Help!!!

[Teresa Schriber]

Hello,
I am a new Element user and new to this forum. I haven't updated my pic editing software since 2002 (I was using Microsoft PictureIt) and finally decided it was about time. Boy, was I surprised and frankly outraged to find after I spent as much as I did for this software that there was no instruction manual. Not a single instruction!!! And then to find I would have to pay roughly thirty dollars extra for one...!!! I sure am glad to find there is a discussion forum for beginners with questions. Because I have alot!

First, I am trying to edit a pic using layers, applied a layer mask, and need to paint back in the areas I want to be sharp. I can't find a brush tool. I have an icon for what looks like a brush tool, but it is labeled color replacement tool and will not let me use it for this task. I give up. Where is the brush tool hidden.

Thanks for any help, Teresa

[Bayla]

Teresa,

Hello and welcome to the forum. you've sure found the right place to get answers, and it also happens to be one of the friendliest places around!

With regard to your problem - the color replacement tool is one of a few tools all found nesting together under the brush icon. If you click on the brush there should be a flyout menu with (if my memory serves me right) the brush tool, the color replacement tool & the impressionist brush. Either select the brush tool or try pressing the B key on your keyboard and it should toggle through the options until you find the regular brush tool.

Hope this helps!:)

Bayla

[ladybug]

You do not say which version of pse you have. I have 4, and the brush tool is on the left side of your screen , right about the one that looks like a paint bucket. If you hover over each item it will tell you what it is.Welcome to the forum this is a great place to get help and learn. I tried to do a screen shot but it did not work i will have to figure that one out. Hope this helps, if not i know someone can explain it better , just hang in there.Bayla you are correct, once you click on the brush, the options show at the top the first tool should be the brush tool (hover over it and see).

[Goofup]

In PE6 the brush tool is one of a group right below the eraser (it's the 17th tool down). If you don't see it, click and hold the mouse over whatever that icon is and the other selections will show up (or, as mentioned, just keep hitting "B" till it shows up).

We all hate it, but if all else fails that manual you're looking for can be found by hitting F1.

[Teresa Schriber]

Thanks Guys,

I right clicked on the color replacement tool and low and behold, there it was. I do appreciate the help. I'm sure I will be back often. So does anyone know why PSE does not come with a manual?

[kImages]

Teresa - most software development companies have moved to online manuals/help locations. The theory is that one, the user gets faster and more in depth help because a search will result in all references to a particular query. Second is a cost factor; the price of a product can be kept lower if electronic vs paper delivery is used. A third reason is environmental - save a tree.

Glad you found us.

[PAtony]

I can't believe someone else still uses Picture It!...Hey! It is 3X faster than Photoshop for a lot of things. If it weren't for raw files I still might be using it. Sometimes simple things are the best for senoirs.

Later