JUST RELEASED: New Tools for Elements Users

I have just released several Hidden Power tools long in the works for Elements 4 and Elements 5. Here is the list:

• Free Tools for Elements 5 Users
• Dynamic Images for Elements 4 and 5
• Custom Black-and-white and Infrared Tools for Elements 4 and 5


FREE TOOLS FOR ELEMENTS 5
In the tradition of Hidden Power tools, a free tool set with a handful of very useful tools has been released to help new users become familiar with a small corner of what Hidden Power books, tools and techniques can do. Get the free set from the Hidden Power website:

http://www.hiddenelements.com/elements5_tools.html

If you have other versions of Elements and you want free tools, get them at the website:

http://hiddenelements.com


DYNAMIC IMAGES FOR ELEMENTS 4 AND 5
Many requests for an update to the Dynamic Image tool and release for Elements 4 and 5 have pushed me to do just that. The all new Dynamic Duo (Dynamic Image and Color Correct tools) are available for Elements 4 and 5. If you think your images can look a little better, the Dynamic Duo will help you turn the course of your images and make every one of them POP!

For Elements 4 users:
http://www.hiddenelements.com/elements4_tools.html

For Elements 5 users:
http://www.hiddenelements.com/elements5_tools.html


INFRARED AND CUSTOM BLACK-AND-WHITE FOR ELEMENTS 4 AND 5
I had an inkling to enhance the Infrared tool I offered with Elements 3 so that it would be even better for Elements 4 and 5, and I did. Not only did I enhance the Infrared tool to have more options and better results, but I've added my custom black-and-white tool to the mix to allow users to make great black-and-white conversions from any image. Whether you want to get creative with black-and-white, or just get great black-and-white results, have it all in one package!

For Elements 4 users:
http://www.hiddenelements.com/elements4_tools.html

For Elements 5 users:
http://www.hiddenelements.com/elements5_tools.html

Paste Into Layer Mask

> I have not found any way to make use of an existing layer as the mask for a new layer - Can this be done?

There are two methods you can use to do this in Elements 3. Hidden Power tools for Elements 4 offer even more options. Either of these can be applied to an image where you have created a layer mask.

METHOD 1
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1. Choose Highlight Mask from the Hidden Power tools (this will create a selection).
2. Be sure the layer mask thumbnail is active in the layers palette.
3. Fill with Black (Edit>Fill Selection).

METHOD 2
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1. Select All (with the layer you want to use as a mask active in the layers palette)
2. Copy
3. Create a layer mask (Choose Layer Mask from the Hidden power tools).
4. Option-click / Alt-click [mac/pc] the layer mask.
5. Paste

The second method is more useful if you are copying color layer information to paste into the mask, but the first is quicker and easier for Elements 3.