pixelupdate

Is PSE3 able to avoid loss due to repeated JPEG compression?

Interesting discussion has developed regarding whether PSE3 is able to avoid loss due to repeated JPEG compression. Here is an excerpt from the ongoing discussion on Adobe's forum: "My question is whether the PSA2 strategies for avoiding consecutive JPEG decompression and recompression have been carried over into PSE3. Things have gotten a lot more complicated, since there are now version sets and the Editor is integrated. My hope is that all manipulations in the Organizer (rotations and quick fixes, not involving the Editor) are handled as in PSA2. Can anyone confirm this?"

http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx?128@37.pa4kdh6LoQm.37@.3bb6e233

Do I need to uninstall Photoshop Album 2.0 before installing PSE3?

If you have Photoshop Album 2.0 (PSA2), do you need to uninstall it before installing Photoshop Elements 3.0 (PSE3), which includes Album functionality as part of the application? (This is on Windows only, BTW) The answer is NO, and, in fact, PSE3 does a nice job of importing/converting/using PSA2's catalog so that you don't lose any of your tags, collections, etc. Also, you don't need to uninstall Photoshop Elements 2.0, but it's not a bad idea (I've seen some interesting behavior with both apps launched).

Additional features activated when Premiere Elements is installed

If you are considering buying Photoshop Elements 3.0 (PSE3) or spending the additional $30-40 to get the Photoshop Elements 3.0/Premiere Elements 1.0 (PRE1) bundle, buy the bundle! Most digital cameras also shoot video and having the option to create movies and burn DVDs to share using both images and video is pretty tantalizing. To tempt you further, if you purchase the bundle, there are features in PSE3 that are 'activated' when PRE1 is installed. For instance, in addition to the ability to burn your creations to a VCD (video compact disc) you will be able to burn your creations to a DVD with a menu.

No options in Quick Fix mode if you are on an Adjustment Layer

If you are working in a multi-layered document in PSE3 and you jump over into Quick Fix mode, make note of the layer you are working on. If it is an Adjustment Layer, all the options in the Quick Fix mode will be grayed out. Here is a cool trick to switch the layer you are working on without exiting Quick Fix mode. Select either the Crop or Red Eye Removal Tool, (in Windows) then hold down the Control (Ctrl) key and right-click on your image. This will give you a context menu of the layers in your document. Just click on the layer you want to work one. If you're working on a Mac, and you don't have a two-button mouse, Cmd + Ctrl + click, then follow the rest of the steps.

Very cool trick, eh? (Note: To select a layer by Ctrl + right clicking on it, you must click on an area of the layer that contains information, i.e. not transparent.)

PSE3 install problems on Mac? Try disabling all fonts.

If you are trying to install PSE3 on a Mac and the installer quits and you get the following error after entering your username and password: “There were errors installing the software, please try installing again,” try disabling all fonts through FontBook. This should allow for a successful installation.

Mac Fair Tip Sheet 3: Merging Photos Using Photoshop's Clone Stamp

The "hit" of my November 13 session at the Southern California MacFair 2004 , was when I showed off how to combine two photos realistically without using Layers, Selections or Masks. Although I have not done an article covering this specifically, here is a link to a complete writeup that shows the same technique. They DO use some Layering, and I agree that you get much more flexibility when Layers are a part of the process.

Mac Fair Tip Sheet 2: Retouching Dark Circles in Photoshop

Here is a PDF that covers that great technique Martin Evening uses to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

Mac Fair Tip Sheet 1: Photoshop Interface Tutorial

I presented at the Cerritos Mac Fair last Saturday, and here is one of three promised downloadable tip sheets. This PDF covers most of the really useful interface shortcuts (tab key, F key, brush opacity, etc.) that experts use all the time.

Automatically Add a Watermark to a Group of Images

If you have a bunch of original images and you want to apply a Watermark to them, enabling you to share them while protecting them from misuse, here is your solution. After you have launched Photoshop Elements 3.0, click on the File menu --> Process Multiple Files… In this dialog box, you have lots of options for processing a group of images, from renaming and resizing to converting to a different file format. To add your personal Watermark to all images, expand the Labels drop down triangle and there you have all your Watermark settings. Process away!

PSE3 functionality without Acrobat Reader installed

If you have installed Photoshop Elements 3.0 and do not have Acrobat Reader installed on your system, listen up. There are some features in PSE3 that call on the Reader to be used to preview your files. When you are prompted to “Preview your creation,” nothing will happen. Elements won't tell you that Reader needs to be installed or that it couldn't find an application to use to preview. Adobe is betting that you already have Acrobat Reader on your system. If you don't, they make it easy to be sure you do, by providing it on the CD when you buy PSE3.