This is the introductory level class for Photoshop Elements versions 1 and 2.
I have had so many requests for a class for absolute beginners I decided to write one! We will learn how to make a new file, set it’s options, open a photo, and save our work. We will learn how to decide what to save as…psd, tif, gif or jpg, based on what we are using the image for. We’ll learn about the tools, and how to use them, and create some fun projects along the way!

Prerequisites: Students should have Elements 1 or 2 installed and have basic knowledge of their Windows or Macintosh operating system and basic commands, such as opening and saving a file. Many Elements commands are accomplished by the use of standard Windows and Macintosh commands, such as cmd/ctrl +C as the copy command. Even though the course is written for Elements 2, users of version 1 can benefit from the lessons. There is a page of lesson differences in the classroom.

You will also need to know how to install fonts on your system for lesson 5. I have written a tutorial that will help you here: http://www.northlite.net/fonts.htm

Students must have Photoshop Elements 1 or 2 installed on their computers. Even though the class was written using Elements 2.0, users of version 1 will still find many useful tips and tricks and be able to follow the classes.

Enrollment:

Classes are $12 for the DIY course. You can click here to enroll.

Syllabus

Lesson 1:

• Interface
• Palettes
• Tools
• File Browser
• Making a new image
• Opening, closing and saving images
• How to fix corrupted preferences
• Using Save for Web, Gif or JPG? Which to choose and why?

Lesson 2:

• Welcome Screen
• Recipes Palette (How to in elements 2)
• Hints Palette
• What is RGB color?
• Colors: customs colors, swatches palette and custom swatches
• Adobe color picker explained
• Navigating and Viewing documents: zoom and hand tools
• Navigator palette
• Selection Basics: marquee, magic wand and lasso tool
• Aging a photo
• Using the How To palette
• Correcting over or under exposed images

Lesson 3:

• What is a swap file? Clearing the Buffers
• The history palette and how to use it to undo
• Resizing your images
• Canvas size vs. Image size: what's the difference?
• Layer basics: what are layers and why does everyone say they're so great?
• Making a simple composite image

Lesson 4:

• Acquiring an Image from your scanner
• Bitmap VS. Vector: what does this mean?
• Text is a vector shape: the text tool and how to use it
• Gradient tool
• Carved type
• Type on a circle
• Shapes and Custom Shapes

Lesson 5:

• Elements Brushes: Understanding brush settings
• Making custom brushes
• How to make a Signature brush
• Installing and using Third party plugins
• Filters palette and Filter menu
• Making greeting cards in Elements

Lesson 6:

• Patterns: How to make them and save them to use again
• How to make scanlines
• Turning a photo to outlines
• Making a parchment background from scratch
• Making an Old West wanted poster
• Burnt edges
• Using some of the retouching tools: blur, burn, and dodge
• Enhance menu

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Disclaimer

All designs and images on these pages are copyrighted to me, Sara Froehlich and Northlite Designs, or inthe cases of software boxes and logos, their respective copyright holders. If you want to use something of mine you see, please contact me for permission. Thank you!

©1995-2004 Sara Froehlich