If you've upgraded to PSE 12

[joelsgirl]

do you like it? I just installed it, and I am really disappointed. I don't see anything in my everyday scrapping that makes it worth upgrading.

I thought i'd be able to do more with my shadows, like create them on a different layer, but I can't see anything different about the shadows than I had in PSE 9.

I hate that I can't see my layers and the effects pallet at the same time. Switching back and forth between layers and styles is so annoying; it really jacks up my work flow. And makes me wanna smash things.

Is there anything you like about it? Or any tricks you've learned that you want to share with me?

[coopert]

I recently upgraded from PSE8, and have I the same complaints. The only reason I upgraded was because I have a new laptop, that I needed it on and I have no idea where the DVD and code are from 8 to put it on my new laptop. I definitely prefer 8, so I would love to hear if there are any tips or tricks for 12, also.

[MissKim]

Kellie, did you figure out actions? I do have to add them individually, but I only have a few so it wasn't a big deal for me.

Here's a screenshot of my PSE 12 workspace:

http://misskim.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c881553ef01a51114713b970c-pi

I got my actions/effects/color swatches/history tabs in there by clicking on that little box in the bottom right that says "more." Then choose... I think it's "custom workspace." Honestly I was going to go back to basic workspace so I could talk you through it but I did that once and then I had to redo everything. I think it's custom workspace, though, and then just click the tabs you want in the second box. It makes my window where my layout is smaller and that's kind of annoying but I really like having my layer styles right next to my layers palette.

There are things I don't like about PSE 12 (like the always disappearing tool options) but I find the content aware brush to be much, much better. I have one particular photo I've used several places. There's a person in the background of the photos that I tend to photoshop out. It was painstaking with PSE9 and it still didn't look great. I need to recrop it from square to 3x4 recently so I opened the original and used content aware... amazing. A. Maze. Ing.

I'd also like to have my shadows on a separate layer. Debating whether I want to spend the $12 to get Elements+ (http://simplephotoshop.com/elementsplus/index.htm) to make it easy for me. I've always bought it in the past.

[ChristyHC]

You can add your layers palette under you effects just like in older versions. I don't remember. How I did it but I know I googled it and found a way.

[MissKim]

You can add your layers palette under you effects just like in older versions. I don't remember. How I did it but I know I googled it and found a way.

Thank you!!! I just clicked in the layers palette in the blank space at the top and dragged onto the effects palette. A light blue line appeared and I dropped it there and now I have my wonderful stacked effects/layers. Happy girl here!

[joelsgirl]

That is way better, Kim & Christy! Thanks for letting me know it can be done.

I did load my actions one at a time as I need them, at least the PW ones, but only because I downloaded it again. I can't get my My3Hens or PTM actions to load. : (

What is Elements+?

[MissKim]

Elements + will make Elements run more like PS. I've had it in the past, but not lately.

I'm surprised that the PTM and M4H actions won't install. I haven't bought any actions in a long time but I just went to my old M4H actions and they installed no problem. I just went to load action, clicked on the .atn file and they installed right away. Ran fine on my photos. You only need the .atn file with PSE12.

[MissKim]

Kellie, I just realized I'm installing them under "effects" and not "actions." See if that works for you!

[clearskies]

Ok, my turn...

When I open a bunch of photos it puts them all along the top line of the workspace and I can't drag them onto other screens without going to 'layout' down at the bottom... Is there a way to make it work like old versions (coming from PSE 8)???

[ChristyHC]

You need to go to Preferences. On my mac it is under the Photoshop Elements Editor Menu, but I can't remember if that is what it is called on a PC too. In Preferences choose General and look for a box to check saying "allow floating documents." I hope that is what you are referring to.

[crecia27]

SO happy to find out I can get my layers and effects on one area, I really dislike that now.

I did learn last week that you can control your shadows a bit more by double clicking on the FX icon that lets you control the size color and while that is open ctrl click on the shadow and you can move it around.