elements for Mac

[Sheldonbell]

First a general question
Does anyone out there use a Mac. If so is there a conversion chart between Mac and windows or maybe a key board chart for photoshop elements for Mac. I get totally frustrated when instruction books and DVDs give windows commands but not Mac.

More specifically when using the paint brush in a selection, how do you get the "mask mode". I have obviously tried in the mode box, but there is no mask option

thanks

[lionsleeps]

There is no mask mode in Elements for Mac! The best way I know to get a mask you can use is to open layer adjustments (the half-black/half-white circle). I usually pick levels, then just bump something to make it happy. That gives you a mask layer you can use pretty much as a regular layer. You have to go to CS3 (and spend lots extra!) to get a simple mask mode with its own icon. There may be other, simpler methods, but that's the only one I've discovered. Anyway, it works.

Most of the time, if the Windows says "control" its counterpart on Mac is command (the flower button--I call it a flower; Apple folks call it "apple"--no surprise there!) That's the only thing I'm familiar with on Windows. I'm sure there are others, but that's the only one I can tell you.

Congrats on your Mac. Can't do better than using PE with a Mac! (At least, that's my opinion!!)

[RonH]

Don't get frustrated. There are quite a few Mac users on this forum and they will be along soon with your specific answer.

In regards to the keyboards there are really very few differences. The apple key is the command key. Ctrl is the same. The option key is the alt key. The only other one is the shift key and that is the same also.

Give it a little while and you will be up and running. The Missing Manual series gives instructions in for both operating systems.

Advise which version of elements (5 or 6) you are using as it will help the responses.

RonH

[TonyW]

Sounds like you should be using the selection brush tool. That's the one that has the mask mode. Shortcut is A - both Windows and Mac.

Tony

[lionsleeps]

Try an adjustment layer. I click on that icon (half black/half white circle) and usually pick levels. That gives you a mask that acts pretty much like a regular mask. Just an extra step, that's all.

Congrats on the Mac! I love mine!!

[Sheldonbell]

Thank you both very much

[Wendy]

Hi ...

.. and welcome to the Village :)

Actually there are not than many differences between the Mac commands and the Windows ones.

Its mainly in the shortcuts :)

Windows: Control Mac: Command
Windows: Alt Mac: Option

Wendy