Photoshop Elements 2 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide

Book description

Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe's easy-to-use, flexible version of its powerful Photoshop software, opens the door for amateur photographers, business users, and home hobbyists who want to create and edit digital images.

Photoshop Elements for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide uses task-based lessons to show readers the ropes in using Photoshop Elements to capture photos, correct color, work with layers, erase backgrounds, create photo-illustrations and Web graphics, simulate painting and drawing techniques, and more. Concise, step-by-step instructions and plenty of screenshots help users look up just what they need to know, and once the reader has mastered the software, this book works as a great visual reference.

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
    1. Dedication
  2. Acknowledgements
  3. Introduction
    1. Introducing Photoshop Elements
      1. What’s new in version 2.0?
      2. The Welcome screen
      3. The improved File Browser
      4. Video frame capture
      5. PDF Slideshow
      6. The Quick Fix dialog box
      7. The Selection brush
      8. Glossary of terms
    2. System Requirements
      1. For Macintosh Systems
      2. For Windows Systems
    3. Installing and Starting Photoshop Elements
      1. To install Photoshop Elements:
      2. To start Photoshop Elements:
      3. To exit Photoshop Elements:
    4. Personalizing Photoshop Elements
      1. Setting Preferences
      2. About Presets
      3. About Plug-ins
    5. How to Use This Book
      1. Keyboard Shortcuts
      2. Cross-Platform Issues
  4. Working with Color
  5. 1. The Basics
    1. Understanding the Work Area
      1. The Welcome screen
      2. Menus, tools, and palettes
    2. Browsing, Opening, and Closing Files
      1. To open a file using the File Browser:
      2. To sort files using the File Browser:
      3. To change thumbnail previews:
      4. To open a file from the Open dialog box:
      5. To close a file:
    3. Saving Files
      1. To save a file for the first time:
    4. Selecting Tools
      1. To select a tool from the toolbox:
      2. To select a hidden tool:
      3. To hide or display the toolbox:
    5. Using the Options and Shortcuts Bars
      1. To use the options bar:
      2. To use the shortcuts bar:
      3. To move the options or shortcuts bar:
      4. To collapse or expand the options or shortcuts bar:
      5. To hide or display the options or shortcuts bar:
    6. Working with Palettes
      1. To display a palette:
      2. To close a palette:
      3. To move a palette out of the palette well:
      4. To group palettes:
      5. To dock palettes:
      6. To use palette menus:
      7. To return palettes to their default positions:
    7. Using the Zoom Tool
      1. To zoom in:
      2. To zoom out:
      3. To zoom in on a specific area:
      4. To display an image at 100 percent:
    8. Moving the View Area
      1. To view another area of the image:
      2. To change the view using the Navigator palette:
    9. Using the Hints Palette
      1. To use the Hints palette:
    10. Selecting Recipes from the How To Palette
      1. To use the How To palette:
    11. Using the Help System
      1. To use the help system:
      2. To search for help using the shortcuts bar:
  6. 2. Creating and Managing Images
    1. Understanding Resolution and Image Size
      1. Pixel basics
      2. Displaying and printing images
    2. Creating a New Image
      1. To create a new image:
    3. Importing Images from Cameras and Scanners
      1. To import images from a digital camera:
      2. To capture frames from video footage:
      3. To scan an image into Photoshop Elements:
    4. Changing Image Size and Resolution
      1. To resize an image for onscreen viewing:
      2. To resize an image for print:
    5. Getting Information About Your Image
      1. To use the Info palette:
      2. To use the status bar:
    6. Opening and Arranging Multiple Views
      1. To open multiple views of an image:
      2. To arrange multiple views:
      3. To close all windows:
    7. Using Rulers
      1. To show or hide the rulers:
      2. To change the zero point:
      3. To change the units of measure:
    8. Setting Up the Grid
