Photoshop Elements 8 Review - New Features

[najma50000]

Photoshop is so confusing!!!...

[gametrougher123]

I just got a new computer with this program on!

[SexyKanake1980]

The Girl ist very nice... :)

[xxmightyonexx]

Great voice, precise though not overly wordy explanations, and very clear actions with the highlighted cursor. Thank you!

[CameronIsGodless]

That recompose tool is quite intriguing... does it only work rarely, or is it actually usable in many pictures?

[MW2PWNAGE144]

what do you film with??

[scrappersguide]

@MW2PWNAGE144 -- I use Camtasia for Windows and Snaps Pro for the Mac. I edit my video clips in Adobe Premier Pro.

[spykerfan21]

what is actually the difference between elements and photoshop CS 5?

i'm thinking of buying one of thes programs.

[aladinthemonkey]

@spykerfan21 Not much difference really, Elements is just that, all the elements of photoshop. CS5 is the latest version, anything CS is typically what a professional would use, elements is geared more towards amateur/hobbyist. CS5 just has the fancier editing tools that elements doesn't have. It's like the difference between a disposable toothbrush and an electric toothbrush. If money is not an issue then I'd recommend CS5, probably $1,000. Otherwise elements is significantly cheaper.

[TheScrappylady]

We don't have a Costco in our area, and I just purchased Elements 8.  How can I receive a copy of your CD? Your material looks great. I have no experience with Photoshop or and have only used Smilebox for digital scrapbooking. Does your CD start from the beginning?

[lindasattgast]

Hi @TheScrappylady, For people who don't have a Costco near them, I do sell my DVD-ROM on my website, ScrappersGuide, and yes, it does start at the very beginning and doesn't assume you know anything!

[kaosvr426]

Does photoshop elements 8 come with a book inside the box?

[lindasattgast]

Hi @kaosvr426, There's no manual, if that's what you're asking. I believe there's a small booklet with some quickstart ideas. That's part of the reason people like me create video tutorials on DVD! My DVD-ROM is inside the PSE8 box at Costco, though not in other locations.

[MrSoftwaremania]

All version adobe i found here

softwaremania.co.tv

[daf867]

does this share many features with CS? i am a student and i use Photoshop CS3 at school but i have seen that CS version are quite exspensive.

[lindasattgast]

@daf867 Photoshop Elements 8 has many of the features that Photoshop CS3 has, so it's a good alternative if you're needing something less expensive. For example, many scrapbookers I know use Photoshop Elements to create all their digital scrapbook pages, so it is really quite powerful. I would recommend that you download the trial version of PSE8 from Adobe's website to check it out before making a decision.

[logan91181]

I was wondering if there's a burn tool on Elements 8? I'm trying to do a black outline around the picture that has the burn effect and I don't know how to do it... any thoughts?

[lindasattgast]

@logan91181 — The Burn tool is the last tool in the Tool Bar. Click and hold the last tool to get a flyout menu, and then click on the hand icon, which is the Burn tool. In the Options Bar you can change the settings. If you're darkening the outer edges of a photo, you'll probably want the Range to be Midtones. I usually start at and Exposure of 10% and rarely go over 50%. Then brush over the area you want to darken.

[badfish1111]

I have both and I don't like Elements. Maybe it's because I know PS so well but the interface isn't as intuitive to me. I know it's supposed to make things easier but it seems I have alot more control over things in PS. And it's faster to do them. Plus There's no pen tool in Elements. I couldn't imagine not having a pen tool for selections. Adobe know what they're doing. Elements is definately for hobbyists. It's limited in what it can do. If you can afford PS get it.

[LeamonsRgood]

Hey is Photoshop Elements 8 better than the original Photoshop cs4?

[lindasattgast]

I suppose that depends on how you're using it. I teach both, but I use Photoshop CS4 personally. I love the extra capabilities, and to me, it's easier to use than Photoshop Elements where I have to use work arounds to accomplish some tasks. Other people I know love Elements, so what's best for YOU will depend on how you use it.

[GrateMusik]

Check my video to get it for free for windows and mac also other software

[dirtydee32]

I wonder if Im the only one that cannot figure out how to resize pictures on pse8? :] ANY help with this AT ALL would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks for the video though. VERY helpful and informative.

[lindasattgast]

Here are two resizing options: You can choose Image > Resize > Image Size, which will give you a dialog box where you check Resample Image, enter your new size, and click OK.

OR: Get the Crop tool and choose a size from the menu in the Options Bar, then click and drag an outline on your photo. Click on the green check mark to accept the crop.

Just be aware that you can't use these methods when resizing a single layer in a multi-layered document, so if that's what you need to do, let me know.

[MyAccCheckmeOut]

Im just wondering if anyone else hopes that cs5 will have the same UI style as elements. They should atleast give an option between both. I find the plain dull white UI very boring and doesn't help promote my creativity. but when i use gimp with the pro black UI similar to this one, i suddenly draw a lot better... Its soothing on the eyes..

[lindasattgast]

It is such a personal preference whether one likes a dark or light UI, so a choice would, indeed, be nice!

