The Newsletter for Elements Users
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Hidden Power Actions III
Long Answers
Short Answers
Actions Corner
The Hidden Power website:
http://hiddenelements.com
The Hidden Power forum:
http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&forumid=142
The Hidden Power newsletter archive: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hpe
Hidden Power Tools:
http://hiddenelements.com/freetools.html
I was planning a major enhancement to Hidden Power Actions and then promo opportunities 'got in the way.' The tools went to a magazine called Digital Photography Techniques and a pretty big utility distributor called ThePowerXChange.
In any case, now the enhancement is done.
*87 pre-installed actions
*The ability to install over 500 actions
*Manage an infinite number of actions in sets of 12 or groups of 84.
Fade effect
Shadow Mask
Highlight Mask
Trim image
Reveal Image
1 slower Action playback speed control
Custom Drop Shadow
Custom Glow (inner & outer)
Custom Bevel
Custom Stroke
DOWNLOAD FROM:
http://hiddenelements.com/freetools.html
OR Adobe Studio:
PC: http://share.studio.adobe.com/axAssetDetailSubmit.asp?aID=7516
MAC: http://share.studio.adobe.com/axAssetDetailSubmit.asp?aID=7531
THANKS: to Susan Stewart for testing and suggestions.
Hidden Power Actions is new stuff that came out after the book -- mostly as a promotional package, but containing tools not in the book. As far as I am concerned, everything you need is in the book, but you can add these on, and they work in conjunction with the original tools -- sometimes duplicating functionality. Some people prefer certain tools, like the true layer masks or quick mask.
There is no formal means to uninstall the HPAIII package for PC (there is one in MAc), however, all access can easily be cut off be replacing the original Welcome/Index.html file -- or by deleting the files. The complete file list can be had in the installation readmes included with the packages. The additional actions are just actions -- action files from Photoshop. They don't cause any performance problems and there is no EXE or other application file...the tools become incorporated with Elements.
If you get in a really harried way about getting the tools out of your computer, you can always re-install Elements, but I have not heard one complaint that the tools caused any crashing, performance problem nor any desperate cry to get rid of them...I don't think it would ever really be necessary.
I think the statement above really makes profiling sound like a magic wand.
WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) is the goal whether you use a color management workflow or not. You can work without profiles embedded and do a fine job -- but it is still a benefit to calibrate, test, check, and know how your service handles color. Note that you should calibrate, test, check and know how the service handles color whether embedding or not. I've been working without embedding profiles for years, and only rarely consider using a profile. The benefit of profiling is really something you will achieve AFTER you can get decent results without them. And then it might be that you may not need them. I find most people worry a lot about color management when they are both unsure what it is and what to do with it -- or when some other well-meaning person tells another that they need it. I propose that most people SHOULDN'T use color management...and you can get results anyway.
A well versed fellow from another group said: "In the real world of press output, sRGB is not a huge problem, although many make a big fuss about it's reduced gamut." Huzzah. People claim to see and need a lot of things to fix their images, claim results by fire or ice, by witches brew and dominatrics...some do get all the right results for all the wrong reasons. I have seen more disasters with profiling and people who half-know theory than I bet there would be without. If I control my image and don't embed a profile, the image shouldn't change; If I supply the RGB(whatever) and am depending on the profile to work some magic, I'm at the mercy of the service and their practices for the conversion... If you want an RGB print to match what you see on the monitor, have a calibrated monitor and use an RGB process (LED/CRT). It isn't all that expensive, and can be great for single prints. You have to go after what you want, and understand how to get it.
Workflow isn't necessarily one thing. You don't always have to embed a profile. You can have several workflowS. The right approach to getting a good image is to start knowing where you hope to end up, and prep the image accordingly... whatever the voodoo you prefer to use in between. If the results don't match from screen to print and are unpredictable, you need to rethink your workflow.
Profiling is a potential complication -- and should be the first thing to go when trying to solve problems. Some make it the starting point -- perhaps for the wrong reasons. Calibrate, sure (so your screen is right). Create an ICC profile, sure (so your previews are right). But just cause there is a profile doesn't mean you are obligated to embed (just as your service is not obligated to honor).
Color conversion is more horseshoes or handgrenades, for the most part, than sniper-shooting. There isn't a right or wrong way, really, no silver bullet. There are just ways that get results, and those that don't. Just because you get a result one time using a particular method doesn't mean ANYTHING, unless you know why it worked. More than one method can produce an acceptible result. Knowing the benefit of color spaces and the reality of their advantages can help you make good decisions. Some decisions will make more or less of an impact on the result...and some will be impossible to distinguish.
When in doubt, simplify.
> Photoshop Elements Help File tells me that I need the JPEG 2000
> Plugin to be able to save files in the JPEG 2000 format. Where can
> I find this plugin?
That "help" file will tell you a lot of things -- like you can't use Curves with Elements ;-).
As far as I know the JPEG 2000 plugin comes bundled with the RAW plugin -- and I've not seen it available separately. The $99 price tag would drive me away -- as it is something I bet they give away later. I heard just the JPEG 2000 plugin can be had by Elements users for free, but visiting the Adobe site does not bear this out -- or at least I can't find it.