      1. To show or hide the grid:
      2. To change the grid settings:
  7. 3. Changing and Adjusting Colors
    1. About Computers and Color Models
    2. Working with Color Modes
      1. RGB mode
      2. Grayscale mode
      3. Bitmap mode
      4. Indexed mode
    3. Changing Color Modes
      1. To convert an image to grayscale:
      2. To convert an image to bitmap:
      3. To convert an image to indexed color:
    4. Managing Color
      1. To calibrate your monitor with Adobe Gamma (Windows and Mac OS 9):
      2. To calibrate your monitor with the Apple calibration utility (Mac OS X):
      3. To choose color settings:
    5. About Tonal Correction
      1. Understanding histograms
    6. Adjusting Levels Automatically
      1. To apply Auto Levels to an image:
      2. To apply Auto Contrast to an image:
    7. Adjusting Levels Manually
      1. To adjust the tonal range:
    8. Lighting Your Image
      1. To adjust the backlighting:
      2. To use the Fill Flash:
    9. Removing Color Cast
      1. To remove color cast with the Auto Color Correction command:
      2. To remove color cast with the Color Variations dialog box:
    10. Replacing Color
      1. To replace color across an entire image:
      2. To replace color in a specific area of an image:
  8. 4. Making Selections
    1. About the Selection Tools
    2. Using the Marquee Tools
      1. To make a rectangular or elliptical selection:
      2. To reposition a selection border:
      3. To reposition a selection border while making a selection:
    3. Selecting Areas with the Lasso Tools
      1. To select with the Lasso tool:
      2. To select with the Polygonal Lasso tool:
      3. To select using the Magnetic Lasso tool:
      4. To set Magnetic Lasso tool options:
    4. Using the Selection Brush Tool
      1. To make a selection with the Selection Brush:
      2. To make a mask with the Selection Brush:
      3. To adjust a selection using a mask:
    5. Making Selections by Color
      1. To use the Magic Wand:
      2. To expand the selection area:
      3. To include similar colors:
    6. Adjusting Selections
      1. To add to a selection:
      2. To subtract from a selection:
      3. To select the intersection of two selections:
      4. To deselect the current selection:
      5. To reselect the last selection:
      6. To delete a selection:
      7. To hide a selection border:
    7. Softening the Edges of a Selection
      1. To smooth jagged edges with anti-aliasing:
      2. To feather the edge of a selection:
    8. Modifying Selection Borders
      1. To change the width of the border:
      2. To smooth the edge of the border:
      3. To expand or contract the selection area:
  9. 5. Working with Layers
    1. Understanding Layers
    2. Using the Layers Palette
      1. To view the Layers palette:
      2. To view the Layers palette menu:
    3. Layer Basics
      1. To create a new layer:
      2. To select a layer:
      3. To show or hide a layer:
      4. To delete a layer:
    4. Changing the Layer Order
      1. To change the layer order by dragging:
      2. To change the layer order by arranging:
    5. Managing Layers
      1. To rename a layer:
      2. To link layers:
      3. To lock all pixels on a layer:
      4. To lock transparent pixels on a layer:
    6. Merging Layers
      1. To merge one layer with another:
      2. To merge multiple layers:
      3. To flatten an image:
    7. Converting and Duplicating Layers
      1. To convert a selection to a layer:
      2. To duplicate a layer:
      3. To convert a background to a layer:
      4. To convert a layer to a background:
    8. Copying Layers Between Images
      1. To drag and drop a layer from the Layers palette:
      2. To drag and drop a layer using the Move tool:
      3. To copy and paste a layer between images:
    9. About Opacity and Blending Modes
      1. To set a layer’s opacity:
      2. To apply a blending mode to a layer:
    10. Creating Masking Effects with Layer Groups
      1. To create a layer group:
      2. To ungroup layers:
    11. Applying Effects with Layer Styles
      1. To apply a layer style:
      2. To remove a layer style:
      3. To edit a layer style:
      4. The Style Settings dialog box
        1. To simplify a layer:
    12. Making Color and Tonal Changes with Adjustment Layers
