PS ? on Changing Colors on Elements, Papers, etc.

gmstep · 04-27-2005, 08:39 AM

Hi all! I was using PS 7 last night on a LO, and I copied a tag element from one kit and made a duplicate of the image. Then I figured out how to change the color of the tag to what I wanted. My question is this: when I put it in my layout and a new layer was created - the tag doesn't show up. It was a .png file, but that shouldn't make any difference right??? The layer just shows where I put the tag, but it's transparent (can't even see it). What am I doing wrong? I ended up deleting the layer, but I really want to know how to change colors (thought I did it right using hue/saturation) and make it work!

TIA,

Gina

rebecca burkett · 04-27-2005, 09:45 AM

it sounds like you did the right thing to change the color. Make sure the tag layer is not underneath another layer. Also, make sure you are dragging over the right layer in your png file (if more than one), and the last thing I can think of is to make sure the visibility of the tag layer is on in the layers palette(don't know why it would be off after you drag it over though) Hope this helps you out. If not, post again and someone else may have more ideas.

Emma · 04-27-2005, 09:47 AM

How did you put the tag on your layout? Is the tag showing up on the little layer thumbnail?

To put an element onto your layout, don't create a new layer. Just copy/paste or drag/drop the image onto your layout, and it'll make its own new layer. Only create a new, blank layer when you want to make something on it from scratch.

Did you read the First Page tutorial for Photoshop yet? It has instructions in there, but basically it's exactly like putting a photo onto your layout. Open the file and copy it on there.

Let me know more about what the layer thumbnail looks like, or how you put the element on, and I can hopefully help more.

Welcome to DSP!!! Fun place, you'll learn a ton

gmstep · 04-27-2005, 10:54 AM

I opened the element up - made a duplicate image and used that one to change colors. When that was all set, I did Select All, Copy, Paste and a new layer was created that way (same way I do it for other elements and photos).

In the Layer thumbnail, it shows the tag - but not colored and it shows on the LO where I put it w/the bounding box (etc), but it's not colored there either.

I will have to do it again and make sure it's not underneath another layer I guess as suggested.

Does this help? TIA again.

Gina

Starling · 04-27-2005, 12:13 PM

Did you do your hue/saturation on an adjustment layer? Or using the adjustments on the tag layer itself? If you used an adjustment layer, you need to flatten the two layers before you drag the tag over into your layout. Draging just the adjustment layer won't work since it won't have anything to adjust.

gmstep · 04-27-2005, 03:35 PM

Starling - you hit the nail on the head, so to speak!! I remember clicking on adjustment, etc. and then changed the colors. Thank you so much! I will try it again!!!

Gina

Emma · 05-24-2005, 11:17 AM

you can also link the two layers and drag them over as a unit. ONce you get it on the other image, the adjustment layer will affect everything below it! So unless you want to mask the adjustment to only affect the tag, just use the Merge method. Depends on how much I care to keep adjusting it. For client work, it's vital to preseve that ability to make changes for them. Not such a big deal for just me 'cause I know what I like. If you're unsure, don't merge and maintain the layer.

You ready to learn about masks?

gmstep · 05-25-2005, 01:10 PM

Masks?! Aren't those the things that people wear on Halloween?! LOL

Seriously, I am going to sign up for your PSE class. I've learned alot by playing around, but I know that there is so much more that I can do. I'm having fun, so that's all that counts.

Thanks for checking up!

Gina

Emma · 05-25-2005, 02:36 PM

Yes, we wear them on Halloween

Check out the INtro to Masks tutorial in the U section. And the PS one is great too because it uses an adjustment layer that PSE can also do. Both tutorials will be really helpful. In fact, the PS one might be better to start with!

All I'm saying is that an adjustment layer changes everything below it: but if you paint on the mask that's next to it, you can hide those changes to specific areas on the image. Does that make more sense?

gmstep · 05-25-2005, 03:46 PM

I have used adjustment layers when I've been doing specific things (from tutorials, etc.). I just signed up for your June PSE 160 class today, and I'm looking forward to that! See - you can't get rid of me yet! LOL

Gina

Emma · 05-25-2005, 04:57 PM

oh, darn, and I was running the other way so fast...You see, that's the reason I teach the beginner classes: because I'm so impatient with beginners! It's like a penance of some sort, I cringe at the thought of helping newbies

Looking forward to having you! Did I mention I LOVE teaching?