Table Of ContentThe Hidden Power™ of
Photoshop® Elements 3
RICHARD LYNCH
SYBEX®
4385c00.qxd 11/7/04 11:25 PM Page i
The Hidden Power of
Photoshop Elements 3
4385c00.qxd 11/7/04 11:25 PM Page ii
4385c00.qxd 11/7/04 11:25 PM Page iii
The Hidden Power of
™
Photoshop Elements 3
®
RICHARD LYNCH
SAN FRANCISCO | LONDON
4385c00.qxd 11/7/04 11:25 PM Page iv
Publisher:Dan Brodnitz
Acquisitions Editor: Bonnie Bills
Developmental Editor: Pete Gaughan
Production Editor: Lori Newman
Technical Editor: Jeff Foster
Copyeditor:Sharon Wilkey
Compositor:Maureen Forys, Happenstance Type-O-Rama
CD Coordinator: Dan Mummert
CD Technician: Kevin Ly
Proofreaders:Jim Brook, Katherine Perry, Nancy Riddiough
Indexer:Ted Laux
Interior Design: Caryl Goska
Cover Design: Ingalls + Associates
Cover Photograph: Øivind Sandum
Copyright © 2005 SYBEX Inc., 1151 Marina Village Parkway, Alameda, CA 94501. World
rights reserved. No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or
reproduced in any way, including but not limited to photocopy, photograph, magnetic, or
other record, without the prior agreement and written permission of the publisher.
An earlier version of this book was published under the title The Hidden Power of Photoshop
Elements 2© 2003 SYBEX Inc.
Library of Congress Card Number: 2004109320
ISBN: 0-7821-4385-7
SYBEX and the SYBEX logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of SYBEX Inc. in
the United States and/or other countries.
Screen reproductions produced with FullShot 99. FullShot 99 © 1991-1999 Inbit Incorporated.
All rights reserved.
FullShot is a trademark of Inbit Incorporated.
The CD interface was created using Macromedia Director, COPYRIGHT 1994, 1997-1999
Macromedia Inc. For more information on Macromedia and Macromedia Director, visit
http://www.macromedia.com.
SYBEX is an independent entity and not affiliated with Adobe Systems Incorporated, the pub-
lisher of Adobe ® Photoshop Elements ® software. This is an independent Sybex publication,
not endorsed or sponsored by Adobe Systems Incorporated. Adobe ® and Photoshop ® are
trade marks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
TRADEMARKS: SYBEX has attempted throughout this book to distinguish proprietary trade-
marks from descriptive terms by following the capitalization style used by the manufacturer.
The author and publisher have made their best efforts to prepare this book, and the content is
based upon final release software whenever possible. Portions of the manuscript may be based
upon pre-release versions supplied by software manufacturer(s). The author and the publisher
make no representation or warranties of any kind with regard to the completeness or accuracy
of the contents herein and accept no liability of any kind including but not limited to perform-
ance, merchantability, fitness for any particular purpose, or any losses or damages of any kind
caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly from this book.
Manufactured in the United States of America
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
4385c00.qxd 11/7/04 11:25 PM Page v
Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing The Hidden Power of Photoshop Elements 3. This book is part
of a new wave of Sybex graphics books, all written by outstanding authors—artists and
teachers who really know their stuff and have a clear vision of the audience they’re writing
for. It’s also part of our growing library of truly unique digital imaging books.
Founded in 1976, Sybex is the oldest independent computer book publisher. More
than twenty-five years later, we’re committed to producing a full line of consistently
exceptional graphics books. With each title, we’re working hard to set a new standard for
the industry. From the paper we print on, to the writers and photographers we work with,
our goal is to bring you the best graphics books possible.
I hope you see all that is reflected in these pages. I’d be very interested to hear your
comments and get your feedback on how we’re doing. To let us know what you think
about this, or any other Sybex book, please visit us at www.sybex.com. Once there, go to the
product page, click on Submit a Review, and fill out the questionnaire. Your input is
greatly appreciated.
Please also visit www.sybex.comto learn more about the rest of our graphics line.