      1. To create an adjustment layer:
      2. To apply an adjustment layer to a single layer:
    13. Using the Undo History Palette
      1. To navigate through the Undo History palette:
      2. To delete a state:
      3. To clear the Undo History palette:
  10. 6. Fixing and Retouching Photos
    1. Cropping an Image
      1. To crop an image using the Crop tool:
      2. To crop an image using the Rectangular Marquee tool:
    2. Straightening an Image
      1. To straighten an image automatically:
      2. To straighten an image using the Crop tool:
    3. Using the Clone Stamp Tool
      1. To retouch an image with the Clone Stamp tool:
      2. To copy images from one picture to another with the Clone Stamp tool:
    4. Applying Patterns
      1. To apply a pattern to a selected area with the Paint Bucket tool:
      2. To apply a pattern with the Pattern Stamp tool:
    5. Correcting Red Eye
      1. To remove red eye from a photograph:
    6. Sharpening Image Detail
      1. To sharpen an image:
    7. Enhancing Image Detail
      1. To blur a specific area or object:
      2. To sharpen a specific area or object:
    8. Blending Image Elements with the Smudge Tool
      1. To use the Smudge tool:
    9. Using the Tonal Adjustment Tools
      1. To lighten a portion of an image with the Dodge tool:
      2. To darken a portion of an image with the Burn tool:
      3. To adjust the color saturation with the Sponge tool:
    10. Removing Color
      1. To apply the Remove Color command:
    11. Adding a Color Tint to an Image
      1. To colorize an image:
  11. 7. Filters and Effects
    1. Using the Filters and Effects Palettes
      1. To view the Filter or Effects palette:
      2. To change the number of filters or effects displayed in the palette:
      3. To change the palette view:
    2. Applying Filters and Effects
      1. To apply a filter:
      2. To apply effects:
    3. Filter Gallery
      1. Artistic filters
      2. Blur filters
      3. Brush Strokes filters
      4. Distort filters
      5. Noise filters
      6. Pixelate filters
      7. Render filters
      8. Sharpen filters
      9. Sketch filters
      10. Stylize filters
      11. Texture filters
    4. Effects Gallery
      1. Frames effects
      2. Image effects
      3. Text effects
      4. Texture effects
    5. Simulating Action with the Blur Filters
      1. To add a motion blur to an image:
      2. To add a circular blur to an image:
    6. Distorting Images
      1. To distort an image with the Liquify filter:
      2. To undo changes:
      3. To undo all Liquify changes:
    7. Creating Lights and Shadows
      1. To add lighting effects to an image:
      2. Light styles and types
        1. Lighting styles
        2. Light types
        3. Light properties
        4. To add a lens flare:
    8. Using Textures
      1. To apply texture to an image:
      2. To load additional textures:
    9. Creating Your Own Filters
      1. To create your own filter:
  12. 8. Painting and Drawing
    1. About Bitmap Images and Vector Graphics
    2. Filling Areas with Color
      1. To fill a selection or layer with color:
      2. To apply fill color with the Paint Bucket tool:
    3. Filling Areas with a Gradient
      1. To apply a gradient fill:
    4. Creating and Saving Custom Gradients
      1. To create a new gradient:
      2. To create a new gradient set:
      3. To edit a gradient set:
    5. Adding a Stroke to a Selection or Layer
      1. To apply a stroke:
      2. To create a decorative border:
    6. Using the Brush Tool
      1. To paint with the Brush tool:
    7. Creating and Saving Custom Brushes
      1. To create a custom brush:
      2. To create a brush from a photographic object:
      3. Managing Brush Sets
        1. To create a new brush set:
    8. Creating Special Painting Effects
      1. To paint with the Impressionist Brush tool:
    9. Erasing with Customizable Brush Shapes
      1. To use the Eraser tool:
    10. Erasing Backgrounds and Other Large Areas
      1. To use the Background Eraser tool:
    11. Understanding Shapes
    12. Drawing Basic Shapes
      1. To draw a shape:
    13. Transforming Shapes
      1. To scale a shape:
      2. To rotate a shape:
      3. To distort a shape:
    14. Creating Custom Shapes
      1. To add a shape to an existing shape:
      2. To combine multiple shapes:
