Using templates

[lotzaquestions]

A lot of bloggers offer templates for scrapbooking projects. I can open the templates (psd files), but how do I use them? I know I can add a photo and then send it to the back of a frame for instance, but how do I edit the various layers within the templates? I guess I use one of the jillion backgrounds that I have downloaded, but how do I fill each segment of the template with separate patterns and colors? Dumb, I know, blut I am puzzled.
TYVM

[cats4jan]

There are so very many ways to work with psd templates, but the easiest way is to paste into selection

Open a photo or background you wish to place into an area on your template

control a (select> all)
control c (edit> copy)

Go to the template

Click on the layer which has the section you wish to fill

Grab your magic wand, click on the area on the actual template that you wish to replace - you will see "marching ants" around your selection

control shift v (edit> paste into selection)
places that item into your selection.

Grab your move tool and resize/move - your selection until placement is correct - then hit enter or the checkmark - and your section and photo are "melded" and can no longer be moved or sized - so make sure of placement prior to hitting enter.

Note - You must use "paste into selection" - not just "paste"

[elzybuff]

I have templates that have no background. How do you get the background into place? I have been trying to follow directions for Elements 5.0 and I have Elements 6.0. Control G is greyed out in my drop-down menu, and I can't even get started.

[elzybuff]

I have been trying to follow directions for using a layered template. The author is using Elements 5 and I have Elements 6. It says to select the Background layer and activate the move tool and drag it down to your template in the Photo Bin. Nothing happens when I drag. I have tried to drag from the background layer to the template in the bin, from the background paper in the bin to the template in the bin, and from the paper in the bin to the large active picture. In the bin it just goes to the other side of the template; the layer will not move, and when I drag it to the large window, it replaces the template and Control G does not work. This also happens with just a new page that is plain. The only way I have been able to make a page is using the Create feature of the program.
Thank you. I am....
Frustrated

[sanarita]

Elzybuff, welcome to the forum!!:)

I don't have the templates that are frustrating you, so I can't definitely clearly understand what you are grappling with.

That said, I can give you some general information: You are not going to be able to move a background layer into a template because it is locked. Instead, the thing to do is to make a copy of the background layer (target the background layer and press CTRL+J). After pressing that shortcut you will see two exact copies of the background. The bottom will be labeled background and the upper will be labeled layer 1.

Select layer 1 and the move tool. With the move tool, drag layer 1 down onto the template in the project bin. What you see in the work area will turn into the template you just moved the layer to. You might have to use the move tool to reposition the layer you just moved. And you might have to drag the layer that you moved up or down in the layers palette to get it so that it doesn't hide the template or some other layer.

I hope this tip clears something up for you. If you want more information, post a screenshot of the layer palette of the template and a picture of the template so that we can see what you are dealing with.:rolleyes: