Question re: PSE 2.0

[moondust]

I was just wondering if anyone knows if you can download new effects and filters for PSE 2.0 ? And if so do they get loaded the same way as new brushes and custom shapes and styles??
I can download brushes, shapes and styles without a problem, but when I think that I've downloaded effects & filters they won't load.
Also are effects or filters the same as PS Actions ??
Sorry if these are dumb questions, but I'm teaching myself how to use PSE 2.0 as I have no manual.

Thanks so much. :confused:
p.s. I'm posting this in a few areas, because I'm not sure where it fits.

[Emma]

Hey, there! Got your PM about the PSE class in Sept. The class is in tutorial format, so the time difference won't matter. We post in a private forum, you can email me directly, and we schedule a weekly chat to accomodate as many students as possible. I'll also meet individually with anyone in the chat room whenever needed, and the rest of the class can come along if they want to. To be honest, however, I'ver received very few questions during this first round of classes, seems everyone is swimming along really well and plugging through the lessons without incident.

As for THIS question, it's not in the class ;) So here goes:

Actions are NOT filters, they are recording steps to replay at any time. For instance, I made an action that resizes things for the web. I pushed record in the Actions palette then resized a layout, then pressed stop. Now that action is saved and I just hit F12 every time I need it. You can make an action of an element, so instead of downloading a PNG file, you download an action and it "creates" itself when you press play. I do this to see how the thing is made and learn a lot about PS. PSE does not have actions, however.

To install a filter, put it in your plugins folder in the PSE folder. Then it will show up at the bottom of the filters menu. I'm sure there must be a way to put in another folder and just point PS and PSE to it, but I haven't tried that yet.

Have you been able to download custom shapes and install them? That's something I'D like to know, please! :)

To sign up for the class, I'll let you know when registration opens. Probably mid-August. In the meantime, we're all happy to answer your questions here. Have fun!

[moondust]

Hey, there! Got your PM about the PSE class in Sept. The class is in tutorial format, so the time difference won't matter. We post in a private forum, you can email me directly, and we schedule a weekly chat to accomodate as many students as possible. I'll also meet individually with anyone in the chat room whenever needed, and the rest of the class can come along if they want to. To be honest, however, I'ver received very few questions during this first round of classes, seems everyone is swimming along really well and plugging through the lessons without incident.

As for THIS question, it's not in the class ;) So here goes:

Actions are NOT filters, they are recording steps to replay at any time. For instance, I made an action that resizes things for the web. I pushed record in the Actions palette then resized a layout, then pressed stop. Now that action is saved and I just hit F12 every time I need it. You can make an action of an element, so instead of downloading a PNG file, you download an action and it "creates" itself when you press play. I do this to see how the thing is made and learn a lot about PS. PSE does not have actions, however.

To install a filter, put it in your plugins folder in the PSE folder. Then it will show up at the bottom of the filters menu. I'm sure there must be a way to put in another folder and just point PS and PSE to it, but I haven't tried that yet.

Have you been able to download custom shapes and install them? That's something I'D like to know, please! :)

To sign up for the class, I'll let you know when registration opens. Probably mid-August. In the meantime, we're all happy to answer your questions here. Have fun!


Thanks Emma, this helps a lot. I'm still trying to take it all in though. LOL!
As for downloading custum shapes and brushes - I visit the Adobe Exchange Studio ALOT! I download from there. Usually they have instructions on how to install, but what I've learned is that I need to open the Presets folder and then just drag them into (because I'm on a Mac OSX) the appropriate folder, i.e. brushes or shapes. Then the next time I open PSE they are there for me to use. :cool:

I've downloaded some really cool brushes, but I'm still trying to work out how to use brushes correctly, or more effectively I should say. ;)

I was playing around last night and I THINK :confused: I downloaded and installed some filters. Not sure, but I think my SUMMERTIME layout that I posted yesterday has a new filter or effect (to be honest, not sure which it is LOL) the pic has like a split image effect on it, and I'm pretty sure that wasn't there before.

I guess, trial and error is the key! Plus a lot of help from here! You guys are fantastic!!! :D

thanks again.
Jenny