Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Disable Installed Plug-ins
Be aware that the more plug-ins you install, the more RAM (random ac-
cess memory) is used and the slower Photoshop Elements operates. You
can disable the plug-ins that you do not use very often. For example,
maybe you installed a plug-in for a project you were working on six
months ago but now you don't need it. You don't want to uninstall it, but
you want to disable it. You can by putting a tilde (~) before the plug-in file
or folder name.
Using Plug-ins
Based on their purpose, all plug-ins work a little differently. Some are
little applications that launch inside of Photoshop Elements and let you
toggle between the workspace and their application. Others are added to
menus in Photoshop Elements. Also, brushes, filters, and enhancements
can be added to the Filters or Enhancement panels in the Photoshop Ele-
ments workspace. Pay close attention to the developer's instructions on
how to install and then use the plug-in.
Adding and Using Actions
Actions are prerecorded steps that you need to perform to create certain functionality. For
instance, there are actions that create a certain enhancement effect or type of frame. These
actions, when initiated, instantly create the effect or frame in your Photoshop Elements
document. These are huge time savers and can be downloaded from the Internet or accessed
directly in Photoshop. Some Photoshop actions work in Photoshop Elements because Pho-
toshop Elements understands the file format. All actions end with the file extension of .atn.
It's a good idea to create a new folder for your downloaded actions.
1.
Download an action that you want to add to Photoshop Elements 13.
2.
Open a photo in the Photo Editor.
3.
Open the Actions panel by doing one of the following:
• Choose Window, Actions from the menu bar.
• Click the More button in the Tool Options bar, and then click the Actions tab.
