Simple Question...Re: Mask

[Frobergs2]

I'm finally learning this stuff, thanks to all of you! I still can't get over how willing and helpful everyone here is, seriously. I am a member of a forum for my brand of camera, and they're all...well...not so helpful and nice to everyone, let's say that! ;)

I have 4.0 and I've never figured out the whole mask thing. Everytime I come upon a Tut that refers to it, I can't find the Mask icon on my PS screen. Is it even an option with 4.0, or am I jsut being an airhead?

[GaryK]

Hi

Elements doesn't have a "mask" like in photoshop. But there are a couple of workarounds.
One is, you can use an adjustment layer and drag that layer below the layer you want to mask, group the two layers together and then use the adjustment layer mask.
The other way is to grab Grants tools, I'm sure that his tools for 4 has a layer mask. Then whenever you want to mask, just pick it from your styles and effects pallet and it works just like it does in photoshop.

Hope this helps.

[Wendy]

Hi ...

Sounds like your camera forum is not a nice place to hang around :( ... I just never understand why people on some forums are so unfriendly.

Grants tools for PSE4 do indeed have a layer mask ... here is the link:

http://www.cavesofice.org/~grant/Challenge/Tools/index.html

Do let us know how you go on :)

Wendy

[Frobergs2]

Thank you for the link! I just installed the Grants tools, so now I'm off to play and see which way I can get to work first. I remembered there was some things I could download, just didn't know what and where. Thanks to both of you for your help! I'm sure I'll have questions with the Tools at some point here.

Wendy~ I know it, I don't get it either. :confused: There, everyone seems to be more concerned with showing off their knowledge and correcting each other. Here everyone seems generally interested in helping if they can. To each his own I guess, right?!

[Wendy]

Hi ...

If you need some help on using the layer mask I did a small tutorial a while back ... its in the Subscriber Area>Tutorials ... just scroll down and you should see it. Its called "Using a Layer Mask" :)

This really is the best forum I have come across ... :)

Wendy

[GaryK]

Hi

Glad you got them downloaded.

I have to say, Grant has a wonderful collection of tools, but it is the Layer Mask I use the most.

[Pauline]

Once you figure out how the layer mask works it's an indespensible tool. It's so versitile. Remember you aren't limited to painting on it with just black and white. If you lower the opacity and paint with grey then the area is semi transparent.

[PeggyS]

I just downloaded the Grants tools and am unsure of where to extract them to. I may not be correct but I believe the instructions given on the tool site are for PS3? Anywho, they are greek to me. :eek:

[PeggyS]

I just downloaded the Grants tools and am unsure of where to extract them to. I may not be correct but I believe the instructions given on the tool site are for PS3? Anywho, they are greek to me. :eek:

[AngelicKim]

I too downloaded Grant's tools for PSE3. I followed the install instruction like the site says and I can't find them either.

:o

[PeggyS]

I too downloaded Grant's tools for PSE3. I followed the install instruction like the site says and I can't find them either.

:o


:eek: they fall off into some computer void! I can find mine I'm not so sure where to extract them to. My extraction windows look nothing like the instructions, could be me though. Someone will help us in due time.

I noticed your yorkie (or silkie) pic, very cute!

[AngelicKim]

I kept the instruction for the install on the screen next to the extraction window so I didn't mess up and I still can't find the tools on my software.

The icon picture is Yorkies. I have a small female but she isn't one of them in the picture. She hides from the camera.:)

[Wendy]

Hi ...

I'm a Mac user so this may be a little different ...

unzip the file onto your desktop and a folder will appear with Grants tools in it.
Close down Elements
Now go to your Photoshop Elements software
Look in the Previews Folder and you will see a folder inside there called Effects
Put Grant's tools folder in there.

then look at Grants instructions and follow them to delete the cache.
Finally restart Elements.

----------------
When you download Grants tools there are several sets you need to make sure that you download the one for your Software.

Hope this helps :)

Wendy

[Frobergs2]

I had a problem with it at first, but then I realized that PSE4 had to be closed out completely for it to go through.

To unzip, go into the folder where they were svaed, right click on it, and there will be an "Extract" option. You have to unzip them for them to show up.

[AngelicKim]

Hi, I have done everything in as instructed on the site. The Grant's Tools files are in my preview folders in Elements but I can't find them when I open the Photoshop Elements software to use the actions. I am still learning the software beyond basic editing. I plan to subscribe to a paid subscription here so I can take the course on layers. Until then can someone help me get started. I can usually figure programs out on my own but Elements features have me a bit baffled.

:(
Kim (AngelicKim)

[AngelicKim]

Just went back and read through the instructions again to double check that I did everything. I missed one of the files to delete. I thought I got them but I didn't. Got them all now. Thanks to all who were helping.

AngelicKim

[Wendy]

Hi ...

So pleased that you have now sorted it out :)

... and it really is worth subscribing ...

Wendy