What are your top tips?

[vawitt]

Hi, everyone. Isn't year's end a time for reflection? Think back on some of the favorite new tips and shortcuts you learned in PSE this year and post them here. The results should be a GREAT resource!

A couple of lightbulb moments for me this year...

Do cloning and other repairs on blank layers to preserve the originals. (I used to clone on duplicates, but if I goofed up, I had to start all over).

You can CTRL+CLICK (Mac: CMD + CLICK) on a brush stroke in your document and select it, then manipulate it just like a shape.

To get shadows in two directions on the same layer, add the first shadow, simplify the layer, then add the second shadow and modify the new shadow by double-clicking the layer-styles icon in the layers palette and changing the angle of the light. This works great to get a "sunken" look to a photo that is wrapped in a mat or frame.

Any other tips/tricks/shortcuts to share?

~Val in chilly IL

[Joe M]

Great idea Val.

One that pops in my mind that helps me as I work with more and more pictures. Put each effect on a separate layer and name it appropriately.

I think I got that idea from the Layers Online Class.

[christellf]

To make the background on it's own layer:
Hold ALT & double-click on the background layer.

Christell

[christellf]

Wendy started a thread here & made it a Sticky to stay & add on to under Forum Member tutorial. Tips & how-to can also go there. PM Wendy to see if this would be a great place to add these to.
Christell
http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32055

[Bayla]

There's also THIS THREAD (http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10526&highlight=favorite+tips) and THIS ONE (http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4260&highlight=favorite+tips) both of which are crammed full of tips.:)

Bayla

[msbrad]

You can CTRL+CLICK (Mac: CMD + CLICK) on a brush stroke in your document and select it, then manipulate it just like a shape.

To get shadows in two directions on the same layer, add the first shadow, simplify the layer, then add the second shadow and modify the new shadow by double-clicking the layer-styles icon in the layers palette and changing the angle of the light. This works great to get a "sunken" look to a photo that is wrapped in a mat or frame.

~Val in chilly IL

Those are new to me! Thanks
m

[Diana]

It was so helpful when I found out you can ALT-click on a layer mask and bring the mask into the workspace to paint out any spots you may have missed.

Diana