[whipfam]

Hi Linda,

I've been working with PSE5 for a few years now and just got 8 for Christmas. I'm wondering if there is a shortcut for zooming in besides clicking on the magnifying glass tool? I am used to zooming in very often with my mouse scroll button in PSE5 and it doens't work with 8. Do you have any advice? Thank you for your help.

[lindasattgast]

Here's the shortcut I use: Press Ctrl + Space Bar in Windows or Cmd + Space Bar on a Mac to temporarily turn any tool into the Zoom tool. Then you can click to zoom in, or click and drag over an area to zoom in quickly to that spot. When you let go of the mouse, your cursor will revert to the original tool.

To zoom out quickly, press Ctrl 0 (zero) (Mac: Cmd 0).

When you're zoomed in close, press the Space Bar to temporarily access the Hand tool so you can click and drag to move your document.

[NSPhotography375]

I NEED HELP!!! I have just purchased PSE 8 for windows and have been using PSE 5 for yrs. I am so confused!! I am needing to know how to add frames on my blank pages and how to make 4x6 frames so I can just add the picture. Could you please help? Thanks so much!! :)

[lindasattgast]

The frames in PSE8 are in the Content panel. Choose Window > Content. It will most likely pop up in the Panel Bin on the right. Choose "by Type" from the menu on the left and "Frames" from the menu on the right. Remember to create a new layer before you drag and drop the first frame onto a brand new document, or it will mess up the background layer. After that, just drag and drop more frames without making layers.

You can drag and drop photos into these frames.

[lindasattgast]

Yes, you can using PSE8 for drawing if you're talking about using brushes, filters, and a drawing tablet, such as the Wacom pen tablet. No if you're referring to the Pen tool, which is only available in the full version of Photoshop.

[MyAccCheckmeOut]

Just use illustrator for drawing... its allows you to control regular brush strokes as if they have been draw with pen tool, and with the blob brus you can control it like its a shape and the black is color in the outline.

[iTzSteelelevi]

ok i need to know ASAP... IS PHOTOSHOP CS3 BETTER THAN THIS ELEMTS SHIT... some1 please tell me..

[lindasattgast]

The full version of Photoshop is better IF you can afford it, if you plan on using it long term, or you plan to use it professionally. Elements is better if you want a really good editing program that is affordably priced or if you're just trying it out. It can do 95% of what you can do in Photoshop. That other 5% is absolutely necessary for the professional user, however.

I hope that helps you make your decision.

[ddenns]

@lindasattgast That 5% shit you just pulled out of your ass. There are lots of more advanced functions in Photoshop CS than in elements. It is true that if you're just a home user you can probably manage with elements but don't post bullshit,

[mramazingracist100]

@iTzSteelelevi no it is harder to use...and u can do just about everything u can do with cs3..if u download the features

[chewbarf]

ya you can CS4 which i own has more advaded photo abilty's but if ur just looking to draw with basic edits go with elements

[HannanShaikh]

i had a questions, which is better, elments 8, or 7.0?? cuz i was interested in customizing pictures, and line art, so plz let me know, thanks,

[lindasattgast]

Hi HannanShaikh—either version will work for customizing pictures and line art. I would recommend watching the YouTube videos I created on the new features for PSE8 so you can decide if they appeal to you enough to go for version 8.

[daicanhaque]

i love you !

[daicanhaque]

hey friend !

what is the serial number ?

[DieAlena]

it's the number they scan to find out how much the item costs

[niallswand]

No it's not, that's the barcode.

[PatersonPlayground]

what's better photoshop cs4 or photoshop elements 8

[lindasattgast]

They are both excellent programs geared to different price ranges. Photoshop CS4 has everything, but the price is around 6 times greater than Elements 8 which has 95% of what most people need from a photo editing program.

If you're in professional work, Photoshop is a must. If you're not in professional work and have the bucks, Photoshop CS4 is great. If you aren't in professional work and you want a great value for the price, you can't beat Photoshop Elements!

[Shizoephrenic]

CS4

[ashleesimpsonstar]

cs4

[PatersonPlayground]

how do you tell which version of photoshop you have

[lindasattgast]

In Windows click on Start and then on All Programs. It will be listed as Adobe Photoshop along with the version number.

On a Mac open a Finder window and click on Applications. It will be listed as Adobe Photoshop along with the version number.

[sarah10121]

really like the new version shame there is not organiser feature for mac as thats what i was wanting :(

[lindasattgast]

Have you tried using iPhoto? The reason Adobe hasn't put the Organizer on the Mac version is because iPhoto is so similar, and it comes standard on every Mac. You can change preferences in iPhoto so photos open in PSE by default.

[manunited225]

Does anyone know if it will work on a macbook pro 17inch?

[scrappersguide]

Yes, there is a Mac version available, and that would run on a Macbook Pro just fine.

[HappyScrapMom]

W.O.W. these are awesome new features! I'm totally upgrading! :)

[susieroberts1]

These new features are such a step up. Fantastic!

[tf2zaq]

pretty cool new features, but most of them are things I have access to in Cs4, but renamed

[available2477]

can i convert photos on here like, jpeg to dtx

[lindasattgast]

You can convert photos to other formats by choosing File > Save As. When the dialog box comes up, choose a different format from the menu. There are about 20 formats to choose from, but I dtx isn't one of the options.