What is this "+" icon mean in the layers palette?

[cpeoples1]

Hi, this is my first post. I am using PS Elements 6. Please help me.
I am trying to put a name on a picture in full edit mode. I have done this before with no problems. But now, when I drag my alphabet from the photo bin onto my pic the alphabet goes into the layers palette and a "+" icon appears on the lower right hand corner of the thumnail. The layers palette then changes from "normal" to "pass thru" and a gray area appears around the alphabet. I change the layer mode back to "normal" but nothing happens. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME!!!

[vawitt]

Try this...instead of dragging UP from the photo bin to your photo, put the alpha letters in the main work window and drag DOWN to your project in the photo bin.

PSE does strange things when you drag up and it's likely causing your problems.

Hope this helps!

[Bayla]

Also see THIS THREAD (http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38494&highlight=smart+object) for more about frame layers and smart objects, which are indicated by the little + sign in the layers palette....

Bayla

[ljameso1]

The + sign denotes a frame layer. Follow Val's instructions to avoid. To fix after you get it just simplify the layer.

[cpeoples1]

Try this...instead of dragging UP from the photo bin to your photo, put the alpha letters in the main work window and drag DOWN to your project in the photo bin.

PSE does strange things when you drag up and it's likely causing your problems.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for your response. I tried to drag down into the photo bin. After 2 hrs. it worked 2 times. I think I simpified the layer (if you go to layer then simpliy) and that didn't work either. Anymore suggestions???
thanks

[cpeoples1]

The + sign denotes a frame layer. Follow Val's instructions to avoid. To fix after you get it just simplify the layer.

Thanks for your response!! I'm a little confused, how do you simplify a layer? I went to layer, then simplify and that didn't work either. Am I doing this correctly?

[ljameso1]

That should have gotten rid of the + sign. Double check you had the layer with the + sign selected(blue) before layer>simplify. When dragging down to the palette bin hover over the pic in the bin you want to add the pic to before letting go of the mouse. Alternatively could do a copy/paste. Select all by holding down the control key while typing A on the keyboard. The shortcut to copy is control+C. Then select the pic you are adding to and do control+V to paste in as a new layer.

[cpeoples1]

Ok, I doubled clicked the layer. Went to layer>simpify. The "+" is still there and so the the grayed area. After 2 nights of trying I finally got 5 alphabets to drag down in the photo bin. Boy, what a pain!!!
One other question, I tried the copy/paste, however I don't think I am doing that correctly either. When I do Control A, I see the marching ants.
Then I tried Control+C but I don't get the Control V. Nothing is happening. Do you know what I am doing wrong?
Thanks so much for your advise. (I feel like a dummy)

[Bayla]

Ok, I doubled clicked the layer.

I think you misunderstood Linda's instructions. When she wrote 'double check' she meant make sure you have the frame layer targetted, not for you to double click on it.

Went to layer>simpify. The "+" is still there and so is the grayed area.

Try right clicking the layer in the layers palette and choosing 'simplify layer' The + sign will go but if you are simplifying an alpha the grey area will stil be there. You could select the grey area with the magic wand and delete it.

One other question, I tried the copy/paste, however I don't think I am doing that correctly either. When I do Control A, I see the marching ants.
Then I tried Control+C but I don't get the Control V. Nothing is happening. Do you know what I am doing wrong?

You need to switch to the document you are copying to and then do Ctrl+V.

Hope this helps.

Bayla

PS. There's no such thing as a dummy when it comes to Elements. The program is not intuitive and has a fairly steep learning curve. You'll get there in the end!:)