Photoshop Elements 5: The Missing Manual

Chapter 13: Filters, Effects, Layer Styles, and Gradients 347

Using Filters

• Change the content of a layer. You can change what kind of filter is in a partic-

ular layer. For instance, if you applied, say, the Smudge Stick, and you like all

your other changes, but wish you had used the Glass filter instead, you don’t

have to delete the Smudge Stick layer. Instead, just highlight the Smudge layer

and click the Glass filter button to change the layer’s contents.

TIP Ctrl+F reapplies all the filters that were in your last gallery set if you press it again after

using the Filter Gallery.

Filter Categories

Elements divides the filters into categories to help make it easier for you to track

down the filter you want. Some of the categories, like Distort, contain filters that

vary hugely in what they do to your photo. Other categories, like the Brush Stroke

filters, contain filters that are all pretty obviously related to one another. Here’s a

quick breakdown of the categories:

• Correct Camera Distortion. This is a new filter that lets you correct perspective

distortion (think: tall buildings) as well as vignetting (shadows) caused by your

camera’s lens. It’s explained in detail on page 292.

• Adjustments. These filters apply some photographic, stylistic, and artistic

changes to your photo. Most of the adjustments are explained on page 261, but

you can find more information on Photo Filters on page 224. ...