Using Abode Photoshop Elements 9

Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 is a software package that allows you to edit your digital photos after you shoot them, giving you the capability of fixing minor problems, improving the contrast, or adding special effects. Use these tips to gain the most from Adobe Photoshop Elements 9.

• When rotating a photo, Photoshop Elements 9 gives you the option of saving a copy of the photo before rotating it. Although this may seem like a silly feature, it's actually important to save a copy because each time a JPEG photo is rotated, some of the pixels are compressed and lost, as part of the JPEG format.

• For those just learning about using Photoshop Elements 9, consider using the Guided Edit feature. When you click the Edit button, you can select between a Guided Edit, a Quick Edit, or a Full Edit. The Guided Edit will make suggestions on some editing features you may want to apply to each photo.

• Creating a cool photo project is one of the best reasons to use Photoshop Elements 9. You have the option of creating a photo book, for example, and it's very easy. Just select a group of photos to place in the photo book, select the Autofill option, and Photoshop Elements 9 will create the book for you. Once the basic book is created, you then can make editing changes.

• One of the nicest features for beginners with Photoshop Elements 9 is the extensive explanations of each software feature in the panel on the right side of the software window. As an additional help feature, you can hover your cursor over almost any tool on the screen. A description of the tool will appear as a Web link, and, if you click the link, you'll jump to the Adobe Web site for additional information.

• Look for more ... the More menu, that is. If you are expecting more features in any area of Photoshop Elements 9, it's possible that the software simply doesn't have room to display all of the features. Look for a More menu or More button to see additional features.

• Changing a photo from color to black and white is a popular feature in Photoshop Elements 9. However, just be sure that you also take time to adjust the lighting and contrast as well; some photos might not convert from color to black and white as well as others, requiring some additional editing.