Help with Overlays Please

[mariewilcox]

I just bought a set of Penny's worn overlays and have been trying to follow the instructions included with them, but for some reason it's just not working right for me Is there a more in depth tut out there that anyone knows of on how to use these types of overlays? (Maybe even one with pictures of what to do, since I seem to need a visual to understand things - LOL). I use PSE 9.

TIA for any help!

[KateD]

What's not working right, Marie?

[Penny Springmann]

Marie,
You're going to need to be a little more specific. Here's a total guess. When you have the magic wand tool selected, check the little boxes across the top. Is the contiguous box checked? It needs to be checked (click on the empty square) for the selection tool to select only the exterior area.

[mariewilcox]

LOL - I don't know if I can be specific - I get the marching ants all around the overlay and the photo I tried to use, but then when I hit delete nothing happens and the marching ants are still there and I can't get it to do anything else.... so then I just close the whole thing out and give up. I have a hard time converting written instructions for some reason - LOL. I'll keep playing around with it and see what happens

[Penny Springmann]

ok...I think I know what it is...
try select>inverse and then delete.
If that doesn't work (or deletes everything) let me know. I'm running the boys to school but I'll be back in @ 30 minutes.
Also make sure you have the PHOTO layer selected.

[mariewilcox]

Thanks Penny - no hurry back - I'll be taking my daughter to school in a bit also and then have to run to the market, so it will be a while before I can try it

[MissKim]

Make sure you have the right layer selected when you hit delete. You have to select the overlay layer in order to get the marching ants, and then the photo layer when you want to delete. You also have to make sure the photo layer isn't locked. Double click on the layer and you should get a pop up that allows you to unlock it.

[mariewilcox]

Okay, dumb question - do I do this on a layout that's already started or do it before I open a blank document to do my layout?

[MissKim]

I usually do it on whatever I want overlayed, then merge those layers, then move to the layout.

[Penny Springmann]

Originally Posted by mariewilcox

Okay, dumb question - do I do this on a layout that's already started or do it before I open a blank document to do my layout?

You can do it either way.
I'm throwing together a visual tutorial for you. It was in my plans, so I'll get it done now! Be back with a link when I finish.

[mariewilcox]

Oh you didn't have to do that Penny! I am such a visual person that sometimes I have a hard time taking worded instructions and applying them... it's a pain sometimes! As soon as I "see" it, it clicks and I'm like "doh!" LOL Thank you so much for the help!

[Penny Springmann]

ok...I did a video tutorial. Hope that's ok. I have PS CS4 but it should be almost the same.
Worn Overlay Tutorial

[Penny Springmann]

you're welcome. Please let me know if you have more questions.

[mariewilcox]

Thank you so much Penny! Now it all makes sense The only thing that appears to be different is where to find TRIM on PSE - it's not under image and I don't see it anywhere else...

[Penny Springmann]

Originally Posted by mariewilcox

Thank you so much Penny! Now it all makes sense The only thing that appears to be different is where to find TRIM on PSE - it's not under image and I don't see it anywhere else...

Yes, we are working on that...I'll add a line of text to let you know what to do in PSE.

[Penny Springmann]

Got it! In PSE instead of trimming, simply merge your layers:
layer -> merge visible... or shift+ctrl+e

[nancy79]

Great tutorial Penny! I normally just create an clipping mask. Doesn't that give the same effect as to how you do it?

[Penny Springmann]

Yes, that's exactly the same. Wanted to make the tutorial as easy as possible for beginners. Most of the overlays come with masks, but the first set doesn't have them.