      3. To draw a custom shape:
      4. To convert a vector shape to a bitmap:
  13. 9. Working with Type
    1. Creating and Editing Text
      1. To add text to an image:
      2. To edit text:
      3. To move text:
      4. To simplify a type layer:
    2. Changing the Look of Your Type
      1. To select text:
      2. To choose the font family and style:
      3. To change the font size:
      4. To apply underline or strikethrough:
      5. To change the alignment:
      6. To change the text color:
    3. Working with Vertical Text
      1. To create vertical text:
      2. To change the orientation of the text:
    4. Anti-aliasing Type
      1. To turn anti-aliasing on and off:
    5. Warping Text
      1. To warp text:
      2. To remove text warp:
    6. Warping Text Style Gallery
    7. Creating Text Effects with Type Masks
      1. To create a selection with the type mask tools:
      2. To fill a type selection with an image:
      3. To apply a gradient to a type selection:
    8. Applying Layer Styles to Type
      1. To apply a layer style to type:
    9. Text Layer Style Gallery
  14. 10. Preparing Images for the Web
    1. Understanding Image Requirements for the Web
    2. About the Save for Web Dialog Box
    3. Optimizing an Image for the Web
      1. To save an image for the Web:
    4. Adjusting Optimization Settings
      1. To apply custom JPEG optimization settings to an image:
      2. To apply custom GIF optimization settings to an image:
    5. Making a Web Image Transparent
      1. To apply transparency to an image:
    6. Previewing an Image
      1. To preview an image in a Web browser:
      2. To preview an image as it would display on older monitors:
    7. Sending Images by E-mail
      1. To attach a photo to e-mail:
  15. 11. Saving and Printing Images
    1. Understanding File Formats
      1. Photoshop
      2. BMP
      3. Photoshop EPS
      4. Photoshop PDF
      5. PICT File
      6. TIFF
      7. JPEG and GIF
    2. Setting Preferences for Saving Files
      1. To set the Saving Files preferences:
    3. Formatting and Saving Multiple Images Automatically
      1. To batch process multiple files:
    4. Cataloging Your Images
      1. To make a contact sheet:
    5. Creating a Photographer’s Picture Package
      1. To make a picture package:
    6. Setting Up Your Computer for Printing
      1. To select a printer in Windows:
      2. To select a printer in Mac OS 9:
      3. To select a printer in Mac OS X:
    7. Preparing an Image for Printing
      1. To reposition an image on a page:
      2. To resize an image by entering size or percentage values:
      3. To resize an image to fit the dimensions of your page:
      4. To resize an image manually:
    8. Setting Additional Printing Options
      1. To add a background color:
      2. To add a stroked border:
      3. To add a caption:
      4. To add crop marks:
    9. Printing an Image
      1. To print an image:
      2. To print a selected area of your image:
    10. Using Online Photo Services
      1. To upload your photos to an online photo service:
  16. 12. Creative Techniques
    1. Creating Panoramas
      1. Taking pictures for panoramas
      2. Assembling images into a panorama
        1. To create a panorama:
      3. Adjusting images within a panorama
        1. To reposition images in the panorama:
      4. Enhancing Perspective in a Panorama
        1. To add perspective to a panorama:
        2. To make further adjustments to your panorama:
    2. Making Your Own Slideshow
      1. To create a slideshow:
      2. To view a slideshow:
    3. About Web Photo Galleries
      1. To create a Web photo gallery:
    4. Creating Animated GIFs
      1. To prepare a layered file for animation:
      2. To create an animated GIF:
      3. Creating animation from a still image
        1. To mimic camera movement in an animated GIF file:
    5. Compositing Images
      1. To replace part of an image with another image:
      2. Creating whimsical composite images
        1. To combine images:
      3. Creating new composite images
        1. To create a layered photo collage:
  17. A. Keyboard Shortcuts

Product information

  • Title: Photoshop Elements 2 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: September 2002
  • Publisher(s): Peachpit Press
  • ISBN: 9780201799743