Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
TIP
You can also drag a photo directly from the Photo Bin onto another image. However, do-
ing so places the dragged layer as a Smart Object, which means you can enlarge or shrink
the layer as much as you want, but you'll have to simplify the layer to make certain other
edits to it. There's more about Smart Objects on
Adding Graphics and Text
.
But what if, rather than moving a whole layer, you just want to move a particular
object
to
another photo? Just follow these steps:
1.
Open both photos in Expert mode
.
You can pull off this maneuver in a tabbed view, but most people find it easier to use
floating windows. To use floating windows, first go to Edit→Preferences→General/
Photoshop Elements Editor→Preferences→General and make sure that “Allow Float-
ing Documents in Expert Mode” is turned on. Next, go to Window→Images→“Float
All in Windows,” and then go back to Window→Images and choose Tile or Cascade.
If you want to use tabs instead, go to the Layout menu below the Photo Bin and
choose a layout that gives you a view of all your images.
2.
Prepare both photos for combining
.
Go to Image→Resize→Image Size, and then make sure both photos have the same
Resolution (ppi) setting (see
Changing the Size of an Image
for a refresher on resizing
and resolution). Why? If one photo is way bigger than the other, then the moved ob-
ject could easily blanket the entire target image.
You don't absolutely
have
to do this size balancing, but it'll make your life a lot easi-
er, since it helps avoid having an enormous or tiny pasted object. (Keep reading for
more advice about resolution when moving objects and layers.)
3.
Select what you want to move
.
Use the selection tool(s) of your choice (see
Chapter 5
), and add a 1- or 2-pixel feath-
er to the selection to avoid a hard, cut-out looking edge.
4.
Move the object
.
There are several ways to move what you selected to the other image:
