Has anyone tried a product called Elements+???

[mrstucci]

Hi-just was reading about this software that works with PSE-supposed to make hidden functions usable. It's $12. For all versions of PSE. Just wondering if anyone has tried it and what they thought. Judy

[Byron Gale]

I use the free sub-set of those tools. No problems at all.

If I hadn't purchased CS4, I would have purchased the $12 set of Elements+ tools.

[jjvera00]

Judy

I have Elements+ for both PSE6 and PSE7. Both are VERY good and have actions that help unlock features that are normally not attainable in Elements. They have Layers Masks, Smart Objects, Smart Layers, etc.

I purchased them earlier this year, and Andrei (the creator of Elements) recently upgraded them and sent an email of the upgrade which I was able to do for free since I was a previously customer.

You will not have any regrets in paying the $12 which is a great price for a great set of actions. These actions will help bring you closer to PS CS4 items.

One suggestion. Print out the entire Elements+ Help Manual. It is in electonic form and can be viewed from your web browser, so you will have to print it out from there. Then read/skim it to see what Elements+ can do.

[HMCA]

Curious..........Is this confusing to install? Or is the very fact that I'm asking this question mean that I'm probably not ready for it yet. Haven't ever installed any actions. Hope to hear from someone on this.

Thanks!

[Sonita]

I got it some time ago. It is easy to install and to use.

[jjvera00]

Helen

It has a self installer. So you just download the Elements+ onto your desktop then click the installer icon and it will do it all for you. These actions though are more like extra tools than other actions that will create a desired effect.

Also, for some of the actions to work, you will need to perform some actions prior to another. For instance, to apply a Smart Filter to a layer, you will first need turn the layer into a Smart Object.

[HMCA]

Thanks to you both.......you make it sound very easy......think I may give it a try. Johnny, also thanks for that small tip on using the filters.

[Electric Shepherd]

I've just downloaded and installed it for Elements 8 on the Mac. It comes with its own installer and was a doddle to get going. I'd been irritated that my PSE6 wouldn't work with PSE8 but these work very well and expand on the functionality I'd had under PSE6 even with Hidden Elements & Grant's Tools installed. Recommended in my book.

[mrstucci]

It has been great to read all the feedback for Elements+. I had never heard of it before. I also got a promotion to purchase PhotoEssentials3-anyone try that one? I get my new MacBook Pro on Wed. (it has left Shanghai, China) so sometime this week I hope to install PSE8 for my Mac. And get up and running again! I have been without my own computer since 11 October. A very, very, very long time. Look forward to hearing reviews about PhotoEssentials 3. Judy

[Wendy]

Hi Judy ...

If its just the basic tools (Layer Mask etc) that you want then I have Grant's Tools working in PSE8 on the Mac :)

http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51319

Wendy :)

[mrstucci]

Thanks Wendy for that tip! Will check that out. Judy
PS-just noticed what Mac you have (details were in your signature) and you sure do have a 'workhorse' there! Wow. I am impressed.

[Wendy]

Hi Judy ...

Oh my desktop Mac is called Mac and I love it !! ... it has 4 internal drives and two external ones and I think its going to be a very long time before I buy another one :D:D

Wendy

[Freda]

I am reading about lots of changes that I can do to my elements 6 program.
So what order should I do it in, or does it matter?

I want to upgrade to snow leopard.
I'm thinking about getting Elements+.
I downloaded Grants tools for Elements 6 for windows long ago but never actually inserted them. Do I need to get them for MAC Elements 6.
I am trying to decide whether to get Elements 8 or just stick with 6 for now.

So, does it matter or would it be easier on me if I do these things in a particular order?

Thanks,

[ricklepage]

I have Elements+ for the Mac, for both Elements 6 and 8. It comes with an installer, and, for most people, it should just work. (Don't have Elements running when you install it.)

Rick

[ricklepage]

I am reading about lots of changes that I can do to my elements 6 program.
So what order should I do it in, or does it matter?

I want to upgrade to snow leopard.
I'm thinking about getting Elements+.
I downloaded Grants tools for Elements 6 for windows long ago but never actually inserted them. Do I need to get them for MAC Elements 6.
I am trying to decide whether to get Elements 8 or just stick with 6 for now.

So, does it matter or would it be easier on me if I do these things in a particular order?

Thanks,

Snow Leopard works fine with Elements 6 and 8. The only problem I've had with Snow Leopard has been that some photo inkjet print drivers (hello Epson!) haven't yet been updated fully, but that should change soon.

Elements+ is a worthwhile add-on, especially if you think you want some advanced features within Elements. If you're just getting started, you might want to hold off a bit, but for $12, it's a bargain.

You'll need to get the version of Grants Tools for the Mac version 6; the Windows version won't work. (Wendy - am I right on this one? :)).

There are some very good things in Elements 8 - it's a bigger upgrade for the Mac than it is for Windows, IMHO - but as always, your mileage may vary. I bought E8 for my wife for the Guides feature alone.

Rick

[ricklepage]

Oh, regarding the order, I don't think it matters much. I love much of Snow Leopard, and it's hard to beat the upgrade price.

You'd need to get elements+ for the version of Elements you have, so I'd make the decision about E6 vs. E8 first, then get Elements+ if you want it.

Rick

[Wendy]

Hi Rick ...

Grant's Tools work on both Mac & Windows ... its just the install instructions that are different.

At the moment Grant doesn't have them on his site as I am still waiting for more people to test them. The PSE8 tools are here on the forum:

http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51319

Wendy

[Freda]

This is the second time I am replying. I lost connection to ElementsVillage just before I was going to send my message. Hopefully, I'll remember everything I wrote.

Thanks to Rick and Wendy for your responses.

I have several books on PSE6 from the time I had PSE6 on Windows. So I will stick with that for now.

Just as an aside, Windows was so slow in loading the photos and making any changes that I finally gave up in frustration. When my son convinced me to go with the Mac and I installed PSE6, which was all that was available at that time, I was amazed at the speed.

So what I think my plan will be is I will upgrade to snow leopard and learn how to use PSE6. When I'm ready I'll look for the Grant Tools and install them. Then when I'm ready, I'll go with the Elements+ version that I will decide on then.


Thanks for your help in making a clearer path for me.

All the best,

[Wendy]

Hi Freda ...

... and if you do need any help then we will talk you through things :)

Wendy

[Freda]

Thanks Wendy,

I know I'm going to need talking through and it's good to have people who can help and who are patient.