What Are Grant's Tools and How Can I Get Them?

[CEHARRIS3]

I have seen numerous references to Grant's Tools on this Forum, and a search brings up the term a lot. I just started a new tutorial and it called for using a layer mask from Grant's Tools. I can't seem to find out what they are and where I can get them. Please give me some direction...many thanks in advance:o

[Wendy]

Hi ...

Here they are:

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

Grant's tools are actions that give you access to some of the Photoshop things, like Layer Masks, that are buried inside Elements. :)

Wendy

[kimi_boo]

Grant's Tools are here.

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


Choose the version that matches what you have and read the directions about were to install them for that version. After they are installed you will have your layer mask. :)

[CEHARRIS3]

Thanks for the instructions with regards to Grant's Tools. I have a big problem, however...maybe you can help. The installation instructions are for PSE3. I am running PSE5, The file structure for PSE5 does not have a "Previews" folder (where the files are to be installed, and six other files erased). Is there another set of installation instructions for PSE5, or SHOULD my PSE5 have a Preview folder???

[Wendy]

Hi ...

It depend of it you are using a XP or Vista ...

First make sure that the "Show hidden folders and files" option is turned on in Windows. Then create a Shortcut on the desk top to:

C: Documents and Settings>All Users>Application Data>Adobe>Photoshop Elements>5.0>Photo Creations>Special Effects>Photo Effects

To install an action just create a new folder (if you need to), pop the .atn file (or files) in it and then drop the folder on the shortcut ... restart Elements and the action then shows up in Special Effects>Photo Effects.

CARE ... Vista is C:\ProgramData\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\5.0\Photo Creations\Special Effects\Photo Effects

Wendy

[Inspeqtor]

Hi CEHARRIS3,

You need to click on DOWNLOADS on the left side, then look for Version 5.

1368

You install it here:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\5.0\Photo Creations\special effects

It would be good if you made a new folder and named it Grants Tools at special effects\Grants Tools

[Inspeqtor]

Thanks Wendy,

I was much slower than you, and I did not think about Vista! :eek:

[Wendy]

Charles ...

I cheat :o ... I have a cut and paste folder :)

Wendy

[CEHARRIS3]

Thanks for the help with The Grant's Tools, and I apologize for being so "slow on the draw", but I still am unsure as how to install them. I have downloaded the two Grants zip files and I see the layer mask file (the only one I want). I am using Vista...and I do see the path you described:

"C:\ProgramData\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\5.0\Photo Creations\Special Effects\Photo Effects"

I am lost. I suppose by your next step, which I quote below

"To install an action just create a new folder (if you need to), pop the .atn file (or files) in it and then drop the folder on the shortcut ... restart Elements and the action then shows up in Special Effects>Photo Effects"

By "install an action"...do you mean the function file (action) I want (the layer mask action) at the end of the path (what I think you are calling a "shortcut") so that my path looks like the one below?

C:\ProgramData\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\5.0\Photo Creations\Special Effects\Photo Effects\Grants Tools\Layer Mask.atn


I greatly appreciate your help with this...if the above is incorrect, please tell me what it should look like,
__________________

[Wendy]

Hi ..

Grant's Tools are actions so all you need to do is just put the unzipped folder in C:\ProgramData\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\5.0\Photo Creations\Special Effects\Photo Effects
and then restart Elements :)

Wendy

[CEHARRIS3]

Wendy...I did exactly as you said, but just used the one zip file with the layer mask. Restarted the program, but am unable to find the Tools. How do I get to them?

[Wendy]

Hi ...

Lets go back a bit ... when you download the tools you get a zip file. Unzip that file and you will get a folder ... you need to put that whole folder in "C:\ProgramData\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\5.0\Photo Creations\Special Effects\Photo Effects" ..

Then restart Elements ... hopefully then you will see the tools :)

WEndy

[CEHARRIS3]

Wendy..I did it!! I only loaded the contents of the one zip file. Is the other one worth it? If I load it...should I call it something like Grants Files2???:o:o
Many thanks...sorry I so slow on this:o

[TonyW]

The other one is Alignment Tools and you don't need those as PSE5 already has them. If later you want to add a couple more tools (channel mixer and curves) you can get them from this post - but unless you need them I wouldn't bother....

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showpost.php?p=181276&postcount=2

Tony

[Wendy]

Hi ...

Oh that is good news ... so glad that you now have them loaded. :)

I'm with Tony on the question of the alignment tools ..

Wendy