scaling pictures to size when creating cards

[auny]

I switched from PC PSE7 to a Mac with PSE 6 and when I go to make a project or birth announcment(using a blank file) my photos get all distorted when I try to make them smaller. With my PC I never had this problem, the photo always scaled itself to size without distortion. What am I doing wrong? HELP PLEASE!!

[pacfam]

Hi Auny! I have an iMac and PSE6 as well. When you go to Resize your photo, make sure that the box that says "Constrain Proportions" is checked. Start with that, then let us know how you are doing. :)

[Wendy]

Hi auny ...

How are you making your photos smaller ??

Are you using the Move Tool and dragging in from one corner ?? If so then in PSE6 you need to hold down the Option Key (Alt Key on the PC) to make it scale in size.

I'm pretty sure that when PSE7 came out they made this scaling to size the default setting but it isn't in PSE6 :)

Wendy

[frank abramonte]

Hi auny ...
How are you making your photos smaller ??
Are you using the Move Tool and dragging in from one corner ?? If so then in PSE6 you need to hold down the Option Key (Alt Key on the PC) to make it scale in size.
I'm pretty sure that when PSE7 came out they made this scaling to size the default setting but it isn't in PSE6 :)
Wendy

Is Elements different from CS2 where it's the shift key that will scale in proportion?

[Wendy]

Hi Frank ...

Both CS3 & PSE6 work in the same way ...

Dragging one corner whilst holding down the shift key makes the image smaller but the image "sticks" to the opposite corner to where you are dragging.

Dragging one corner whilst holding down the Alt (Option) key makes the image smaller but the image scales down into the centre of the canvas (instead of into one corner) .... so if the layer starts off as a full layer it stays central :)

EDIT: ... CORRECTION Well that does keep the image central but using the Alt Key alone doesn't in fact scale in proportion ??? ... However Alt plus the Shift Key does scale in proportion and keep the image central ..

Wendy

[frank abramonte]

Wendy, thanks for the explanation. Keeping the image centered while scaling can come in handy.
I've always used the shift.

[Wendy]

Hi Frank ...

It took me ages to work this one out because the more I thought about it the less sure I was of what I normally do. It was only later when I did it without thinking about it that I found myself holding down the Shift & Alt Keys :) :)

Wendy

[victry1]

Well, that solves that mystery! I've always held the shift key, and they didn't always end up looking right anyway!! So now I will hold down the "option" key at the same time. :)

[ljameso1]

Hi Frank ...

It took me ages to work this one out because the more I thought about it the less sure I was of what I normally do. It was only later when I did it without thinking about it that I found myself holding down the Shift & Alt Keys :) :)

Wendy

At least it's on automatic for you Wendy. I usually try multiple keys/combos before I get the right one:eek:

[auny]

thank you so much everyone! VERY VERY helpful!!

[Wendy]

Hi auny ...

So glad that you have found it helpful ... and I think we have all learned a little more by playing around with this :)

Wendy

[Zeria]

Wendy

Thanks for the shortcut tip, but I experience the following. When I hold down the Shift and Option(alt) keys for scaling, the constraint proportions are not maintained. But before applying the transformation, I can tick the Constraint Proportion box and adjustments are made.

Is this correct or am I forgetting something?

I am using PSE 6.

[Wendy]

Hi Pete ...

I am really struggling with this ... each time I try it it seems to work in a different way.

I'll let you know when I sort it out :)

Wendy