Best regards,
Dan Brodnitz
Publisher
4385c00.qxd 11/7/04 11:25 PM Page vi
Software License Agreement: Terms and Conditions
The media and/or any online materials accompanying this book that are available now or in the future contain programs and/or text files (the
“Software”) to be used in connection with the book. SYBEX hereby grants to you a license to use the Software, subject to the terms that follow.
Your purchase, acceptance, or use of the Software will constitute your acceptance of such terms. ■ The Software compilation is the property of
SYBEX unless otherwise indicated and is protected by copyright to SYBEX or other copyright owner(s) as indicated in the media files (the
“Owner(s)”). You are hereby granted a single-user license to use the Software for your personal, noncommercial use only. You may not repro-
duce, sell, distribute, publish, circulate, or commercially exploit the Software, or any portion thereof, without the written consent of SYBEX
and the specific copyright owner(s) of any component software included on this media. ■ In the event that the Software or components
include specific license requirements or end-user agreements, statements of condition, disclaimers, limitations or warranties (“End-User
License”), those End-User Licenses supersede the terms and conditions herein as to that particular Software component. Your purchase,
acceptance, or use of the Software will constitute your acceptance of such End-User Licenses. ■ By purchase, use or acceptance of the Software
you further agree to comply with all export laws and regulations of the United States as such laws and regulations may exist from time to time.
Software Support Components of the supplemental Software and any offers associated with them may be supported by the specific
Owner(s) of that material, but they are not supported by SYBEX. Information regarding any available support may be obtained from the
Owner(s) using the information provided in the appropriate read.me files or listed elsewhere on the media. ■ Should the manufacturer(s) or
other Owner(s) cease to offer support or decline to honor any offer, SYBEX bears no responsibility. This notice concerning support for the
Software is provided for your information only. SYBEX is not the agent or principal of the Owner(s), and SYBEX is in no way responsible for
providing any support for the Software, nor is it liable or responsible for any support provided, or not provided, by the Owner(s).
Warranty SYBEX warrants the enclosed media to be free of physical defects for a period of ninety (90) days after purchase. The Software
is not available from SYBEX in any other form or media than that enclosed herein or posted to www.sybex.com. If you discover adefect in the
media during this warranty period, you may obtain a replacement of identical format at no charge by sending the defective media, postage
prepaid, with proof of purchase to:
SYBEX Inc.
Product Support Department
1151 Marina Village Parkway
Alameda, CA 94501
Web:http://www.sybex.com
After the 90-day period, you can obtain replacement media of identical format by sending us the defective disk, proof of purchase, and a check
or money order for $10, payable to SYBEX.
Disclaimer SYBEX makes no warranty or representation, either expressed or implied, with respect to the Software or its contents, qual-
ity, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will SYBEX, its distributors, or dealers beliable to you or any
other party for direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, or other damages arising out of the use of or inability to use the Software or
its contents even if advised of the possibility of such damage. In the event that the Software includes an online update feature, SYBEX further
disclaims any obligation to provide this feature for any specific duration other than the initial posting. ■ The exclusion of implied warranties is
not permitted by some states. Therefore, the above exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty provides you with specific legal rights; there
may be other rights that you may have that vary from state to state. The pricing of the book with the Software by SYBEX reflects the allocation
of risk and limitations on liability contained in this agreement of Terms and Conditions.
Shareware Distribution This Software may contain various programs that are distributed as shareware. Copyright laws apply to
both shareware and ordinary commercial software, and the copyright Owner(s) retains all rights. If you try a shareware program and continue
using it, you are expected to register it. Individual programs differ on details of trial periods, registration, and payment. Please observe the
requirements stated in appropriate files.
Copy Protection The Software in whole or in part may or may not be copy-protected or encrypted. However, in all cases, reselling or
redistributing these files without authorization is expressly forbidden except as specifically provided for by the Owner(s) therein.
4385c00.qxd 11/7/04 11:25 PM Page vii
Dedicated to all
those users who
want a little more
from Elements.
