Installing Grant's tools

[Shooter7]

I am a little unsure how to start the process. My question involves extracting the zip file and where? I have PSE 7.

His instructions state to "extract the files into your Elements "preview/effects" directory. Per the instructions the files should be in "Previews, Cache, Effects". I can't find such a folder.

Question 1. Where is that folder?

Question 2. I have downloaded Grant's tools for PSE6 to my desktop. If you open the icon (prior to extracting) there are the following files: Actions and pngs. xml files, .ds_store, and install read me. So, where do I put what files, and when do I do the extraction. Can I do the extraction on my desk top, then transfer the files to where?

Some help for this dummy would be appreciated.

[Stringbean]

I think that we both have the same problem. You might find something on this thread that will help.

http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44639

I will be watching your thread closely:)

[Sepiana]

Shooter7,

Do you have Windows XP or Vista?

[Shooter7]

I have XP.
I just downloaded the demo Elements +, so I can get the layer mask, but I don't know if the demo goes away after awhile and you have to pay for the full version.

I am interested Grant's tools but not sure where to do the unzipping etc..
Thanks,

[TonyW]

I just downloaded the demo Elements +, so I can get the layer mask, but I don't know if the demo goes away after awhile and you have to pay for the full version.

No the demo stays around for ever - it's just a small sample of the many other actions you get in the full version. So if all you want is the layer mask then it's a quick and easy way to get it.

Tony

[Shooter7]

Thanks Tony, I was mainly after the layer mask so I guess I'm set on that. I have downloaded Grant's tools so may want to finish with that also but not sure where to go as described in my original post.

I can get around a computer pretty good but some things just become a challenge for me.

[Sepiana]

Hi, try these instructions by TonyW. I followed them when I installed Grant's Tools in PSE7 (Windows XP). They work!!!

NOTE: Before installing any action make sure that:

- PSE is closed.
- Your hidden files and folders are visible. Go to: My documents > Tools > Folder Options > View, and select "Show hidden files and folders."

Now you need to do this:

1. Locate the PSE6 Grant’s Tools zipped file you downloaded.

2. Right-click on it and select Extract All…

3. Run the Compressed (Zipped) Folder Extraction Wizard.

4. Open the extracted Grant’s Tools folder. There will be 2 folders inside -- actions and pngs, and xml.

5. Open the actions and pngs folder.

6. Copy the .atn and .png files and place
them in: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\7.0\Photo Creations\photo effects

7. Open PSE7.

Grant’s tools will be in the Effects Palette. Click on the double arrows on the right of Effects and select Show Names. Then click on Photo Effects and select Show All.

Now, if you'd like to have Grant's Tools show up in its own category in the Effects Palette, you need to do some more work.
Keep PSE7 closed and follow the remaining steps:

8. Go back to the extracted Grant’s Tools folder and open the .xml folder.

9. Rename each .xml file from .xml to metadata.xml. Ex.: Channels Blue -- rename it to Channels Blue.metadata

10. Copy the renamed files to the same folder where you placed the .atn. and .png files in step 6 (photo effects).

11. Now go to: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\7.0\Locale\en_US and delete the MediaDatabase.db3 file.

Don't worry! When you open PSE7, this file will be recreated. Just be patient. It's a bit slow.

12. Open PSE7.

Grant's tools will be in the Effects Palette in its own category.

EDIT: And here's the easiest way of installing actions in PSE -- Use Add-O-Matic (http://www.graficalicus.com/graffishop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=37&zenid=ba0034657f73d7300ab449e312ba5463)(Graffi is member in this forum).

[Shooter7]

Copy the .atn and .png files and place
them in: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\7.0\Photo Creations\photo effects

I have it so I can see the hidden files and folders. I follow the above all the way up to Photoshop elements 7 but I still do not see Photo creations\photo effects.

You did explain fully the rest of the procedure so even I can understand that now, and I thank you very much. I'll keep looking.

[Sepiana]

Shooter7,

I'm sorry, but now I'm at a loss. It's beyond my capabilities. I hope some of the experts will pick up this thread and find the answer.

Don't give up! I'm sure it's just something that's being overlooked. Maybe you could post a screen shot showing what you see when you get to .....\Photoshop Elements\7.0\

[Shooter7]

Thanks Sepiana, here is a screenprint. The only thing I could find that said effects is under the plugins. See the attached photo.
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1Kl40Cfhd0tKQIfEo4eXZRmkgUO0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1Kl40Cfhd0tKQIfEo4eXZRmkgUO0)

[Sepiana]

Bingo! I may have found the problem.

According to your screen shot, you seem to have gone down this path: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\7.0\ . . .

The path you need is: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\7.0\ . . .

Remember, you need your Folder Options set to "Show hidden files and folders" -- or the Application Data folder will not be visible.

[john_r]

Sepiana - thanks for breaking it down for us...I was just about to post the same question!

[Shooter7]

Sepiana, you are the hero. By following your instructions I found it. Thank you for taking the time to help me. I don't have the time this morning to finish the project (loading grant's tools), work somehow always seems to interfere with serious fun, but will do it later today.
Thanks again.

[Shooter7]

Seppiana, I got it done. All is right in the world. Well, at least in my computing world. Grant's tools are in the effects palette in it's own category.

Again, thanks for your generosity in your time and skills, to stringbean and Tony W as well.

[Sepiana]

John R, you're welcome! Install Grant's Tools and have fun. Any problems? Just ask for help!

[Sepiana]

Shooter7,

You're most welcome! Kudos should go to TonyW (he's the hero) -- he was the first one to figure out the installation of actions in PSE7, which is a bit different from PSE6. I was just following his instructions.