Introduction into Adobe Photoshop elements.

Open Adobe Photoshop elements by dragging the icon of the Picture you wish to open on to the icon of the program. Or double click the program icon and choose open and then find the file you wish to open and click on it.

When this message come up select cancel

Resize your image so you can work with it easily.

You will not want images to be more than 6 inches across. Resolution of 150 doubles the size on the screen (not on the printed version) and so you can work easily with an image that will print at high resolution and fit on your page.

To make arrows: Click on the triangle of custom tools and hold down until you can select the line tool.

You now have a line menu that you can use to specify the type of arrow and line you want. Use at least a 3 px. arrow. If the computer will not let you draw the arrow it is because you are on the wrong layer. You need to consult layers below. If you make a mistake simply choose step backwards or undo. Arrows cannot be erased because they are draw on the picture or background layer.

To type text: Select the text tool. Determine from the drop down menus at top what type of text, etc. you wish and then click where you want to type. A flashing line indicates where text will be placed.

A word on selection. The selection tool allow you to draw a circle or square around an area to be selected. The move tool allows you to move an area that is selected. The crop tool allow you to crop an image. Every time you wish to add new text, you will have to click on the select tool (or I believe at least the move tool) and again on the text tool to select it for a new addition. If you do not, photoshop will try to change the text you have just placed in the picture.

The

A word on layers.Photoshop denotes the picture that you open as the background layers. You can draw on this layer (add arrows, etc.) Text however

is placed on a separate layer over your drawing. Every time you add text, it will be placed on a different layer. Every time you copy and place something on your picture, it will be placed on a separate layer. You must be on the background layer to make changes to it. You must be on a text layer or other copied layer to make changes to it. Professionals keep all their layers until the very end when they may flatten a picture for easy printing and saving (in term of space required).

Saving : Choose save as under the File menu: Give your photo an appropriate name. Save it as a jpeg or tiff.