Pse?

[Tina]

I'm started a thread on each of the (main) programs.

I'm interested to know the highs and lows of each program, how happy you are with your program, or what you'd rather have. Thanks!

[elizabethlmccoy]

I really like PSE because:

1. it is simple to use and it has most options that Photoshop does
2. it is AFFORDABLE!!!
3. supports most plugins
4. definitely alot of people out there that use it so many resources for help

The only thing I'd like to see more of is tutorials specifically for PSE instead of Photoshop tuts modified...for some reason when the instructions list a side note on how to do it in PSE i get lost...but perhaps that is because I'm slow.

[karlazs]

I love PSE 2 and think it is a great price for all you can do with it. I initially started using Microsoft Picture It and thought there was a big learning curve when I started, but I would never go back now.

I like how easy it is to use effects and styles and that you can use the Photoshop brushes etc in elements. I love the File Browser when I am searching for pictures, papers and elements. I also use Adobe Photoshop Album to organize my photos and I like that I can open a photo in PSE from Photoshop Album too.

I have bought the book Hidden Power of Photoshop Elements and you get some utilities that are really nice to have. I haven't figured them all out yet, but the ones I use are the alignment, duotones, B&W and curves. I personally think his utility for converting to B&W is better then the one built into elements. I know most of these tools are things you can do in the full Photoshop version, but this is a much cheaper alternative then having to buy the full Photoshop version.

I also have taught my stepdaughter (she's only 13) to use PSE2 and she really has caught on well and is fun to watch how much she can do in here.

[Tina]

I just installed PSE 2.0 this morning. It came with my camera, Liz :wink wink:

I have NO clue what I am doing. Nada, zip, ziltcho... help?????????

[elizabethlmccoy]

Hey Tina!!

So I take it you've never used photoshop either? (Because it is fairly similar to PS)

I guess the first step would to install the software on your computer HEHE HAHA Just kidding :p

What do you want to know anything specific? I'd be happy to help as much as i can (i'm surely no expert)

:D :D

[elizabethlmccoy]

Tina,
Did you ever get any help?

[Emma]

PSE, to me, seems a lot like PS 6. The biggest drag for me are the limited layer styles and the limited brush palette. Haven't really found a way around those big problems yet to make some of the cool stuff like in PS.

Other things are only minor irritations, and overall I think the program is, for the price, fantastic! For most scrappers PSE is plenty enough program!

What's this book the Hidden Power? Are there plugins included with it? Or just tutorials and how to "fake" the features in full PS?

Thanks!

[Emma]

Tina, what do you mean you don't know where to start?! :D Try the PS Basic Page tutorial then come back with specific questions! :rolleyes:

Otherwise you might get smart comments like "Install the program"...which, by the way, really is the first step!

:) :) :)

[luvsPSE]

The Hidden Power of PSE is a book by Richard Lynch and he also has a website. It's my summer project, plan to start ASAP now that school is out!

There is a CD and it is my understanding that you actually install things that make PSE much closer to PS. Can't wait to learn!

As far as layer styles I downloaded the WOW layer styles from the 1-Click Wow book which I checked out from the library. How's that for inexpensive LOL??

PSE, to me, seems a lot like PS 6. The biggest drag for me are the limited layer styles and the limited brush palette. Haven't really found a way around those big problems yet to make some of the cool stuff like in PS.

Other things are only minor irritations, and overall I think the program is, for the price, fantastic! For most scrappers PSE is plenty enough program!

What's this book the Hidden Power? Are there plugins included with it? Or just tutorials and how to "fake" the features in full PS?

Thanks!

[karlazs]

Yes you get a CD that installs utilities. It creates menu choices off of the How To pallette well for all the tools he gives you. The book explains the concepts behind the tools. To use just click on the tool you want to use - kind of like actions I believe. Gives you some of the main tools you that Photoshop has and PSE doesn't. I haven't figured them all out, but like the ones I have played with.

[Emma]

Some free tools for PSE just like Hidden Power are Grant's Tools here
http://www.cavesofice.org/~grant/Challenge/Tools/Files.html

Great stuff. In my DSU 361 class for Advanced Element Creation in PSE, I use these a lot and show how to do some cool effects with them.

He doesn't explain WHAT they're for on his site, so you have to install them and read PS tutorials that introduce those tools. Or just ask here if you need help with what Lynch's or Grant's tools are for.

Have fun!

[kindaScrappy]

Adobe Studio Exchange (http://share.studio.adobe.com/) The biggest drag for me are the limited layer styles and the limited brush palette.

There are free brushes and styles available at many sites. For starters check out the Adobe Stuido Exchange (http://share.studio.adobe.com/) website.

[Emma]

This site rocks! Thanks for pointing it out! I send all my Adobe students there for a big stash of stuff, awesome, and all FREE!!!

The brushes are great, but I still use the Brushes Palette in PS CS to put the spin and other options on them that I like that aren't available in PSE, then resave the brush for PSE.

In PSE, I'm constantly resaving brushes to get more mileage out of that palette, it's so limited. I also include many of my PS-ed brushes in my classes.

I made a set of styles in PS to remove and reduce layer styles in PSE, so now my preset styles are even more useful. If I don't like a shadow or glow or color, I just click it off and add the one I like. PSE is all about getting mileage, there are a million workarounds, especially when relying on PS users for great presets and actions tailored for PSE.

[Karen Bowers]

you know you love your software when...

you use PSE for party decorations! i just made a rockin' poster declaring "beware of pirates!" using the simple bevel on the captain kidd demo font really kicked up a notch! and it was a knock off of something i saw on ebay, and mine's better!