Better, there seems to be a free option available here: http://www.fnordware.com/
I am wondering what you hope to accomplish with the format, and hope it is the thing you really need. You can read a little more about it here:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0302/03021904adoberawplugin.asp
I am all for simplifying process. Let me tell you what I do.
My camera came with Camedia, which I used to use to initially open the images, but JPEG and TIFF are common formats and don't really require translation. When I started just opening the files in Elements, it worked just as well, so I just stopped using camedia.
If you are using a camera with a proprietary format, or RAW formats which don't translate easily, it may be best to use the software supplied to open the images initially. If the manufacturer makes a plugin (better be free), you might try using that to import to Elements. My interest was to cut out the extra step of moving or downloading to another software...so I could move to where I wanted the images.
I am not directly familiar with Breeze Browser, but expect it will probably not do much that you can't do in another way. However, don't just throw it out until you are absolutely sure there is another method of working wth your images. Camera makers supply software to use your images on computers in case you don't have another choice. Elements is a great sophisticated one, which can grow with your level of expertise and understanding.
I hope that helps.
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2
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> Page 85 #9
> according to the error resolution pages, i should be using points
74,0 with
> elements 2, but i get a warning stating An integer between 2 and 73 is
> required-closest value inserted.
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on page 85, #9 I have both gotten this to work and not...and I can't tell when
and why -- It may be a difference between elements 1 (which the book was initially
written with) and Elements 2 when it was in Beta -- so somethings may have changed...In
any case, step 9 doesn't match the figure, which is why the number change is
suggested. Which is right? Answer: it barely matters. If you can set the point
at either 73,0 or 74,0 the tangible difference is almost nothing (half of one
percent overall). The ZERO is more important.>
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3
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> Page 86 #13
> when told to merge the masking tone with the
> mask layer, do i use the merge visable command?
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On page 86, #13 it doesn't matter which method you use to merge the two layers,
as long as only those merge. If you use merge visible, be sure those are the
only two visible layers (the book warns somewhere about this...grouped layers
can cause merge problems when the base for the group is not visible and the
layers it is grouped with are). Probably the easiest way is to select the upper
layer of the pair and merge down. As more than one method has been discussed,
I left it open.
On 88, Open a flattened image or open one that is not flattened and flatten it. If you are asking about a command that will open an image and flatten it, there isn't one. My original steps broke out these things into two setps (open, be sure the image is flattened), but editorial was hard on me about making steps combined so as not to seem too basic -- or take too much room.
On 88 #2, just place points as they look like in the image. This is approximately: 24,0 26,100 74,100 76,0. Again, you are looking to get the points LIKE the example, what the example is exactly matters less than understanding the idea of placement. I guess I considered the lack of minor details more like tiny quizes: if you understood the last application (and I realize there is a lot to remember), then you can figure out what to do here.
Look in the Elements program directory. It should be right there in the main directory.
You can send to the listserv (yahoogroup.com) or the retouchpro forum. I answer email directly as well, but if it is a question other people will have it is best just to send it to the listserv. It'll end up there anyway -- like this one!
There should be noplace that says the Errata are on the Sybex site. Or they may be there (not all of them), but you should check my site first ( http://hiddenelements.com ). I keep track and report them to the publisher when they go to reprint.
You may be more impressed to know there are things in there that people using the program 10 years don't know. If you get it all in 6 months, it is quite an achievement! If you still have questions unanswered when you are done, please ask. The hard ones are the most fun for me these days.
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1. Problems Installing Batch Actions
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<<I downloaded them and believe I followed the directions but they don't appear. I placed the .atn file in the proper folder, but when I go to Batch I don't see them.>>
Click on the drop menu for Convert File Type. The field says "Visit http://hiddenelements.com"...I had to get a plug in, just in case. I mean doing all this stuff for free is all well and good, but if you only get the free stuff you've barely got a quarter of what Elements can really do. It isn't good for either of us ;-)
<<I don't think the enhancements should appear in the Welcome screen. It is not appropriate. Which of your actions do you use before you even have a picture in the workspace?>>
There aren't any that you use before a picture is open. The menu is there for applying what I need after I open an image. If it goes away, as it sometimes does, I access it again by choosing it from the Windows menu. There is nothing on the initial screen you can't get on the File menu. However, if you don't want to install over the Welcome, you won't be able to get the tools. I had to put them somewhere, and this screen was, in my opinion, the best choice.
Did you know (Mac/PC):
Cmd/CTRL + O Brings up the Open window Cmd/CTRL + Shift + O Brings up the Browse window
You don't even have to click the button on the Welcome screen.
If you don't want to see the welcome screen at all, there is a check box to toggle it off completely. This option was put in by Adobe, because they realized the screen was not too important. You can shut off the Hidden Power Welcome palette, keep it in the How-To menu, and still open images from the browser or open menu using the two, quicker shortcuts.
I am sorry if you don't feel it is appropriate. I would move it if there was a better solution. I wish I had unlimited time to devote to this, but I just can't. My bet is that if you use the tools and see how handy they are, you won't miss the Welcome menu for long.
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Do let me know about questions and comments, and let me know what you think
about the newsletter. rl@ps6.com
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Brought to you by Richard Lynch
in conjunction with The Hidden power of Photoshop Elements 2
Get it the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0782141781/newwriting/