Acknowledgments
The list
of names that help me with these books grows longer as I do more of
them, but the core of those who help day-to-day remain much the same. While I am sure
I would get up most mornings anyway, Sam, my faithful, furry alarm clock-helper makes
sure I am up and at it. My wife, Lisa, and children, Julia and Isabel, patiently not only
allow the work to go on, but put up with the always-elongated projects—that cut into
vacation and family time—and put up with the massing piles of equipment, programs,
and wires, as well. Murphy doesn’t contribute much these days but a pose, lap warming,
or occasional hairball that can all, in their own way, be welcome distractions. Inanimate
objects, like my computer, which continues to function through obvious adversity, and
my shower, which somehow is a companion in hashing out the most complicated proce-
dures, both play a silent part in helping me get the work done. ■ Companions in “the busi-
ness” include Al Ward (http://actionfx.com), Greg Georges (www.reallyusefulpage.com)
and Fred Showker (www.graphic-design.com)—friendlier, more insightful folk I am
unlikely to meet, each willing to give their time and lend an ear when it is most important.
Doug Nelson (retouchpro.com) and Susan Stewart I thank for their like willingness to test
and offer consistently valid opinions—and for the free time they give to helping answer
user questions. Thanks to many nameless others who have lent a hand, posted a review,
sent a friendly e-mail, or mentioned the book in a forum or newsletter. ■ The strangest of
thanks to Jeff Schultz of Pearson for having the foresight to cut off several book projects
that were in the works at Que to make me all the more determined to succeed in a bigger
way elsewhere—contracts be damned, Jeff. ■ Thanks to all those in publishing who have
helped get me started, including Stephanie Wall and Mitch Waite (both formerly of
Waite Group Press), and those who kept me going, including Beth Millett and Bonnie
Bills. Thanks much to the current Sybex crew who have put their stamp on this edition
ofHidden Power: Lori Newman (who pushes, kindly), Pete Gaughan, Jeff Foster, and
Sharon Wilkey. Thanks to those others behind the scenes: Dan Brodnitz, Senoria Bilbo
Brown, Rodney Koeneke, Dan Mummert, and Rodnay Zaks. ■ A grand thanks to all the
readers who purchased the book and any additional Hidden Power tools or who down-
loaded the free stuff, confirming for me and assuring the publisher that there really is a
market of advanced Elements users out there who need to get more from Elements.
4385c00.qxd 11/7/04 11:25 PM Page viii
4385c00.qxd 11/7/04 11:25 PM Page ix
Foreword
Some of the best
friendships are often unexpected. About three years ago I
posted a note to a Photoshop forum hosted by Richard Lynch. After a bit of conversing I
realized that not only did this guy know his way around Photoshop, but he’s a heck of a
nice guy to boot. I’m pleased to call Richard not only my peer, but my friend as well. ■ I
have to admit, I used to be a Photoshop purist. I was one of those people who scoffed at
the idea of any software being worth its salt against the Big Daddy. Imagine my disbelief
when Richard asked me if I’d ever consider teaching or writing about Photoshop Ele-
ments. But with a little effort, Richard eventually opened my eyes to the fact that Photo-
shop Elements is an incredibly powerful and capable program. ■ Photoshop Elements has
the functionality to edit and create professional images and graphics. And with the new
features in Photoshop Elements 3, it’s even easier for users to achieve corrections and
manipulations that at one time only Photoshop could do. ■ As I learned, the potential of
Elements may not be immediately obvious, and that is where Richard’s book steps in. The
Hidden Power of Photoshop Elements 3reveals capabilities you might never know existed in
the software. It also provides Richard’s power-boosting tools that further shorten the list
of things Elements “can’t do.” ■ If you haven’t already, BUY THIS BOOK. I stand by my
assessment that there is no other person on the planet who knows Photoshop Elements
like Richard does. Once again he converts a kid’s bike into a Harley: He takes Elements, a
very affordable piece of software, and shows how it can tackle tasks just like its big brother
Photoshop. Other books give you the basics; this book gives you both the tools that help
make your images look great and the skills to use those tools. With Richard Lynch leading
the way, you’ll be a pro in no time.
—Al Ward, certified Photoshop addict, author,
and trainer; webmaster, Action Fx Photoshop
Resources (http://actionfx.com); author,
Photoshop for Right Brainers: The Art of Photo
Manipulation,Al Ward’s Photoshop Produc-
tivity Toolkit: Over 600 Time Saving Actions,
Photoshop Elements 2 Special Effects
