How to Use Quick Fix With Adobe Photoshop Elements 6

I get some comments that suggest readers don’t think they have the capability to use some of the imaging software I write about. Nothing could be further from the truth with Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0. Anyone can use the automatic functions of this software to dramatically improve their digital photographs. The new QUICK FIX feature of Photoshop Elements will automatically improve your image by just clicking on the button. You can easily make further edits by simply moving a slider or clicking another button. To find out how you, too, can become a photo editor—read the easy steps below.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0
• Copy of a Digital Image for Editing

1. 
   Open the Image

   The first step as always is to open your image in Adobe Photoshop Elements. Once you have the image open, click on QUICK to open the Quick Fix window.

2. 
   Before and After

   The first thing you will notice is a before and after view of your photo. Quick fix automatically changed this image just by opening it. If you look at the two images you can see that the color of the sky has been changed. The highlights are whiter and there is more detail in the shadow. If you like the AFTER image, just save it to a new file name and you are done. How easy was that?

3. 
   Toolbar

   Look at the tool bar right below the image. You can rotate the image and zoom in on the photo. You can also adjust your view by arranging the before and after images horizontally, vertically or view each one separately.

4. 
   Adjustment Sliders

   If you look at the right side of the photograph you will notice the sliders for basic image changes. Adjusting the sliders will change the image in the AFTER image on the view screen allowing you to compare your changes to the original. Remember, changes are not made to the file until you save the image. Notice there are small changes made on some of the sliders; these were the changes that were made automatically when you opened QUICK FIX.

5. 
   Sharpen

   If you click on SHARPEN, the color menu will close and the sharpen slider will open. Sharpening allows you to change the clarity or sharpness of an image. If you do this too much the image will look artificial and the edges of objects will become pixilated. Experiment with all the sliders until you get the image the way you want it, and then save it to a new file name.

6. 
   Auto Fine Tune

   If you don’t trust yourself with the sliders, just click the AUTO button and the software will make additional auto corrections. You can also get great in-depth help and information on each quick fix tool by just clicking on the light bulb. This will take you to exactly the right page on the Adobe website on your default web browser.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment…Experiment. You don’t make any image changes until you save the file.
• Always use a copy of an image to protect the integrity of your archive.

Resources

• Adobe Photoshop Elements

[Ladybugblue]

on 9/28/2008 I have adobe photoshop 7.0 but haven't used it that much. Its a lot of fun to play around with though.

[Vanillatte]

on 9/18/2008 As always, excellent article with easy to follow steps!

[Melanierose]

on 9/18/2008 Lovely article thank you for sharing!

[thesquirrelymom]

on 9/18/2008 You make it sound easy enough for me!

[Cherst1031]

on 9/18/2008 That's it, you have inspired me with this article to put Photoshop Elements on my Christmas wish list :)