Photoshops native.psd format can be opened by Photoshop on Mac or PCOf course, if you are using version CS3 on a Mac and version 6 on hte PC, you will have problems opening the newer version file.

Photoshop Elements 6 borrows many features from Photoshop CS3. One of my favorites is the Quick Selection Tool, which lets you select an area by simply brushing an object with the tool. Elements will figure out where the edges of the object are and select them for you. You can then refine the edge selection if needed, but I found that Elements made very good guesses about which areas I wanted to select. The ability to accurately select objects is one of the keys to creating some pretty wild effects, so having an easy way to do this is great. You can also select frames to surround your images, or a theme to unite them. The Artwork section has so many possibilities that you may find yourself spending more time toying with your images than you ever thought possible.

(Don't say I didn't warn you.) Selecting the right frame or background can make an image complete, or add a little punch. If you like to scrapbook, you can combine your photos with some of the supplied artwork to create themed scrapbook pages, such as holidays, vacations, pets, or hobbies. Elements can automate some of the common methods of sharing one or more images., and Elements will reduce the image's size, if needed, open your email application, create a blank email message, and add the image as an attachment, ready for you to send out. You can also turn your images into a web photo gallery; this is the same as using the Web Photo Gallery option in the Create tab. You can, or order prints from Kodak. Last but not least, you can export a PDF slideshow of selected images, a handy way to take a group of images with you in a single, easy-to-access file.

Every application has a few irksome issues, but in Photoshop Elements they're mostly minor; none would prevent you from making good use of its tools and features. I didn't like the fact that Elements only works in full-screen mode, and I wasn't fond of the charcoal gray user interface. Despite these flaws, Elements performs well, is easy to use, and has an extensive collection of features that both novice and experienced photo editors can put to good use. I recommend putting Photoshop Elements 6 on your short list of image editing applications.

In, I gave instructions on how to setup a custom workspace that suits your preferences and workflow style. Now that you know how to work efficiently with customized workspaces, we will now look at a way to work efficiently with Photoshop keyboard shortcuts. Photoshop’s Keyboard Shortcuts allows users the ability to quickly access tools, functions and effects without scrolling for them through menus, “more options” fly out panels and Tool Bar icons.

Some people consider mastery of Keyboard Shortcuts essential for professional imaging artists and believe that it’s mandatory to memorize and use them. However, there are hundreds of them; a daunting task, plus most artists’ brains are visually oriented; they like to see and click on things and it’s perfectly acceptable to do so. That being said, mastering Keyboard Shortcuts that are relevant to the style of work at hand speeds up workflow and eliminates the monotony of repetitive seeking and clicking.

In this article I am providing the ones most commonly used by photographers who use Photoshop to adjust and retouch their images. Outlook for mac auto expand conversations. I’m also confining the shortcuts to those that consist of 2-3 keys because I like to assign multiple key shortcuts to a Function key or as an option on my Wacom tablet. To download all of the below shortcuts in a free spreadsheet,. Photoshop Keyboard Shortcuts When going for Keyboard Shortcuts that access specific tools and panels, press the first key and quickly the other as if you were playing a piano. When using them to affect the way a tool or function is working, hold the key while accomplishing the task. Working With Brushes Command Windows Mac Constrain Brush Tool to a straight line Hold down Shift and click points Hold down Shift and click points Increase Brush Size Bracket key – right one Bracket key – right one Decrease Brush Size Bracket key – left one Bracket key – left one Choose Brush Opacity by% Number keys (1=10%, 2=20% etc) Number keys (1=10%, 2=20% etc) Undo the last thing done Ctrl + Z Command + Z The tools located in the Vertical Tool Bar may also be accessed using Keyboard Shortcuts, or by just clicking on the one you want visually. Many of these tool boxes contain multiple options within that may be scrolled through just by repeatedly clicking the Keyboard Shortcut for that tool.