think of is to try to uninstall and reinstall to see if that helps.

Also test to see if you have the same problem when you bring the files in by doing File... Open within CS. It could be that the "drag and drop" functionality is having a hard time with your operating system - you didn't say if the new and old PC's were on the same OS or which OS you're using.

I've already asked my BFF Mr Google :D and what I've found works but it keeps on doing it. THink it might be an inherant problem wis PSCS3 and certain PC configurations. We only use XP here and this PC is bigger n better than the last and newer...so it's just one of those annoying things I might have to put up with...was just hoping that someone might have a easy fix for it...doesn't matter whether you drag n drop or use the open file function when it's being antsy it's being antsy lol and if you only knew how many times I've reinstalled ... can do it with my eyes shut :rolleyes:

[GreenEyedLadyDesigns]

Thanks Vicki

I've already asked my BFF Mr Google :D and what I've found works but it keeps on doing it. THink it might be an inherant problem wis PSCS3 and certain PC configurations. We only use XP here and this PC is bigger n better than the last and newer...so it's just one of those annoying things I might have to put up with...was just hoping that someone might have a easy fix for it...doesn't matter whether you drag n drop or use the open file function when it's being antsy it's being antsy lol and if you only knew how many times I've reinstalled ... can do it with my eyes shut :rolleyes:

Sorry, didn't mean to ask you to reinvent the wheel - you hadn't mentioned other things you have tried, so I just started with what tech support would ask you to do. Too bad nothing is helping.

[Traci]

Oh, man, Lesley...that is the first thing I would have had you do, too! :( Let me do some research and see if I can find anyone who has had the same issue....(I have some techie friends who are hooked into these kind of things)....

[Tailz61]

That's cool vickie :) any help or suggestions is what gets us over our probs..:)..Thanks Traci.. I do believe it's rather common...thought that maybe adobe would have a patch but looks like they just kept on bringing out new prods...probably fixed the issue in the new ones but forget about us with the old stuff...dont' waste too much time on it...I can work around it, it's just a bloomin nuisance :)

[Traci]

This tip was in my email this morning...and I thought it was worth passing along:

Dust spot images quickly
Choose the Spot Removal tool (N) and zoom in to the top-left of the image. Press the Page Down key to move down the left side of the image incrementally. When you reach the bottom, press Page Down again and it will go to the top of the image next to your starting point. Do this for the entire image. You can also begin at the bottom right and press Page Up to dust spot in reverse.
Provided by Troy Hitch