Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
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If your photo isn't in the Organizer or another image-management program that automat-
ically protects the original, it's best to crop a copy of the image, since cropping throws
away the pixels outside the area you choose to keep. And you never know—you may
want those pixels back someday.
If you're not sure how to crop an image, or if you need to meet some common requirements
for photo contests, Elements offers some special crop overlays that can help crop photos to
pleasing proportions. The next section teaches you how to use them.
The Crop Tool
You can use the Crop tool in either Expert mode or the Quick Fix window. This tool got a
major makeover in Elements 13, so it may take some getting used to. It still includes a help-
ful list of preset sizes to make your job easier ( Cropping to an Exact Size explains how to use
them), but now it also makes suggestions on how to best crop your image. (You can also crop
to an exact size, as explained on Cropping to an Exact Size . ) Here's how to use the revamped
Crop tool:
1. Activate the Crop tool .
Click its icon in the Tools panel (it's at the top left of the Modify section) or press C.
Once you activate the Crop tool, you see a grid (called the crop overlay ) over your
image. That's the tool's first crop suggestion. The grid may cover the whole photo or
just a part of it. The part of your photo that will be cropped away at the current set-
tings is masked out with a gray film to help you focus on the area you'll keep if you
accept this suggestion.
2. Decide how to crop your image .
You can drag the crop overlay around, or you can resize it by dragging a corner of the
box or one of its edges. Also, if you move your mouse down over the four thumbnails
in the Tool Options area's Crop Suggestions section, Elements offers you a suggested
crop for each one. If you find a suggestion you like, click its thumbnail. You can then
adjust it by scooting it around in your photo with your mouse.
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